Lawyer Conflict of Interest Issue Looms Over Murder Trial

By Vivien Williams [former] - August 5, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Team Members - Staff |

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun about a possible conflict of interest issue facing a homicide defendant’s attorney in an Aug. 2 hearing. 

Tyree Irving, 27, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and two counts of obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the homicide of 22-year-old Davane Williams. The incident occurred on Jan. 15, 2019, on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW. 

At the hearing, prosecutors told Judge Okun about described a potential conflict of interest issue during the trial, stating that Irving’s defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, and a the attorney for a key witness in the case, both worked at the DC Public Defender Service (PDS) at the same time. 

Prosecutors worry that Harvey and the witness’ attorney may have shared important information about the case.

Claire Roth, PDS’ Special Counsel on Ethical Conflicts, told Judge Okun, “From what I know right now, I don’t believe there’s a conflict.” 

However, the prosecution said this potential conflict could result in a mistrial adding “this is a serious appellate concern.”

In response, Roth assured, “I can tell the court, as an officer of the court, that there was no information sharing.”

Judge Okun did not make a ruling and stated that he would, “do the best I can to resolve this before the trial date,” which is slated to begin Aug. 19.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.