Judge Continues Bond Review for Homicide Defendant

By Russell Schwartz [former] - July 7, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo continued a bond review for a 2021 homicide.  

Brianca Phillips, 25, was indicted on three charges which included conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. 

During the July 1 hearing, the prosecution told the court that Phillips appeared in a photo moments before the shooting with the two men who were also charged with Allen’s homicide. The men in the photo were pictured holding guns, according to the prosecution. 

Prosecutors told the court that Phillips was the one who “kicked off the homicide” 

The prosecution argued that Phillips’ past history was more extensive since she had two prior arrests for simple assault. 

The prosecution also argued that her connection to the murder of Allen was deeper than the defense was claiming. 

Phillips’ defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, argued that due to Phillips’ “minimal, minimal criminal history” and the judge’s past “belief that she had a strong argument for release,” the defendant should be granted pre-trial release.

Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of gunshots from the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE on the evening of Jan. 18, 2021, according to court documents. Upon arrival, officers found three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. After being transported to the hospital, two of the victims survived the incident but Terrence Allen, 31, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Phillips is scheduled to appear back in court on July 8 when Judge Demeo is slated to make her decision.