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D.C. Witness Staff
- August 4, 2020
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Homicides
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A murder defendant requested a new attorney on Aug. 4.
Malik Coles, 24, and his co-defendant, Duan Garmany, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly killing 28-year-old Christopher Payne on June 30, 2019, on the 1400 block of W Street, NW.
During the hearing, Coles asked DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell to let him switch the attorney representing him. Coles’ original attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, did not object to the switch, saying that Coles wanted to change attorneys because he is frustrated with the pace of his case.
“She has not done an effective job in communicating with me,” Coles said.
Judge Campbell granted Coles’ request. He said Judge Todd Edelman will assign Coles’ new attorney.
Coles is scheduled to appear in court again to receive his new attorney assignment on Sept. 4. Garmany is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 27.