Murder Defendants Granted Release Because of Evidence Delays

By Rohan Naval , Ashley Drazka - January 29, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted two co-defendants release while they await trial because of delayed test results from the prosecution.

Charles Jeter, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and Kevin Sewell, 33, with conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the shooting of 46-year-old Kevin Robinson  on Nov. 30, 2014, at the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. Robinson was Sewell’s father. 

Judge Epstein initially denied a motion to sever the co-defendants’ trials.

Prosecutors filed a motion to continue the trial date, previously scheduled for Feb. 12, on the grounds that they are awaiting results from DNA testing. However, since the documents relating to the DNA testing were submitted after the deadline a new trial date was scheduled for Nov. 12. 

The judge noted that if he were to continue the trial, he would have to consider releasing the defendants because the “delay is substantial,” and an additional “nine months is a long time” to keep the co-defendants detained. 

Judge Epstein added, “Stated broadly, I do not think the defendants should be released.” However, given the law, he released both defendants ahead of trial, since the postponement was caused by the prosecution’s failure to complete the DNA testing on time. 

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) found the co-defendants eligible for release, and Judge Epstein placed them under home confinement and GPS monitoring. 

The judge explained the danger the defendants present to the community is “not enough to continue detention” and that “the delay in DNA testing took away (his) option.”

Jeter’s mother told D.C Witness that she is “relieved” at his release saying “If you don’t have evidence within 10 years, it’s a mess,” referring to the decade old prosecution.

Parties are slated to return June 7.