Judge Denies Release for Homicide Defendant

By Hunter Krienke [former] - July 19, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 19, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a release request for a homicide defendant following a discussion of his criminal record.

Bernard Eddy, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

In court, defense attorney Julie Swaney requested that Eddy be released so he could go to a stable housing situation with his mother in Maryland. Swaney mentioned that in 2022 Eddy was compliant with probation conditions following a conviction for carrying a pistol without a license.

Eddy has additionally been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon following an altercation while in the DC Jail. Swaney claimed that Eddy would have never been involved in the altercation if he was released and able to avoid trouble.

A prosecutor opposed the release, saying Eddy was seen on video before the shooting incident with the alleged murder weapon in his waistband. Following the shooting Eddy allegedly bragged about the murder in a second video.

Judge Raffinan denied the release request, concerned that the defendant’s criminal record and the evidence in the case didn’t make him eligible for returning to the community.

Parties are set for a status conference before Judge Raffinan on Sep. 29.