Defense Attorney Asks to Withdraw from Murder Defendant’s Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 22, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a felony arraignment on Aug. 21, a defense attorney asked to withdraw from a case due to differences about how the case should be argued.

Tondrick Murphy, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 26-year-old Marquis Jones on the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Oct. 6, 2018.

Defense Counsel, Kevin McCants, said his client wanted him to argue that he killed Jones in self-defense, but McCants thought this was a poor strategy since Murphy was apparently on video shooting at Jones many times.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman asked Murphy if he wanted a new lawyer, and Murphy said “yes”.

Judge Edelman agreed to appoint Murphy new counsel, and set a date for an ascertainment of counsel.

McCants also said Murphy rejected two plea offer in February and August.

Murphy has an ascertainment of counsel hearing scheduled on Sept. 6.