Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty At Arraignment

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt arraigned co-defendants Dijon Williams and Daivion Williams on conspiracy, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and carrying a pistol without a license outside home/business.

The charges stem from a homicide on July 21, 2020, when Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of a shooting on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW. Upon arrival, officers found 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas suffering from a gunshot wound.

During the Aug. 15 felony arraignment hearing, defense attorneys David Knight and Pierce Suen pleaded not guilty on behalf of Dijon and requested the prosecutor’s evidence to be turned over to the defense, including parts of the Grand Jury transcripts.

“We really do need the transcripts from the Grand Jury,” Knight said.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain also pleaded not guilty on behalf of Daivion and made the same request as co-counsel.

“The government is willing to turn everything over to the defense,” the prosecutor said. She said she intends to provide body worn camera evidence as well as parts of the Grand Jury transcripts.

Ain introduced a motion to release Daivion under the high-intensity supervision program (HISP).

“I had a lot to think about in the 24 days I have been locked up,” the Daivion said. “If you release me, I will try 100 percent to be perfect. My plan when I do go home is to work from home in customer service, answering phone calls.”

Ain argued that if Daivion is released, his girlfriend, who was in the courtroom, has a home in Georgia where he could stay.

“Wow, I did not expect to hear those words coming from you. Thank you,” Judge Brandt said. “Despite how articulate you were, I will not be letting you out today, but I am not completely closing the door at a later date. If I were to release him, and I’m not saying I will, but I would be more comfortable with him staying in the District of Columbia.”

The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19.

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