Judge Denies Motion to Dismiss Indictment

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A DC Superior Court judge denied a murder defendant’s motion to dismiss his indictment.

Hakeem Burroughs, 28, is charged with first-degree murder, among other offenses, for his alleged role in the shooting of 22-year-old Jarell Walker on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE in 2016.

According to defense attorney Dominique Winters, the prosecution violated the defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial.

Apparently, the prosecution failed to obtain a second indictment, assess a cooperating witness’s “viability” and give the defense evidence about the witness. As a result, Winters said the delay for trial was “sought in bad faith.” Burroughs was initially scheduled to begin trial on May 21, 2018. 

During the March 29 hearing, Judge Danya Dayson said she did not find “good cause” to approve the motion to dismiss the indictment.

Burroughs’ trial is scheduled to begin on April 15.