Judge Won't Dismiss Murder Case for Prosecution’s Failure to Indict

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DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a homicide defendant’s request to dismiss his case for “want of prosecution,” during a hearing on May 16.

Karim Ibrahim, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman on Jan. 16, 2024 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

Kevin Mosley, Ibrahim’s attorney, filed a motion to dismiss his case for want of prosecution, or the prosecution’s failure to actively pursue or indict the case. Through the motion, Mosley argued that Ibrahim’s right to a speedy trial has been violated, due to the prosecution’s failure to indict the case within the nine month deadline from the day of Ibrahim’s arrest.

According to Judge Edelman, the deadline was May 8, but the prosecution filed a motion to extend the date on May 5.

Mosley argued the prosecution has “no good reason why they’ve waited,” so long to work on the case.

The prosecution wanted an extension until Aug. 8 to indict the case, but Judge Edelman denied that request. However, he allowed them until May 21.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Murder Case for Prosecution’s Failure to Indict