Judge Continues Cases for Two 2020 Homicides

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 5, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Probation | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge continued two murder cases that opened in 2020.

Diamante Butler is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Antwon Duncan on June 28, 2020, on the 2600 block of Birney Place, SE.

The defense said they are waiting for an indictment in this case. They are also waiting for the defendant to be arraigned in another felony case, in which he is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession of a high capacity feeding device. Butler, 20, could not be arraigned during the Feb. 5 hearing because he was not present. 

The defense also said that jail calls are backed up, which has hindered the attorney’s ability to consult with his client. The attorney said he has filed motions related to this issue in other cases, but wanted to make the judge aware.

Butler’s next hearing is scheduled for May 19. 

Eric Beasley is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly striking 45-year-old David Farewell with his car near the 2100 block of Young Street, SE on Sept. 4, 2020. 

The 29-year-old defendant was on probation for assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon at the time of the homicide. He was sentenced to serve a total of three years with credit for time served, plus three years of supervised probation. 

Judge Julie Becker scheduled a probation hearing for Feb. 25. She also scheduled a status hearing in Beasley’s homicide case for May 24.