Judge Amends Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions

By Grace Nardei [former] - March 18, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On March 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe dismissed a homicide defendant’s drug testing requirements while on release awaiting trial.

Huey Bandy, 53, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 60 -year-old Orlando Murphy at the 3600 block of Brothers Place, SE, on June 7, 2022.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Bandy approached Murphy while he was in his car and stabbed him four times. 

At the hearing, Bandy’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, requested the court lift alcohol testing from Bandy’s drug testing, arguing that there was no basis to monitor alcohol intake as requirement. Smith added that her client has had zero violations and has been compliant.

The prosecution objected to the defense’s request, stating that alcohol intake was a relevant factor, as it could affect Bandy’s competency to stand trial. Past court records show Bandy was found incompetent to stand trial on May 15, 2023 based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health.

Over the prosecution’s objections, Judge O’Keefe found that Bandy had a consistent history of testing negative for drug tests, and ruled to dismiss the drug testing requirements of Bandy’s release conditions. 

Parties are slated to return May 16.