Defendant Released Due to Prosecution’s Error

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Due to the prosecution’s error of not securing an indictment before the deadline, a murder defendant was released on Jan. 18.

Christian Johnson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly murdering 25-year-old Lavonte McCloud on 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Nov. 25, 2021.

Johnson was released Wednesday by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun due to the prosecution not requesting an extension to get an indictment.

According to the defense, a defendant should be released after being held for nine months without an indictment If the prosecution cannot secure an indictment within 90 days, then the prosecutor must submit a written request for an extension before the deadline.

Johnson was released to home confinement and has been issued a stay away order.

The defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2.

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