Parties in Co-Defendant Homicide Case Disagree in Various Motions Filed

By Hunter Odom [former] - June 14, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During a June 14 motions hearing, prosecution and defense attorneys in a homicide case presented different views of the evidence.

Nelfy Hernandez, 19, Deandre Levy, 22, and Trey Prillerman, 19, are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the murder of 17-year-old Taijhon Wyatt on the 5500 block of 9th Street, NW on Aug. 10, 2020. 

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan began the motions hearing with the government’s attempt to dismiss Levy’s defense attorney, Jonathan Zucker, for conflicts of interest since one of Zucker’s other clients is allegedly involved in the current case.

“This is nothing other than a rumor,” said Zucker.

The prosecution argued Zucker’s potential conflict is “too big of a risk for mistrial.” 

Judge Raffinan said she would take the matter under advisement.

The defense then raised concerns about the admissibility of out of court statements made by a potential witness who’s involved in another trial. According to Elizabeth Weller, defense attorney for Prillerman, the witness’s statements “very much change the complexion of this case.” She added that the bulk of the evidence in the case is from this witness. 

Judge Raffinan decided that it is best to wait to address this motion pending the result of the witness’s trial in a separate matter. 

Levy is expected back in court July 5 to discuss counsel issues. 

All three defendants are expected back July 26.