Murder Cases Move Forward with Trial Readiness Hearing

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a trial readiness hearing for a defendant who is charged with two murder cases that date back to 2017.

Derek Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of Andrew McPhatter, who was 28 years-old when he was shot on March 5, 2017, on the 3500 Block of Wheeler Road, SE. Police arrested Turner on Sept. 6, 2017. Ronnika Jennings, 41, is also charged with first-degree murder in connection with the homicide. Two other defendants, Duan Hill and Marshay Hazelwood, are charged with obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

The hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2021.

His last trial readiness hearing took place back in March, at which time, he rejected a plea deal from the prosecution.

In March 2018, Turner, 29, was indicted om 25 counts, including first-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy. Jenkins is charged with accessory after the fact, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy in addition to her murder charge.

Turner is also charged in the death of 23-year-old Devin Hall, who was fatally shot on Jan. 7, 2017, on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

He was indicted on 11 counts for Hall’s homicide in February 2019, including first-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy.

This article was written by Yasmeen McGettrick.

Follow this case