Defense Files for New Trial Date After Discovering New Evidence

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In light of new evidence, a defense attorney filed a motion for a new trial date. 

Kenneth L. Adams, 21, was found guilty in November of 2018, of first-degree murder while armed, obstruction of justice and other firearms offenses for shooting 21 year-old Dante “Te” Kinard in 2016. According to court documents, Adams approached a group of people on the 1800 block of Benning Road, NE and started shooting. 

Adams’ defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, immediately appealed his conviction because the defense believed witnesses were not credible.

D.C. Witness previously reported that multiple witnesses said they were coerced by police to identify Adams as the shooter. 

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff is considering the motion for a new trial date for Adams. 

The prosecution was also ordered to file a protective order by Nov. 4 for one of the witnesses. 

A status hearing is scheduled on Nov. 20. 

The murder of Charles Mayo was also brought up during the hearing. However, Judge Bartnoff said there was no relevant connection to Adams’ case. 

Kimberly Thompson was convicted in March of 2019 of first-degree murder while armed for shooting Mayo on 1900 block of Bennett Place, NE on Dec. 17, 2015.Thompson filed a post-trial motion for new counsel. A sentencing date has not been set as of Sept. 3.

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