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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- November 7, 2022
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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During a Nov. 7murder trial, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo initially delayed the start of the proceeding to await the arrival of two members of the jury.
Derek Turner, 31, and Ronnika Jennings, 44, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy in connection to the shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE.
The third co-defendant, 33-year-old, Duan Hill, is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice in this matter.
Turner is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.
As parties awaited the arrival of the two missing jurors, Judge Demeo asked counsel members if they had any motions or arguments that needed to be presented.
Defense attorney Michael Madden notified Judge Demeo that he planned on bringing in a witness that would only be available on Nov. 8 due to his involvement in another case.
The prosecution had no complaints with Madden’s witness.
The prosecution also indicated that a witness would testify about Turner’s jail inspection. The prosecutor said there was video and audio evidence that would be vital to connect Turner to having contact with Jennings.
Judge Demeo asked all members of the defense if there were any objections to the prosecutors introducing the video and audio recording of a conversation held between Turner and Jennings.
There were objections from Jennings’ defense attorney Russell Hairston regarding a phrase she said to Turner that was not mentioned in court. Hariston said it would violate her fourth amendment right to privacy.
Judge Demeo told Hairston to review the audio and video recordings with the prosecutors to take out all parts of the clips that are in violation of Jennings’ amendment rights.
Judge Demeo let all members of the jury go home for the day.
The next day of the trial is scheduled for Nov. 8.