Prosecutors Dismiss Stabbing Case

The prosecutor filed a motion to dismiss a case against a stabbing defendant on Jan. 20, before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Micheal Fenwick, 34, was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during criminal violence for his alleged involvement in an Aug. 21, 2023, stabbing on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE, where a victim sustained cuts to the back of her head, swollen hands, and a cut on her left thigh.

Prosecutors filed a nolle prosequi motion, or a “not to wish to prosecute,” motion, which allows the prosecution to re-charge a defendant if they produce sufficient evidence to move ahead with the case.

The motion followed Fenwick’s attorney, Elizabeth White, orally motioning on Jan. 10 to dismiss the case. Judge Pipe granted the joint request.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Shot Murder Victim ‘In Cold Blood,’ Prosecution Says in Closing

The jury trial for a shooting defendant ended with closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 21.

Idrissa Fall, 38, also known as Idy, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 29-year-old Dara Northern on July 18, 2021. The incident took place on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW.

Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.

During the prosecution’s closing, they argued that Fall had followed Northern to her best friend’s vehicle before shooting her through the passenger-side window. Fall and Northern were in a relationship but had gotten into several fights over Fall’s concern with Northern’s sexual orientation and alleged infidelity.

The prosecution argued that the shooting was premeditated, deliberate, and motivated. A few days before the shooting, Fall and Northern ended their relationship, causing Northern’s mother to force Fall out of their house. The prosecution also said that he acquired a gun and easily disabled security cameras before following Northern out of the house.

The prosecution played a recording of a 911 phone call during which Northern’s best friend pleaded for help and told the operator that Fall shot Northern.

“Idy shot her. He shot her through the window of my car,” the prosecution quoted.

They also presented surveillance footage which allegedly featured Fall running from the vehicle after the shooting. They argued that this evidence was consistent with Northern’s mother’s testimony, that she woke up and looked out the window to see Fall fleeing the scene.

Several days later, Fall allegedly told Northern’s mother that he was going to turn himself in.

“It was Idy who shot Dara Northern in cold blood,” the prosecution said.

Wole Falodun, Fall’s attorney, reminded the jury of the presumption of innocence and the burden the prosecution bears to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. He argued that there were several unanswered questions and gray areas.

“If you have any unresolved questions, don’t look to Mr. Fall,” Falodun said. “Look to the [prosecution].”

The defense also argued that the expert witness testimonials failed to provide information about potential physical evidence by responding to questions with “I don’t know” and “I don’t recall”.

“As you sit here today, do you know if soot was found? You don’t know the answer to that question,” Falodun said.

Falodun ended by urging the jury to make a decision based on the facts.

“I submit to you that the [prosecution] has failed to [meet its burden],” Falodun said. “Find [Fall] not guilty.”

Parties will reconvene when the jury has reached a verdict.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Motion For Dismissal

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied motions filed by a homicide defendant, including one to dismiss the case, during a hearing on Jan. 17.

Tommy Whack, 25, is charged with felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW on April 5, 2024.

Whack’s attorney, Kevin Patrick O’Sullivan filed a motion to dismiss and a motion for reconsideration of the probable cause finding on Jan. 3, claiming false or misleading testimony by the lead detective. Sullivan argued the prosecution has an obligation to correct or disclose false testimony as his rationale for dismissal.

The prosecution reacted strongly that there was no basis for the motion.

Judge Kravitz stated Sullivan’s motions carried an accusatory tone when there is no evidence to support them. Judge Kravitz believed the most important aspect of the testimony was the ability of the detective to allegedly identify Whack and found no evidence suggesting the identification is unreliable.

Judge Kravitz denied the motions, arguing it had no legal basis.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 4.

Judge Denies Release For Sisters Accused in Metro Bus Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied release for two sisters accused in a stabbing during a hearing on Jan. 17.

Donea Williams, 30, and Ashley Brown, 26, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 8, 2024 in a DC metro bus at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and 28th Street, SE.

During a hearing on Jan. 10, Williams and Brown waived their rights to a preliminary hearing, and their defense attorneys requested they be released as they await further proceedings.

During their bond review hearing on Jan. 17, the prosecutor played video surveillance from inside and outside the bus capturing the incident. The prosecutor also showed images taken at the hospital of the victims’ stab wound on the left side of the face and multiple wounds on the back.

