Murder Defendant Seeks to Represent Himself

By Beatriz Canals [former] - October 13, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

During an Oct. 12 preliminary hearing, a homicide defendant filed a motion to represent himself due to dissatisfaction with his defense attorney. 

Marcus Barringer, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on May 6 on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE. 

“I studied law since I’ve been incarcerated,” Barringer said. 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun inquired if Barringer was dissatisfied with the services provided by his defense attorney, Kevin Mosley. Barringer confirmed this and stated that he previously represented himself when facing weapon charges in Virginia. 

Judge Okun allowed Barringer to represent himself and ordered that Mosley remain as standby counsel. 

During Wednesday’s hearing, the prosecutor presented video evidence of the defendant exiting a Camaro near the scene of the crime wearing a black long sleeve shirt, black pants, a bright yellow safety vest and red sneakers. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that the suspect in the video footage was wearing the same clothing as the defendant during his arrest. 

During cross examination, Mosley requested access to the full video footage as opposed to the portion the prosecution presented during the hearing.   

He also said the video reveals another individual fleeing the scene of the shooting and highlighted how this individual has not been identified by the MPD detective. 

Mosley also emphasized that Barringer had no prior acts of violence or feelings of animosity towards the victim.

The prosecution opposed sharing the complete video footage due to her responsibility to safeguard the witness’s privacy.

Mosley challenged this “frivolous claim of witness endangerment” and Judge Okun allowed disclosure of the videos, permitting the prosecution to redact them if necessary. 

Judge Okun ruled that the evidence against Barringer was enough to bring his case to trial. He found probable cause that Barringer committed second-degree murder while armed, saying the “weight of the evidence is neutral” but the nature of the offense and Barringer’s prior charges weigh in favor of detention. 

As a result, Judge Okun decided to detain Barringer. 

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17.