Judge Holds Off Ruling on Murder Defendant’s Release Request

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A DC Superior Court judge held off ruling on a request to release a murder defendant from DC Jail. 

Lewkus Turner, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting his cousin, 26-year-old Vincent Gyamfi, on the 1700 block of 29th Street, SE, on Dec. 11, 2020. 

Defense attorney Jon Norris has motioned for his client’s release from DC Jail based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the Oct. 13 hearing, Norris argued that being in jail poses a significant health risk to Turner, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19. When asked why his client is not vaccinated, Norris said his doctors advised against it. 

Judge Neal Kravitz decided to defer his ruling on the request, saying he needs more information about Turner’s health before making a decision. Norris said he would file a renewed motion and submit the appropriate information. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 12.

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