Judge Schedules Hearings for Murder Cases

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 1, 2020
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

On Dec. 1, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled status hearings for four murder cases.

Xavier Culbreth is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a knife outside home or business.   The 20-year-old defendant is accused of kicking 40-year-old Jamal Ferrell down an escalator and then stabbing him seven times at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station on April 28, 2019. 

The prosecution said they have offered the defense a plea deal. 

Judge Ronna Beck continued Culbreth’s hearing to April 13 to see how parties would like to proceed. 

Co-defendants Maurice Johnson and Jermaine Harris are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 38-year-old Lamar Walters, who was shot on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE on Jan. 6. 

Harris, 19, is also charged with carrying a pistol without a license and possession with intent to distribute marijuana while armed in another case.

Judge Beck scheduled Johnson, 21, and Harris’ next hearing for May 4. 

Michael Austin, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 26 year-old Kayvon Kinney on the 1800 block of Gainesville Street, SE on May 24.  

Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that his case has enough evidence to go to trial on Sept. 18.

Judge Beck scheduled Austin’s next hearing for May. 17.