Murder Defendant Stands Trial for Separate Charges in North Carolina

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 12, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

A man who is charged with two murders stemming from gang violence in Washington, DC  is being transferred to North Carolina to stand trial for charges in an unrelated case.

In a four defendant case, Derek Turner is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE in March of 2017.  Ronnika Jennings is also charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and accessory after the fact for her alleged role in the murder.

During a hearing July 12, Turner’s defense attorney, Michael Madden, told DC Superior Court Judge Juliet Mckenna that Turner could not appear for the hearing because he is being transferred to North Carolina. Turner is expected to stand trial for charges in an unrelated case later this month.

Madden said he did not expect the trial to interfere with the Turner’s judicial proceedings in DC.

The prosecution told the judge that all DNA testing was completed. Judge McKenna gave the defense 60 days to decide if independent DNA testing was needed.

Turner is also being charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Devin Hall on the 3500 block of 6th St., SE in January of 2017.

Turner is scheduled for trial in DC on March 23, 2020.

Judge McKenna told the defense and prosecution to prepare for juror conflicts with Spring vacation.

Duan Hill is charged with conspiracy and obstruction of justice in connection to McPhatter’s homicide. He is released on personal recognizance. Marshay Hazelwood is charged with obstruction of justice. She is also released on personal recognizance.

All four defendants are scheduled for a status hearing to discuss if the defense will conduct testing on Sept. 20.