Homicide Defendant Detained After Two Years of Release

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ordered a homicide defendant, who had been on release for two years, to be held without bond on July 1.

Naquel Henderson, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Michael Taylor on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. Henderson was recently arrested in connection to a robbery that occurred on June 24 on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

At the hearing, Taylor’s aunt spoke about her concerns for Henderson’s continued release due to his new arrest.

“He does not need or want the opportunity to experience freedom,” she said.

Taylor’s aunt, who said she is a forgiving and religious person, said she did not feel comfortable with or believed Henderson deserved release. She said Henderson didn’t understand the amount of leniency he had by being able to go home for the holidays and be with his family, activities Taylor will never be able to experience again.

“He doesn’t realize the severity of the heinous act that occurred in 2019,” she said.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the report of a shooting and found three victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Two of the victims, an adult and a juvenile, survived with serious injuries, but Taylor was pronounced dead after lifesaving efforts failed. Henderson is one of five co-defendants in the case.

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the aunt based on Henderson’s recent actions and prior convictions, saying “it was always kind of baffling to me that he was released in the first place.”

Henderson is being held without bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 25.

Follow this case