Judge Moves Murder Defendant’s Trial Up

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During a status hearing on Feb. 28, the trial date for a murder suspect was moved up by two months. 

Jordan Smith, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and two firearm offenses for allegedly shooting Yashika Green, 42, on the 200 block of Wayne Place, SE in 2017. 

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said the current trial date of July 2021 is too far away and that a closer date would make more sense. He explained that the longer the wait between the crime and the trial makes it more difficult for witnesses to recall the event. 

Mani Golzari, one of Smith’s two defense attorneys, said the earliest he is available is May of 2021. “I recently accepted a new position in the Public Defender’s Office that has more responsibilities, so my availability before the July date is limited.” 

The defense and prosecution were ultimately able to agree on a trial date of May 3, 2021. 

This article was written by Julia Smith, Natalie Weber, Matt Nygaard and MiriYam Judd

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