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By
Drake Poe
, Robert Crear - June 10, 2025
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ruled to keep a homicide defendant in custody before his trial on June 6 because of safety concerns for the community.
Derek Turrentine, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old James Price on Sept. 15, 2024 on the 400 block 50th Street, NW.
According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located the victim in an alleyway suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Shawn Sukumar, Turrentine’s attorney, requested to release Turrentine into a residential treatment program and then be placed into 24 hour surveillance home release as the least restrictive means of detention. Sukumar argued that Turrentine has important ties to the community and has every incentive to follow the conditions.
“The weight of the evidence is quite strong,” countered the prosecution. He claimed that Turrentine has support for release but his release can’t ensure the safety of the community.
The prosecution also brought up Turrentine’s past charges of possession of PCP and carrying a firearm without a license. According to the prosecution, Turrentine was determined under the influence of PCP during the crime which enhanced its violent nature.
Judge Edelman agreed that there are no conditions of release for ensuring the safety of the community and concluded that Turrentine should be put in detention before his trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 11.