Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 30, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a felony arraignment Aug. 29, a murder defendant pleaded not-guilty to all charges.

David Hahqwon Beale, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 42-year-old George Johnson, Jr. on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE on May 7, 2018.

Beale was indicted Aug. 21 on 10 charges, including seven firearms related charges, assault with intent to kill, armed carjacking, and first-degree murder while armed.

Defense attorney Betty Ballester entered pleas of not-guilty on Beale’s behalf.

D.C.Witness previously reported that Beale’s cell phone was recovered from a stolen pizza delivery car, that contained photos of Beale holding a black 9mm Glock.

After obtaining a warrant, police recovered multiple firearms, including the Glock, from Beale’s residence. Court documents state the police were able to determine that shell casings from the scene were fired from the gun found in Beale’s residence.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman held Beale without bail.

Beale has a status hearing scheduled on Oct. 30.