During their argument against release, the prosecution told Judge Kravitz this was a planned and coordinated attack. According to the prosecution, Brown, who was already on the bus with the victim, called Williams to meet her at the bus stop for the assault.

Peter Cooper, Brown’s attorney, argued that it wasn’t a planned attack, stating “she’s going to meet her sister. Plain and simple.”

The prosecution rebutted this argument by showing video footage from outside the bus that allegedly shows Williams holding a knife before attacking the victim.

After reviewing the footage and images, and hearing arguments, Judge Kravitz reminded defendants they waived their right to a preliminary hearing where probable cause could have been argued. Judge Kravitz denied both defendants’ motions to reconsider release after stating it was an “incredibly violent and dangerous incident.”

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Feb. 14.

Judge Orders Mental Assessment for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a mental health evaluation for a homicide defendant, following his defense attorney’s request during a Jan. 17 hearing.

Gerald Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, three counts of carry pistol without license outside a home or business, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction for a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in three incidents, including the death of 54-year-old Morgan Holmes by shooting and stabbing on March 9, 2022, on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE. Brevard is also accused of a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022, on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE, that left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE, that left one person injured.

During the hearing, Steven Kiersh, Brevard’s attorney, requested Judge Kravitz order a competency evaluation, stating they believe Brevard may not be mentally competent to stand trial by participating in his own defense.

The prosecution did not object, but asked Judge Kravitz to implement a deadline for the defense to file a motion for not guilty by reason of insanity.

Judge Kravitz granted the defense’s request for a competency evaluation.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 24.

Murder Suspect’s Release Bid Denied Despite Good Conduct Report

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a murder defendant’s motions, including an emergency release from jail, during a hearing on Jan. 17.

Corde Fitzhugh, 25, is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of attempted robbery, robbery while armed, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the shootings of Muntsier Sharfi, 24, on July 8, 2021 and Zekariya Elmi, 26, on April 25, 2022.

According to court documents Sharfi and Elmi, were intending to meet a potential marijuana buyer. They were shot and killed at the suspected delivery locations, the 3300 block of Erie Avenue, SE and 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE.

During the hearing, Fitzhugh’s attorney, Erin Griffard, highlighted Fitzhugh’s conduct in jail, as she requested he be released pending further proceedings. She said the defendant participated in the Georgetown Prison Scholars Program and received a letter of support from a corporal at the DC jail.

Despite Judge Edelman’s acknowledging Fitzhugh’s efforts, he denied the motion, stating findings noting the seriousness of the offenses. Though he appreciated the defendant’s good conduct, Judge Edelman was not convinced a detention modification would ensure the safety of the community.

In rejecting the defendant’s emergency motion for release based on jail conditions, Judge Edelman considered precedent and practicality. As Judge Edelman noted, “Every prisoner would need to be released” if jail conditions alone could justify it, effectively dismantling the entire pretrial detention system.

Judge Edelman emphasized that these circumstances closely resembled standard grievances about detention conditions rather than an unprecedented emergency. Crucially, the court determined that the appropriate venue for addressing concerns about jail conditions lies in civil litigation, not within criminal proceedings.

Judge Edelman denied both motions.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 13.

Murder Suspect’s Release Modified For Employment

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted a murder defendant’s request to modify his release conditions during a Jan. 17 hearing.

Karim Ibrahim, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Javonni Coleman on Jan. 16, 2024 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE.

Court documents show Ibrahim has been under home confinement since September 2024, and his defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, told Judge Edelman there were no violations during the period, in spite of delays in his mental health evaluation.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) verified Ibrahim’s compliance with the required conditions and plans to complete the pending mental health assessment through court services.

During the hearing, Mosley requested Judge Edelman modify Ibrahim’s release conditions so he is able to work. Judge Edelman granted the request, but issued a curfew, which requires Ibrahim to be in his home from 7 p. m. to 8:30 a. m.

Prosecutors did not object to the modified conditions, provided Ibrahim provided he abides by the terms and they said that an indictment in in progress.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 4.

Stabbing Suspect Considers Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno granted a stabbing defendant’s motion for additional time to consider a plea offer that would downgrade his case from a felony to a misdemeanor, during a hearing on Jan. 21.

