DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park will order the release of a homicide defendant in order for him to receive medical care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in a hearing April 1.
Desmond Barr, 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer on the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE, on July 13, 2024. The charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Barr’s release for another case.
Barr, not present at the hearing, is currently receiving medical care at Howard University Hospital, according to Hannah Claudio, one of his attorneys.
Claudio and Dominique Winters, Barr’s other defense attorney, drafted a release plan to ensure he is able to receive medical care. Judge Park reviewed their plan before the present hearing.
According to Winters, the defense does not have a way to transport Barr to MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She proposed the Department of Corrections (DOC) transfer Barr before he is released from their custody.
The release plan would require GPS monitoring, and Barr would also have to stay at the treatment facility 24 hours a day, according to Judge Park
Jodi Metz, Chief of the Office of Rehabilitation and Development (ORD) at the Public Defender Service (PDS), said Barr would be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid after his release.
Judge Park said that Barr is facing an “acute medical issue” and has been hospitalized for five-to-six days. He said the proposed release plan seems “appropriate and sensible.”
However, Judge Park said he is “not confident” that home confinement would be appropriate after Barr is released from treatment. He said there are “severe indications of danger in this case.”
Prosecutors said the safety of the community and Barr’s health are equally important. They said the victim’s next of kin agrees with their position and would fear for their safety if Barr was to be released.
Judge Park said the prosecutor’s strength of evidence has increased and said the plan is “efficient” to ensure the safety of the community at “this specific time.”
Judge Park set a bond review hearing for April 14 to discuss Barr’s release status.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 3.
