Judge Denies Defense’s Request for Witness ID

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 17, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

Defense attorneys in a co-defendant murder case said July 16 they needed access to one of the prosecution’s witnesses before proceeding to trial.

Jerrell Powell and Jeremiah Jordan are charged with first-degree murder while armed for the death of Antoine McCullough in 2016. According to prosecutors, one of the defendants shot McCullough, 30, on the 3500 block of 18th Street, SE after an argument.

Court documents state that the witness in question saw McCullough, 30, squaring off against someone, who may have been Jordan’s cousin, before the shooting. The witness also said McCullough and Jordan, 27, had a disagreement while playing craps, a dice game, earlier the same day.

The defense team argued that access to the witness would enable them to prepare an adequate defense. “It’s shocking to the mind,” said Brandi Harden, who represents Powell, 23. “I’ve never been this close to trial without knowing who the witnesses are.”

D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson said the defense will have access to the witness’ grand jury transcript. However, defense attorneys said the transcript does not have “complete information.” Dayson ordered the prosecution to turn over redacted information for the witness. However, the defense’s request for identification of the witness was denied.

A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for July 20. A jury trial is scheduled to begin on July 31.