Case Dismissed: Judge Changes Murder Defendant’s Release Conditions

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Editor’s note: The case against Kenneil Cole was dismissed on Feb. 1, 2023.

A DC Superior Court judge removed a murder defendant from the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Kenneil Cole is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting his roommate, 24-year-old Keon Wallace, on the 2400 block of Skyland Place, SE, on June 25, 2018. 

During the Sept. 14 hearing, defense attorney Mani Golzari asked Judge Neil Kravitz to place his client on a lower level of supervision, allowing him to remain released on his promise to return to court. The prosecution did not give an opinion on the request, instead deferring to the court. They did, however, ask for Cole’s release conditions to still include regular check-ins.

Judge Kravitz granted the defense’s request. Cole will be released on his personal recognizance and required to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency once a week. He will no longer be under GPS monitoring and will not have a curfew. 

Cole is scheduled to return to court for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 19, 2022.