Judge Pushes Trial Dates Earlier for Four Co-Defendants in Murder Case

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A DC Superior Court judge scheduled earlier trial dates for a homicide case with four co-defendants on June 23. 

Stephon Evans, 21, Alonzo Brown, 21, Tavist Alston, 25, and Naquel Henderson, 22, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 22-year-old Michael Taylor on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE, on Jan. 12, 2019. 

Their trial was previously scheduled to begin in May 2023, but the defense requested an earlier date during the June 22 hearing. Judge Juliet McKenna agreed to this request, setting aside Oct. 5 through Nov. 22, 2022, for jury selection and the trial. 

A status hearing is set to take place for Dec 10. 

The four defendants are also charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and assault with intent to kill while armed. 

Carlos Turner, 23, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with Taylor’s death. His case, which is awaiting indictment, was not heard. He is scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 5, 2022.

Evans is also charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license in the death of 21-year-old Dion DeMarco Boyd on July 30, 2018, on the 1400 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. Kewon Hunter is also charged in connection with this homicide.

Lizzie Brennan also wrote this article.

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