Homicide Defendant Arraigned on Charges, Pleads Not Guilty

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt arraigned a defendant on first-degree murder while armed and possession of firearm during a crime of violence. Both of these charges were for offenses committed during release.

Rashon Hall, 26, is accused of fatally shooting 22-year-old Joseph Simmons alongside the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. According to court documents, Simmons suffered apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the July 22 arraignment hearing, defense attorney Dana Page entered a plea of not guilty on Hall’s behalf.

Although the prosecutor was ready to set a trial date, Page said new co-counsel will be appointed and requested a continuance to pick a trial date once that counsel is appointed.

Page also said the prosecution has not indicated any additional DNA testing on case materials. However, since a new prosecutor has not been appointed to the case, she said she is in the process of reviewing evidence to see if additional testing needs to be conducted.

Hall’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15.

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