Defense Wants Homicide Defendant Moved to DC Before Trial

By Ying He [former] , Hunter Krienke [former] - July 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 18, during a status hearing defense attorneys requested that a homicide defendant be brought back to the DC area while awaiting trial to work better with his attorneys.

Derryck Decuir, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree murder while armed against a minor, attempt to commit robbery while armed against a minor, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm from a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and tampering with physical evidence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Malek Mercer, 15, around the 2800 block of 28th Street SE, on June 9, 2015. 

At the hearing, defense attorney Dana Page discussed communication challenges at the Virginia facility where Decuir is currently being held. She said that the jail has not been giving Decuir documents relevant to his case.

Page also said meetings with Decuir over legal matters have not been kept confidential and complained about having to pay for phone calls with her client.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan told the parties that she does not have the authority to move Decuir and that it must be decided by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Defense attorneys have previously requested that a U.S. Marshal be present in hearings to decide on transferring Decuir to the DC area.

Parties are set to discuss the matter with a U.S. Marshal representative on Aug. 15.