A defendant pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 5.
Edgar Arrington, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a bias-related hate crime, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Daquane Johnson on July 5, 2025 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE. Johnson sustained four gunshot wounds, three to her chest, and one to her shoulder.
The prosecutors allege Arrington shot Johnson because she was transgender.
The court formally arraigned Arrington by reading the charges against him. Arrington’s attorney, Terrence Austin, entered into a not guilty plea on his behalf and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.
The prosecution and Judge Dayson allowed Austin more time to discuss the case with Arrington and decide how to proceed because he is newly appointed as counsel
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 24.
