Fatal Shooting Suspect Proclaims Innocence

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on Sept. 10 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Eliexander Lopez-Burgos, 24, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Carlos Blanco Fernandez, 38, on the 2200 block of New York Ave, NE, on Nov 16. 2023.

The lead detective previously testified that a witness had seen Lopez-Burgos in the suspect vehicle moments before Fernandez was shot and killed.

At the hearing, Kevann Gardner and Erin Griffard, Lopez-Burgos’ defense attorneys, alerted the court of his intention to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

A trial date was scheduled for November 2025.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 15.

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