Judge Sets Trial Date for Father Accused of Killing Infant Daughter

By D.C. Witness Staff - October 11, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a status hearing on Oct. 10, a DC Superior Court judge set the trial of a murder defendant accused of killing his three-month-old daughter is scheduled to begin on June 14, 2021. 

Cornell Delvonte Holton, 25, is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children for his alleged role in the death of his daughter, Skylar Newman, on the 4300 block of G Street, SE on April 1.

Judge Craig Iscoe delayed his ruling on the defense’s motion for the case’s evidence until the prosecutor, who just took over the case, had more time to familiarize herself with the details.

The prosecution opposed defense attorney John Fowler’s motion for the evidence until protective orders are in place.The prosecutor said the protection orders were necessary because of potential witness tampering and domestic violence. 

However, she said she could not speak to details of the tampering or alleged domestic violence because she was not familiar enough with the case, yet.  

According to Fowler, this was the first he heard of any tampering with witnesses or domestic violence. 

Fowler argued against the protection orders because the orders would prevent him from discussing the case and getting advice from other defense attorneys in his office. 

Fowler also said that he believed some of the witnesses, who the prosecution wants placed under a protection order, are good character witnesses for Holton. They do not need to be protected since there are no specific security concerns in the case, he said. 

Judge Iscoe said he would rule on the motion to compel the evidene and the protection orders during a status hearing that is scheduled on Nov. 1.