In 911 Recording Murder Suspect Said, ‘He Told Me He Had HIV, Now He’s Dead’

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause and ordered a homicide defendant jailed on Nov. 18 based partly on her own statements that she committed the crime.

Shawnta Aiken, 51, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, 56-year-old Richard Walker, on Nov. 2, 2025, on the 3000 Block of P Street, SE.

The prosecution called a homicide detective, who testified that officers responded to the scene for a reported fatal shooting inside a single-family home. They found Walker lying on a mattress in the living room, fully clothed, covered from the neck down, and with multiple gunshot wounds. The defendant was identified and arrested at the scene.

The prosecution introduced the 911 audio, in which Aiken reportedly identified herself. When the dispatcher asked when the incident occurred, she said it was “15 minutes ago,” which the detective confirmed.

On the call, the defendant is heard saying, “He’s dead”, “He’s my boyfriend”, and when asked to perform chest compressions, she responded, “I ain’t doing chest compressions, he got shot on his mother-f****** head.” She also stated, “He told me he had HIV, now he’s dead.”

The prosecution introduced multiple crime-scene photographs. One showed a handgun on the couch, and another angle showed blood spatter near the mattress. A close-up photo showed Walker with a gunshot wound to the left of the forehead.

The detective testified that the firearm was not secured when police arrived and that a bullet was stuck in the firearm. He stated this could have occurred because the gun was not held properly. When cleared, the firearm contained two spent cartridges and four live rounds.

Several eyewitnesses in the home reported hearing a gunshot. One awoke to a “pop” and allegedly saw the defendant holding a firearm, according to the detective. Other witnesses described hearing a gunshot, seeing Walker on the mattress, and finding Aiken on the phone.

Multiple eyewitnesses confirmed a history of domestic violence between Aiken and Walker, according to the detective.

During cross-examination, Aiken’s defense attorney, Joseph Yarbough, emphasized that the defendant called the police herself, identified herself as the shooter, directed officers to the gun and the victim, and did not attempt to hide what happened.

Witness accounts contained inconsistencies, according to Yarbough, with one witness saying they heard two gunshots, another saying they were asleep until the shot, and another saying they believed the defendant had stopped taking psychiatric medication but did not know when.

The prosecution asked how many bullets were on the scene, and the detective stated that seven cartridge casings were recovered, and that there was no stippling on Walker, which would show the shot was fired in close range. The detective described the shots as not “machine fire” but “consistent.”

According to the detective, several witnesses described past incidents in which Walker physically assaulted Aiken, including pistol-whipping her, and one recalled her attempting to seek help at a domestic-violence center. A witness also reported seeing a firearm in Aiken’s purse a month before the shooting.

Further testimony revealed that two children under the age of ten lived in the home. Witnesses also discussed past injuries to the defendant that they believed were inflicted by Walker.

The detective testified that at the station later that day, Aiken became non-responsive, struggled to say her name, and admitted she had taken PCP that morning. According to the detective, officers discovered a tied-off bag containing powder in her hand.

Yarbough argued that there was,no probable cause but that if the judge were to find it, it should be for voluntary manslaughter, contending the situation was a heat of passion response. he emphasized that Aiken’s story had been consistent–she said she had intercourse with Walker, and he disclosed he had HIV, and she reacted emotionally.

Yarbough argued this was understandable and that immediate disclosure to family and police made fabrication unlikely.

The defense also noted that many states treat nondisclosure of HIV as a criminal offense. Yarbough also highlighted the long history of alleged domestic violence, the defendant’s lack of recent criminal charges, her strong family support, and her recent enrollment in a drug rehabilitation program.

The prosecution argued that the defendant lost control and that her statements were inconsistent and not credible.

They noted that Walker was fully clothed, with two pairs of pants and underwear, which contradicted her claim that they had just had intercourse.

They emphasized that she allegedly shot Walker twice in the head, that the incident occurred in a home with children present, and that she had a previous conviction for attempting perjury, raising concerns about her veracity.

Thus, Aiken poses a danger to the community and that no conditions of release could ensure safety.

Judge Edelman found probable cause, citing major inconsistencies in the defendant’s statements, including statements to family such as “and he gave it to me,” “He had HIV, told me to shoot him, gave me the gun, and I shot him.” The court reasoned that the conduct did not reflect heat of passion because the gun was not fired at close range and the defendant had to retrieve the firearm.

