Murder charges against Derrick Carter and Tyrale Johnson dismissed

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 14, 2017
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

Two men charged with the murder of Melvin Williams have been released from custody after being held for nearly two years.

The case against Derrick Carter and Tyrale Johnson was dismissed “temporarily” in a hearing Thursday morning, when the prosecution claimed they didn’t have enough time to respond to allegations made by the defense to move forward.

Police found Williams suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in July of 2015. According to the autopsy, Williams was shot in the head from a distance with what the warrant describes as an assault rifle. The victim was pronounced dead by the time emergency workers arrived.

A third suspect was also charged, but not with murder. Instead, Antwon Fulmore was charged with accessory after the fact, and was also released from his charges Thursday. He had released under supervision since September of 2015.

The prosecution asked that the charges be dropped against Carter and Johnson until they have enough time to respond the defense’s allegations. Judge Zoe Bush allowed for the dismissal but said “these three young men deserve a fair trial” and the time and attention should be given when the case reopens.