Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release 

By Grace Nardei , Payton Anderson - February 28, 2024
Daily Stories | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request for release.

Tywan Morris, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021, at the 2800 block of Alabama Ave. SE. 

Morris’ partner, Key Juan Sinclair, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in the stabbing.

According to court documents, Sinclair allegedly received the knife from Morris and began approaching the victim. Morris then took the weapon back from Sinclair and allegedly stabbed Stuckey.

At the status hearing, Morris’ defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, motioned for his release, arguing that Morris had received a recent offer of employment. 

The defense said this offer, in addition to confirmation of his “good behavior” in a letter from the jail, is sufficient evidence to show that he can be compliant with release conditions. 

“Morris has been in fairly good compliance with his conditions,” Kiersh said. “This letter represents not only good but exemplary conduct.” 

The prosecution responded by stating that Morris was previously put on release for this case until the court found probable cause for his involvement in obstruction of justice when he allegedly “bribed” a witness not to come to court to testify. 

According to the prosecution, the fact that probable cause was found in this indicates that “he has not been compliant.” 

The prosecution stated that it should cause the court “deep concern” that the employment offer arrived just before the status hearing.

“The fact that this offer of employment came just before the hearing, despite him having been on release for years, shows timing that is notable,” the prosecution said. 

Morris was re-arrested on Nov. 17, 2023, when prosecutors requested the judge revoke his release for alleged witness tampering in this case. 

Kiersh responded by stating that video footage of the crime allegedly showed clear signs of self-defense, which convinced DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to release Morris. 

Kiersh also highlighted the domestic responsibilities Morris has, noting he and Sinclair share a child together. 

“Morris being a father does not move the ball in terms of his defense, as this murder occurred in front of the [victim’s] young child,” the prosecution countered.

Judge Raffinan concluded that, because of Morris’ conspiracy and obstruction of justice charges, she would not be granting him release in this matter. 

“In light of the probable cause of the obstruction of justice, even taking into consideration Morris’ good behavior at the jail and the new offer of employment, I am denying Morris’ request for release conditions,” the judge said.  

Parties are slated to return on April 5.