Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case 

By Lexie Manning [former] - December 18, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 14, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe found a homicide defendant’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Darrell Hinkle, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 32-year-old Dajuan Blakney on April 21 on the 1500 block of 19th Street, SE. 

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police (MPD) went to the reported location after being dispatched for the sounds of gunshots. Police found Blakney lying on the steps in front of a building. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. A witness reached out to MPD and stated he was aware that Blakney and Hinkle had been “beefing” for a while. 

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective, who identified Hinkle as the suspect. 

The prosecution provided surveillance footage depicting the scene of the crime at the time of the shooting. In the footage, a man identified by the detective as Hinkle is shown approaching Blakney with a firearm in his hand. The footage then allegedly shows Hinkle firing the gun as multiple flashes of light come from the weapon and Blakney slumps to the ground.  

During cross-examination, defense attorney Michael Bruckheim made note that the video has no volume and there is no way to tell what is being said between the two individuals. 

According to the prosecution, probable cause is appropriate since there is video footage of the defendant shooting the victim and there is no evidence that the victim had a weapon, “The decedent was held at gunpoint.” 

Judge O’Keefe found that there is “more than probable cause that Hinkle was the person who killed Dajuan Blakney.” 

The judge also denied the defense’s request for release, stating there were no conditions that could “protect the community.” 

Parties are expected back July 2024.