Defense Counsel Withdraws from Representing Murder Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 15, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a preliminary hearing March 15, a judge allowed a defense attorney to withdraw from a murder case.

Marcel Vines and his co-defendant, Malique Lewis, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Kerrice Lewis on the 800 block of Adrian Street, SE in 2017.

Justin Okezie, Vines former defense attorney, did not specify why he decided to withdraw from the case. The court appointed defense attorney Frances D’Antuono to represent the defendant.

Lewis, Vines’ co-defendant, is being represented by defense attorneys Kristin Mcgough and Kevin Robertson. As of March 15, his attorneys haven’t requested to withdraw from the case.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson also granted a continuance to allow defense counsel to become familiar with the case.

Another defendant in the case, Ashton Briscoe, is scheduled for a felony arraignment on May 29.

According to court documents, Kerrice’s death was allegedly in retaliation for the death of Ronzay Green. Witnesses told police that Vines believed the victim was responsible for Green’s death. According to court documents, the victim apparently set Green, 23, up to get robbed.

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue on March 21.