‘Hysterical’ Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

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On April 12, a homicide defendant was arraigned and pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Pernell Sims, 34, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of an unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the death of Tyshida Williams, 31, on July 30 on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

An affidavit authored by a detective the Metropolitan Police department (MPD) contained statements from an eyewitness who referred to Sims as “hysterical” and in the middle of a “psychotic episode” on the day of the incident.

Sims’ attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court he pleaded not guilty to all counts and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

During the arraignment hearing, the prosecution stated that responding officers removed a firearm and magazine from the scene of the crime which raises concerns about the possibility of contamination in regards to DNA testing.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Epstein they don’t plan on DNA testing any evidence.

The defendant waived his right to independently DNA testing evidence recovered from the crime scene. .

Parties are set to reconvene on July 26.

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