Motions Hearing Set in Homicide Case After Judge O’Keefe’s Recusal

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A status hearing was held for Antonio Jackson, 37, on May 31 to address outstanding motions in his homicide case.

Jackson was charged with first-degree murder following the killing of 52-year-old Maria Antoinette Evans on Mar. 29, 2018 on the 500 block of Oakwood Street, SE.

Defense attorney Jessica Willis submitted three motions in order to suppress some evidence against the defendant, including witness testimony and physical evidence on the grounds that the evidence was obtained during an illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. These motions were originally submitted to DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

On Apr. 18, the defense submitted a motion to dismiss the case against Jackson on the grounds of alleged violations of the defendant’s right to exculpatory evidence. This motion was denied by Judge O’Keefe.

Defense attorney Willis then requested that Judge O’Keefe recuse himself from the case on May 17 due to a perceived bias against the defendant. This request was granted, and DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan took over presiding duties. Due to the transition between judges, several motions remained outstanding before Jackson’s hearing on May 31.

In order to give both the defense and prosecution ample time to prepare further motions and potential testimony, Judge Raffinan scheduled a motions hearing for Sept. 22.

Jackson’s trial is set to commence on Feb. 3, 2025.

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