Murder Defendant Requests New Trial Date Following Three Weeks in Coma

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A murder defendant, recovering from a coma, motioned to postpone his trial for a later date before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on May 3.

Robert Henson is accused of shooting 37-year-old Richard Lee Dudley on Dec. 10, 2018, on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE. The 44-year-old defendant is charged with first-degree murder while armed, armed robbery, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm.

David Knight, Henson’s defense attorney, motioned to continue the trial date, which is set for July 8.

According to Knight, Henson’s mental and physical health has declined after being in a coma for about three weeks. He stated it’s “not feasible or practical” to move forward with the current trial date.

The prosecution stated that a trial “needs” to happen considering the murder occurred in 2018, almost six years ago.

Judge Demeo did not rule on the motion and asked Henson’s defense attorneys to come up with accommodations that would be appropriate for the defendant in order to keep the original trial date.

Parties are set to reconvene May 17 to hear the final ruling on the matter.