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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- June 24, 2019
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During a June 24 status hearing, defense counsel in a murder case asked DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe to reconsider evidence that was found in discovery.
Eric Smith, 20, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvment in the death of 38-year-old Rondell Wills on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE. Wills was not the intended target and was shot while protecting children when the drive-by shooting occurred, according to court documents.
Smith’s attorney, Blase Kearney, specifically asked Judge Iscoe to review two interviews and some unspecified physical evidence to reconsider his substantial probability ruling during Smith’s preliminary hearing on July 18, 2018.
Kearney said substantial probability has not been met by the prosecution. Kearney also said he thinks Smith should be released because the defendant has no prior charges.
The prosecution argued that, since Smith was already indicted, reassessing the evidence would not change anything. Smith was indicted on assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault and assault with significant bodily injury, in addition to his first-degree murder charge.
After speaking with counsel, Judge Iscoe set a detention hearing on July 24.