Defense Seeks New Co-Counsel

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 2, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing on Aug. 1, defense counsel requested an additional status hearing so that qualified co-counsel can be found.

Denzel Grandson, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed on May 1, 2018, for allegedly shooting 36-year-old Simwone Milstead at 2700 block of Langston Place, SE in 2014. Milstead succumbed to his injuries at a hospital the following day. 

Andrea P. Antonelli was co-counsel on Grandson’s case until she withdrew from the case on July 29. Grandson’s other attorney, Charles P. Murdter, requested additional time to find a new co-counsel with both the qualifications and availability to assist. 

DC Superior Court Judge Juliet J. McKenna granted the request. The next status hearing wis scheduled on Aug. 14.

When Judge McKenna asked attorney Murdter if he would also need the trial to be postponed, Murdter responded that he was “optimistic”, and believes he can be ready for trial without a new date.

Grandson’s trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 30.

Paul Mullholland contributed to this story.