Judge Schedules New Trial Date for Reopened Murder Case

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During a June 8 hearing, the retrial of a murder defendant was rescheduled for Oct. 30, 2023. 

In 2014, Arik Sims was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed with a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and misdemeanor offense of carrying a pistol. 

Sims was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the shooting of 29-year-old Lamar Fonville on Sept. 20, 2012, on the 4700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The case was reopened in September of 2019 after the defense told the court that two hearsay statements were admitted in the 2014 trial. 

The trial date was originally scheduled for April 24, but then was adjusted to Oct. 30, 2023. The trial is expected to last five to seven days. 

A trial readiness hearing is set for July 14, 2023. 

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