Defense attorneys argued for eight specific medical needs a murder defendant must be provided while awaiting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 13.
Desmond Barr, 25, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed, one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer. The incident occurred on the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE on July 13, 2024.
Barr’s attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Dominique Winters, argued for eight specific medical treatments that Barr needs for his chronic injuries due to a past shooting and car accident he sustained before getting arrested.
Winters began her arguments, noting D.C. Witness reported on a different case on March 11, in which DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a defendant’s bail due to lack of medical treatment.
“Worse it has ever been.” Winters stated on behalf of Barr’s about his swelling leg on March 7 from blood clots. Winters also shared that Barr was supposed to have a Telehealth appointment on March 6, but the appointment was cancelled.
Winters enumerated her eight requests for Barr’s medical needs starting with a physiatrist, someone who specializes in spinal cord treatment.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy were both included in Winter’s requests for Barr with sessions two times a week for an hour each.
Winters stated that Barr would need to receive wound care and imaging for follow-up treatment.
Barr had previously been seeing a hematologist, who determines blood disorders, and a urologist, who determines problems in urinary tracts and the male reproductive system. While awaiting trial Barr has not received care for either issue, and Winter’s requested that he have access to both.
resulting from a car accident before his arrest. According to a doctor hired by the defense team, Barr has loose screws in his back and needs surgery to help alleviate pain.
Barr also suffers from a bone infection in his foot, leading to Winter’s request for a podiatrist to see Barr while he is in jail.
Winters’ last medical request was for another custom wheelchair for Barr. Barr previously had a custom wheelchair, but it broke and was taken away by the Department of Corrections (DOC).
Judge Park asked the DOC representative in the hearing if the previous wheelchair could be fixed. The DOC representative stated they did not know the location of the wheelchair currently, but assumed it was in storage.
In a hearing last October, a witness for the Department of Corrections (DOC), testified that Barr was receiving consistent care. He claimed the DOC had provided four wheelchairs, two of which Barr declined, and confirmed that the jail was conforming to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He also reported that a special wheelchair assigned to Barr was inoperable, as was a handicap shower in the jail, though the shower has since been repaired.
The DOC witness also cited the jail’s healthcare director, who reported that Barr has received 103 wound treatments, more than 80 doctor appointments, mental health services, and a urology consultation. He said one of Barr’s wounds was nearly healed. He did not provide details on physical therapy.
In the current hearing, Judge Park granted all the medical requests.. If the needs are not met in a timely fashion Judge Park asked Winters and Claudio to file a motion for another hearing.
Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2027.
