Judge Schedules Spring Hearings in 3 Murder Cases

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A DC Superior Court judge scheduled hearings in three murder cases on Dec. 2.

Judge Ronna Beck scheduled another hearing for Romiel Hightower for April. 27.

Hightower, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed on July 21, 2019, for allegedly shooting Jamal Bandy, 27, on April 29 on the 1300 block Congress Street, SE.

During the Dec. 2 hearing, defense attorney Jason Tulley said the nine-month window for the prosecution to indict his client has passed.

“My client is sitting in jail without being indicted,” said Tulley.

Tulley asked the prosecutor if there was a timeframe of when an indictment would be issued. The prosecution did not have a time available.

According to an amended order from Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring, deadlines for indictments have been suspended. The order also stated DC Superior Court will not be conducting jury trials for the foreseeable future in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Written notice will be provided 60 days before jury trials resume in order to give lawyers time to prepare.

“It’s a terrible situation,” said Judge Beck.

Defense attorney Dana Page, who was representing Ch’Juan Robinson, raised the same issue on the record after scheduling a hearing date.

Judge Beck said there are no new grand jury meetings taking place at the moment.

Robinson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Louis Eugene Kingsbury, 34. The incident took place on the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW.

Judge Beck scheduled a status hearing for Robinson on May 10.

Judge Beck also scheduled a hearing for Samuel Davis on May 6.

Davis, 61, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly strangling Mawuli Kocuvie, 53, on Oct. 28, 2017. The incident took place on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Davis entered a guilty plea on July 13, 2018.

Maria Marzullo wrote this article.

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