Defendant Can’t Claim Self Defense, Prosecution Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 12, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing March 12, a defense attorney said all of the prosecition’s motions have been responded to except for one that says the defendant cannot claim self-defense. 

Wilbert Whitaker is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Leo Hackett in April of 2016 on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE. He is also charged with possession of a firearm while armed during a crime of violence.

Mani Golzari, Whitaker’s defense attorney, said that he and his client need time to consider their options before responding to the prosecutions self defense motion.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman gave the defense until March 27 to respond to any and all motions.

According to court documents, officers were dispatched to the crime scene and discovered Hackett unconscious, unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Witnesses said that Whitaker and Hackett had an altercation and police were called, and shortly after they left witnesses heard a “pop pop.”

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for May 8. Trial is slated to begin on May 26. 

This article was written by MiriYam Judd.