Judge Arraigns Co-Defendant in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 3, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge arraigned one of three co-defendants in a murder case.

Keith Baham, 21, Tyler Stringfield, 22, and Raymond Avent, 21, are indicted on 18 counts, including first-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins. On March 23, 2019, Hawkins was found unconscious on the 1300 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. It was later determined that the shooting happened on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE, but that Hawkins ran to Saratoga Avenue before he passed out, according to court documents.

During the Nov. 1 hearing, Avent was arraigned and pleaded not guilty to his charges.

The other two defendants have already been arraigned. Their defense counsel reported they have not received a plea offer from the prosecution.

Avent and Stringfield’s lawyers made a request for their clients’ release, which Judge Marisa Demeo denied. She did, however, tell them to file a written motion so the prosecution can form a response.

The co-defendants are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 8 for a status hearing.