Four of Five First-Degree Murder Defendants Plead Not Guilty, The Fifth Missing from Court

By Hunter Odom [former] - July 10, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

In a July 10 hearing, four of five homicide defendants pleaded not guilty. The fifth suspect in the shooting case did not appear in court. 

Marcel Gavin, 36, John Wilkins, 33, Darryl Little, 29, Kharee Jackson, 24, and Earl Robinson, 31, are charged for their alleged connection to the murder of 21-year-old Albert Smith on June 14, 2020 at the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to court documents, the shooting occurred was linked to a robbery in the early morning hours.  Smith, known as CEO Bezzal, had reportedly come to DC to record a rap video.

All defendants, except Little, who was not present in court and has a warrant out for his arrest, pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their charges include conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple counts of robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and first-degree murder while armed. 

Gavin and Wilkins have an additional charge of assault with significant bodily injury while armed. 

Wilkins is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 
DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe set a detention hearing for Robinson and Jackson for July 18. All parties are expected back Sept. 8.