Judge Presides Over 6 Felony Status Hearings

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On Sept. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe presided over six felony status hearings. One dealt with a murder defendant.

The other murder defendant, Raymond Davis is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of Henry Hackett. Hackett, 39, was shot to death June 3 on the 2300 block of Altamont Place, SE.

A preliminary hearing to determine if the case has enough evidence to go to trial is scheduled for Nov. 12.

The other cases Judge O’Keefe presided over included burglary, armed robbery, firearms possession, bail violations and a prison breach.

Markus Kemp is charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

During his hearing, his attorney, Amy Phillips, said she and the prosecution were engaging in conversations on plea negotiations.

Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 30 to determine if there will be a preliminary hearing.

Shaquille Pittman is charged with armed robbery in connection with a robbery that took place in a pharmacy on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE.

During the hearing, defense attorney Quo Judkins said the defendant will not accept a plea deal that the prosecution offered.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1.

Antonio Simms is charged unlawful possession of a firearm due to a prior conviction. Simms picked up the case after accidentally shooting himself in the leg on the block of 3000 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Aug. 27. His attorney has requested more time to review the case.

Another felony status conference hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 22.

Gino Williams is charged with felony bail violation. He picked up the charge for failing to appear in court on Feb. 11.

Williams’ attorney, Julie Swaney, requested more time to review the plea deal offered by the prosecution. A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Erika Sellars is charged with felony bail violation and prison breach for allegedly leaving a halfway house without permission on Feb. 18.

Sellars’ attorney, Andrew Ain, said they plan to resolve the matter with a plea deal. A felony status conference is scheduled for Oct. 13.