Material Witness in Murder Case Takes Stand

By Holden Rafey [former] - October 12, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A material witness in a murder case testified in court after recent concerns over possible memory issues caused the trial to be delayed.

Edward Brown, 22, Steven Robin, 25, and Antonio McKenzie, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed in the shooting of 29-year-old Kenneth Poindexter on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Jan. 18, 2018. 

Jury selection was previously set to begin on Sept. 27. However, on Sept. 22, the prosecution filed a motion to continue the trial, informing the court that a material witness had just told them she sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2019 and has “ongoing issues with recalling and recollecting events.”

During the Oct. 12 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson asked the witness about what she can and cannot remember in regards to police interviews and her previous testimony, but their dialogue was brief.

Defense attorneys Howard McEachern, Kristin McGough and Steven Kiersh informed Judge Dayson that they are waiting on the witness’ medical records, which they want reviewed by their expert witness to assess her reliability as a witness.

The prosecution said it is likely that there will need to be evaluations of this witness by experts from both sides.

D.C. Witness previously reported that, during a Sept. 24 hearing, the prosecution said they have obtained more than 400 pages of medical records, which they say show that the witness does not have significant memory problems. However, they said they want an expert neurologist to review the records.

The three defendants are now scheduled to go before a jury this coming February.

The three defendants are also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. McKenzie and Brown are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence. Brown is also charged with prisoner escape.