More Information Needed to Proceed with Murder Trial, Judge Says

By Ashley Brown [former] - September 20, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo said she needed more information on counsel’s trial readiness of a murder case in which the defendant is accused of killing his best friend. 

Eugene Burns, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, obstructing justice, and threating to kidnap or injure a person in connection with the shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III. 

During the Sept. 20 hearing, Judge Demeo wanted to “touch base” with Burns’ defense attorney, Mary Kennedy, and the prosecution, to address any motions or representations expressed as the parties prepare for trial on Nov. 29.

During the hearing, Kennedy also requested additional to time to review and process evidence. 

“There are a lot of moving pieces I’m not privy to,” Judge Demeo said, granting the request. 

According to court documents, Burns and Osuchukwu had been friends since they were 8 years old. They attended school together in Southern Maryland. 

Despite these ties, Burns allegedly opened fire on Osuchukwu on Nov. 14, 2015, in an apartment on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE, where he died at the scene. The incident is believed to have resulted from a drug-related dispute, according to court documents.

Parties are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 21 to discuss matters, which weren’t disclosed in open court, for the preparation for trial.

The prosecutor told Judge Demeo that the trial would abide by the two-week time frame allotted.