Missing Witness Delays 5-Year Old Homicide Trial

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DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a homicide trial for a week, following the prosecution’s request for more time to locate a key witness in a hearing on Feb. 19.

Guy Johnson, 57, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

Johnson is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on July 9, 2023. The case for the 2023 shooting is set to proceed after the homicide trial.

The prosecution stated they have been trying to locate a witness since 2020 and made recent attempts to contact the witness’ friends and family. Prosecutors detailed multiple phone call attempts to reach the witness, citing specific dates and interactions as proof of their continued search.

They requested to delay the trial, which was slated to begin Feb. 18, in order to locate the witness, whom they claim is key to their theory.

Kevin Mosley, Johnson’s attorney, pushed back on the delay, arguing it was unfair to postpone the trial given that they were fully prepared to proceed. He also pointed out the prosecution’s decision to move up the trial readiness hearing without disclosing ongoing difficulties in locating their witness, questioning the prosecution’s handling of the case.

Prosecutors countered, arguing their efforts to locate the witness had been ongoing and that the defense’s timeline of events misrepresented the extent of their search.

Prosecutors suggested the unavailable witness would testify about sex work in connection to the case, along with one other witness.

Judge Dayson ruled the prosecution had shown enough evidence suggesting the witness could still be located and postponed the case until Feb. 24.