Judge Sets Murder Defendants’ Trial Date in 2020

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 1, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a hearing Nov. 1, a DC Superior Court judge scheduled a murder trial for nearly four years after the murder is said to have occurred. 

Co-defendants Marcus Martin, Marco Butler and William Cunningham are charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, conspiracy, attempted robbery and firearms offenses, for their alleged roles in the shooting death of 19-year-old Derryk Johnson on the  600 block of N Street, NW in 2016.

Judge Craig Iscoe set a trial date for April 20, 2020.

According to defense counsel, by the time of the trial, their clients would have been detained for more than three years.

The trio’s trial was originally scheduled to begin Sept. 11, but the judge vacated the trial date in August after appointing Cunningham new counsel. According to Judge Iscoe, the delay was granted in order to give Cunningham’s new defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, additional time to become acquainted with the case.

During the hearing, Butlers’ defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, said that his client has been detained since 2015 and it’s unconstitutional to continue to hold him until the 2020 trial date.  

Martin’s attorney, Dana Page, followed in Jones’ sentiment and said that Martin’s family needs help and would benefit from Martin returning home. Page proposed Martin be placed on home confinement.

Judge Iscoe denied the motion and said he understands the defense’s position but that there was “substantial change” in the circumstances of the case.

Martin, Butler and Cunningham are scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 11, 2019.