Judge Denies Defense’s Motion to Dismiss Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 29, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

As a reason to motion for a murder case to be dismissed, an attorney said the prosecution did not disclose information that was needed to prepare an adequate argument for defense.

Keith Sweptson, 29, allegedly beat Yusef Turner, 33, to death at a laundromat located on the 3500 block of Georgia Ave., NW.

On Nov. 28, the defense said the prosecution failed to disclose witnesses’ identities and surveillance footage of the crime.

“Analyzing these witnesses is a part of the job, and without the information, that only the government can provide for me, I am unable to do that,” the defense attorney, John Fowler, told DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe. 

The prosecution said disclosing witnesses’ personal information was against the law, and the government could not allow their safety to be jeopardized.

Judge Iscoe denied the defense’s motion for dismissal and ordered the prosecution to release the footage as soon as possible.

Terms for a protective order regarding witnesses’ identities were discussed. The prosecution is required to file an order immediately.  

The defendant was also offered a plea agreement for voluntary manslaughter. If accepted, Sweptson could serve a sentence between 8.5-16 years in prison.

The plea agreement is slated to be discussed when the hearing continues on Jan. 25.