Sebastian Fonseca-Gomez, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing and assault that occurred at the intersection of 7th Street and A Streets NE, on May 15, 2024. The incident left one victim with three stab wounds to the buttocks.

According to court documents, Fonseca-Gomez had allegedly gotten into an argument with the victim over a past grievance involving a dog walking business. During the argument, Fonseca-Gomez allegedly was following the victim on his bike for several blocks before pepper spraying him, initiating a struggle during which the victim being stabbed. The weapon was recovered at the scene and Fonseca-Gomez was placed under arrest.

During the hearing, Susan Ellis, Fonseca-Gomez’ attorney, requested an extension to the acceptance of the plea offer set out by the prosecution, stating Fonseca-Gomez needs additional time to consider his options.

The plea would reduce Fonseca-Gomez’ felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon to misdemeanor simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon.

Judge Salerno granted an extension to the offer until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan 26.

Judge Delays Sentencing to Review Medical Documents of Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted a sentencing continuance in a stabbing case to allow defense time to review medical documents from the Department of Corrections (DOC) during a hearing on Jan. 17.

Jose Garcia Fuentes, 43, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his role in a stabbing incident that transpired on April 24, 2024 on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Garcia Fuentes entered a restaurant and started an unprovoked fight with another patron. The defendant reportedly kicked the victim, who tried to calm things down. As events unfolded, the defendant produced a knife and allegedly slashed the victim’s face and hand. After a struggle, Garcia Fuentes escaped.

Defense attorney Henry Escoto requested more time to examine documents regarding Fuentes’ condition from the DC Jail prior to his sentencing.

Sentencing is now scheduled for Feb. 20.

Murder Suspect’s Release Denied Despite Good Jail Conduct

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a murder defendant’s motions calling for bond review and release during a hearing on Jan. 17.

According to court documents, the victims, Sharfi and Elmi, were both scheduled to meet a potential marijuana buyer. They were shot and killed at the delivery locations, the 3300 block of Erie Avenue, SE and 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE.

During the hearing, Fitzhugh’s attorney, Erin Griffard, highlighted Fitzhugh’s conduct in jail, as she requested his release pending further proceedings. She said the defendant participated in the Georgetown Prison Scholars Program and received a letter of support from a corporal from the DC jail.

Despite Judge Edelman acknowledging Fitzhugh’s efforts, he denied the motion, given the serious nature of the offenses. He appreciated the defendant’s conduct, but Judge Edelman stated he was not convinced a detention modification would ensure the safety of the community.

Rejecting the defendant’s emergency motion for release based on jail conditions, Judge Edelman cited precedent and practicality noting, “Every prisoner would need to be released” if jail conditions alone were the rationale, effectively dismantling the entire pretrial detention system.

Judge Edelman denied both motions.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 13.

Shooting Suspect May Withdraw Guilty Plea Based on New Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a shooting defendant more time to review new evidence before deciding if he wants to withdraw his guilty plea, during a hearing on Jan. 17.

On Sept. 5, 2024, Damari McLaughlin, 18, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 18, 2023, on the 1000 block of Valley Avenue, SE. A victim suffered life-threatening injuries from multiple gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, McLaughlin’s attorney, Janai Reed, said he may withdraw his plea, based on new evidence in the form of surveillance footage that was not provided when he accepted an unspecified plea agreement.

As a result, McLaughlin is seeking a new attorney to take over his case. He also mentioned in court that his grandmother would retain counsel for him in future proceedings.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7.

Homicide Victim’s Mother Testifies ‘Things Were Becoming Different,’ Between Daughter and Defendant at Trial

A homicide victim’s mother testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 16 about the deteriorating relationship between her daughter and the man suspected of her murder.

Idrissa Fall, 37, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 29-year-old Dara Northern. The incident occurred on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, on July 18, 2021.

Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on Northern’s mother, who testified Northern and Fall lived with her at her home in Northwest DC. She stated she and Fall had a “caring and sensitive relationship,” leading up to her daughter’s death.

“I was supportive when I could be,” Northern’s mom testified, adding she would be straight forward with Fall, even if it was not always something he wanted to hear.

Northern’s mother told the jury that Fall and Northern’s relationship had its ups and downs, stating she observed their arguments and knew of their issues from conversations with her daughter.

