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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- July 18, 2015
Court
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Homicides
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Suspects
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A judge ordered the man charged in the death of 15-year-old Malek Mercer held in prison as the trial progresses.
Judge Jennifer Anderson ruled there is probable cause for the charges against Derryck Decuir, charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and second degree murder while armed, whose trial is set to start November 2.
In the preliminary hearing on Thursday, Decuir was represented by Dana Page. Page had suggested the government release Decuir to a halfway house during the trial, which was denied by the judge. Decuir was on probation for a charge of carrying a handgun in Maryland when he was arrested.
Earlier in the proceedings when Anderson was explaining her decision to hold Decuir without bail, a fight outside the courtroom broke out and Mercer’s friends left the room, as did those supporting Decuir. Decuir was led out of the courtroom and the situation was quieted by guards outside. Later, a second outbreak began.
The prosecution called Detective Manuelle Duvall of the Metropolitan Police Department’s homicide division to testify in the preliminary hearing. Duvall relayed witness testimony that alleges Mercer and Decuir were together on a bus and got off at the same stop. Decuir and others asked if he and the witness were “selling belts” because Mercer was wearing a Versace-brand belt. Police allege Decuir shot Mercer in the back. Mercer died days later.
The next court date was set for November 2 at 9:30.