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By
Larissa Atkins [former]
- October 22, 2021
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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Oct. 20 marked the first day of jury selection for the second murder trial to come to the DC Superior Court since the suspension of jury trials due to the COVID-19 pandemic ended.
The defendant, 63-year-old Robert Dean Jr., is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 38-year-old Tamiya White on March 31, 2018, in the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE. White died from a stab wound to the side of her neck.
During the Oct. 20 proceedings, jurors were asked questions including if they had been victims or witnesses to a crime relating to domestic violence or homicide, if they have previously served as part of a grand jury and if they have any mental or physical health issues that would make it hard to concentrate during the trial.
A total of 80 jurors appeared during the selection, and 29 jurors were approved. Judge Marisa Demeo said she wanted a total of 40 jurors selected, so jury selection will continue on Oct 22.