Judge Finds Probable Cause in December Homicide

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A D.C. Superior Court judge found probable cause Jan. 7 that a 16-year-old murder defendant was involved in a December homicide.

Malik Holston is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 15-year-old Gerald Watson in an apartment building on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE in December. Holston is being charged as an adult.

During the preliminary hearing, a detective testified about two key witnesses in the case. A witness, who was standing outside the apartment building, said Watson being chased into the building by Holston and an unidentified male. The witness said both men were wearing ski masks, according to the detective. The witness also recognized Holston because the defendant was allegedly involved in a string of shootings over the past six months, the detective said.

It’s unclear if the unidentified male was arrested in connection to Watson’s death.

Another witness saw Holston prior to the shooting on Hartford Street wearing a rolled up black ski mask. According to the detective, the witness later heard two gunshots. The detective said the witness, who was smoking crack cocaine at the time, saw Holston with a gun.

Judge Milton Lee found probable cause based on the detective’s testimony as well as surveillance footage that corroborated the witnesses’ accounts. Judge Lee also ordered Holston held without bond, noting the defendant was involved in multiple instances of gun violence over the course of six months.

Holston is scheduled for a felony status conference on April 26.