Judge Denies All Motions from Defense in 2017 Homicide Case

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During an Oct. 13 hearing, DC Superior Court Maribeth Raffinan denied all pre-trial motions requested by a defense attorney.

James Mayfield, and Robert Moses, 23, are charged with first-degree murder, assault with the intent to kill, and aggravated assault while armed for allegedly shooting 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor and wounding three bystanders. Sydnor later succumbed to her injuries. The incident occurred at the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenue, NE on Aug. 10, 2017.

Mayfield’s defense attorney, Veronica Holt, requested sanctions against prosecutors. Holt stated the prosecution violated rules of preservation and disclosure of valuable evidence.

Holt also motioned for additional questions in the jury selection process to prevent racial bias. She said the case was sensitive as it surrounded young African American men, gun violence, and references to “street crews.”

Judge Raffinan denied the motioned, saying attorneys could ask follow-up questions to individual jurors about racial bias.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Oct. 17.