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By
Yessica Osorio
- November 27, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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Four homicide co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 22.
Derricko Johnson, 20, Ronald Henderson, 19, and Daveon Robinson, 17, are charged with 16 counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, six counts of carrying a pistol without a license, 13 counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed and three counts of conspiracy. Henderson and Johnson are also being charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed. Johnson is additionally charged with fleeing law enforcement while released.
These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson at the 2000 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on May 26, 2022.
Before the hearing, attorney Todd Baldwin informed the court there is a another pending co-defendant who is the object of bench warrant. Dionzai Parker, 21, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business, assault with the intent to kill while armed and conspiracy for his alleged involvement in Johnson’s death.
Johnson’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, Henderson’s attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, and Robinson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller informed the court that their clients will plead not guilty to their indictment charges. All defense attorneys asserted their clients constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.
Parties also raised the issue of pushing the trial back to 2026 due to the superseding indictment and because Parker’s attorney – which Judge Raffinan assured would be appointed quickly – might not being ready for the Aug. 2025 trial date.
Parties agreed to resolve these issues at their next hearing.
Parties will reconvene on Jan. 31, 2025.