Keith Archie ordered held without bail

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 11, 2017
Court | Homicides | Victims |

The man charged with stabbing a 32-year-old was ordered held without bail..

Keith Archie allegedly fatally stabbed 32-year-old Demond Marcel Rush, on July 29, in the 3600 block of 22nd St., SE. He is being charged with second-degree murder while armed.

His attorney requested that he be released on his promise that he would return for his next court appearance. His attorney also said that the affidavit doesn’t indicate he was connected to the offense, and there were no witnesses.

The government said that Archie had an argument with Rush prior to police arriving at the scene and he was covered in blood that night.

The judge found probable cause that he did commit the murder of Rush while armed.

The attorneys went back and forth arguing over whether or not he should be held or released. Archie’s attorney said that he has a residence in D.C. and he does not have a long criminal record. They also argued he may have been acting in self-defense as indicated by a wound to his lip.

The government said that a criminal record with multiple felony convictions, is considered a long record everywhere except here in D.C. Also, the injuries sustained by Archie were minimal compared to the stab wounds suffered by Rush.

He was ordered held without bail and will reappear for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 29.