Defense Attorneys in Murder Case Voice Concern for Jailed Clients

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A DC Superior Court judge denied release requests from defense attorneys in a murder case, who voiced concerns over how their clients are being treated at DC Jail.

Delonta Stevenson, 26, and Vorreze Thomas, 23, are charged with first-degree murder for allegedly shooting 32-year-old Terrance Allen on Jan. 18 on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Stevenson’s attorneys, Elizabeth Weller and Megan Allburn, as well as Thomas’ attorney, Joseph Wong, asked when the prosecution would be indicting the defendants, who were arrested in February. The prosecution said they need to indict the 2020 cases before the indict the 2021 cases. They said it will take some time, but they are confident they will return the indictments.

The defense lawyers also expressed concerns about their client’s safety and legal rights DC Jail.

Wong said he has had trouble speaking with his client because the jail has not always made calls available to residents as visits are suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He argued that not being able to speak to his client violates the defendant’s 6th amendment rights.

Stevenson’s attorney said his client has health issues that are not being adequately treated at DC Jail and asked for his release. Wong also asked for his client’s release. Judge Juliet McKenna, however, denied these requests.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 30.

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