Defendant in 2020 Teen Homicide Fails to Appear in Court

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt held a motion hearing despite the fact the homicide defendant wasn’t present for the Feb. 7 proceeding.

Reginald Steele, 25, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. Steele is facing a total of 37 counts related to the crime.

Steele also faces charges in connection to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020, on the unit block Channing Street, NE.

According to a US Marshal, Steele refused to get out of the bus from the DC Jail to the courthouse. However, the hearing continued without him present as Steele’s attorney, Megan Allburn, said that they intend to enter a plea agreement at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13.