Judge Schedules trial Readiness Hearing For Defendant Accused of Killing One-Year-Old Child

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Help us continue our mission into 2025 by donating to our end of year campaign.

Donate Now

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled a trial readiness hearing for a man accused of killing his partner’s one-year-old child. 

On May 16, 2018, emergency personnel responded to an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, following a 911 call that reported an unconscious child. First responders found the child, Carter Sanders, and rushed him to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A medical examiner ruled his death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head, according to court documents.

Brian Wooden is charged with felony murder and cruelty to children. The 32-year-old defendant has been released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) since July 2019.

During the July 8 hearing, defense attorney Marnitta King told the court that she has an expert coming from California for the upcoming trial that is scheduled in April 2023. 

Both parties said they were ready for trial. 

The next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.