Murder Defendant Says He Did Not Intend to Kill

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a murder and robbery defendant to 16-and-a-half years of incarceration with all but 14 years suspended, during a hearing on Oct. 25.

On Jan. 5, Jamari Payne, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the shooting of 57-year-old Bacilio Villatoro on Sept. 22, 2022, on the 3000 block of Adams Street, NE.

As part of the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 10 to 22 years.

Payne also pleaded guilty to robbery for his involvement in an incident that took place two days prior on Sept. 20, 2022, on the 5300 block of Jay Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution explained that Villatoro was at work as a tree trimmer on the day of the incident. According to the prosecution, Villatoro and his coworkers noticed Payne trying to steal from their truck. Following an interaction, Payne went to his car and retrieved a firearm.

None of the workers followed Payne and fled when they saw a gun. Payne fired four times and struck Villatoro in the back as he was fleeing, killing him, the prosecution said.

The prosecution played a video for the court that showed Payne kneeling on one knee and firing a gun with both hands into the alleyway where the truck was parked.

Villatoro’s two sons and other family members were present.

One of Villatoro’s sons said his father was always there for him and his family and urged them all to do good and not bad. He described his father as a hard worker who never got involved in anything bad. He concluded by asking for justice and the harshest possible sentence.

The man that owned the house Villatoro and his colleagues were working at on the day of the incident also addressed the court. He the incident as “terrifying” and said he struggles with knowing it could have been anyone who was struck that day.

He said Villatoro was a great help to the community and they would often talk about their families together, describing Villatoro as a man who wanted to provide for his family. He concluded by asking the court to keep the defendant out of the community, stating, “our community and our country deserve better.”

The prosecution then read a victim impact statement from the victim of the Sept. 20 robbery. According to the prosecution, Payne pulled a gun on the victim and stole his phone and wallet.

In the statement, the victim described being “paralyzed with fear” and said the “trauma marked and changed my life.” He wrote about developing anxiety, struggling to socialize and work, and feeling weak and vulnerable in public.

The prosecution addressed another robbery that occurred on Sept. 24, 2022, as part of consideration for sentencing. Payne admitted to this robbery but he charge is being dropped as part of the plea deal.

The prosecution played a video of this incident for the court, which occurred at night at a convenience store. The video shows Payne robbing two college students and pistol whipping one of them.

“I didn’t mean for someone to die – It wasn’t my intention,” Payne’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley quoted Payne.

He said everyone working with Payne believes he shows great remorse and the shooting is not who Payne is.

Tulley attributed Payne’s actions that day to his struggles with drug addiction and mental health and that these incidents are the “tragic” result of a “spiral.”

He said Payne was not conscious when he fired at Villatoro because his brain was “soaked in drugs.”

Tulley explained that Payne lived two separate lives with his mother and his father. Payne’s father “showed him the streets,” and Payne began using drugs and alcohol at twelve years old, according to Tulley.

Payne’s father suddenly passed in 2018, which profoundly impacting him. Tulley said Payne struggles with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but never got the help he needed.

Tulley referred to a statement from Payne’s grandmother where she described him as an excellent student and churchgoer who if “given a chance he could be a great asset to the community.”

He noted that Payne is bettering his life in jail by taking college classes and is a loving father to four children. Payne’s children and multiple family members were also present in court.

“I ended someone’s life and my own life that day,” Payne told Judge Raffinan, referencing the shooting of Villatoro. He added, “I hate myself for it” and described being haunted by the incident and crying himself to sleep.

“Drug addiction got the best of my mental health that day,” he said.

He stated that he cannot believe he took someone’s life and couldn’t believe it was him when shown videos of the incidents.

Judge Rafinnan apologized to Villatoro’s sons and everyone else impacted. She acknowledged that no sentence would make up for the loss and trauma experienced.

She claimed she would take into account all the victim impact statements and Payne’s struggles, including mental health disorders, drug addiction, the loss of his father, and exposure to community and family violence.

Judge Raffinan sentenced Payne to 16-and-a-half years with all but 14 years suspended for the murder of Villatoro and three years with all but two years suspended for the robbery. These sentences will run concurrently to each other as agreed to in the plea agreement.