“There were times his negative sentiment was conveyed,” the mom testified regarding Fall’s thoughts on Northern’s friends that belonged to the LGBTQ+ community. Northern’s mom added she heard him use “derogatory” terms about Northern’s friends.

“Things were becoming different between them,” she stated, referring to the months leading up to her daughter’s death. She testified Fall would often miss important days, including birthdays and holidays. “It spoke volumes,” she said.

According to Northern’s mom, in the days leading up to her death, Dara was “quiet, she was in this very fixed position of being done,” with her and Fall’s relationship. The mom told the jury she had a conversation with Fall, alerting him he had to move out of their home by July 19, 2021. However, she said, there was a lack of remorse on his part.

Dara’s mother also testified that, on the night of the incident, she had gone up to her bedroom, but got out of bed after hearing a sound. “I heard a single sound that was a pop,” she recalled and checked to see what was going on.

She testified she looked out of her window and saw Fall running away, wearing a white top and black shorts.

“I was in shock – I was terrified something had happened to Dara,” she cried, stating she told police she may have seen Fall running away but it was only a possibility because, “I tried to be accurate and correct – I didn’t want to make incorrect accusations… but I saw him, you know, I saw him.”

“I remember being fearful, I thought… he’s a Black male, I didn’t want to cause trouble,” Northern’s mother said, adding “there’s a part of me that wished I hadn’t seen what I saw.”

She stated she knew something was wrong when she attempted to call Fall and Northern and neither picked up. “My heart sank,” she cried, “My hope was that she and [Northern’s best friend] had gone.”

“When I couldn’t reach them – that was atypical,” Northern’s mom said, stating “I was very worried, I knew that the conflict had grown.”

She testified her fear came true when officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) went to her house to see if things were ok. They took her to the hospital to see Dara, but she stated she was unresponsive.

Northern’s mom testified Fall was not at the hospital, but called her several times in the days following the homicide stating he was going to turn himself into the police.

Prosecutors also called two longtime close friends of Northern to testify about their friendship with Northern but less so with Fall.

One of them testified that she and Northern had been friends since they were three years old, stating their families spent the holidays together growing up.

The other testified that she met Northern through her girlfriend, and had gotten to spend time with her often in group settings.

Both women stated they never felt friendship toward Fall, with one of them saying he would make them uncomfortable when he was in the room because he was “always very standoffish, but was always watching us.”

They heard him make derogatory comments about their group of friends, most of whom were part of the LGBTQ+ community. One of them said they heard him tell Northern to stop hanging out with the “dykes.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16.

Shooting Over Teen Sex Case Goes to Jury

Lawyers argued about whether a statement made in a heated argument about a teen-age tryst was either a veiled threat or an effort to calm the volatile situation. The dispute played out in closing arguments on Jan. 16 at the culmination of a week-long shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Antoine Johnson, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Three other weapons-related charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. were dropped by the prosecution on Jan. 15.

The remaining counts stem from Johnson’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 21, 2023, on I-695 southbound near exit 2B. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The precipitating factor was evidence that a 17-year-old boy was engaging in sex with a 14-year-old girl. When the girl’s parents found out they became incensed and the confrontation continued as the father of the 17-year-old arrived and attempted to remove his son from the scene. Meanwhile, police were called to quell the disturbance.

According to the prosecution, Johnson’s mother alerted him to the situation because the 14-year-old girl is Johnson’ half-sister.

In a body-worn camera video, Johnson is heard saying, “We ain’t doing no talking, ma. I’ve seen his face.”

During a sequence of video surveillance clips shown to the jury, prosecutors say that Johnson’s white Malibu is seen tailing the older victim and his son as they attempted to get away in their Jeep SUV. The episode culminates on I-695 near exit 2B when Johnson allegedly fired at least six shots into the victim’s car.

A data analyst placed Johnson’s phone near the scene at the time of the incident.

The 17-year-old provided police with a description of the shooter who said the suspect was a Black male with light colored skin, long dreadlocks, tattoos on both sides of his face, facial hair and wearing a white tank top. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer at the scene said the features were similar to Johnson’s whom he knew from a previous encounter.

“You need look no farther than that man, right there,” said the prosecutor pointing to Johnson in the courtroom. The alleged motive was retaliation for the 17-year-old’s sexual encounter with Johson’s underage half-sister.

