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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- April 23, 2020
Court
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Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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A murder defendant had a bond review hearing scheduled as he awaits a ruling on an emergency motion for release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Romiel Hightower, 29, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting of 27-year-old Jamal Bandy on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, on July 21, 2019.
Hightower’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, filed an emergency motion for release on March 23 citing the COVID-19 pandemic. He also filed a motion on April 15, noting that Hightower’s cellmate had tested positive for the virus. Tulley also said the jail staff forced Hightower to remove his cellmate’s items from the cell. The cell had not been cleaned since his cellmate moved out.
Hightower awaits a ruling on the motion. He is also scheduled for a felony status conference on July 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.
Written by Wyatt Mullins