Defendant’s Charge Changed to Murder after Victim’s Death

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Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park that they were updating a defendant’s charge from aggravated assault to murder on June 27, following the victim’s death on April 28 at George Washington University Hospital.

Walter Parker, 48, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 77-year-old Bernard Williams on April 23 on the 400 block of M Street, SE.

According to court documents, Parker appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance at the time of the incident.

Parker’s attorney, Howard McEachern, indicated that Parker is scheduled for a competency evaluation.

Judge Park postponed Parker’s preliminary hearing until after the competency issue is resolved.

The prosecution stated that a plea offer is in process and will be presented at a future date. They also voiced their willingness to extend the plea deadline to allow time for the competency evaluation to be completed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.