Judge Continues 2016 Murder Trial, Per Prosecution’s Request

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 17, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

Based on a witness’s state of mind, a judge granted a prosecutor’s motion for a continuance of a murder trial on May 16.

Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 29-year-old Evan Williams on the 4000 Block of 3rd Street, SE in 2016. Chatman’s trial was initially scheduled to begin on May 13. Chatman, 32, is also charged with mayhem while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill while armed, malicious disfigurement while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, threat to kidnap or injure a person and obstructing justice

After speaking with the witness’s doctor, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson agreed that the witness was unfit to testify. Apparently, the doctor said the witness has undergone six brain surgeries and is experiencing issues with his memory, among other things. Judge Dayson said the doctor expects to see improvement in the witness’s overall stature in the future.

Chatman’s trial was continued to May 18, 2020.

The defense unsuccessfully argued against the ruling, saying that the witness was on the same drugs and experiencing the same issues back in 2016 when he testified in front of a grand jury. Defense attorney, Dominique Winters, pointed out that the witness has testified in two grand juries and that he had a short interview with police that was caught on body worn footage. Winters said that the prosecution could use the footage and grand jury transcripts in lieu of him taking the stand.

According to DC Courts, this is Chatman’s third trial date. Chatman was initially scheduled to go to trial on Oct. 1, 2018. However, the case was ultimately continued to May 13 because the lead detective on the case was having surgery, according to the prosecution.

D.C. Witness previously reported, on May 7, that Judge  Dayson denied the prosecution’s request for a continuance. Apparently, the prosecution requested additional time because they need to do additional investigative work.

Given the court’s ruling, Winters argued for her client’s release. Winters suggested that her client, who is being held without bail, be placed on home confinement or at a half-way house. She said that the defense will not consider plea negotiations because Chatman is innocent.

Judge Dayson denied the defense’s request and noted that while Chatman doesn’t have a violent criminal history, he does have a history of non-compliance. Judge Dayson said while Chatman was on supervised release for unrelated cases he loss contact with pretrial services and tested positive for drugs.

According to DC Courts, Chatman has two felony conviction including a 2009 bail reform act violation and 2010 attempted distribution of a controlled substance. Chatman also has a 2009 misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance conviction.

Chatman is scheduled for a status hearing on Aug. 16.