Defense Requests Release of Homicide Defendant in Five-Year-Old Case

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Defense attorney Mani Golzari renewed a motion for release on behalf of his client on May 17, arguing that with a trial date set in April of 2025, the defendant should be granted the opportunity to, “move forward with his life.”

Kavon Young, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Pernell, 66, on July 3, 2010. The incident occurred at a cookout near the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE.

Young, who was charged with the killing in 2019, was 19-years-old at the time of the incident.

At the hearing on May 17, Golzari responded to the prosecution’s claim that Young poses a danger to the community, stating his client has a supportive family with no physical or mental health issues.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein stated, “I have not made my mind yet,” adding he needed more time to think about the motion, despite recognizing the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

Golzari believed it was “quite clear” how the court would rule. In the previous hearing, Judge Epstein denied the same motion.

“I have my faults, but I don’t kick cans down the road,” said Judge Epstein.

According to the Judge, he will schedule an immediate hearing once he’s made up his mind.