Defense Counsel Motions to Withdraw from Murder Case

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A DC Superior Court judge continued a trial readiness hearing for a defendant in a 2014 murder case.

Mark Bowser, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing 39-year-old Tracy Womack to death on Sept 20, 2014, on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE. 

Bowser is also charged with obstructing justice for allegedly delaying testimony in 2018. 

His defense attorneys, Noah Clements and Betty Ballester, have filed a motion to withdraw as counsel due to personal issues that they say prevent them from providing the time and support the case requires. 

Judge Michael Ryan continued the trial readiness hearing to March 25. 

The defendant rejected a plea offer in 2019. He is currently being held at DC Jail, where he has been since he picked up the case in September 2014.

Lauren Pelzner wrote this article.

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