A status hearing took an unexpected turn as DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt announced her tentative intention to dismiss Demonte Gibson’s legal team on June 6.
Gibson, 27, Tre’Quan Nelson, 25, and Asani Forte, 27 are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and destruction of property less than $1000, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. One other individual sustained life-threatening injuries. Nelson and Gibson were additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
During the hearing, Judge Brandt clarified that under the federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA), a “single representation rule” applies, meaning a defendant is not entitled to multiple lawyers.
Judge Brandt stated that a previous appointment of Lisbeth Sapirstein as Gibson’s defense attorney by DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld in another case meant Sapirstein represents him in all cases, superseding the representation of Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White.
Gardner and White argued to stay on Gibson’s case, citing the Sixth Amendment right to representation and the desire for continuity of counsel.
“The die has been cast, and I need to move on with my case this morning,” said Judge Brandt, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the CJA rules and respecting the prior appointment. She scheduled a separate hearing to resolve this issue.
White informed Judge Brandt that she intends to file a motion for release, but she also argued Gibson should be released on account of a recent mistrial.
The prosecution indicated their intention to retry Gibson and Forte with the addition of Nelson as a co-defendant. This decision follows a jury’s failure to reach a verdict on eight of the nine charges against Gibson and on all charges against Forte in May.
In Gibson’s case, parties will next convene on June 12. The next hearing for all three defendants is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.
