Headache Keeps Murder Co-Defendant From Appearing for Trial

By Emily Reed [former] - July 25, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Defense attorneys Megan Allburn and Michelle Stevens alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun their client did not intend to come to court because of medical issues based on an examination by DC Jail medics on July 24.

Mark Price, 29, and Antonio Murchison, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and seven counts of criminal gang affiliation.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE in the Clay Terrace neighborhood. The highly publicized crime left 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with gunshot wounds.

Price is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, threat to injure or kidnap a person, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and first-degree burglary while armed. These charges are connected to the fatal shooting of 47-year-old Andre Hakim Young on July 30, 2018, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, NE. 

The third co-defendant, Quanisha Ramsuer, 31, is charged with obstruction of justice in connection to the homicide.

Before the jury was called, Price’s attorneys, Allburn and Stevens, told the court that Price was not present due to a medical issue. Allburn stated that Price had been feeling lightheaded for the past several days and informed his attorneys that he would not appear in court if his ailment continued. DC Jail medics sent official notice to the attorneys that Price had a “moderate headache.”

This is not the first instance of Price has failed to appear for the trial. While this incident was confirmed as a medical issue, Price has failed to appear several times for alleged ailments or simply refusing to appear.

The prosecution believes Price is willfully making himself ill by not eating in an attempt to delay trial proceedings. They argued that a “moderate headache” is not sufficient cause to avoid court and this should be regarded as a voluntary waiver of his right to appear.

They asked Judge Okun if Allburn and Stevens would present Price with the option of voluntarily waiving his presence in court.

The defense told Judge Okun they would not be willing to proceed without Price, as they anticipated key DNA and jail visit evidence would be admitted.

Judge Okun stated that he was concerned that Price’s behavior would continue, but agreed to not hold trial without Price and sent the jury home.

Parties are slated to return July 25.