Case Acquitted: Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Indictment Charges

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 23, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

This case has been acquitted.

A murder defendant decided to plead not guilty to six indictment charges on May 23.

Cedric Alexander, who is also known as “Tony White,” is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting of Daquan Hooks on the 1900 block of 13 Street, SE on March 23, 2017.

Along with pleading not guilty to the murder charge, Alexander, 46, also pleaded not guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business with a prior felony, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.   

The prosecutor and the defense told DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Lee Beck that they have had difficulties coordinating with the detective in the case in order to get DNA evidence. Counsel said that they will continue efforts to get the evidence.

According to court documents, officers of the Metropolitan Police Department found Hooks, 38, unconscious and suffering from a head injury during the early morning hours on March 23, 2017. Hooks was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.

Another hearing is scheduled on Oct. 25 where defense counsel is expected to let Judge Beck know if the defense wants to test the evidence at another facility. A trial is slated to occur in May of 2020.