Judge Arraigns Defendant on Indictment Charges in Homicide Case

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On Feb. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun arraigned a defendant on 11 charges in a felony arraignment hearing for a homicide case. 

Juan Peterson is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Only one of the victims, later identified as 28-year-old Lester Howard, succumbed to their injuries.

Peterson, 32, was arraigned on first-degree murder, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, second-degree cruelty to children committed during release, and two counts of accessory after the fact while armed committed during release.

Peterson pleaded not guilty to the charges listed and is currently being held at the DC jail.

The next status hearing is slated for March 9.