A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to five charges during his felony arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 21.
Richard Holmes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom. The incident occurred on Aug. 26, 2025 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Mohdjiom sustained one gunshot wound to his lower back.
At the hearing, the court read Holmes all five charges. His defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, informed the court that Holmes pleaded not guilty to all charges and requested to set a trial date. Holmes’ trial was scheduled for Oct. 5, 2027.
The prosecution stated that they expected the trial to last around a week-and-a-half. Additionally, they noted that they had filed three unopposed motions for protective orders and have had no issues regarding evidence disclosure.
Judge Brandt scheduled a status hearing to discuss if Holmes will assert his rights under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to independently test forensic evidence after testing has been completed. The prosecution estimated that results would be concluded in September.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 6.
