Judge Denies Motion for Release in Homicide Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ruled that because of the severity of the charges, and the volume of evidence in the prosecution’s favor, he could not grant a murder defendant release.

Christian Johnson, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the shooting of 25-year-old Lavonte McCloud on Nov. 25 on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

During the hearing Sept. 15, Dominique Winters submitted a motion to release Johnson under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), noting that Johnson turned himself in and according to Winters he only learned of the warrant for his arrest shortly before turning himself in.

This fact, Winters argued, “shows that he has respect for the law and is not afraid to answer for these charges.”

Because of some setbacks in previous proceedings, Winters said, this hearing was the first time Johnson’s detention had been reviewed by an associate judge.

She argued that Johnson’s history, having been on probation twice before with perfect compliance and not having any previous violent charges, “shows that he can and will abide by the court’s directive” if granted conditional release.

“He has a history of doing very well under supervision,” Winters said, and he has previously held full-time jobs and been productive in his community. She also provided the court with letters of support from his family and friends.

Winters said that it was “a motion that should’ve been before the court much sooner,” Johnson having been arrested 9-months ago.

Judge Okun agreed.

Winters then asked for home confinement for Johnson, which Judge Okun also denied.

Johnson continues to be held at the DC Jail. The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 10.