Defense Argues DC Court Does Not Have Jurisdiction Over Murder Defendant’s Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 14, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a motions hearing Aug. 13, defense counsel argued that the District of Columbia Superior Court system may not have jurisdiction  over his client’s murder case.

Terrance Barnes, a resident of Southeast DC, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 57-year-old Barry Holmes on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Defense attorney, Jeffrey D. Stein, said Barnes, 28, may have been in Maryland at the time of the shooting even though Holmes’ body was found in DC. Stein said there is a possibility that the case would be relocated to Maryland.

But, the prosecution disagreed, saying Barnes was in DC when he fired at Holmes.

Even if he wasn’t, DC has jurisdiction over him since the “consequence” of the crime was in DC, the prosecutor said.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said he believed the prosecution was correct, but gave the defense until Aug. 20 to find case law supporting their interpretation.

The prosecution has until Aug. 28 to respond to any additional arguments made by the defense.

Barnes is scheduled for another motions hearing on Sept. 9.