Judge Transfers Four-Defendant Murder Trial to Another Judge

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 1, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge transferred April 30 a murder trial to another judge’s calendar after the defense said they would not be ready for trial in 2019.

Derek Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed, and his co-defendant, Ronnika Jennings, is charged with conspiracy, among other charges, for their alleged roles in the death of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Upsal Street, SE in 2017. 

After hearing from the defense, Judge Craig Iscoe scheduled the trial to begin on March 23, 2020, and moved it to Judge Juliet McKenna’s calendar. According to DC Courts, the trial was moved to Judge McKenna’s calendar because the only available trial date on Judge Iscoe’s calendar was in 2021.

The trial was initially scheduled to begin on June 3, 2019.

Judge Iscoe said the new trial judge would rule on outstanding issues, including a motion to sever the four defendants.

According to DC Courts, as of April 30, neither the prosecution nor the defense filed any motions to sever the defendants.

Defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, also argued for Jennings, 40, to be released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP). Jones said the prosecution’s theory alleges that Jennings abused her job as a clerk with the Metropolitan Police Department to find relevant legal documents. Jones said Jennings is not a danger to the community because she no longer works with MPD.

However, the prosecution argued that, because of Jennings’ knowledge with MPD and the legal system, she could continue to aid violent criminals in covering up their crimes.

Judge Iscoe said he would decide whether to release Jennings by May 2.

Marshay Hazelwood and Duan Hill, are also charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy in connection to McPhatter’s murder. Both defendants are released on personal recognizance. 

According to court documents, Turner, 27, was a member of the Wahler Place neighborhood gang, which had an ongoing feud with the Trenton Park neighborhood, which McPhatter was a member of. 

A status hearing is scheduled on July 12.