Judge Grants Prosecution’s Request For Pretrial Hold in Murder Case

By Alesar Harfoush [former] - February 2, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Even though evidence weighed in the defendant’s favor, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the prosecution’s request for a pretrial hold to guarantee the community’s safety. 

On Feb.12, 2020, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a shooting on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE. Ky’lee Palmer is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault to kill while armed, possession of a firearm, tampering with physical evidence, and destruction of property worth $1,000 or more for allegedly shooting 60-year-old Barron Goodwin.  Palmer is also charged with kidnapping while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in another case. 

Palmer, 23, was not connected to the shooting until 2022 after he was arrested regarding an armed kidnapping. He also rejected a plea offer on Jan. 25 for murder and two of the eight charges from the two cases.  

During a felony status conference on Feb.1, Judge Raffinan changed  Palmer’s $500 cash bond to pre-trial detention. 

Judge Raffinan said she had serious concerns regarding Palmer’s criminal history and characteristics leading her to believe that pretrial detention is the right choice for the community’s safety even though the evidence provided is in Palmer’s favor.  

Attorney David Akulian, on behalf of Palmer, requested for a trial date to be set as soon as possible. 

Due to a conflict with Palmer’s other case, parties were not able to schedule a trial date. The defense will request a date after a pending trial for another case is resolved. 

A status hearing is scheduled for May 19.