There are no further dates set.

Mother and Son Duo Plead Guilty to Their Roles in A 37-Year-Old Woman’s Murder

A mother and son duo charged with murder accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Oct. 24, a week before their trial was scheduled to begin in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Jaquell Jackson, 21, and Chakeatia Jackson, 40, were originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tar shaqua Chappell on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE, on Sept. 15, 2021.

Jaquell was also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Errin Scialpi and Tammy Thom, Chakeatia’s attorneys, and Brian McDaniel, Jaquell’s attorney, alerted Judge Raffinan that the defendants would be accepting a plea deal.

Through the deal, Chakeatia was required to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed all other charges.

Similarly, Jaquell’s deal required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, the prosecution dropped the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge and agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-15 years.

Additionally, prosecutors agreed to dismiss charges in connection to a jail stabbing.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 14.

Murder Defendants’ Cases Severed

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a homicide defendant’s request to sever from their co-defendant on Oct. 25.

Tamera Brown, 28, and Robert Baskerville, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Darron Holmes II, which occurred on April 16, 2022, on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Brown also faces two counts of threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with intent to kill while armed, and obstruction of justice. Baskerville also faces conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license.

During the hearing, Judge Epstein granted Brown’s motion to sever from Baskerville that argued that “there are no text messages between Ms. Brown and Mr. Baskerville showing a plan or scheme to assault or kill [Holmes].”

Baskerville “is therefore a potentially valuable exculpatory witness” for Brown, McDaniel said. The defense in Brown’s case plans to call Baskerville as a witness at the trial.

Judge Epstein granted the request, and scheduled a trial for Baskerville on Aug. 24, 2026, and one for Brown on Oct. 5, 2026.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Awaits Retrial

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo declared a mistrial in a defendant’s non-fatal shooting case on Aug. 20 for reasons that were not disclosed.

Andrew Parsons, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and a felony charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Parsons was involved in an argument with a person he knew and shot him several times in the legs. The victim’s injuries required surgery.

Following the mistrial, a new prosecutor took over the case.

A new jury trial is set for Nov. 4.

Judge Holds Carjacking Defendant Due to Noncompliance

DC Superior Judge Erik Christian ordered a carjacking defendant be detained on Oct. 28, following a report that stated he had been non-compliant with his release conditions.

Richard Bates, 17, is being charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence while armed. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE, which occurred on Sept. 13, 2023. One individual sustained injuries to the head.

Bates is charged as an adult under Title 16.

According to court documents, two suspects, one of which was later identified as Bates, pulled up to the victim’s car as he was retrieving items from the car. The two armed suspects exited a white sedan, with one suspect demanding all of the victims belongings. After complying, one suspect hit the victim in the head with a firearm, and both suspects drove away in the victims car and the white sedan.

During the hearing, the prosecution raised the issue of Bates being noncompliant for check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). A representative from PSA confirmed his noncompliance, saying Bates failed to show up to check-ins multiple times. The representative requested that his probation be revoked.

Bates’ defense attorney, Christen Romero Phillips, argued she was under the presumption that Bates had been attending those meetings. According to Phillips, a change in probation officers affected Bates and his checkin scheduling.

Judge Christian proceeded to agree with the prosecution and PSA, detaining Bates.

Parties are currently in plea negotiations and set to reconvene on Nov. 4

Convicted Murder Awaits Sentencing

A convicted murderer is awaiting sentencing after a jury found him guilty of manslaughter during August trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Jason Lewis, 42, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on the 1000 Block of Quincy Street, NE on Jan 7, 2023.

The jury convicted Lewis of all the weapons charges. He was found guilty of the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter instead of second-degree murder while armed.

Throughout the trial, Edward Ungvarsky, Lewis’ attorney, argued that Lewis was merely defending his family from a threat, and that hetried saving Blake by giving him CPR. Ungvarsky said Lewis did not intend to kill the boy.

The prosecution argued that Blake’s actions of breaking into a car did not justify a shooting, especially because of the fact that Blake was just a kid.

Lewis’s sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Execution Style’ Shooting, Orders Defendant Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe rejected Oct. 28 a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for release, despite his co-defendant being granted home confinement.

