Judge Finds Probable Cause for January Murder

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 10, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a preliminary hearing July 10, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause that  a defendant was part of a gang-related murder.

Tavist Alston is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12. Alonzo Brown, 22, and Stephon Evans, 18, are also charged with first-degree-murder while armed in connection to Taylor’s death.

Judge Todd E. Edelman said the police investigation shows Alston’s involvement in Taylor’s death because it reveals that Alston purchased one of the murder weapons from another defendant, Carlos Turner, after the shooting. 

On May 14, Turner pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and conspiracy to commit a crime of violence for his role in the victim’s death. As of July 10, DC Courts does not show that a plea has been filed.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Alston drove a grey Impala, which police believe was involved in the homicide. Court documents state that the Impala drove the suspects to and from the Benning Courts Apartments located in Northeast, DC before and after the murder. 

“This [crime] involves two rival groups,” the prosecution said, adding “we believe [Alston] is a danger to the community and should be held.”

However, Marnitta L. King, Alston’s defense attorney, said there was only one witness who said Alston was in the vehicle.  

King said there is no proof that her client had any intention to kill. She told Judge Edelman that her client has been working at the airport to support his two children and requested that the judge release him under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

As King made the request, she motioned to the defendant’s family and friends, who filled the right side of the courtroom, in support of Alston.

Judge Edelman denied the request and ordered that Alston be held at DC Jail without bail.

Alston is slated to join two of the other defendants at a felony status conference on Oct. 3.