Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

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A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges on Aug. 27 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Yazmin Owens, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the death of 26-year-old Nakysia Lemon-Williams on Nov. 14, 2023, on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, Sylvia Smith, Owens’ attorney, alerted the court of her intent to plead not guilty, and asserted all constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 11.

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