Judge Discusses Final Matters with Parties as Trial Approaches

By Ashley Brown [former] - October 21, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan addressed final matters with parties presiding over a murder case as the trial approaches.

Rakeem Willis, 31, and Jonathan Winston, 33, are both charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, one count of conspiracy, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and one count of fleeing from a law enforcement officer in connection to the shootings of 26-year-old Sean Shuler, 26-year-old Javon Abney, and 24-year-old Tyrik Hagood on Jan. 26, 2019, on the 1500 block of Fort Davis Place, SE.

During the Oct. 21 hearing, Judge Ryan conducted “a quick status hearing,” where he settled any unaddressed questions and concerns prior to Willis and Winston’s upcoming trial.

Winston’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, inquired whether a cell site expert who will testify during the trial could appear via Webex. The prosecution concurred as did Judge Ryan.

According to court documents, phone records from the incident tying both defendants to the scene.

Parties are scheduled to return back to court on Oct. 24  as they begin the jury selection process and undergo trial.