Judge Denies Defense Motion for GPS Removal

By McKenna Bryant , Grace Nardei [former] - January 25, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing |

On Jan. 24, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied the defense’s request to remove a murder defendant’s GPS monitoring device.

Julian Ruffin, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee. The incident occurred on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE, on Oct. 7, 2022. 

Ruffin’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, motioned for the removal of the defendant’s GPS monitor, saying the device is a burden for the defendant. Irving stated Ruffin is “here to assert his innocence” and argued that the incident is a self-defense case. 

“There is no reason for the GPS,” Irving said.

Prosecution opposed the motion, stating the GPS was necessary for community safety and that the defendant has a history of criminal assault.

Judge Raffinan ultimately denied the defense’s motion for changing Ruffin’s condition of release.

Prosecution outlined materials recovered from the case and reviewed the results of their DNA testing. The evidence included a blood-stained knife, a blood-stained shirt, shoes, and phones. 

The prosecution’s testing revealed Ruffin’s DNA and Lee’s DNA were allegedly found on the knife and the blood-stained shirt.

Ruffin waived the right to independent testing of the materials recovered in the case.

Next hearing is scheduled for April 2.