Judge Grants Trial Postponement Due To Defendant's Slow Coma Recovery

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DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a defendant’s motion to vacate a previously scheduled trial date in July due to his slow recovery from a comatose state.

Robert Henson, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Richard Lee Dudley, 37, on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE.

On May 29, David Knight, Henson’s defense attorney, argued that it was “not practical” to have a trial date in July due to Henson’s poor health. The defendant reported to court via WebEx speaking with a feeble voice.

The prosecution did not oppose, but added that they would like to bring Henson’s doctor to court in order to better understand his medical situation and determine the accommodations necessary for trial.

Judge Demeo agreed with both sides on postponing the trial date, citing the defendant’s medical records and his weak health condition. “It really is not feasible,” she stated.

A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 4.

Judge Grants Trial Postponement Due To Defendant’s Slow Coma Recovery