DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman revoked a missing homicide defendant’s release on June 3.
Jose Ramos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 58-year-old Eduardo Cruz which occurred on Jan. 25, 2022 on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.
The defense, Wole Falodun and Alvin Thomas, noted that when Ramos was not on his medication, he experienced a mental health breakdown, then lost his job and apartment. According to court records, Ramos was released on Dec. 19, 2023. However, after multiple notices of non-compliance and failing to appear in court, Judge Edelman ordered a bench warrant for Ramos’ arrest on May 4.
Thomas said the defense was looking for an opportunity for Ramos to find a new job on release. Judge Edelman acknowledged Ramos has been largely honest and compliant with the pretrial release requirements.
However, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), the last contact Ramos had with PSA was on April 17. In addition, Ramos’ GPS tracking device went dead on April 30, the representative commented.
Judge Edelman decided to revoke Ramos’ release. Thomas countered that Ramos had not demonstrated any dangerousness that would bar his release. Nonetheless, Judge Edelman said the “problem is that Mr. Ramos just completely vanished.”
After a request from the defense, Judge Edelman recommended Ramos be housed at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) for access to mental health treatment.
Parties are slated to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Dec. 11.
