Defendant Arraigned on Indictment Charges in Murder Case

By Isabella Quink [former] - February 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A murder defendant was arraigned on multiple indictment charges during a Feb. 2 hearing.

Christian Johnson, 31, is being charged with first-degree murder in connection to a shooting that occurred on the 1000 block of Kenilworth Avenue, SE on Nov. 25, 2021. The shooting resulted in the death of Lavonte McCloud, 25.

Both McCloud and Johnson are said to be the father of children to the same woman. Witnesses said there was a tense relationship between the two. 

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), McCloud is also said to have been a validated member of the Kenilworth Crew, a neighborhood group known to police.

Johnson is currently released to home confinement.

Defense attorney Dominique Winters was hesitant to set a date for trial without reviewing relevant information and opted not to at this hearing. In addition, Winters made two requests of modification to her client’s  home confinement conditions in order for Johnson to meet with her and to get a haircut.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun accepted the request for counsel meetings, but rejected the request for a haircut. 

The prosecution and Judge Okun said they believe the defendant is too dangerous to be in public at this time.

The next hearing was scheduled for March 17.