Judge Appoints New Defense Attorney for Murder Defendant

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During a status hearing on July 12, a judge appointed a new defense attorney for a man accused of murdering a 23 year old woman.

Tony S. Aiken, 48, is indicted for second-degree murder while armed for allegedly murdering 23-year-old Kendra Smith on the 4300 block of D Street, SE on Sept. 6, 2004. Aiken was arrested in November of 2018 for the murder. Smith was the mother of a 1-year-old who was not in the car at the time of the murder.

Kendra Smith

During a status hearing on July 12, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman appointed Jason D. Tulley as new legal counsel for Aiken after defense attorney Eugene Ohm withdrew from the case.

Even though recently appointed, Tulley told Judge Edelman that the May 18, 2020, trial date was still possible.

According to DC Courts, the prosecution has given the defense all of the evidence in the case as of July 12.

Court documents state that Aiken shot and killed Smith while both were inside a car outside of her home. Aiken then shot rounds at the car from the outside to make it seem as if Smith were killed by someone else from the outside.

Fox 5 reported that Aiken and Smith were dating at the time.

An autopsy showed evidence that the barrel of the gun was pressed against Smith’s head when she was shot.

The weapon used was a .22 caliber rifle, documents state.

Eric Muchinson, who died in a car accident in 2006, was identified by a confidential informant as being the shooter. However police said there is reason to believe that he was not.

Aiken is currently released on personal recognizance.

He is scheduled for another status hearing on Sept. 20.

 

 

 

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