Judge Appoints New Counsel to First-Degree Murder Case

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On June 16, a DC Superior Court judge appointed new counsel for a homicide defendant.

DeAndre Houston is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 27-year-old Roderick Thomas on Oct. 11, 2018, on the 3200 block of 12th Street, SE.

Houston, 21, is also charged with armed robbery, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

Kristin McGough replaced Houston’s former attorney, Betty Ballester, who replaced the defendant’s first lawyer, Pierce Suen.

Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled the next status hearing for June 22.

Lizzie Brennan wrote this article.

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