Judge Reopens Detention Hearing for Homicide Case

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On March 19, a DC Superior Court judge accepted the defense’s argument to reopen a detention hearing due to new evidence that surfaced since the last hearing. 

Thirty-four-year-old Saeve Evans is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of Kareem Ware on May 2, 2009. He is also charged with robbery while armed and kidnapping while armed. 

Evans is already serving a sentence of a little over 4.5 years for unlawful possession of a firearm in a different case. He was also charged with second-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 16-year-old Breyona McMillian, but a jury acquitted him of the charge.

Defense attorneys Stephanie Reaves and James King argued that the new evidence that has come to light casts doubt against the prosecution’s argument. The lawyers say the new evidence could allow for their client’s detention at DC Jail to be reconsidered. 

Judge Neal Kravitz agreed that it would be better to open the detention hearing to have a clearer analysis of the information.

Judge Danya Dayson, the case judge, will be consulting with Judge Kravitz to decide on a hearing date.

Both Judge Kravitz and King said they hope Judge Dayson can preside over the reopening because she has more knowledge of the case.

In the meantime, Evans will remain held at DC jail.

Eileen Chen wrote this article.