Judge Sets Date for Trial Readiness Hearing

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DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo presided over parties as they discussed matters regarding a murder defendant’s case as his trial date approaches.

Kenneth Stewart, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to the stabbing of 54-year-old, Courtney Jones on July 23, 2020, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

During the Sept. 30 hearing, Stewart’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters expressed her desire for a trial readiness hearing.

Stewart is currently quarantined at the DC jail after contracting coronavirus. The quarantine is to set end next week.

According to court documents, the stabbing transpired hours after Stewart and Jones allegedly engaged in a physical altercation outside of a McDonald’s parking lot.

The two men are reportedly acquaintances, with witnesses stating that Stewart “has had to whoop the defendant in the past.”

Witnesses referred to the stabbing as “totally unnecessary” as their earlier fight was “not that serious.” They also mentioned that Stewart is believed to use drugs but not on that particular day.

Police found the knife used in the alleged stabbing in Stewart’s right pocket. It was bloody and contained pieces of flesh on it.

At the hearing, Judge Demeo agreed to set a trial readiness hearing, intending to provide parties with additional time to prepare for trial.

The hearing is scheduled to occur on Nov. 4.