Judge Postpones Hearing to Give Defense More Time to Review Evidence

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 11, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

On Feb. 8, a judge rescheduled an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing for a murder defendant because the prosecution had not given evidence to the defense.

Mario Alfaro is charged with first-degree murder while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged role in the death of of 22-year-old Jonathan Vilchez on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW in 2017. Vilchez was found inside a convenience store with multiple gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, a prosecutor said he had not given discovery to the defense because he was preparing for an unrelated trial. To give the defense time to review the evidence, a judge postponed the IPA hearing until Feb. 14.

The prosecution said in a hearing last November that they do not plan on testing any evidence. Because of this, the defendant is given an option for an IPA hearing, which would allow the defendant to independently test evidence.

According to court documents, Alfaro was seen in the store mouthing something to Vilchez when both men pulled out firearms. Vilchez shot Alfaro, who ran away while shooting back at Vilchez.

Upon arrival to the scene, police found a blood trail that led to the murder weapon, which was hidden in a dumpster, and Alfaro, who was suffering from gunshot wounds.

D.C. Witness previously reported that a detective said Alfaro appeared to be in the same gang as Vilchez.

A trial for Alfaro is scheduled on Aug. 19.