Judge Considers Homicide Defendant’s Child Visitation Request

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On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun reviewed a defense motion to modify a homicide defendant’s release conditions for family reasons.

Christian Johnson, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Lavonte McCould on Nov. 25, 2021, on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

Johnson’s defense team requested that his current stay-away order be lifted so that family court can decide on an arrangement that will allow Johnson to visit his child.

A representative of DC’s Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) was also present during the hearing and alerted the court that Johnson has been in full compliance with his release conditions as of March 27.

The prosecution doesn’t believe that Johnson qualifies for reasonable conditions of release, citing that he “couldn’t maintain an evening job at Target due to behavioral issues.”

The prosecution also opposed Johnson’s modification of release conditions in the interest of keeping the witnesses in the case safe as well as the community.

Parties are set to reconvene for trial readiness on Aug. 4.

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