Desmond Thurston pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 10.
Thurston, 46, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, burglary, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his romantic partner Patricia Johnson, 52, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.
According to court documents, Thurston and Johnson had a history of domestic disputes, including calls to the police 48 hours before the alleged incident. Johnson had also filed a restraining order that Thurston had not yet been served.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 5.
