Judge Appoints New Counsel After Requests for Change

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 16, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 15, a murder defendant was appointed new counsel after both he and his former attorney requested the change. 

Kurt Hewitt, 20, and cousin Demonte Hewitt, 17, have been charged with second-degree murder while armed for their alleged roles in the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Tyshon Perry. The stabbing occurred on the 1300 block of 2nd Street, NE on May 1, 2018. Demonte, who was 16 at the time of his arrest, is being charged as an adult.

On Oct. 4, in a motion to withdraw, Kurt’s former defense attorney, Clarence Powell, said he could not properly represent the defendant because he was not willing to assist with preparation of the case.

Kurt also requested that Powell be replaced with defense attorneys Mary C. Kennedy and Sean Hennessy, the motion said. Both of the attorneys accepted the case.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe also requested a few more hearings before trial to address any issues that may arise with DNA testing and other matters.

According to DC Courts, both parties requested DNA testing and protective orders for Instagram accounts in August.

A status hearing is scheduled for the defendants on Nov. 22.

Demonte, who was not present at the hearing, is being held without bail at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Kurt is being held without bail at DC Jail.

A jury trial is scheduled for 2020.