New Trial Date Set for First-Degree Murder Case

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Defense Attorney Mani Golzari requested a new trial date for a murder case, during an April 21 status hearing, because he had to reschedule another defendant’s trial.

Wilbert Whitaker, 74, is currently charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred in April of 2016.

During the hearing, the prosecution noted that another defendant’s case is marked as high priority and needs to take place as soon as possible due to its status.

According to court documents, police responded to sounds of gunshots on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE and found the victim, Leo Hackett, 30, with multiple gunshot wounds. Hackett was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Whitaker is currently released on personal recognizance.

His new trial date is set for Nov. 7, 2024.

This trial, which has been rescheduled numerous times, will be 8 years old by the new intended date.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein scheduled the next hearing on July 12.

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