Judge Grants Request to Reopen Preliminary Hearing Following New Evidence

By Ying He [former] , Hunter Krienke [former] - July 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 18, D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a defense request to reopen a preliminary hearing after new witnesses were located.

Jermall Johnson, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed while co-defendant Rafeal Stevens, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh around the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE, on December 29, 2022.

During the hearing, Steven’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, made a request to reopen the preliminary hearing as he said new evidence would show that there is no probable cause in the case.

Tulley argued that two new witnesses who were not known at the time would show that Stevens and Johnson acted in self-defense with Umoh’s being the aggressor.

The prosecutor objected, arguing that the defense did not notify them about the new evidence. Further, the evidence would be insufficient or untrustworthy unless the defense revealed what information the witnesses would present in court. 

The prosecutor reviewed the evidence found at the scene. They argue Johnson, Stevens, and Umoh allegedly got into an argument at a liquor store; Stevens shot the victim in the chest and that Johnson and Stevens were the initial aggressors. 

Tulley countered saying the video presented at the previous hearing did not have audio. According to the defense, the new witnesses believe Umoh was acting in a threatening manner that initiated the conflict.

Parties are set for a second preliminary hearing before Judge Raffinan on Aug. 21, to hear from the new witnesses.