Murder Defendant Warned On Drug Testing 

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan reminded a homicide defendant that he must comply with all release conditions, including testing negative for drugs, during a hearing on Sept. 17. 

Terrance Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Barry Holmes, 57. Holmes succumbed to his injuries on Apr 17, 2019, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Raffinan that Barnes has been in compliance with release conditions, despite a slip up on drug testing. 

Defense attorney Molly Bunke requested the court reduce his testing to once a week, instead of twice. 

The prosecution stated they felt more comfortable with drug testing twice a week. 

However, the judge denied the defense’s request to reduce testing, and ordered the release conditions remain the same.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 14.