Judge Modifies Homicide Defendant’s Release Conditions, Removing Him from Supervision Program

By Graham Krewinghaus [former] - September 13, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Homicides | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge modified the release conditions of a homicide defendant during a hearing on Sept. 13. 

On Oct. 25, 2021, the Metropolitan Police Department received calls about a stabbing on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. Upon arrival, officers found 26-year-old Aaron Langford still alive and conscious. He was taken to a local hospital but died from his wounds shortly after. 

Charles Haythe, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to court documents, a witness told police that Haythe was the victim’s boyfriend.

During the hearing, defense attorney Megan Allburn said Haythe was in full compliance with the conditions of his release, which included a GPS monitor, curfew and several stay away orders. She requested that Haythe be downgraded from the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) to personal recognizance, and that his stay away orders be lifted. Haythe was released from jail on Jan. 12.

“Yes, he’s been compliant,” the prosecutor said, “but it doesn’t really matter how much he was in compliance, based on the facts of the case.”

Allburn said the defense had a “different view” on the facts of the case.

Even though D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun agreed that the severity of the charges was a relevant consideration, he granted the defense’s motion in part. Haythe was released from HISP and GPS monitoring.

Allburn also requested that the stay away order from Haythe’s previous place of residence, which still belongs to him, be lifted.

The prosecutor said the apartment was close in proximity to an eyewitness and that there is still a tangible safety concern for that witness. 

Allburn said the defense would be fine with keeping in place the stay away order from the witness but because “the defendant and [the witness] are essentially perfect strangers,” Haythe could be allowed to return to his apartment without it necessarily posing a threat to the witness.

Judge Okun agreed, lifting the order to stay away from Haythe’s apartment.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for another hearing on Jan. 27.