Defendant Continues to Push for New Counsel in Murder Case

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During a status hearing on Feb. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan allowed a defendant to search for new counsel.

Tony Morgan, 29, and Martinez Raynor, 23, are being held for allegedly shooting Malik McCloud, 19, on Oct. 20, 2018, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. 

Morgan is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed under aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Raynor is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, felony murder while armed under aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed. 

In a previous hearing earlier this week, Morgan said he wanted new representation in his case. 

According to defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein, Morgan had a change of heart after that hearing and was considering keeping her as his attorney.

After an ex-parte between Sapirstein, Morgan, and Judge Raffinan, Morgan decided he would still like new representation.

Raynor’s defense attorney, Ronald Resetarits, said he wished to sever the co-defendants, and have Raynor tried separately due to potential conflicts with Morgan gaining new representation. As of Feb. 10, the defendant’s are slated for trial on July 3.

Judge Raffinan denied the severance, saying both the prosecution and Sapirstein believed that the current trial date should still work.

The prosecution requested that they be notified of the new counsel for Morgan, so they can send the appropriate documents. Judge Raffinan granted this order.

The parties are scheduled to return on Feb. 16 for a status hearing.

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