Judge Holds 4 of 19 Defendants During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 4, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

On Dec. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur released 15 defendants and held 4 at DC Jail during initial hearings. 

Antoine Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 34 year-old Demetrius Benson and 23 year-old Demeitri Anderson. 

Benson was shot on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE on Nov. 3. Anderson was shot on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE on Nov. 29. 

Defense attorney Dana Page argued that there is nothing more than a vague clothing description that ties Turner, 27, to both shootings. However, Judge Arthur said there was a fair amount of circumstantial evidence for probable cause and decided to hold him. 

Judge Arthur scheduled Turner’s next hearing for Dec. 23. 

Gregory McPhaul is charged with robbery. 

Judge Arthur decided to hold McPhaul, 18, due to the nature and circumstances of the case. According to the police report, McPhaul took a backpack with its belongings from the victim and said “don’t make me shoot you.”

His next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 23.

Two defendants were held in their respective domestic violence cases. One of them is charged with a misdemeanor for arson for allegedly barricading a family member in a bathroom before setting it on fire. 

The other domestic violence defendant, a 21-year-old male, is charged with a misdemeanor for assault with a dangerous weapon and was held due to repeated violations of a stay away order along with having two other pending cases.

Judge Arthur released five defendants charged in felony cases. The charges include possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device. Three of the defendants were ordered not to be in possession of firearms. One of the defendants was placed into the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP), and two of the defendants were given stay away orders. 

Two domestic violence defendants were released by Judge Arthur. One of the defendants is charged with misdemeanors for simple assault and destruction of property; the other defendant is charged with a misdemeanor for simple assault. Both were ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and were given stay away orders. One of the defendants was also given a no Harass, Assault, Threaten or Stalk (HATS) order. 

Judge Arthur released five defendants in fugitive from justice cases. All of the defendants were released with orders to turn themselves in to take care of their outstanding warrants. Two of the fugitives also picked up new charges which included destruction of property less than $1,000 and unauthorized use of a vehicle. They were given stay away orders and told to report to the PSA. 

Judge Arthur released two defendants in misdemeanor cases. The charges include assault on a police officer, simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. They must report to the PSA, and one defendant was given a no HATS order. 

Finally, Judge Arthur released a defendant charged with a DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired. He must report to the PSA and was ordered not to drive without a valid license. 

This article was written by Saif Habboub