Judge Rules Prosecution Violation Ahead of Murder Trial

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During a hearing on March 20, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park said the prosecution was in violation of not disclosing evidence in a murder trial to the defense. He ordered them to turn over additional evidence.

Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on the 300 block of M Street, SW. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023.

According to court documents, Ofori was shot and killed in a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train car. His body was recovered at the Navy Yard Metro Station.

Sylvia Smith, one of Williams’ attorneys, argued the prosecution failed to provide evidence the defense needed to review, including the victim’s criminal history and notes from an interview with his mother, before trial. She said these items may be favorable to the defendant whose trial was set to begin on March 24.

Smith stated she filed several motions for evidence regarding Ofori’s prior criminal history, and “it’s not as if I sat on my laurels and did nothing.” According to Smith, the prosecution originally claimed that they did not have the requested information.

The prosecution said there was difficulty obtaining the defendant’s records from Prince George’s County because of Ofori’s juvenile status. According to a prosecutor, information was disclosed as soon as it was available.

Judge Park agreed with Smith’s claims, finding the prosecution in violation of disclosing the criminal history and notes from the victim’s mother’s interview. While the evidence would not have altered the case enough for Judge Park to consider dismissing the charges against Williams, it was favorable towards the defense and could affect their investigation.

To remedy this, Judge Park ordered the prosecution to obtain more information from Prince George’s County for defense counsel, and turn over any notes from the interview of Ofori’s mother.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 24.