In Spite of Lawyer’s Fears, Juvenile Murder Suspect Remains in Custody

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Defense lawyer Will Howell argued that a 16-year-old juvenile murder suspect currently in detention was,“not a danger. He’s in danger.”

Howell’s concerns were raised before DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs during a May 17 hearing before she ruled the youth should remain detained.

He’s accused of fatally shooting 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 during a fight between two groups at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE. Flanked by his lawyers, the defendant appeared at the hearing wearing a purple shirt.

The adolescent is formally charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and possession of unregistered ammunition.

The prosecutor opposed release on the grounds that the shooting was in “broad daylight” and posed a threat to the public.

Arguing for release, Howell pointed out conditions at the DC Youth Services Center (YSC) pose “grave concerns” based on reports of assaults there and that the narcotic fentanyl is present in the facility.

He also noted there was a tip texted to a woman by her boyfriend saying that he was the Brookland shooter. Howell stressed there were many other boys at the crime scene in an attempt to “bag” their rivals. In the chaos, said Howell, it’s hard to determine the direction of the shooting.

On procedural grounds, Howell said any further delay would push the trial start day beyond the 45 day statutory limit.

Judge Briggs said there was “good cause” to delay the trial to accommodate a prosecution motion to wait for the autopsy report. “We saw that coming,” she said.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor said the report was received yesterday and would be provided to the defense.

Judge Briggs set the trial date for July 5 and the proceeding could take eight days spread out over the summer culminating around Labor Day.