Judge Sets Trial Date for 2 Murder Defendants

By D.C. Witness Staff - March 15, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial date for two murder defendants who claim they acted in self-defense.

Titus Iracks and Dearren Dawkins, 22, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy while armed, robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting Larry Harrell on the 1200 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE in June of 2018.

According to court documents, police found Harrell, 43, lying in a parking lot suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Harrell was pronounced dead on the scene. The Office of the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia said the bullet went through Harrell’s right temple and lodged in his brain.

After the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges March 14, Judge Danya Dayson scheduled Iracks, 17, and Dawkins’ trial to begin on May 4, 2020. The judge also denied defense counsel’s request to place the defendants in the High Intensity Supervision Program. 

The defendants previously denied a plea offer that would have downgraded their murder charge to voluntary manslaughter while armed and dismissed the remaining charges.

According to court documents, Dawkins, who was with Iracks, said Harrell pulled out a gun and opened fire first. Fearing for his safety, Dawkins said he pulled out his own gun and returned fire. At the time of the alleged murder, Iracks was wearing a GPS tracking device which placed him near the crime scene. 

Iracks is being charged as an adult. He is currently being held at the District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.

A felony status conference is scheduled on May 8.