Judge Finds Probable Cause in Northeast, DC Homicide Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 6, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Even though the defense questioned the creditability of a Metropolitan Police Department detective, a judge still found probable cause in a murder case.

Paul William Daniel is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 59-year-old Kevin Jerome Harrison on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE on Jan. 26, 2019. 

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found that because of testimony from a new witness and a possible motive, the burden has been met for probable cause.

During a preliminary hearing on Feb 6, Daniel’s defense attorney, John Fowler, said the detective didn’t adequately investigate the case, noting that she didn’t question witnesses in person, ask detailed questions and that she failed to verify stories that she heard from witnesses throughout her investigation. 

Fowler also said the forensic investigation on Daniel’s house and his car came up completely clean, with no evidence of blood, guns, drugs, or any other contraband.

 “I would call her a liar,” Fowler said, referencing a lack of forensic evidence. 

In addition, Fowler told the judge that the detective, in a previous case that is not related to the homicide, arrested and held the wrong man for 13 days.

 However, the prosecutor argued that the case in which the detective arrested the wrong person was not relevant.

Daniel is being held without bond.

Two felony status conferences are scheduled to occur on Feb. 13 in Judge Edelman’s courtroom and on April 3 in DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring‘s courtroom.

According to DC Courts, Edelman is supposed to hear about motions and a request from counsel regarding evidence.