Judge Denies Motions for Release And Dismissal in 2020 Homicide Case 

By Aubree Tomasetti [former] - November 13, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Nov. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied motions to release a 2020 homicide defendant and dismiss the case. 

Deon Walters, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2020 death of 42-year-old Arthur Daniels IV. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of 8th Street, NW. 

Walters’ defense attorney, Candace Mitchell, argued Walters constitutional right to a speedy trial had been violated. Mitchell stated Walters’ trial had continuously been pushed back, with the original date of Oct. 30 changed to March 4, 2024–some four years after the murder. In effect, that the case should be dismissed.

Mitchell also stated Walters was the victim of multiple assaults in jail and had a large community who could provide support to him.

Prosecutors countered saying Walters had not demonstrated he could safely enter the community and that his transfer from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) to the DC jail was due to an assault he allegedly committed.

Prosecutors stated, “Nothing has changed in his dangerousness since the preliminary hearing,” on Feb. 19, 2021. 

Judge Raffinan ruled Walters’ right to a speedy trial had not been violated, and deemed him unfit to safely enter the community, thus denying the defense motions. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Nov. 30