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By
Karina Bar
- June 6, 2025
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Robert D. Okun denied multiple motions filed by a mass shooting defendant without his attorney during a June 4 hearing.
Antonio Murchison, 32, was convicted of conspiracy, first-degree murder premeditated while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a drive-by shooting on July 16, 2018 that killed ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four other victims on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE.
During the hearing, Murchison described several motions he filed without assistance from his attorney, including a motion for a new trial, ineffective representation by his attorney, exclusions in the finalization of picking the jury, and wanting to represent himself without an attorney.
Overall, Murchison stated that he wants a postponement of his sentence so that he can properly prepare in a fair manner.
Murchison claims his prior attorneys, Michael Bruckheim and Steven Ogelvie, were ineffective and unhelpful especially when it came to including him in the finalization of the jury selection and delays in getting him trial transcriptions which led Murchison to feel unprepared.
Murchison’s current attorney, Daniel Kovler, acknowledged logistical challenges in providing electronic discovery of evidence to inmates, citing only seven available computers in the jail and significant delays in the system. The prosecutor argued Murchison was not entitled to the transcripts he demanded.
Judge Okun denied Murchison’s motion for a new trial, ruling that it was filed more than six months after the verdict and was therefore untimely. He also rejected Murchison’s claims of ineffective counsel and his request to represent himself, explaining that these claims were premature because they apply only to those already serving a sentence.
Judge Okun concluded by stating that this crime occurred nearly seven years ago and that no additional time would be granted to reconsider the case.
Murchison’s sentencing is scheduled for July 10, and Judge Okun alerted him it’ll go through with or without his presence.