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By
Allyson Nelles
- April 3, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied multiple motions for severance requested by three homicide co-defendants in a high profile case on April 2.
Johnny Wilkins, 34, Marcel Gavin, 37, Kharee Jackson, 31, Earl Robinson, 32, and Darryl Little, 30, are charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith, Jr. on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Smith, a Tennessee rap artist, was on a visit to DC when he was attacked.
“Smith was killed, another member of his group was also shot, and two more victims were pistol whipped and robbed by the four other defendants and other members of the Congress Park Group, robbing each of them of approximately $20,000,” according to a 2023 release from the US Attorney’s Office.
Gavin, Little, and Robinson requested severance due to alleged violations of a speedy trial. Judge Park emphasized that the investigation is going to be lengthy and complex, and the trial is expected to last a month. The delays cannot be fully blamed on the prosecution, according to Judge Park.
Judge Park denied severance for the defendants, and furthered the matter towards trial, tentatively set for August of 2026.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 18.