A homicide defendant and two co-defendants pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan at an arraignment on Feb. 20.
Richard Price, 27, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and five counts of obstruction of justice.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Danielle Hicks-Best, 28, on April 27, 2022 on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE. Hicks-Best sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and succumbed to her injuries on May 22, 2025.
Price’s charges also stem from his alleged involvement in another shooting on June 1, 2022, on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE. No injuries were reported but investigators recovered shell casings and firearms from the scene.
According to court documents, a witness reported seeing a silver Lexus sedan and identified Price, also known as “Heck,” as the shooter. A second witness independently identified a person said to be Price.
Danielle Price, 30, and Tyeesha Miller, 29, are charged with conspiracy and three counts of obstruction of justice for their alleged involvement in efforts to influence or harass witnesses connected to the case. According to the indictment, the charges stem from alleged jail calls with Richard and social media activity in July 2022 involving discussions of potential witnesses related to the shootings.
Following the court’s formal reading of the indictment charges, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Richard’s attorney, Andrew Ain, Danielle’s attorney, and Quo Judkins, Miller’s attorney entered pleas of not guilty on behalf of their clients. Additionally, they asserted the defendants constitutional rights to a speedy trial and evidence in the case.
Ain and Judkins requested their clients remain released, which Judge Ryan granted, citing their continued compliance with release conditions.
Trial is scheduled for June 15 and parties are set to meet for a trial readiness hearing on May 15.
