Homicide Trial Postponed Days Before Trial Slated to Begin

By Ayda Atici [former] - February 22, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun agreed to vacate reschedule a homicide trial date set to start in three days. 

Juan Peterson, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

One of the victims, later identified as 28-year-old Lester Howard, succumbed to his injuries.

Peterson’s attorney, Gemma Stevens, informed the court that she would file a motion to withdraw as counsel after Peterson had raised an effective assistance of counsel issue.

Judge Robert Okun informed Peterson that if he grants the motion, his trial, which was set for Feb. 26, would be pushed back several months. 

Peterson stated that he would still like to proceed without her as counsel, and Judge Okun granted the motion and rescheduled the trial to Oct. 21. 

Peterson’s other defense counsel, Daniel Kovler, informed the court that he will be seeking new co-counsel to assist with the trial.

Parties are slated to return to court for a motions hearing on Oct. 4.