Murder Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a homicide defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing on May 5.

Derek Turrentine, 42, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old James Price on Sept. 15, 2024 on the 400 block of 50th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers discovered Price in an alley behind a recreation center. He sustained four gunshot wounds to his left cheek, the back of his neck, left shoulder, and left forearm.

Surveillance cameras allegedly captured an individual, identified as Turrentine, following Price into the alley, where they had a physical altercation. Turrentine then reportedly stood over Price and shot him before fleeing the scene.

During the hearing, Turrentine’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, informed the court of the defendant’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Brandt accepted the waiver, finding Turrentine made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Judge Brandt also granted the defense’s request to postpone arguments concerning the defendant’s release until parties convene before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 6.