Donte Bennett, 26, and DeMarco Hayes, 21, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting where one victim sustained critical injuries at the intersection of the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue and 18th Street, SE on July 24.

Release was denied because Judge O’Keefe ruled that Bennett was a danger to the public since he allegedly “shot at someone, execution style.”

Judge O’Keefe also found probable cause that Bennett was at the scene of the crime on Oct. 28, saying the gun that was found at his house matched the shell casings found at the scene of the crime.

Even though Bennett’s co-defendant, Hayes, was released on home confinement under DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, Judge O’Keefe stated he did not know what was presented and, therefore, did not make the same ruling. He expressed that there was no way to confine Bennett to ensure he was not a danger to the victim or the community.

During the hearing, the prosecution called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Surveillance footage, acquired from a nearby public library, shows the suspect leaving a car and discharging a firearm. An additional piece of footage identified the vehicle, with corroboration from Bennett’s family member, who later identified him through surveillance footage in connection with the incident.

According to the detective, who works in the Homicide Branch of MPD, homicide detectives investigated the incident as a homicide due to the victim’s critical injuries, which included a gunshot wound to the neck. The detective stated that doctors told MPD the victim may be paralyzed if he survives.

During his testimony, the detective identified Bennett in the courtroom as one of the two suspects he submitted an arrest warrant for. During court, the witness adopted the affidavit as part of his testimony.

However, defense attorney Steven Kiersh argued that the footage lacked the clarity necessary to confirm the suspect’s identity.

Kiersh highlighted the footage’s limitations, stating it did not offer a clear visual confirmation of the suspect’s face. The mere description of a “thin, young person with dreads” was argued to be insufficient grounds for identification.

The defense also requested bond, citing Bennett’s drug issues, suicidal concerns, and lack of a prior criminal record. According to Kiersh, Bennett experienced severe withdrawal symptoms while he was in jail.

Prosecutors objected to the request for release, citing the nature and circumstances of the incident.

Judge O’Keefe presided over today’s hearing, standing in for Judge Okun.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Documents: MPD Investigating Quincy Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Hazma Jamil Mubah-Wrotten that took place on Oct. 25 on the 800 block of Quincy Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Mubah-Wrotten, who was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 50th Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Ronald Brewer, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one, and took place on July 21 on the 500 block of 50th Street, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim who was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Judge Continues Shooting Defendant’s Probation Despite Noncompliance

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian allowed a non-fatal shooting defendant to remain on probation despite his noncompliance on Oct. 25.

Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discharge of a firearm in exchange for a waiver of the indictment, stemming from a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Parker walked up to the front door of the victim’s house and demanded his jacket back. The victim closed the door, scared of the defendant from previous interactions, and told him she didn’t have his jacket. Parker allegedly proceeded to fire multiple shots outside the residence. When the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the scene, Parker had disappeared.

The victim told MPD that she was previously in a romantic relationship with Parker and had recently ended it after a history of physical and verbal abuse, according to court documents.

During the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) alerted the court that Parker was not compliant with all of his probation conditions, failing to complete his community service hours and court ordered programs.

Parker’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, asserted that Parker has been homeless and that his mother recently lost her home. He was however able to obtain a job as a security guard, and recently moved in with his girlfriend. Kopecki was insistent that he was getting his life together, and would be able to complete the conditions if given 6 months.

Kopecki also stated that he lacks a mother figure in his life, and this could be a reason for his noncompliance.

Judge Christian questioned why Parker needed a mother as a grown man, stating “Does he need a mother to wake him up in the morning?”

The prosecution remained concerned about the defendant’s lack of completed community service hours requested his probation be revoked.

The judge stated that Parker either completed his probation conditions by Nov. 15 or he would immediately revoke his probation.

Parker quickly agreed, promising to try his best.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 15.

Shooting Defendant Doesn’t Appear in Court

During a probation hearing a shooting defendant failed to appear in court in front of DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Oct. 25.

On Jan. 20, 2022, Johnathan Davis, 26, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business as part of an agreement with prosecutors in exchange for a waiver of the indictment. The charges stemmed from a nonfatal shooting at the Union Station Metro stop located on the block of 700 First Street, NE. Davis was sentenced to six months for each charge in 2022.

