Judge Orders 3rd Suspect in 2017 Murder Held Without Bond

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 30, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During an arraignment Aug. 29, a DC Superior Court magistrate judge found probable cause that a third suspect was involved in a 2017 murder case.

Malique Lewis is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Kerrice Lewis, 23, on the 800 block of Adrian Street, SE. It is unclear if the two were related. 

Marcel Vines, 22, and Ashton Briscoe, 24, were also charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged roles in the murder.

According to court documents, cell data places Vines, Briscoe and Lewis, 20, at the crime scene at the time the decedent was killed. Furthermore, the data shows the trio were in contact with each other. Court documents also note that the young woman’s death was allegedly in retaliation for the 2017 death of Ronzay Green.

Witnesses told police that Vines believed the decedent was responsible for Green’s death. According to court documents, the decedent apparently set Green, 23, up to get robbed.

On Aug. 29, Lewis pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Gregg Baron, argued against a probable cause finding, claiming there was no forensic evidence that placed his client at the scene of the crime.  However, Baron acknowledged that Lewis’ cellphone was “near” the area.

Judge Sean Staples found probable cause based on information contained in court documents. He also ordered Lewis held without bond  since, at the time of the murder, Lewis was on probation for an unrelated drug and gun possession conviction. 

Lewis is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 21.