Judge Shows Support to Murder Defendant’s Compliance

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On May 12, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt showed her support and pride in a murder defendant’s full compliance with court-ordered release conditions.

William Davenport, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that claimed 27-year-old Leonard Turner’s life. The incident occurred on May 14, 2021, on the 1700 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE.

Davenport’s pretrial services agency (PSA) case manager alerted the court that, aside from a few positive drug tests, he had remained in full compliance of his release conditions, which include the high intensity supervision program (HISP), random drug testing, and GPS monitoring.

Prosecutors argued the defendant’s continued positive tests for illegal substances is worrisome, given the fact that the murder he is charged with occurred in part because of drug use and selling.

Judge Brandt told the parties that she recognized Davenport is still testing positive for drugs on occasion, but that he has a few things to his credit that outweighs the positive drug tests, including his successful completion of a residential drug treatment program as one of them.

“It may take a little bit longer to beat this, but you’re going to kick it,” she said.

Parties are slated to return on Dec. 11 for a status hearing.

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