‘Everything Was Wiped Clean With bleach,’ Witness Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 4, 2020
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During a preliminary hearing on March 4, an expert witness testified that the murder scene was wiped down and cleaned with bleach before the Metropolitan Police Department was able to search. 

Thomas Fields Jr., 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 24-year-old Marquita Lucas on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE on Aug. 17.

“What was going on in the house before the search after the search warrant was conducted,” a prosecutor asked a Metropolitan Police Department detective.

“Everything was cleaned with bleach,” the detective replied.

Defense attorney, Ronald B. Resetarits, asked DC Superior Court Judge Danya A. Dayson if there was anyway she would consider releasing Fields to a halfway house instead of sending him back to prison. 

“I will continue the detention of Fields,” Judge Dayson said. “We cannot guarantee the safety of the public or of the witnesses if he is released at this time.”

Judge Dayson said there is enough evidence in the prosecution’s case, including two witnesses and evidence that the defendant had a violent relationship with the victim, to find probable cause. 

A felony status conference is set on May 8.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo and Naysha Carrasquillo.