Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Murder During Arraignment

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On Dec. 14, a defendant pleaded not guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun during a formal reading of the charges against him.

Malik Seltzer, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged role in the killing of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 4000 Block of 1st Street, SE.

Seltzer pleaded not guilty on all counts during the arraignment.

According to the court documents, Seltzer was filmed by CCTV cameras on the day of the shooting wearing “distinctive shorts.” He then leaves a convenience store and interacts with Odemns.

The footage depicts the two together 11 minutes before the murder. Seltzer runs away from the location holding something close to his side.

Trial is slated to begin Jan. 29, 2024.

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