A defense attorney requested medical attention for a defendant after learning about “inhumane conditions” in the DC Jail before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 7.
James Lewis, 47, is charged with felony murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, and contempt for allegedly killing Brenea Franklin, 30, on Jan. 30, 2021, on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE.
Lewis’ attorney, Mani Golzari, requested a medical alert for Lewis due to the worsening conditions of the DC Jail. Lewis had complained of mold in his cell; loss of taste and smell, which he claimed was unrelated to COVID-19; and inedible food that is unsuitable to his pre-diabetic dietary restrictions. Lewis also noted that the air conditioning in the DC Jail was non-functioning.
“If I had a place to hold defendants other than the DC Jail, I would certainly use it but that’s all we got,” Judge Ryan said, approving Golzari’s request for a medical alert.
Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 12.
