Judge denies severance for Matthew Roth case

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 10, 2017
Homicides | Suspects |

A request by two defendants to have their murder cases separated before trial was denied by a judge.

Ryan Thompson and Rasheed Murray requested severance in their trial for the alleged murder of Matthew Roth.

In July of 2015, Rasheed Murray and Ryan Thompson were allegedly drag racing when Murray lost control of his car and struck and killed Roth.

During the hearing, the two suspect’s attorneys requested severance in order to avoid the possibility of unfair decision by the jury. The prosecution made arguments against the severance, including the argument that Roth’s family should not have to sit through a trial more than once.

Murray and Thompson’s trial will be held in September of next year.