Homicide Defendant Refuses To Attend Court

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A homicide defendant refused to attend a hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 30. 

Marcus Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license.  The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022. 

During the hearing, US Marshals alerted Judge Okun that Barringer had refused to attend court. The defendant has been held at St. Elizabeths in order to be evaluated to determine if he’s mentally competent to stand trial and represent himself.

Lisbeth Saperstein and Chalres Murdter, Barringer’s attorneys, requested additional time to ensure their client is able to participate in a hearing remotely. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 1.