The judge determined Aiken posed a danger to others, especially because the shooting happened while children were present in the home. Her past conviction for lying in court weighed heavily against her.

The judge agreed with the prosecution that there were no conditions sufficient for release and ordered the defendant held without bond until trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 16, 2026.

Homicide Defense Complains For Want of Jail Medical Care

The Defense expressed concerns regarding the medical care provided to a homicide co-defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelmann on Nov. 18.

Sean McFadden, 23, and Royale McGlenn Jr, 19, are charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Royell Walker, 16, and Jamar Jackson, 19, that occurred on May 23 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. A 14-year-old was also injured but survived.

During the hearing, McGlenn’s Attorney, Carrie Weletz, alerted the court that she had contacted chambers and submitted a medical alert because McGlenn had not been given a medical evaluation and was not receiving necessary treatment at the DC Jail. The defense stated that they have been submitting medical slips in jail and attempted to contact the facility, but have not received any response.

Judge Edelman told Weletz to forward him the email she sent, and he will send one as well to the facility.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 19, 2026.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Waiting on Co-defendant

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 21, and her c-odefendant will be arraigned in December.

Tiffany Taylor-Gray, 23, and Tommy Whack, 36, are charged with felony murder while armed, robbery, and second-degree burglary for their alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam, 53, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW, on April 5.

Taylor-Gray is additionally charged with second-degree theft, two counts of first-degree theft, second-degree felony fraud, and first-degree identity theft.

The court arraigned Taylor-Gray, and she pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Judge Kravitz told the court that Whack’s attorney was occupied in another courtroom, so Whack could not be arraigned during the hearing.

Parties are set to return on Dec. 17 to arraign Whack.

Parties Question If A Triple Homicide Defendant’s Studies, May Impact Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz told the court that a homicide defendant’s deferred sentencing may be impacted if he is no longer in an educational program in jail in a hearing on Nov. 21.

Damonta Thompson, 28, was convicted of conspiracy, three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, three counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed.

These charges stem from Thompson’s involvement in a mass shooting on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW, on Sept. 4, 2021. The shooting killed Donnetta Dyson, 31, Johnny Joyner, 37, and 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and wounded three other individuals.

On Oct. 31, parties agreed to delay Thompson’s 35-year sentence until after he finished a GED program with the DC Jail.

During the Nov. 21 hearing, prosecutors told the court that they received an email from the Department of Corrections (DOC), which stated that Thompson was not involved in any educational efforts. The prosecution argued that there would be no reason to continue deferring Thompson’s sentencing if this were true.

When asked about why he was not involved in any educational programs, defense attorney Elizabeth Weller told the court that she had been busy with other hearings for the past few days and had been unable to meet with Thompson prior to the hearing.

She explained that she was under the impression that Thompson was involved in programming and had been moved to the educational block of the jail. She requested additional time to discuss the issue with the defendant.

Judge Kravitz said that it would be fair to give the defense time to dispute the DOC’s claim, and that he would be willing to allow the defense to gather evidence as long as they were sure that Thompson was actually involved in educational programming.

Parties are set to return on Dec. 10.

Document: Arrest Made in 14th Street Fatal Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in the fatal stabbing of 34-year-old Jermaine Foster Jr. on Sept. 13 on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW. The incident occurred during a large fight, resulting in Foster’s death and three others sustaining minor injuries. On Nov. 20, Shawn Lamar Conway, 49, was arrested in Suitland, Maryland, and charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Nov. 19 in Southeast DC. Officers responded to the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE where they found 31-year-old Tyrone Kearney deceased from gunshot wounds. The investigation is ongoing.

Homicide Defendants Plead Not Guilty to More Than 100 Charges During Arraignment

Three homicide co-defendants pleaded not guilty to more than 100 charges at their arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 14.

Keondre Carroll, 22, Steven Metts, 20, and Jovontae Wallace, 21, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, eight counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 15 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, 38 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, attempted robbery while armed, kidnapping while armed, four counts of endangerment with a firearm, four counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Carroll and Metts are additionally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

Carroll is also facing eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of endangerment with a firearm, three counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, first-degree burglary while armed, second-degree cruelty to children, destruction of property, misdemeanor credit card fraud, and an additional count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Meanwhile, Metts is also charged with six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of endangerment with a firearm, two counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, two counts of destruction of property, threatening to kidnap or injure, and four counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the homicide of Raymond Ballard, 59, on Jan. 23, 2024 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, and the homicide of Malik Gliss on Jan. 24, 2024 on the 4600 block of Livingston Road SE.

