Judge Appoints Conflict Counsel in Post-Conviction Case

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A DC Superior Court judge appointed new legal counsel in a post-conviction case.

In April of 2019, 41-year-old, Travon Eliy was found guilty by a jury for assault with the intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, assault with intent to commit armed robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

He is currently waiting to be sentenced.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict on two of the defendant’s charges: assault with significant bodily injury while armed of a senior citizen and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The court therefore declared a mistrial for those charges.

During the Sept. 2 hearing, Eliy’s defense attorney, Heather Pinckney, requested to withdraw counsel due to a conflict. Judge Danya Dayson confirmed that the conflict cannot be waived and therefore granted Pinckney’s motion to withdraw.

Defense attorney Rachel McCoy stepped in to serve as government-provided legal counsel following Pinckney’s withdrawal.

Judge Dayson accepted Pinckney’s replacement.

Eliy was originally just charged with armed robbery in April of 2016. He picked up the other charges the following September.

The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 1.