Judge Holds 2 Murder Defendants During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 4, 2021
Featured | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During initial hearings on March 2, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held two defendants charged with first-degree murder.

Overall, 28 defendants were presented before the judge, and seven of these had charges involving domestic violence, sex abuse or homicide.

Sean Howard III is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the killing of 20-year-old Ibrahim Sesay. Howard, 18, allegedly shot Sesay in the face while attempting to rob him at a gas station on the 1300 block of 9th Street, NW on Jan. 6.

Defense counsel argued against probable cause and said the question is whether or not Howard actually participated in the killing of Sesay as there were multiple people involved and the police have arrested another suspect.

Judge Herrmann did find probable cause and decided to hold the defendant pending his next hearing on March 24.

Judge Herrmann held Joshua Young who is charged with first-degree murder while armed. Young, 21, allegedly stabbed 50-year-old Walter Lee Rogers on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Feb. 21. 

The judge found probable cause in the case and decided to hold Young until his next hearing, which is scheduled for March 24.

Finally, the judge held a domestic violence defendant who is charged with attempted threats to do bodily harm and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. The defendant was also brought in on three bench warrants for failing to appear at his hearings.

The defendant was released in his new case but held on his bench warrant to see the presiding judge in his other cases. His next hearing is scheduled for March 9.

Additionally, four defendants were released by the judge. The charges for these cases include fourth-degree sex abuse, simple assault, destruction of property, attempted threats to do bodily harm and obstruction of justice.

All of the defendants were given stay-away orders and ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They will return to court in August.