Judge Continues Hearing, Gives Defense More Time to Review Evidence

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 18, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A defense attorney in a murder case requested a continuance Jan. 18, saying she needs more time to review evidence. A DC Superior Court judge granted the request and scheduled an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing on Feb. 8.

Mario Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 22-year-old Jonathan Vilchez on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017. D.C. Witness previously reported that a detective on the case said the men were in the same street gang.

According to court documents, surveillance footage shows Alfaro, 24, in a convenience store mouthing something to Vilchez. Both men then pull out guns, and Vilchez shot Alfaro, first. As Alfaro left the store, he fired multiple shots at the decedent before running away.

Police subsequently found a blood trail which led them to the murder weapon, which was located inside a dumpster. The trail also led them to Alfaro who was suffering from gunshot wounds, the documents said.

In November, the prosecution notified the court that they do not plan to test any evidence in the case. As a result, they requested an IPA hearing, when the court would formally inquire whether or not a defendant wants to conduct independent testing of evidence.

During the hearing, Alfaro’s defense attorney, Dinah Manning, said she needs additional time to review the materials and advise her client.

In turn, the prosecution said they don’t object to the continuance, but noted continuous delays could result in a postponed trial date.

Alfaro is scheduled to go to trial on Aug. 19.