Judge Denies Severance Request in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 25, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a defense motion to try two murder defendants separately in a hearing on Aug. 25th.

Terrance Oxner, 23, and Aaron Adgerson, 19, are both charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for their connection to a mass shooting on the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE. The shooting resulted in the death of Edward Wade, 22, on Jan. 25, 2021.

Oxner is facing additional charges for crimes allegedly committed while he was on release.  Adgerson is also accused of conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with significant bodily injury while armed. 

Meanwhile, Adgerson is facing a new indictment filed this month including charges of premeditated murder and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.   

Adgerson’s defense maintains that his case has been prejudiced by the long delay between arrest and trial.  However, Judge Okun says the postponements were not the government’s fault, citing the pandemic as an unavoidable circumstance.  

Adgerson’s lawyers also wanted Judge Okun to try Adgerson and Oxner separately for the 2021 incident–a request that was declined as well as a motion for release.  

Judge Okun set a new trial date for the pair on June 2, 2025.