Judge Rules Out Substantial Probability in Murder Case, Still Considering Probable Cause

By D.C. Witness Staff - September 20, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides |

A DC Superior Court judge decided that there was not suitable evidence to rule in favor of a defendant having substantial probability in a murder case. But, the judge is still considering probable cause.

Duron Hudson,19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of George Hendix, 22, on the 300 block of K Street SE on June 22. 

During a preliminary hearing on Sept. 18, a Metropolitan Police Department detective said a witness reported an altercation over the use of a bike pump between the victim and a group of men and women in Garfield park. 

After the victim left, another witness said one of the men pulled an object from his waistband, handing it to a man on the back of a white moped.

According to the detective, an additional witness said two men on a white moped pulled up to an intersection near the crime scene. One of the men got off and went down an alley while the driver turned the vehicle around and waited. 

Two officers also reported seeing a white moped in the area on two occasions.

The first sighting was before the shooting. The second sighting was directly after the shooting. Officers said the driver of the moped wore red pants. The passenger wore a dark jacket with a hoodie.

The detective said that he recovered several videos where the suspect is seen, from the waist up, in a dark adidas jacket and dark undershirt. The same dark clothing was retrieved from Hudson’s grandmother’s house. 

No witnesses were able to identify Hudson.

Hudson was taken into custody on Aug. 14 after being chased into a building and apprehended, according to the detective. 

Defense counsel, Mani Golzari, said the prosecution was hinging on “suspicions and hunches” not “particularized and objective facts.”

“Young black men running from the police isn’t enough,” Golzari said. 

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said he is taking the rest of the week to decide if there is probable cause. He is slated to return with a decision on Sept. 23.