Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

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A murder defendant’s request for release because of COVID-19 was denied by two DC Superior Court judges.

Marcus Whitaker, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the murder of 22-year-old David Hart at an apartment complex on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE in July of 2018.

Even though the defendant’s hearing was presided by Judge Michael Ryan, Judge Michael O’Keefe denied the defendant’s motion on May 13.

Whitaker’s case was heard on May 14 so that considerations for a medical plan could be decided because the defendant had tested positive for the coronavirus and was very ill.

This was the second time Whitaker’s request for release was denied. The motion was initially filed on April 9 and was originally denied by Judge Ronna L. Beck on April 24.

A status hearing is scheduled for July 17.

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