Defendant in a Brutal Murder Case Will Stay in Custody

By Jenna Gainsboro [former] - June 14, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On June 14, a detention hearing was held for Lavaughn Barnes, 33,  related to his first-degree murder charge.

Barnes is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing of 59-year-old Abdul Arias-Lopez on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE.

On February 3, Barnes placed a call to 911 stating that he had found human remains in his backyard. 

Arias-Lopez, a man who lived in Barnes’ neighborhood and helped the defendant paint the inside of his sister’s house, was found dismembered in the defendant’s backyard. 

After the medical examiner’s analysis, it was determined that Arias-Lopez was killed on November 4, 2022.

According to court documents, Barnes tased the victim in the back of the head and then beat him until he was incapacitated. Then Barnes allegedly dragged Arias-Lopez into his sister’s basement and left him there until he died. Then Barnes allegedly dismembered the victim and placed the body in his backyard. 

The defense counsel asked that Barnes be released as he has no prior criminal history, to which the prosecution objected due to the nature of the crime. 

The defense also acknowledged they had not confirmed housing and the supervision necessary for Barnes’s release.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun agreed with the prosecution, stating that the defendant had allegedly “murdered and dismembered a completely innocent victim” and that the nature of the crime “actually kind of shocks the conscience.” 

The judge cited dangerousness as the reasoning for Barnes’ continued confinement.

Parties are expected back Sept. 14.