Case Acquitted: Man Ordered Held Without Bond in 2017 Murder Case

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This case has been acquitted.

During an arraignment Aug. 28, a DC Superior Court judge made a probable cause finding and ordered a man held without bond for his alleged involvement in a 2017 murder.

Cedric Alexander, 47, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 38-year-old Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13th Street, SE in 2017.

According to court documents, area surveillance footage, taken shortly after Hooks’ death, shows a black male exit Hook’s truck on the driver’s side and head in the direction of another car that contained three occupants. Apparently, the male’s body shape and size match that of Alexander.

On Aug. 28, Alexander pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Jacqueline Cadman, argued against a probable cause finding, saying there were no eyewitnesses, video of the shooting nor any other physical evidence that linked her client to the murder.

According to Cadman, a witness told police that Alexander confessed to them. However, Cadman said the witness came forward only after they were shown a reward flier. Apparently, a second witness told police Alexander confessed to them as well. Cadman said the witness has “bad blood” with the defendant, which stems from a previous physical altercation.

Magistrate Judge Sean Staples found probable cause based on the information found in court documents. He is also being held because of a 2004 conviction for aggravated assault.

Alexander is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 6.