Judge Denies Request to Release Murder Defendant

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A DC Superior Court judge denied a request to release a murder defendant into home confinement. 

Knico Wheaton is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Tavon Cox on Jan. 11, 2020, on the 700 block of 24th Street, SE. 

Wheaton is also charged with obstruction of justice, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and robbery while armed in this case.

During the Sept. 21 hearing, Judge Milton Lee denied defense attorney David Ritcher’s request to release his client, who he pointed out has been held at DC Jail for more than a year now. Judge Lee cited the 24-year-old defendant’s criminal record and the probable cause finding made earlier in the case. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 22 for a status hearing.