On Oct. 31, a homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to ten indictment charges in connection to a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.
Jerome Israel, 19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old ChaQuan Barbett. The incident occurred on Aug. 23, 2022, on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.
According to prosecutors, Israel is also charged in another case with conspiracy, six counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a string of carjackings that occurred between Aug. 20 and Aug. 29, 2022.
Lisbeth Saperstein, Israel’s defense attorney, alerted the court Israel is pleading not guilty to all charges in connection to the murder and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.
When setting trial dates, prosecutors told Judge Raffinan that they may combine the trials for both cases, but that it’s not yet guaranteed.
Judge Raffinan ordered prosecutors to alert defense attorneys and the court by May 1, 2024 whether or not they’re planning to combine the cases.
A trial date was set for February 2025.
Parties are expected back Jan. 9, 2024 for a status hearing.