The charges also stem from their alleged involvement in various non-fatal shootings occurring on Dec. 29, on the 3300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, Dec. 30, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street,SE, Dec. 31, 2023 on the 300 block of 37th Street SE, Jan. 1, 2024, on the 400 block of T Street NW, and Jan. 5., 2024 on the 2800 block of 23rd Place SE.

During the hearing, Megan Allburn, Wallace’s attorney, Kevin Irving, Metts’ attorney, and Gemma Stevens, Carroll’s attorney, alerted the court of their intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their rights to a speedy trial.

Irving and Stevens raised concerns about delays in the discovery process, noting that the defense had initially been told a hard-drive, containing “voluminous” evidence, would be available in August. The prosecution guaranteed that phone evidence would be delivered Nov. 17, and that all other requested materials had already been provided.

The court also finalized a trial date of May 24, 2027, a timeline Judge Ryan acknowledged took considerable time to arrange, remarking that “consensus is hard to reach these days.”

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30, 2026.

Injured Witness Delays Stabbing Trial, Suspect Released

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted a stabbing defendant’s request for release as the victim recovers from his injuries in a hearing on Nov. 21.

Billy Williams, 69, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and aggressive panhandling for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 7, 2023 stabbing at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

At the hearing, the prosecution informed the court that the victim is recovering from ongoing surgical procedures and has limited mobility and mental endurance. They said the victim is restricted to ten minute phone calls and is not competent to testify at this time.

Williams’ defense attorney, Henry Escoto, requested that Williams be placed on release since the trial was rescheduled from December 2025 to July 2026. Judge Di Toro granted the request and ordered Williams to comply fully with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), including mandatory drug testing and all supervision requirements.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 11.

Homicide Defendant’s Sister Says He Was in an ‘Irate State’ Before Mom’s Murder

A homicide defendant’s sister–also the victim’s daughter,–testified the accused was in an “irate state” leading up to the crime, in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 18

Seth Andrews, 38, has been indicted for first-degree murder, two counts of assault on a police officer, and destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, on the unit block of 35th Street, SE on July 16, 2020.

The prosecution called Andrews’ older sister. She described her relationship with Andrews as a “normal sibling relationship” and that she and her mom were on good terms. However, she testified that in the days leading up to Evans’ death, she was upset and worried about Andrews, who told his sister that his girlfriend was cheating on him.

On the day of Evans’ death, Andrews’ sister received a call from Andrews saying their mother was dead. She stated she was in disbelief and inconsolable and saw Andrews crying when she arrived at her mother’s apartment. She also testified she asked Andrews twice if he had killed her. When prosecutors asked why, she claimed that he was in an “irate state” before her death.

Andrews’ sister claimed that Andrews said he put Evans in a chokehold because he believed that his sister was more of a “mother figure” than Evans. His sister testified that Evans struggled with severe addiction affected Andrews during their childhood that may have prompted him to allegedly strangle his mother.

The prosecution also heard from the victim’s friend and roommate who testified that he lived with Evans for about a year when he worked in Silver Spring on weekdays while her son, Andrews, often stayed in the apartment during the week.

On the morning of Evans’ death, the witness noticed her bedroom light on, Andrews sitting on the couch, and possibly talking faintly. As he left for work around 5 a. m., Andrews remarked, “I know you don’t feel like going to work.”

Hours later, the witness learned from a neighbor that Evans had died. Afterward, the witness claimed Andrews kicked in the apartment’s top lock. The witness later encountered Evans’ daughter, who told him she believed Andrews killed her mother. The witness said Andrews later confronted him and accused him of “snitching.”

The witness described Evans and Andrews’ relationship as largely normal, noting Evans once defended her son and that Andrews felt comfortable in the home, though he sometimes entered the witness’ room without knocking.

The witness saw no conflict between them before Evans’ death.

He testified he heard no disturbances around the time the crime was committed and previously told investigators his limited sight and hearing due were an issue.

