Judge Denies Defendant’s Motion to Withdraw Counsel in Murder Case.

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Due to high prejudice to the prosecution, case complexity and inconvenience for all parties involved, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied the defense’s motion to withdraw counsel in a murder case involving six defendants. 

Twenty-five–year-old Quentin Michals, along with Qujuan Thomas, 24; Antonio Murchison, 29; Gregory Taylor,22; Marquell Cobbs,20;  Darrise Jeffers,23; Isaiah Murchison, 22; and Mark Price, 28, are charged with first-degree murder, criminal street gang affiliation, possession of a firearm and 19 other charges in relation to a shooting that resulted in the death of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson on July 16, 2018. The shooting took place on the 300 block of 53rd Street, NE and wounded several other bystanders. 

Defense attorneys Errin Scialpi and Karen Minor filed a motion to withdraw as counsel on behalf of Michals. But, Judge Okun denied the motion to withdraw since the factors to deny the motion strongly outweighed the factors to grant motion.  

Michals’ attorneys continued to push the motion, expressing concern that Michals needs an attorney who he is comfortable with as the trial date approaches. 

“For your own sake work with them as closely as you can,” Judge Okun told Michals.

The trial date is scheduled for Feb. 6. 

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