According to court documents, the victim and Davis were exchanging an unknown amount of marijuana for money. The victim allegedly grabbed the marijuana and ran away, subsequently Davis opened fire on the victim. Davis then jumped over the fare gate and exited the station.

During the hearing a Court Social Services officer (CSSO) stated that the agency filed a violation report of probation report because Davis was arrested by Virginia Metro Police and that there is a pending probation issue in Maryland. Meanwhile, during the proceeding, it also was mentioned that Davis needs a new lawyer.

Ultimately, the court granted the prosecution’s request to file a bench warrant against Davis.

Parities are set to reconvene on Dec. 10 for a show cause hearing and ascertainment of counsel.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty, Receives Permission for Field Trips

Christopher Hinton pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license as part of a brokered agreement with the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 28. Judge Pipe modified Hinton’s release conditions to allow him to attend school field trips while on home confinement pending his sentencing.

Hinton, 20, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting on June 26, 2023, on the 2200 block of 10th Street, NW. No injuries were reported from the incident.

In exchange for Hinton’s guilty plea, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges arising from the facts of the case. They also agreed to limit their sentencing request to the minimum called for by the sentencing guidelines.

The charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business carries a sentence up to five years in prison or a fine up to $12,500 or both. It requires a three-year period of supervised release and a minimum payment of $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

The prosecutor asked Judge Pipe to return Hinton to jail from home confinement because the firearm he was allegedly carrying when police apprehended him could carry 50 rounds and had been discharged.

Judge Pipe denied the prosecution’s request for stepback but ordered Hinton to complete all treatment ordered by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) before sentencing. She said she would view his compliance as an indication whether he needed prison time at sentencing.

Andrew Ain, Hinton’s defense attorney, told the court Hinton’s school had asked for permission for him to attend field trips. In support of this request, Ain noted Hinton had fully complied with GPS monitoring conditions except for one incident of taking out the trash early in 2024.

Judge Pipe instructed Hinton to inform CSOSA about field trips 24 hours before they take place.

Hinton’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2025.

Shooting Defendant Released to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted release for a shooting defendant on Oct. 25 after reconsideration of the original detention ruling, as defense raised new arguments.

Demarco Hayes, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1800 Block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on July 7, one individual sustained injuries after the incident.

According to court documents in the initial preliminary hearing the prosecution argued that in surveillance footage you can see five individuals exit a vehicle and approach the victim. The one individual in the front seat is identified as Hayes who runs towards the victim. The prosecution believes this video surveillance serves is undeniable evidence that Hayes did take part in the crime and that the group was looking to cause trouble.

During the hearing, Hayes’ attorneys, Molly Bunke and Mani Golzari, showed a CCTV surveillance video to the court that showed the victim’s car pulled up to Hayes’ car on 18th Street. They argued that the prosecution’s case was incomplete on this reason and “paints a picture as if it’s the suspect’s car out there attempting to cause trouble”, when in fact the video footage seemed to show the complainant was instigating and intimidating Hayes.

The defense said Hayes suffers from drug use and sought help without anyone’s telling him to do so. Hayes did not have a criminal history into adulthood, said the defense, and argued he was extremely susceptible to criminal behavior because of his environment but has not succumbed.

According to Bunke, Hayes also has a large support system who appeared in court or on WebEx who want to help him get back into society and stay out of any more trouble.

The prosecution argued for continuing detention because of the nature and seriousness of the crime, adding that the victim would still remain at risk. The prosecution also argued that Hayes was familiar with the use of a firearm due to target shooting target.

Judge Okun, granted Hayes’ release based on no history of violence and a new stronger release plan can ensure the safety of the community.

Hayes is to be released on home confinement and GPS monitoring. Hayes is also to report for an inpatient mental health assessment. A stay away order from the victim was also imposed.

Judge Okun strongly reminded Hayes to abide by his release conditions because and he does not want to send him back to jail.

Parties to reconvene Nov. 22.

Judge Allows Prosecutors to Use Instagram Evidence in Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted two motions, including one that allows the prosecution to present Instagram evidence during a homicide trial, on Oct. 24.

