Judge Finds Probable Cause in Light of Defendant’s Self Defense Claim

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 17, 2018
Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Even though defense counsel recently claimed the alleged stabbing death of a known drug dealer was in self defense, a DC judge recently found probable cause for the murder.

Fredrick Nowlin allegedly stabbed Andre “Dre” Butler on March 22 in a residence on the 900 block of Mt. Olivet Road, NE. Nowlin then fled the scene after being threatened with a rake by another resident who lived in the home, according to court documents.

According to the defense, Butler was known to be violent and unstable. Defense attorney Mani Golzari added that probable cause could not be found because the prosecution’s witnesses were “unreliable due to mental illness and drug abuse.”

However, the prosecution said there was no evidence that Nowlin knew Butler was violent.

Washington, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff said May 17 the prosecution presented enough evidence to justify the need for a murder trial for Nowlin, who is also known in the community as JR.

Nowlin is scheduled for a status hearing on July 13.