Defense Counsel Withdraws From Homicide Case, Prosecutor Objects

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted a defense attorney’s motion to withdraw from a homicide case on April 4.

Sherman Holley, 47, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, arson, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, resisting arrest, and assault on a police officer. All are offenses allegedly committed during release. The charges stem from his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks on Jan. 15, 2023, on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.

During the hearing, Megan Allburn asked Judge Ryan if should could quit as Holley’s attorney. After speaking privately with Holley, Allburn, and Holley’s other defense attorney, Morgan Leigh, Judge Ryan granted this request.

The prosecution opposed the motion, but Judge Ryan said their arguments didn’t address what the defense told him in confidence.

According to court documents, Holley has requested different representation multiple times. Judge Ryan told Holley this is the last new attorney he will receive.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 11.