Murder Defendant Awaiting Trial Due to Medical Issues

By Varshana Ramnarine - October 7, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

A murder defendant appeared virtually as the parties considered a trial date in relation to his ongoing medical condition in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 4.

Robert Henson, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Richard Lee Dudley, 37, on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE.

D.C. Witnesses previously reported that Henson had been hospitalized due to a condition stemming from a car accident in December of 2018. It’s unclear if the accident is related to Dudley’s death. 

After improving, in March of 2024, Henson’s mental and physical health declined and he became comatose for three weeks with no explanation.

At the hearing the prosecution requested all of Henson’s medical records be disclosed, and to meet with his health specialist in order to figure out a timeline for the trial which was postponed in May.

Henson’s defense attorneys, David Knight and Joseph Yarabough, did not object, but noted that his condition hasn’t improved. 

The prosecution alerted the court that they didn’t want to wait indefinitely for Henson’s medical condition to improve, since the case has been ongoing since 2018.

Judge Demeo set a 30-day window to keep the case as a priority.

Parities are set to reconvene Nov. 8.