Judge Finds Probable Cause in 2023 Homicide Case

By Aubree Tomasetti [former] - October 16, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled that the prosecutor’s evidence met the requirements for probable cause in a 2023 homicide case. 

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with one count of second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing and shooting of 36-year-old Orlando Galloway on April 2 on the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. An adult female victim was found in the apartment suffering from multiple stab wounds to her body, but survived.  

Prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to testify on his findings, including body-worn camera footage depicting officers entering the apartment where the incident occurred. The footage displays the female victim in distress repeating “Help,” and “He ran out the back door.” 

Prosecution also displayed footage of someone near the area fleeing on foot. Prosecution said that at the time of his arrest, Worthy was found in bloody clothes that were consistent with the ones pictured on the footage.

Worthy’s defense attorney, Christen Philips, argued that injuries Worthy had to his hands at the time of his arrest could be a sign he was acting in self defense. Philips also alleged one of the key witnesses may have been on drugs at the time of the incident. 

Judge O’Keefe ruled there was sufficient evidence for a probable cause ruling to be made. 

Judge O’Keefe denied a supervised release for Worthy, acknowledging the surviving victim’s life would be in extreme danger if Worthy was released. 

Parties are expected to reconvene Oct. 27 for a mental observation hearing.