Judge Holds Murder Defendant at Initial Hearing

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On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause and detained a woman charged in connection to a 2022 homicide. 

Sasha McCoy, 27, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children, and first-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the death of her three-year-old son, Journey McCoy, on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in their home, on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE. 

According to court documents, Sasha left pills laced with fentanyl on her bed. Journey got a hold of them, overdosed, and died. 

During the hearing, prosecutors argued Sasha was negligent and the child had previously ingested marijuana. They added that she failed to consider her actions. 

McCoy’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, requested she be released because she needs proper care for substance abuse. 

The defense also mentioned that her other children are currently in their father’s custody. . 

However, the prosecution argued she should not have access to her children, adding that she poses a grave danger to them. They added that, should she be released, they cannot ensure she will stay away from them, especially if their father permits her to see them. 

Ultimately, Judge Raymond found McCoy poses a grave danger to the community, and ordered she be detained without bond as she awaits further proceedings. 

The next court date is scheduled March 8.