Judge Finds Probable Cause 38 Y/O Committed A Homicide in July

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 5, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a preliminary hearing, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause that a 38-year-old man was involved in a homicide that occurred over the summer.

Curtis Edwards is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 26-year-old James T. Eaton on the 300 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE on July 20, 2018. 

Judge Todd E. Edelman ordered Edwards be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program Feb. 5. Edwards is on 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring. He is also required to report for drug testing.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage, which showed a group of men talking on the sidewalk before an unidentified man suddenly drops. Although no faces can be seen in the video, the prosecution said the unidentified male is Eaton. The prosecution said Edwards shot Eaton in the back of the head.

The video also showed a short, bald man walking away from the scene. Prosecutors said that during the police investigation a witness identified the short man as Edwards. 

However, Edward’s defense attorney, Emily Stirba, said the witness is unreliable. Apparently, the witness had an open case at the time of the investigation and asked investigators for money and leniency before giving any information.

Stirba also said the video is “insufficient.” She said her client cannot be identified from a “blurry, pixelated video.” Stirba also noted that her client is not seen holding a gun in the video.

Ultimately, Judge Todd E. Edelman found probable cause that Edwards committed the murder. 

Edwards is scheduled for a felony status conference on May 3.

Thamar Bailey contributed to this article.