A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty and asked the court to modify his release conditions from house arrest to a curfew in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Sept. 19.
Alfred Paulino-Del Rosario, 22, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, armed carjacking, and two counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence due to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jhonatan Guzman Hernandez, 21, on the 2400 block of 15th Street, NW, on Dec. 30, 2022.
During his hearing, defense attorney Molly Bunke alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.
Bunke motioned for the court to release Rosario with a curfew instead of home confinement, arguing that Rosario had followed his release conditions perfectly for nine months and was always early to his court hearings, making a curfew “certainly appropriate.”
The prosecution responded to the motion by highlighting to the court that Rosario was indicted on serious charges and that the court had a duty to ensure community safety.
Judge Dayson agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense’s motion, stating that Rosario’s compliance with his release conditions did not mean that those conditions should be changed.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.
