Defense’s Conversation with Judge Pushes Murder Hearing Back A Month

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On Sept. 4, a murder defendant and his counsel held an entire status hearing at the judge’s bench. The prosecution was asked not to approach.

Joshua Ellis Massaquoi, along with Mason Binion, 32, Victor Carvajal, 33 are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Michael Francis Taylor on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW. Massaquoi was the alleged driver during the crime, according to court documents.  

Massaquoi, 32, requested his next status hearing occur on Oct. 7. DC Superior Court Judge Hiram E. Puig-Lugo granted this request and set the next hearing on Oct. 7. 

It is not clear why the delay was requested or why the judge granted the request.