Homicide Defendant’s Case Dismissed

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Prosecutors in a homicide case alerted DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt during a June 18 hearing. they were dismissing a case against a defendant who allegedly aided and abetted her son.

Emerita Garcia, 45, was charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in assisting her son in the fatal shooting of Larry Thomas, 27, on Aug. 24, 2023, on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.

Garcia is also facing deportation charges from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in Georgia.

Originally scheduled to be a status hearing regarding the trial dates and the possibility of expedited DNA testing for trial, the prosecution surprised the court with its request for dismissal of Garcia’s indictment without prejudice, meaning the prosecution can re-indict Garcia at a later date.

Garcia, emotionally embraced defense attorney Amanda Epstein, as Judge Brandt said, “Ms. Garcia, you are free to go ma’am.”

No further dates were set.

No other organization can keep you informed about local crime cases that impact you. Help us add to our coverage and expand our help in your communities. Donate today.

Donate Now