Defense Prepares Motion to Continue 2015 Homicide Trial

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At a status hearing on April 21, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo requested that the prosecution put their motion to delay the trial in writing before the court could rule on the matter.

Eugene Burns was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in 2017. The case was reopened on appeal in 2020. Burns, 31, allegedly shot his best friend, 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 15, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

At the hearing, the prosecution stated an intent to continue the trial date, however, the reasoning for the motion would be under seal if Judge Demeo decides to make that ruling after the motion is filed.

The defense stated that they were opposed to the motion in order to protect Burns’ right to a speedy trial, but would continue to wait for it to be filed formally.

The deadline for the motion is on April 26, and the defense must respond by April 28. 

The next hearing is slated for May 1.