Judge Holds Murder Defendant and Domestic Violence Defendant During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 21, 2021
Featured | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On April 19, a DC Superior Court judge held a defendant charged with second-degree murder and a defendant charged with a felony in a domestic violence case. 

In total, there were 20 cases presented before the court with an additional two defendants who were in the hospital, so their cases could not be heard. 

Nathan Hunter, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 44-year-old Ronald McKnight on April 18 on the 1600 block of 7th Street, NW. 

According to the police report, on the day of the homicide, a manager at the DC International Hostel reported to authorities that a male victim was bleeding inside of a bathroom. The male victim was identified as McKnight who was suffering from gunshot wounds to the left side of the head. 

Hunter’s defense attorney argued that there may be probable cause for manslaughter but not second-degree murder.

She said that it is clear from the defendant’s accounts that there was a physical confrontation where both Hunter and McKnight were injured. She said McKnight was the aggressor since he entered the bathroom with a bag that contained a gun. Hunter was then able to take the gun away from McKnight and shot him. 

Judge Lloyd Nolan did find probable cause in this case after the prosecution said that Hunter’s accounts are not consistent with police reports and the autopsy report. For example, Hunter said he allegedly shot McKnight one time, but the autopsy report showed that McKnight had four gunshot wounds. The prosecution also pointed out that Hunter had minimal injuries during the altercation. 

Hunter’s defense attorney requested for the defendant to be released considering that he does not have a lengthy criminal record and because he turned himself in to the authorities after the homicide occurred, which suggests that there is no risk of flight. 

Judge Nolan decided to hold the defendant, saying Hunter has violated the conditions of release in his past cases which suggests that releasing him in this case under conditions would not be appropriate. 

A felony status conference is scheduled for May 10. 

Judge Nolan also held a defendant charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in a domestic violence case. 

The defense attorney argued that the defendant has a good track record of completing probation periods which suggests that he can comply with conditions of release. 

The prosecution asked for the defendant to be held considering the violent nature of the crime.

Judge Nolan said that even though the defendant may not have been the initial aggressor in this case, he elevated the situation by pulling a knife on his girlfriend and stabbing her in the back of the head. The defendant also has a history of violence including charges for attempted threats.

This defendant’s next hearing is scheduled for May 10. 

Judge Nolan released eight defendants charged in domestic violence cases. Stay-away orders were issued for all eight defendants as a condition of release and, they were also ordered them to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week. 

Five of these defendants are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 25. The others are scheduled to return to court in May. 

Dalvyn Velez wrote this article.