Defendant Continues With Attorney Despite Requesting New Counsel

By Hunter Fernandez [former] - March 31, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Traffic | Victims |

After sending a letter to DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan expressing frustration with his counsel, a defendant decided to continue with his original attorney in a homicide case. 

Eric Beasley, 32, is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly committing a hit-and-run of 45-year-old cyclist David Farewell on the 2100 block of Young Street, SE on Sept. 4, 2020. 

According to court documents, Farewell was filling up the tires on his bicycle with his wife at a gas station when Beasley began to harass them. Beasley then followed the two down the street where he allegedly proceeded to hit and run over Farewell, killing him.

During the March 30 hearing, Judge Raffinan had explained that Beasley had sent her a letter expressing frustration with his provided counsel. 

After a private conversation between the judge, the defendant, and defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, Judge Raffinan recommended that Beasley not change counsel with his trial starting in six months.

However, she stated that if he continued to have major issues with his counsel, Beasley could request a new attorney.

Beasley agreed, stating that he wished to continue with his current attorney since his trial was set to begin in six months.

Judge Raffinan also said Beasley’s letter had mentioned a plea deal that she was not aware of. The prosecution explained that the deal was previously offered by a previous prosecutor on the case. However, the prosecution was still open to plea negotiations. 

Upon hearing this, Harvey stated that the defense would be happy to continue negotiations. 

The next hearing is scheduled for June 6.