Judge Continues Murder Trial Date and Warns Defendant to Stay in Release Compliance

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On Nov. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted defense’s motion to continue a trial date in a homicide case and denied the prosecution’s request to detain the defendant.

Terrance Barnes, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the death of 57-year-old Barry Holmes, on April 17, 2019. The incident occurred on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Barnes’ defense attorneys, Pierce Suen and Molly Bunke, argued they would not be available for the original trial date of Jan. 30, and needed more time to conduct further DNA evidence testing. Judge Raffinan granted the motion and the new trial is expected to start July 28, 2025.

Prosecution requested Barnes be detained due to his failure to report for drug testing and a substance abuse assessment.

Barnes’ defense attorneys rebutted he had been given multiple dates to attend by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and had alerted them he wasn’t feeling for one of those appointments.

Barnes told the judge he had been showing up on one scheduled day per week and did not know if he was expected to show up on a different day.

Judge Raffinan warned Barnes he was at risk of detention if he did not show up for his next substance abuse assessment that is scheduled for Nov. 29.

Parties are expected to reconvene Jan. 10 to continue the motions hearing.

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