Judge Grants Defense Request to Reschedule Murder Trial

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On March 27, defense attorney Joseph Yarbough requested to reschedule a July 2025 trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal O’Keefe.

Samuel Mack, 57, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Erica Ward. The shooting occurred in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Dec. 30, 2020.

Mack’s defense attorney requested a new trial date because he had another trial during that time period. Judge O’Keefe agreed to the request to reschedule the trial date.

After all parties discussed their availability, a new trial date was scheduled for Aug. 4, 2025.

The next status hearing is set for Oct. 11.

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