DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson dismissed a conspiracy charge for a homicide defendant after a mandate from the Court of Appeals on April 10.
Derek Turner, 34, was sentenced on March 13, 2023 to more than 134 years for conspiracy, first-degree murder, among other charges related to his involvement insome a shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 1, 2017 on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. McPhatter succumbed to his injuries on March 5, 2017. Turner was also convicted of the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017 on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.
Ronnika Jennings, 47, was convicted and sentenced for accessory after fact for her involvement in the same incidents.
A ruling from the DC Court of Appeals filed on Feb. 26 remanded the conspiracy conviction, shortening Turner’s sentence by two years. Because the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to prove Jennings’ conviction, which was reversed. Because Jennings’ charge was dismissed, the related charge against Turner for allegedly conspiring with her was likewise dismissed.
Judge Dayson asked the prosecution and Turner’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, if they objected. Neither of them did.
No further dates were set.
