Judge Releases Murder Defendant Despite Accusations of Death Threats

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 26, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a detention hearing April 25, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a murder defendant released to a halfway house amid accusations of death threats and “habitual” drug use.

Joseph Smith is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged role in the death of his 62-year-old brother, Arnold Smith, in their family home located on the 600 block of Galveston Place, SE on April 9.

During the hearing, the prosecution notified the court that someone outside of the family who was around Smith for the past year said she heard him say he was going to “gut the decedent like a fish.” 

The witness also told the prosecution that she was present when Smith threatened to burn down the house. Apparently, the threat was two weeks prior to the stabbing.

The prosecution also told the court that Smith had an “intense” addiction to PCP, a mind altering drug. The witness said Smith had a “glassy eyed” appearance on multiple occasions and that there was a bad odor near his room in the house.

In response, Judge Danya Dayson acknowledged the witnesses statements and said she believes Smith poses a threat to his family and potentially to the community. However, after the defense made representations concerning Smith’s health at the bench, Judge Dayson agreed to release him to a halfway house.

Per the conditions of his release, Smith is required to wear a GPS monitor and submit to drug testing. He must also stay away from his sister and his family home on Galveston Place and not initiate contact with his elderly parents.

D.C. Witness previously reported that Judge Dayson found probable cause and was debating if she should release Smith under the high intensity supervision program (HISP) pending his drug test results.

Smith is scheduled for a felony status conference on July 26.