Judge Schedules Next Hearing for Homicide Case Due to Loss of Witnesses

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During a status hearing on Jan. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled the next status hearing of a homicide case to give more time for the defense to find replacements for lost witnesses.

Faneshia Scott is charged with the first-degree murder of her 16-month-old child, Rhythm Fields, who was especially vulnerable due to age. Scott, 32, was also charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children in 2017 on the 6400 Block of C Street SE in 2017.

According to Scott’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, during the lengthy process of the case, the two expert witnesses for the defense have retired. The defense requested more time to find replacements for the retired pathologist and false confession expert before the trial is set to begin in 2024.

Scott is currently released under her own recognizance and has agreed to attend future court proceedings. She was allowed to appear virtually for Mondays hearing.

The next hearing is slated for Aug. 9.

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