Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release Considering Past Offenses

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan
denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Nov. 27. 

Maurice Corbin, 45, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal-shooting that occurred on April 30 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street NE, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Dequan Gardner.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney argued for release because of Corbin’s social support network. According to Swaney, Corbin’s friend, who is a social worker, agreed to ensure Corbin could safely be released. 

The prosecution opposed release, arguing Corbin still remains a threat to victims and nothing has changed since he was indicted on these charges. 

The prosecution also argued Corbin allegedly committed this crime on supervised release for another crime, during which, according to court documents, he allegedly slit the throat of another individual.

Judge Raffinan denied this request due to the nature of the crime which was violent, citing specifically that the victim was unarmed.  She added Corbin has countless other offenses in DC and Maryland and noncompliance with supervision in multiple accounts.

Parties are set to reconvene Feb. 19.