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and conspiracy, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 3500 Block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud.

During the hearing, the judge heard arguments regarding a motion from the defense to suppress evidence seized from Morgan’s Instagram account, a prosecution’s motion to admit evidence of prior bad acts, and a motion in line to preclude third-party perpetrator defense.

The only motion Morgan’s defense attorneys, Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, made was a motion to suppress evidence seized from Morgan’s Instagram account.

They posited the search warrant was too broad and it did not satisfy the Supreme Court’s rulings surrounding the Fourth Amendment. As to the latter reason, they argued the warrant conflicts with Burns v. United States, which held the warrant must “specify the particular items of evidence to be searched and seized from the phone and be strictly limited to the time period or other date . . .”

The prosecution requested Judge Raffinan deny the motion, asserting that they had probable cause and that the Supreme Court was referring to cellular devices as a whole, versus a single phone application.

Judge Raffinan agreed and denied the motion to suppress evidence, ergo the evidence is admitted into trial.

The second motion filed by the prosecution was to admit into court statements of conspiracy allegedly made by the original codefendant, and by Morgan. These social media statements were euphemisms such as “dog for gun” that were allegedly used by both defendants that alluded to the idea of illegal gun sales. It was up to the judge to determine whether or not these statements would corroborate circumstances, and that a conspiracy to commit this crime existed.

The “theory of admissibility” was a big aspect of this conspiracy crime where it was believed that Morgan used euphemisms to assess firearms used in this case.

According to the defense, these statements came from the original codefendant, and the whole case was not built around Morgan. Thus, they found no reason for this motion as these statements aren’t linked to the actual crime, and the prosecution is trying to build a world of evidence against his client.

Judge Raffinan agreed that these statements were important, and could be used as evidence against Morgan if they aren’t outside the scope of what is being presented.

The last motion that was filed was the government’s to admit prior bad acts into trial.

In their motion, the prosecution had seven acts they wanted to admit: 1) “Defendant Raynor’s involvement in the drug trade; (2) Defendant Raynor’s and Defendant Morgan’s affiliation with “solid Gang” or “SG,”; (3) Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan’s access to the specific Glock 19 and Springfield XD 40 used in the homicide; (4) Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan’s access to firearms generally; (5) Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan’s use of euphemisms and street lingo to refer to firearms and firearms accessories; (6) the murder of Defendant Morgan’s brother, Robert Merritt on October 9, 2018; and (7) the February 4, 2020 jail stabbing of [stabbing victim] by Defendant Raynor and Defendant Morgan” (Government 2024).

According to the prosecution, the reasoning behind admitting these acts into evidence is that the vast majority of the seven tenets are direct evidence of the crimes that Morgan is charged with.

Furthermore, tenet five is included because, according to the prosecution, they allegedly texted back and forth every day, and, leading up to the murder, they used codenames for firearms and their accessories. Their reasoning is to make it clear to the jury that they are, in fact, discussing guns.

Pertaining to tenants six and seven of the motion, the prosecution reserves those in the event Morgan testifies in his trial.

Allburn and Kiersh requested that the Court deny the motion in its entirety, citing the evidence yielded from the motion as prejudicial and speculative.

Judge Raffinan has not ruled on this motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 30.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Co-Defendant Held in PG County

A shooting defendant was supposed to be arraigned, but was not in court due to being detained pending a trial in Maryland, while his co-defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 24.

Jayvon Thomas, 21, and Lavar Hunter, 20, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Anwar Wingate, 24. The shooting took place on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW on Nov. 19, 2021.

According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Wingate in a “vulnerable” state, highly intoxicated and stumbling. Two individuals, later identified as Thomas and Hunter, allegedly planned to rob Wingate to steal his gun.

Thomas and Wingate fought briefly and Hunter was allegedly the one to fatally shoot Wingate, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Thomas’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith told Judge Raffinan that Thomas is being held in Prince George’s County, Maryland, awaiting a trial. According to Smith, his trial will not start until Nov. 26.

With that in mind, she asked that parties not reconvene until after his trial.

James King, Hunter’s attorney, announced Hunter’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties in Hunter’s matter will reconvene on Dec. 13.

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