Judge Denies Prosecution’s Motion to Continue Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 7, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge denied May 6 the prosecution’s request to delay a murder defendant’s trial.

Dewayne Chatman is charged with first-degree murder while armed and mayhem while armed, among other charges, for his alleged role in the death of 29-year-old Evan Williams on the 4000 Block of 3rd Street, SE in 2016.

According to court documents, an unidentified man was also shot in the process. Apparently, the man was shot in the head. He suffers from issues with his speech and balance.

Chatman’s trial is scheduled to begin on May 13.

During the hearing, the prosecution said they needed more time to investigate issues in the case. The prosecutor said there are “steps we need to take” and “things we need to follow up on.” The prosecutor didn’t disclose specifics about what she was referring to.

According to DC Courts, the prosecution filed a motion to continue on April 25.

Judge Danya Dayson said she would not be willing to grant the continuance and continue holding the defendant without bail solely based on the prosecution’s representations that they need additional time to investigate.

However, Judge Dayson said she may have a different stance if the prosecution had a witness availability issue.

According to the prosecution, they plan to call the unidentified man as a witness. However, the prosecutor said he has had two relapses recently and underwent surgery. She said it was likely the man may not be able to take the stand all day in his current condition.

Chatman is scheduled for a status hearing on May 8, when counsel is expected to discuss whether or not the witness would be able to take the stand.