Murder suspect’s release to halfway house delayed

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 25, 2016
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

The release of a woman charged with fatally stabbing her tenant in the neck was delayed while more information about the murder is collected.

Tammy Mathis-Lawrence, 41, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for the death of Ricardo Dasilva, 30. Lawrence was granted release to a halfway house three weeks ago by D.C. superior court Judge Milton C. Lee, but it has been delayed indefinitely.

“How much time do you need to get the train in the station?” said Judge Lee to prosecuting attorney Chris Bruckmann, regarding the pending evidence in this case.

Bruckmann requested that D.C. courts give the prosecution 45 days to get that information in.

Lawrence’s defense attorney, Judith Pipe, requested the courts release her client to a halfway house as soon as possible, considering she has been a “victim of the community.” Judge Lee said he was not prepared to release Lawrence yet, based on the information he has so far. Judge Lee stated he wanted the defendant to answer the questions the government asked regarding the case before releasing her.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 9.