Judge Finds Substantial Probability in First-Degree Murder Case

By Adriana Marroquin - April 19, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On April 19, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found substantial probability that David Howard committed first-degree murder in connection with an ongoing dispute.

Howard, 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Ali Zarrincalaki, 45, on March 2 on the 4200 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. Howard and Zarrincalaki were both experiencing homelessness and camping near one another close to the Petworth Metro Station. 

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Zarrincalaki at the Petworth Library with multiple stab wounds. Howard was detained by several bystanders as they awaited medical assistance for the victim. 

The lead detective for the investigation was brought forth by prosecutors to testify of his involvement in the on-going investigation. 

Video footage of the incident shows Zarrincalaki sitting at a computer in the library when Howard arrives. Howard is then seen approaching Zarrincalaki and apparently stabbing him multiple times, with other bystanders running away or trying to stop him from injuring Zarrincalaki any further. 

While the video played and the defendant was seen entering the area, the detective told the court “that’s the defendant walking in”. When the video portrays Howard allegedly stabbing Zarrincalaki, the detective told the court “there he is, stabbing the decedent.”

During cross examination, Howard’s defense attorney Madalyn Harvey, questioned the detective regarding Howard’s mental health history. According to the detective, Howard’s mental history was not something he looked into, but, during the initial interview, Howard was making bizarre statements and not acting rationally. 

The detective testified that 3-4 weeks before the murder, Zarrincalaki reported to MPD officers that Howard had set his tent on fire. 

Following the detective’s testimony, Harvey asked the court to understand that, at the time of the incident, Howard was not mentally stable and was unaware of what he was doing. She argued that due to his mental state, he would not have been able to plan the murder.  Harvey requested that the judge not find probable cause for a first-degree murder. 

Judge Demeo alerted the parties that, based on the evidence provided to the court, she found substantial probability that Howard had committed first-degree murder. 

She explained that due to the nature and circumstances of the offense, there are no release conditions that would ensure  safety of the community, and the defendant’s  long criminal history shows he’s potentially dangerous. 

Parties are expected back for a felony status conference on June 2.