Using additional data from Johnson’s cell phone, police say they were able to trace the white Malibu to a woman with whom Johnson was romantically involved.

“All that tells you the shooter was Antoine Johnson,” said the prosecutor. “Take a good look at the evidence. Use your common sense,”

For his summation, Johnson’s attorney, Matthew Rist, continued his assault on the prosecution’s case saying it was based solely on speculation. “The government is grasping, reaching,” said Rist.

Rist debunked the notion that Johnson was making a threat given the ambiguity of his recorded comment and may have been trying to break up the fight.

“Where is the actual threat that they were going to get that M***** F*****,” asked Rist?

Rist also challenged the MPD’s identification of Johnson as being overly broad and applicable to many young Black men in the district. Further, the 17-year-old, who originally identified Johnson as the shooter, failed to do so in court. It’s possible, said Rist, that an individual who was part of the initial confrontation and was driving a white Bentley was a suspect.

There was no significant physical evidence in the case, he said.

A defense witness also challenged the accuracy of determining someone’s location using information from a cell phone.. “You have to be a rainman like Tom Cruise in the movies to make a calculation for cell site data,” said Rist.

The prosecution acknowledged the 17-year-old’s reluctant courtroom performance but told the jury to consider his earlier testimony.

Judge Ryan turned the case over to the jury for deliberation.

Judge Allows Prosecutor to Use Defendant’s Texts, Videos in Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted in part a prosecutor’s motion to introduce text and video evidence in a fatal shooting trial, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Edward Pearson on Nov. 26, 2020. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

During the hearing, parties discussed a motion filed by the prosecution to introduce evidence pertaining to the defendant’s reputed involvement with certain drugs and firearms. Evidence of Cleveland’s alleged possession of ecstasy at the scene was deemed inadmissible by Judge Kravitz on irrelevance grounds.

The prosecution also brought up the relationships between other individuals who were allegedly present during the shooting, and their potential drug use that would come out were they to be questioned. Judge Kravitz granted permission for the individuals to testify regarding their relationships with Cleveland and Pearson, specifically, “where they got together, what they did, what they talked about.”

No testimony was allowed pertaining to a gun found at the scene, as it doesn’t match the gun used in the murder.

Judge Kravitz ruled any text based evidence from Cleveland’s phone would be admissible as long as it doesn’t contain information that’s unfairly prejudicial. Text based evidence regarding drug deals with outside parties would be considered hearsay, and therefore inadmissible unless something changes within the case. Texts about types of guns would need a firearm expert to be brought in to discuss the evidence.

The prosecution also introduced three videos to the court that contained corroborating evidence of Cleveland’s possession and prior use of the murder weapon. Two out of the three videos were admitted as they purport to show the defendant’s possession of the weapon, display the weapons physical descriptions, and are temporally relevant. The third video excluded based on poor technical quality.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 15.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Triple-Fatal Arson

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a fatal arson during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Robert Simpson, 56, is charged with arson and felony murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal house fire that occurred on Oct. 6, 2024, on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE. The fire killed 64-year-old Ronald McKinnon, 34-year-old Jessica Cunningham, and 85-year-old Margaret McKinnon.

During the hearing, prosecutors presented surveillance footage allegedly showing Simpson walking toward the home, pausing briefly, then walking away following the start of the fire. Shortly after, a 911 call was made by Cunningham in which she stated “He came back…He set the house on fire.”

Simpson’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that in the call, Cunningham was referring to Ronald due to his alleged violent past involving domestic violence and drug use. The defense also stated that there is insufficient evidence that proves the identity of the suspect in the footage.

However, there were several incidents involving Simpson on Oct. 2, 4, and 5 prior to his arrest, according to the prosecution. Authorities responded to the residence for a family disturbance, destruction of property report, and a report of a fire that took place in a trash can near the back porch.

Ronald, who reported the fire on Oct. 5, stated that Simpson was outside of the residence saying “Imma f*** you and your house up.”

According to O’Sullivan, there was no DNA evidence of the defendant in or around the scene, and there were no injuries on his body consistent with committing the fatal arson.

Judge Dayson ruled that the prosecution provided sufficient evidence to find probable cause, and denied the defense counsel’s request for pre-trial release.

Parties will reconvene on March 18.

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