DC Superior Court Chief Judge Milton Lee was pleased April 14 to hear that a homicide defendant is following his terms of probation, despite facing a cancer diagnosis. “I want you to pay attention to your health,” said the judge.
John James, 33, pleaded guilty in October of 2018 to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault for shooting Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr. on Sept. 28, 2015, on the 1100 block of Eaton Road, SE.
In a probation review hearing, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that James has been following his probation and checking in with his officer frequently. Even though James’ cancer medications have been causing the drug tests to come back positive, Judge Lee understood the results were not James’ fault.
The prosecution requested a stay away order, which the defense agreed to. There are no concerns from the defense, prosecution, or Judge Lee that James will violate the order or the terms of his probation.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 24.
