Defense attorney Steven Kiersh entered into a not guilty plea on behalf of homicide defendant Andre Townsend at an arraignment on June 5 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.
Townsend, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Derrick Howard, 39, on March 18, 2025 at the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Howard died from a gunshot wound to his back.
After the charges were read in court, Kiersh pleaded not guilty on Towsend’s behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.
Townsend’s trial is scheduled to begin on March 29, 2027. Both parties said they expected to complete forensic testing of DNA to present at trial. Kiersh also consented to the standard protective orders the prosecution requested for their witnesses. Nonetheless Townsend remains detained.
Before returning to the DC Jail, Townsend said, “I love y’all,” expressing his admiration for family members present in the courtroom.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 2.
