The prosecution in a homicide announced they would not be pursuing a retrial and formally moved to dismiss the case against acquitted defendant Myrol Hickson before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 11.
Hickson, 36, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Maurice Frazier on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in an apartment building on the 900 block of Bellevue Street, SE.
On June 10, the jury returned a not guilty verdict for the first-degree murder charge, and the lesser charge of second-degree murder. However, Judge Brandt ordered a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict for other charges.
At the latest hearing, Judge Brandt granted the prosecution’s request to dismiss the remaining charges, and said she would sign a release order, ordering Hickson be released from the DC Jail as soon as possible.
Moments after the case was dismissed, Hickson grew visibly emotional, embracing his attorneys, Matthew Besman and Dana Page. Judge Brandt concluded the proceedings with a farewell, wishing Hickson good luck as he steps into the next chapter of his life.
No further dates were set.
