Judge Ponders New Counsel Appointment

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 24, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 23,  A DC Superior Court judge said he is considering whether or not to appoint a public defender as co-counsel in a murder case because of a possible conflict of interest. 

Master Matthew Thomas is charged with felony murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting 59-year-old Chijioke Agbakahi on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Thomas, 33, is also charged with first and second-degree murder in Prince George’s County, Md.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said he may appoint Jessica Willis, who is with the public defender’s service, to Thomas’ case. However, Thomas is currently being represented by Heather Pinckney, who is a Criminal Justice Act attorney, and Sellano L. Simmons, who has a private law firm in the District. 

Judge Iscoe said he was not sure if the appoint of the public defender would create a conflict of interest when paired with other two attorneys who are representing Thomas.

Judge Iscoe said if there is no conflict of interest with the public defender and the CJA attorney being co-counsel, Willis would be appointed immediately.

“I’m just sorry that I’m not going to be on this case because I find it to be very interesting,” Judge Iscoe said. His felony calendar term will be over in December.

Willis would to assist the defense in responding to the prosecution’s use ballistics evidence of the crime scene.

The defense said they were no longer prepared to proceed with the case at the next motion hearing scheduled on Nov 4, requesting more time. Another motions hearing has not been scheduled as of Oct. 23. 

Pinckney has until Jan. 3, 2020 to file any motions on any ballistic evidence issues.

The case is scheduled for a jury trial in May of 2021.

Thomas is being held without bail.