Judge Changes Murder Defendant’s Release Location

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 16, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a detention hearing on Aug. 14, a judge released a murder defendant, who is under home confinement, to a residence in Alexandria, VA.

Eric Smith, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting. He is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill against a minor, assault with the intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his alleged role in the death of 38-year-old Rondell Wills on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE on May 3, 2018. Wills was not the target in the shooting.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe decided to release Smith to his sister’s house in Alexandria, VA. While he expressed concern for community safety, he said the prosecution’s case was relatively weak.

Judge Iscoe specifically appealed to the blurriness of video footage that allegedly shows Smith, as well as inconsistent statements from an eyewitness.

Judge Iscoe also said the slightest violation of Smith’s terms of release would result in the release being revoked. If revoked, Smith would go back to DC Jail.

Defense counsel also requested that Smith be permitted to attend Maya Angelou Public Charter High School in Washington, DC. while on release. But, the prosecution expressed concerns about transportation between Smith’s home and the school.

Both the defense and the prosecution requested an additional status hearing so the transportation issue could be resolved in time for the beginning of the school year.

Smith has a status hearing scheduled on Aug. 28.