Judge Holds Homicide Defendant During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 28, 2021
Featured | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During initial hearings on May 27, DC Superior Court Judge Shelly Mulkey held a homicide defendant and two domestic violence defendants.

Aaron Kenon, 43, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 29-year-old Keith Frye on the 400 block of 8th Street, SE on May 8.

Defense counsel requested the judge to not find probable cause, saying it is clear from video evidence that Frye, not Kenon, was the aggressor and punched Kenon three times before he allegedly stabbed Frye . She argued there may be probable cause for voluntary manslaughter but not for second-degree murder.

Judge Mulkey did find probable cause. She said she was unwilling to find substantial probability for the charge. 

Defense counsel requested Kenon’s release, noting his significant ties to the community, including the many years he has worked at Eastern Market. She also noted that Kenon’s criminal history is mostly dated with more recent convictions being “very minimal” misdemeanors.

Judge Mulkey decided to hold the defendant, however.

She said she considered his ties to the community, but she is concerned about the behavior outlined in the case as well as 11 bench warrants that have been issued for his arrest in the past, 10 prior convictions and the weight of the evidence in the case.

Kenon’s next hearing is scheduled for June 16.

Judge Mulkey also held a defendant charged with simple assault, second-degree theft, destruction of property and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. The defendant has another pending domestic violence case which involves the same complaining witness, which he was also previously given a stay away order.

The judge decided to hold him pending his next hearing on June 16.

The judge also held one a defendant who is charged with simple assault.

Because he is pending trial in another domestic violence case, Judge Mulkey said she was concerned the defendant would not follow court orders.

His next hearing is scheduled for June 15.

Three additional defendants were released with orders to return to court on Nov. 30. Their charges include simple assault, destruction of property and sexual abuse. All three defendants were given orders to stay away from the alleged victims throughout the duration of their cases.