COVID-19 Case Delays Homicide Trial

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A homicide trial was postponed on June 22 because a defense attorney tested positive for COVID-19.

Co-defendants Saquan Williams, 20, and Quincy Garvin, 22, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm, criminal street gang affiliation and conspiracy in connection to the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Carl Hardy on the 1200 block of I Street, SE, on Sept. 10, 2017.

Defense attorney Kevin Robertson informed DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun via Webex that he tested positive for the virus last night after experiencing flu-like symptoms. The attorney is fully vaccinated.

The other attorneys, also appearing virtually, reported that they remain symptom-free and are also fully vaccinated.

Judge Okun said he will not order a test for the defendants because he believes the jail may unnecessarily place them in segregation or solitary confinement.

Judge Okun stressed the need to follow CDC guidelines, which recommends that fully vaccinated individuals can end their isolation period after five full days if they are fever-free for 24 hours prior and their symptoms are improving.

“I apologize for the inconvenience,” Judge Okun told the jury. “But unfortunately this is the world we live in when we have to comply with CDC guidelines.”

The trial will not resume over Webex.

Jude Okun tentatively scheduled the trial to resume at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 27. The jury will be informed Sunday evening if the trial will resume and Robertson is able to leave isolation.

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