Murder Defendant’s Compliance Not Grounds for Better Conditions, Judge Says

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

During a felony status conference Sept. 12, a DC Superior Court judge said a murder defendant’s compliance with court sanctioned release conditions did not justify relaxing them.

Barbara Sanders is charged with second-degree murder while armed with a knife for allegedly stabbing 59-year-old Thurman Knight on the 500 block of Montana Avenue, NE in March. According to court documents, Sanders, 53, and Knight resided together and were in a romantic relationship for nearly eight years.

According to Judge Craig Iscoe, Sanders, 53, was released to a halfway house in June where she has remained in full compliance with her conditions of release.

The response came after defense attorney, Matthew Davies,  said he may request more relaxed release conditions at a later date in light of his client’s good behavior.

“We can only anticipate compliance,” Iscoe said.

Sanders is required to submit weekly drug screenings, she cannot have any social passes, she can only leave the house for medical, employment, job training or other appointments pre approved by halfway house staff and her movement is monitored through a GPS tracking device.

D.C. Witness previously reported that a recently established Department of Corrections mandate would prevent anyone with a charge of violence within 10 years from being able to stay. However, a representative said that if a judge ordered her placement, she would be released.

Both the defense and prosecution agreed that the deadline for the prosecution to secure an indictment is Feb. 2, 2020. A felony status conference is scheduled on Feb. 7, 2020.