Defendant Waives Right To Remove Co-Defendant’s Attorney

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 19, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A murder defendant waived his right April 18 to have his co-defendant’s attorney removed amid a potential conflict of interest.

Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed and conspiracy, among other offenses, for their alleged roles in the death of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.

Everett’s attorney, Michael Madden, said his client met with defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, while he was in jail before Madden was his lawyer.

Lotze now represents Hewitt, who is Everett’s co-defendant. DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said Lotze’s status as Hewitt’s attorney could be a conflict of interest.

However, Everett said he would waive his right to remove Lotze because he said he did not remember telling her anything “important” during the jail meeting. Lotze said she did not remember speaking to him, but if she had she did not keep any notes.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Laurence Socci, Everett’s previous attorney, filed a motionl to be dismissed. Michael Madden was then appointed by Judge Dayson to represent Everett.

A status hearing is scheduled on July 19.