Judge Releases 17 Defendants, Holds Two During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 16, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

On Dec. 15, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann released 17 defendants and held two defendants in DC Jail during initial hearings.

The first defendant held, Kevin Goggins, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting and killing 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on Oct. 9 on the 1600 block of W Street, SE. 

Judge Herrmann held the 20-year-old defendant due to the serious nature of the crime. She said she was alarmed by the alleged significant amount of bullets fired during the murder.

The second defendant held, Kristoney Lena, is a fugitive from justice from Maryland. The judge held her so that the governor could pick her up within three days.

The judge released four defendants charged with being fugitives from justice to give them the opportunity to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions.

Two individuals are wanted in Maryland, and the other two are wanted in Virginia and were given the order to report back to the respective state.

The judge released seven defendants in assault cases with the requirement to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and abide by stay away orders.

Two defendants charged with misdemeanor attempted threats to do bodily harm were also released with the requirement to report to PSA and abide by stay away orders.

Additionally, two defendants charged with DUI and operating a vehicle while impaired were released with the requirement to report to PSA and not to drive a vehicle while intoxicated or without a valid license. 

Lastly, the judge released a defendant charged with possession of a controlled substance and second-degree theft and a defendant charged with attempted second-degree burglary. Both are required to report to PSA.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick