Judge Finds Probable Cause for Second Suspect in April Homicide

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 24, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During an arraignment Aug. 22, a magistrate judge found probable cause that a second man was involved in an April homicide.

Kevin Carter, 30, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder for his connection in the death of 33-year-old Yusef Turner on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Keith Sweptson is also charged with Turner’s death. Sweptson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder.

During his arraignment, Carter pleaded not guilty.

Subsequently, Steven Ogilvie, Carter’s defense attorney, argued that the judge couldn’t find probable cause because the police relied on unreliable witnesses to identify the defendant.

According to Ogilvie, one witness relied on “street rumors” to implicate Carter and couldn’t name the direct source who started the rumor. Ogilvie said another witness was “financially motivated” to implicate Carter. Apparently, the witness did not identify Carter until after hearing about the financial reward. 

Judge Sean Staples ordered that Carter be held without bond due to the severity of the charges and his criminal history. According to the DC Courts, Carter has two prior felony convictions for drug charges in 2006 and 2008.

Carter is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 31. Sweptson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 17.