Judge Modifies Murder Defendant’s Release Conditions

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 25, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing Sept. 24, a judge approved the defense’s motion to modify release conditions for a murder defendant. 

Eric Smith, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting. He is also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with the intent to kill against a minor, assault with the intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his alleged role in the death of 38-year-old Rondell Wills on the 200 block of 50th Street, NE on May 3, 2018. Wills was not the target in the shooting.

Defense counselor Iseshaah Murphy filed an emergency motion on Sept. 18 to allow Smith to move from his sister’s house in Virginia to his mother’s house in Maryland. 

The prosecution had no issue with the relocation despite previous attempts to prevent the defendant to be released from bond at previous hearings. 

According to court documents, Smith has been in full compliance with drug testing while living with his sister, according to D.C. Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe. 

 “While mothers often know best, you’ll have to take responsibility in this case,” Judge Iscoe told Smith.  

The judge did not add any additional conditions of release for the defendant. Any violations of his release  would put Smith back into jail. 

D.C. Witness previously reported that Judge Iscoe approved the defense’s request to attend the Braddock Place Campus in Alexandria, VA. Due to a change in address to Maryland, Smith will not be able to continue education at the Virginia school. 

Murphy plans to meet with Smith’s education advocate and mother to find a school close to his new residence. 

Murphy said she would submit the new school to Smith’s High Intensity SP Manager. If the HISP Manager approves the new school, the defense will schedule a hearing on the court docket. 

The next status hearing will be held Nov. 1.