Judge Finds Probable Cause For Stabbing Suspect

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 3, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

A man charged with murder was denied release after a DC Magistrate Judge found probable cause for the crime  on June 29.

Deon Crowell is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Joni Rockingham on the 300 block of 34th Street, NE in 2017. Rockingham, 53, was found dead with 73 stab wounds across her upper body.

Crowell, 49, apparently had a sexual relationship with Rockingham.

Judge Errol Arthur found probable cause based on Crowell’s actions leading up to the murder. Apparently, Crowell called Rockingham 11 times before she was reported dead. He also called her mother to ask if she was home.

Crowell’s defense lawyer Ieshaah Murphy led his defense with the fact that there were no eyewitnesses nor video footage that captured Rockingham’s death. Murphy also said the Metropolitan Police Department didn’t know when Rockingham, 53, was killed.

Murphy told Judge Arthur that there were five individuals who allegedly had motive to kill Rockingham. Murphy said one of these individuals,  identified as “Sean” in court documents, is known for kidnapping and killing people. Sean was not interviewed as a witness by the police.

However, the prosecution said Crowell’s initial interview with police left too many inconsistencies.

According to the prosecution, Crowell, 49, lied about having sexual relations with Rockingham. Crowell initially said they had intercourse, but later retracted that statement. The prosecution told Judge Arthur that they plan to administer DNA testing on a bloodied linen sheet, which police found at the crime scene.

Crowell is being held without bond. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 27.