During cross-examination, the witness denied entering Evans’ room, knowing anything about a safe, or being aware of missing money, despite a statement suggesting the safe had been opened. The witness said he generally got along with Andrews, who once jokingly referred to him as a stepdad, though he refused Evans’ request to “handle her son,” saying he didn’t want to intervene in family matters.

The prosecution called a DNA analyst who studied evidence including four samples of blood and fingernail clippings. During the prosecution’s direct examination, she explained three out of the four samples more than likely contained Andrews’ DNA.

On cross examination, defense counsel, Kevin Irving, argued that since she used all the fingernails to extract DNA, no other lab could extract DNA.

Moreover, since she tested all the fingernails together, Irving claimed the analysis could not determine why another DNA profile was present on the fingernail or if another person’s DNA came from a specific fingernail.

Irving stated it’s possible secondary transfer of DNA from one person to another if both people touch a common object, could be a possible reason for Andrews’ DNA to appear on Evan’s body.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant in an armed carjacking case accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Nov. 18.

Winston Timoteo, 27, was originally charged with armed carjacking, assault with the intent to commit armed robbery, armed kidnapping, three counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, and first-degree theft for his involvement in an armed carjacking on the 1300 block of 4th Street, NE on Dec. 26, 2023.

During the hearing, defense attorney Claudine Harrison read a plea deal onto the record, which would have Timoteo plead guilty to armed robbery and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss all other charges and would agree that the sentences for both charges would run concurrently.

Judge Kravitz noted that the armed robbery charge came with a mandatory minimum of five years of incarceration, which he would have to impose, and that Timoteo would also have to register as a gun offender upon his release.

Timoteo accepted the plea deal and pleaded guilty to armed robbery and carrying a pistol without a license.

Parties are set to return for sentencing on Feb. 2.

Homicide, Kidnapping Defendant Denied Release

DC Superior Court Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Nov. 18, citing lack of evidence to ensure the safety of the community.

Lashawn Washington, 34, is charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice for her alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of 25-year-old Chyna Crawford on Oct. 24, 2023. Crawford was last seen on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW.

Washington’s attorneys, Sara Kopecki and Janai Reed, submitted a bond review motion to release Washington.

According to Kopecki, Washington had been held since March 2024, which will mean she will have been held more than two years and a trial date has yet to be set.

Kopecki also raised concerns for Washington’s safety at the detention center.

Judge Park stated that the defendant was indicted for murder, which favors detention. He emphasized that he had not received any evidence to prove Washington’s lack of dangerousness.

Furthermore, even if he were, Judge Park made it clear that Washington’s history of convictions and the prosecution’s significant though circumstantial evidence was enough to deny any release options.

Kopecki stated that she wished to challenge the strength of the evidence, but Judge Park and advised her to file a motion if she wished to proceed.

Judge Park also recognized the importance of Washington’s safety, stating that he would consider transferring her if the Department of Corrections (DOC) recommended it.

Prosecution alerted the parties that they would be filing a superseding indictment in January with additional charges including multiple counts of obstruction of justice, larger conspiracy, and aggravated assault.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 17.

Judge Frets About Legal ‘Heartburn’ in Conflict of Interest Claim in Homicide Trial

The prosecution said a defense attorney has a potential conflict of interest in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt during a Nov. 21 hearing.

Tyrone Spencer, 44, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Francois Adkins, which occurred on Sept. 1 on the 2300 block of 14th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Adkins died from four gunshot wounds.

During the Nov. 21 hearing, Judge Brandt raised concerns about the motions filed by both the prosecution and the defense about defense attorney Kevin O’Sullivan having’ ‘s a potential conflict of interest, which would force him to transfer the case to another attorney.

The prosecution argued that the Public Defender Service (PDS), who O’Sullivan works for, has represented Adkins in a past misdemeanor case, in which he was charged with carrying a pistol without a license. They explained that if the homicide case leads the defense to cross examine witnesses about Adkins’ past violent history, they could have prior knowledge from working with Adkins in the past.

Defense attorney Claire Roth represented PDS’ interests in the matter. She argued that the conflict of interest only pertains to conversations about the charges Adkins was convicted of, which in this case was a misdemeanor, and should not be considered a significant violent crime to warrant a conflict.

