In a status hearing on April 3, a homicide defendant’s attorneys said they were planning to request severance of their client’s charges before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.
Jaykell Mason, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assaulting a law enforcement officer while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terence Dantzler, 29. The incident occurred on Feb. 13, 2020 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW.
If the severance were granted it would separate Mason’s charges and require they be tried at different times. Page said they are planning the move, but are still in the process of figuring out the details before proceeding.
Judge Park emphasized the importance of finalizing the request in a timely manner, because severance would affect scheduling. He asked the defense to file their motion within 30 days, and for the prosecution to file their response within ten days of that deadline.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 26.
