New Counsel Appointed in Murder Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 17, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

After appointing new counsel in a 2016 murder case, a DC Superior Court Judge pushed the trial date back a year in order to give the new attroney time to prepare.

William Cunningham, Marcus Martin and Marc Butler are charged with first-degree murder while armed and conspiracy for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Derryk Johnson on the 600 block of N Street, NW.

According to court documents, Cunningham, 31; Butler, 22; and Martin, 21, were allegedly trying to rob a group of individuals when one of the individuals pulled out a gun. A shootout ensued, resulting in the death of Johnson, 19. Another individual from the group sustained non-life-threatening injuries.  

Cunningham’s attorney, Archie Nichols, filed a motion to withdraw on July 31.

During a status hearing on Aug. 16,  Judge Craig Iscoe granted Nichols’ motion and and appointed Kevin Mosley to represent Cunningham.

Subsequently, Judge Iscoe granted Mosley time to get acquainted with the case and advise Cunningham on the plea deals that were extended. Ultimately, the trial, originally scheduled for Sept. 11, was postponed for all three co-defendants.

Although a new trial date has not been scheduled, it is expected to be a year after the original date, according to Judge Iscoe.  

Butler and Martin were not present during the hearing, but according to Judge Iscoe they were informed of the hearing. Martin’s defense attorney, Dana Page, was in attendance. Butler’s defense attorney, Dorsey Jones, was not.

A status hearing is scheduled on Aug. 23.