Mass Shooting Defendant Motions for New Trial in 7-Year-Old Case

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A mass shooting defendant argued his counsel was ineffective and motioned for a new trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a hearing on March 17.

Antonio Murchison, 32, and Mark Price, 30, were convicted by a jury on Sept. 3, 2024 of conspiracy, first-degree murder premeditated while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

The charges stem from their involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE that killed ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four additional individuals.

Prior to the hearing, Murchison filed motions on his own behalf to remove his counsel and vacate his conviction. Murchison argued his defense attorneys, Michael Bruckheim and Steven Ogilvie, “conspired against [him]” with the prosecution. Murchison added that his attorneys allowed evidence without objection and refused to contact the prosecution for exculpatory evidence.

In one motion, filed on March 12, Murchison claimed his attorneys were ineffective by “neglecting to advocate for [his] legal rights and failing to take necessary actions to ensure a fair legal process.”

The prosecution objected to the motion noting the late nature of the request given the jury reached a verdict in September and sentencing is scheduled for this month. Bruckheim and Ogilvie voiced no objection.

Judge Okun granted Murchison’s motion to remove his counsel expressing “unfortunately I feel constrained to grant the request” despite the homicide occurring more than six years ago. The judge added that there was “clearly a rupture between Mr. Murchison and his lawyers.”

Regarding Murchison’s motion for a new trial, Judge Okun expects his new attorney will add a supplemental motion initiating the prosecution’s response.

Judge Okun also granted Price’s motion to continue sentencing with no objection from the prosecution because they want the co-defendants sentenced at the same time.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 27 to establish Murchison’s new counsel.