Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Bond Review Denied

By Justine Stuber [former] - September 15, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Uncategorized | Victims |

On Sept. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe heard arguments from parties regarding George Edwards’ motion for bond review as he awaits to be re-tried for a 2015 homicide. 

Edwards, 34, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Reginald Perry on Nov. 7, 2015, on the 1700 block of 8th Street, NW. 

On Sept. 8, 2016, Edwards accepted a  plea deal that lessened his murder charge to the second-degree while armed and dismissed all other charges. On Nov. 16, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 years incarceration and five years supervised release. 

Since then, Edwards has filed multiple motions to either withdraw his guilty plea or reduce his sentence. 

On Sept. 15,  Edwards’ defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, argued that Edwards posed no flight risk and his “excellent disciplinary record” while incarcerated should compel the judge to grant the review motion. He also cited strong community support, including the fact that Edwards has a standing job offer from his prior employer. 

Prosecution refuted by stating that Edwards fired the first shot and that, as evident by the position of the bullets, Perry had not even been facing Edwards at the time of the shooting. 

Judge O’Keefe stated that he was “torn” in his decision, but eventually sided with the prosecution and denied the motion. 

Edwards will continue to appeal his sentence. A jury trial is scheduled to begin Oct. 15.