Homicide Defendant Waives Rights to Speedy Trial 

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now

On April 25, Antonio Jackson alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that he would be waiving his right to a speedy trial. 

Jackson, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside of his home for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that claimed the life of 52-year-old Maria Evans. The incident occurred on March 29, 2018, on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE. 

Jackson waived his rights to a speedy trial due to his involvement in a motion that was filed to discuss issues with jury panels at the DC Superior Court. 

The motion, which was filed by more than 50 violent crime defendants, argues that the picking of juries for trials during the COVID-19 pandemic was unfair due to their lack of diversity. Attorneys representing the defendants and the prosecution are expected to continue litigating the issue until the end of the year in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo

A new trial date was scheduled for February 2025. 

Parties are expected back for a motion hearing on May 15.

Notifications are not yet available for this specific case. Please check back later for updates. Thank you.