Defense Requests Continuance for Stabbing in NW DC

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 12, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A defense attorney requested a continuance in a murder case because he said essential material still needs to be reviewed.

Anthony Crawford is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 35-year-old Wendy Karina Martinez as she jogged near her home in Logan Circle, which is located in Northwest DC. The stabbing occurred on the 1400 block of 11th Street, NW on Sept. 18.

During a preliminary hearing on Oct. 11, defense counsel said the prosecution withheld information that was collected on the case.

However, the prosecution opposed the continuance, saying that Martinez’s family members, who were present, lived out of town. According to the prosecution, it would be difficult for the family to come back for a continuance. The prosecutor also told DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe that a witness was ready to be questioned.

The prosecutor said that she believes the defense had all the materials they needed for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Iscoe said he was not convinced more time is necessary, but that he does believe the defense’s request for a continuance is appropriate.

Crawford’s defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, also presented a motion for his client to be released during the continuance. He said that Crawford, 23, is a young man with no prior felony charges, a proud resident of Northwest DC, and has attempted to obtain a college education.

Judge Iscoe denied the motion. He said Crawford is a danger to society.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Nov. 8.