Defense Attorney Requests Home Confinement on Behalf of Self-Defense Theory

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

During a Feb. 24 status hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun rejected a motion to release a defendant to home confinement in a homicide case.

On Nov. 30, 2022, 23-year-old Anthony Lewis was arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the homicide of 19-year-old Cameron Clemons that occurred on May 28 on the 600 block of Otis Place, NW.

Lewis’ representation, Julie Swaney, requested release into home confinement with hopes of a more positive environment for the defendant on the basis that Lewis acted out of self-defense. However, Judge Okun decided to reject the motion in accordance with a previous judge’s decision.

At a preliminary hearing on Jan. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, who reviewed this case, found substantial probability and held Lewis at the DC Jail.

“There’s nothing I heard that would make me reconsider Judge Epstein’s decision.” said Judge Okun.

Swaney said the defendant had a criminal history, but the charges were all non-violent crimes and Lewis never had trouble showing up to court when supposed to.

She also noted Lewis’ previous charge for attempted carrying of a pistol without license outside of home or business but explained that Lewis was simply carrying a gun to protect himself due to the dangerous nature of his neighborhood.

According to Swaney, the defendant has an uncle who works for the state in Maryland that could provide a positive influence for Lewis and help him avoid potential problems in DC, so she requested that Lewis be released to house arrest with his uncle.

Sawney also said the defense believes there is a strong case for self-defense as the accident occurred after an altercation between Lewis and a group of unknown individuals.

However, the prosecution opposed the argument because Clemons was not part of the group of unknown individuals involved in the conflict.

Both counsel and Judge Okun then had a private conversation at the bench, which resulted in Judge Okun’s recommendation that Lewis be placed in the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) of the DC Jail.

The next status hearing is scheduled for May 12.

Follow this case