A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 29.
Ramon Richardson, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon against a senior citizen, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and threatening to injure or kidnap a person. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Lawrence Meekins, 50, on the 1800 block of E Street, SE, on July 1, 2025. Meekins sustained three gunshot wounds from gunfire.
The incident occurred near the historic Congressional Cemetery, where, according it its website, “Among the nearly 70,000 burials at Congressional are scores of noteworthy citizens who left their mark on the city and the nation.”
The court formally arraigned Richardson on the indictment filed against him. Richardson’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, said that Richardson would “enter a plea of not guilty.”
As of the hearing, no formal plea agreement was offered. Prosecutors told Judge Edelman, “It makes sense to probably talk,” about a possible deal following the indictment.
Harvey was unsure if Richardson would require independent DNA testing, noting for the court that she would need to see the prosecution’s evidence first. Richardson may request independent testing , which is his right, at the upcoming Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing.
A trial date was set for Aug. 23, 2027.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 25, for the IPA hearing.
