The US Marshal Service told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that they turned away a homicide defendant for wearing prohibited clothing in a hearing on Nov. 14.
Mark Price, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, armed burglary, four counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Andre Young, 47, on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE, on July 30, 2018.
This hearing marked the third delay in Price’s case. He had previously failed to appear in a hearing on March 14 for medical reasons, and refused to come to court on Sept. 26, citing mistreatment by the court.
During the hearing, defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh alerted the court that Price was not present. She explained that Price had attempted to attend court but was “rejected” by the US Marshal Service.
When questioned by Judge Kravitz, Marshals confirmed that Price was rejected, citing a new clothing policy they had implemented to no longer accept clothing featuring drawings. They claimed that Price was “not abiding by that policy.”
Fullwood-Singh further explained that Price was “artistic,” and that he had drawings on his shoes. The prosecution requested that Price return for future hearings with different footwear.
Judge Kravitz postponed the hearing to give Price a chance to return with appropriate attire.
Parties are set to return on Dec. 19.
