Judge Continues to Seek Earlier Date for Murder Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 13, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing Sept. 13, a judge said a murder defendant could not get an earlier trial date before the summer of 2020.

Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 29-year-old Evan Williams on the 4000 Block of 3rd Street, SE in 2016. Chatman, 33, 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.

Chatman’s first trial date was scheduled for Oct. 1, 2018, however, the lead detective on the case was scheduled for surgery. A second trial date was set to begin on May 13 but DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson agreed to begin the trial on May 16, 2020, which will be Chatman’s third trial date.

DC Witness previously reported that, Judge Dayson agreed to the scheduling change after she concluded that a key witness was unfit to testify after speaking to the witness’s doctor.

It was not stated in court why Judge Dayson is looking for an earlier trial date.

Chatman’s defense counsel, Dominique Winters, argued that the defendant should be released because of the extended time between now and the new trial date. However, Judge Dayson denied her request and Chatman continues to be held without bail.

Counsel has until February of 2020 to file any motions and responses in the case.

A status hearing is set on Jan. 23, 2020.

Chatman’s trial readiness hearing is set on March 20, 2020.