Defense Attorney Alerts Judge of Intent to File Motion to Sever

By Rachel Benck [former] - February 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Five co-defendants appeared in front of D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Feb. 2 to continue preparing for their trial.

Erwin DuBose, 28, and Kamar Queen, 25, are charged with 21 counts, including first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of a firearm, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed in connection to the shooting of Donetta Dyson, 31, Keenan Braxton, 24, and Johnny Joyner, 37. Three other victims were injured in the alleged shooting.

Damonta Thompson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

Toyia Johnson, 50, and Mussye Rezene, 30, are charged for allegedly tampering with physical evidence and for being an accessory while armed after the incident occurred.

Johnson’s defense attorney, David Akulian, informed Judge Okun that he intended to file a motion to sever Johnson from her co-defendants as her charges are significantly less than theirs, and she was not present at the scene of the crime.

Queen’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, informed the prosecution that he would be reaching out on behalf of his defendant to obtain the paperwork needed to get Queen’s glasses, currently being held in evidence, back to him as he awaits trial.

The alleged shooting occurred on Sept. 4, 2021, on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW. An officer of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was in the area when he heard gunshots. He canvassed the area and located six victims.

Dyson, Braxton, and Joyner, while en route to a local hospital, succumbed to their injuries. The three remaining victims arrived at the hospital, were treated for their injuries, and have since been released.

The defense attorneys for the co-defendants have yet to receive the prosecution’s evidence for this case. They requested that Judge Okun schedule the next hearing far enough in advance for them to receive and review the evidence.

All parties are scheduled to return to court on April 14 for a status hearing. The trial is set to begin in April 2024.