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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- May 10, 2019
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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During a hearing May 8, a DC Superior Court judge temporarily released a murder defendant from jail. The defendant’s release is contingent on his stay at a medical facility.
Robert Henson is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the death of 37-year-old Richard Lee Dudley on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE on Dec.10, 2018.
Defense attorney, David Knight, waived Henson’s presence in the hearing because of his current medical condition. Knight said his condition stems from a car accident in December of 2018. It’s unclear if the accident is related to Dudley’s death.
After speaking with Judge Juliet McKenna under seal, Knight renewed his request for Henson’s release from the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) custody. According to Knight, being in DOC custody is slowing down his rehabilitative process. Apparently, DOC is unable to provide Henson with the care he needs at the frequency he needs it.
Knight said Henson, 39, has a feeding tube and lacks the muscle mass to get out of bed.
In support of Judge McKenna’s ruling, Knight said that when Henson is moved to a medical facility he will provide the court with weekly updates of Henson’s condition.
The prosecutor said he would oppose Henson’s release once his vocal cords are healed and he is no longer on a feeding tube.
According to court documents, multiple witnesses identified Henson as the shooter. Apparently, Henson and Dudley were arguing and fighting prior to the murder. One witness said Henson walked back to his car after the fight ended. However, the same witness saw Henson shooting at Dudley. Henson fled the scene in a black SUV.
Henson is scheduled for a felony status conference on May 22.