Judge Weighs Release Arguments for Homicide Defendant 

By Ying He [former] , Hunter Krienke [former] - July 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 18, D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan listened to arguments about the alleged dangerousness of a homicide defendant.

Derricko Johnson, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 16-year-old Justin Johnson on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on May 26, 2022. 

After being released into the high intensity supervision program (HISP) on July 18, 2022, Johnson was arrested on April 10 for failing to comply with the terms of his release.

A prosecutor opposed release argued that during Johnson’s release he was selling marijuana while wielding firearms in homemade music videos. 

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner requested pretrial release stating that the prosecutors have “weak evidence” to keep Johnson in custody and that the there’s no proof the guns in the videos are real.

Following the arguments Judge Raffinan requested time to review the matter and will render her decision at a July 21 hearing.

Parties are set to hear Judge Raffinans decision on July 21.