Roth also argued that the attorney that represented Adkins no longer works at PDS. She explained that there is no evidence that Adkins’ attorney had conversations with co-workers about the case and that Judge Brandt should not speculate that these conversations happened. Instead, the court should focus on the fact that conversations about Adkins’ past could not happen now, according to Roth.

Judge Brandt ordered both parties to write an additional set of motions on this issue and insisted that they cite more decisions from prior cases to make their arguments.

“I don’t think this is as cut and dry as both sides are making it,” Brandt said. “This issue gives the court heartburn. We need more information to decide the ultimate question. Flesh out this tension for me.”

Judge Brandt agreed with the prosecution that if self-defense is used as an argument, there might be a conflict that arises from having unfair knowledge of his potential violent history.

“Mr. Spencer deserves an attorney who doesn’t have to hold back on cross if they have to cross on violent history,” Brandt said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 22.

Jury Convicts Homicide Defendant in Gas Station Stabbing

After a day of deliberation, the jury for a homicide defendant returned with a guilty verdict on all charges before DC Superior Court Michael Ryan on Nov. 12.

Tywan Morris, 30, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, andh z two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey, on Oct. 17, 2021, at the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The victim suffered a fatal wound to her thigh, where her femoral artery was severed.

On the day of the incident, the victim and her eldest son went to a bus stop that was directly in front of a BP gas station. Meanwhile, Morris pulled into the gas station with his girlfriend and co-defendant, Key Juan Sinclair, 28, and their infant son. Sinclair conceded guilt in a plea agreement with the prosecution last year.

Stuckey’s son testified that an argument between his mom and Morris turned violent, and Morris stabbed her as Stuckey’s son hit Morris on the head with a cooler.

Following a day of deliberation, the jury convicted Morris of all charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 6 for sentencing.

Carjacking Defendant Gets Mandatory 14 Year Sentence

A carjacking defendant spoke to DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld at his sentencing on Nov. 18, asking for a second chance and admitting his wrongdoing. Still, the judge imposed the mandatory minimum sentence for the crime.

On June 23, Malik Kearney, 20, pled guilty to two counts of unarmed carjacking and two counts of possession of a firearm for his involvement in an incident on the 6100 block of Eastern Avenue, NE, on Dec. 28, 2024, and on the 4200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE, on Jan. 3.

Judge Hertzfeld reviewed several pre-sentencing reports. One recommended incarceration for Kearney, which neither party disputed.

The prosecutor asked for the mandatory minimum sentence of seven years for each of the carjacking counts in the case, for a total of 14 years. He emphasized that the accepted plea offer generously downgraded his charges from armed to unarmed carjacking. Given the seriousness of the original charges, he claimed the mandatory minimum sentence would be necessary to Kearney to atone for his mistakes.

He also claimed that Kearney was incredibly “lucky” considering that the victim had a firearm of his own and was prepared to use to defend himself and his property. However, his gun jammed when the victim tried to shoot Kearney.

Defense attorney Carrie Weletz argued against the use of the mandatory minimum, stating that they are ineffective as a deterrent. She also said that Kearney was well aware of his wrongdoing and had made that clear by accepting the plea deal and admitting his guilt.

Weletz asked Judge Hertzfeld to consider Kearney’s young daughter, stating that he should not be taken from her for 14 years when he had acted recklessly as a teenager. He was 19 at the time of the carjacking.

She also made note of another plea deal made in the DC Superior Court for homicide co-defendants, who received only seven years only half Kearney’s proposed sentence.

Kearney read a letter to the judge. “I take full responsibility for what I did,” he said. “Every night I sit in my cell thinking about my actions, wishing I could take them back.” He also expressed that all he wants from now on is to be “a father my daughter can depend on.”

Judge Hertzfeld emphasized accountability in this case. She told Kearney she was relieved he had his daughter to hold himself accountable for, but was not willing to sentence him to less time than the mandatory minimum.

The judge sentenced Kearney to seven years for both carjacking counts, which will run consecutively, and to five years for both counts of possession of a firearm, which will run concurrently to the carjackings. The total fourteen years in prison will be followed by three years of supervised release for each count.

No other hearings were scheduled.

Judge Clears Prosecution of Wrongdoing in Emergency Motion Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean found that the DC United States Attorneys Office fo (USAO) had not used false testimony in their prosecution of a carjacking defendant on Nov. 18.

Markell Woodings, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 4000 block of Douglas Street, NE on Sept. 21, 2025.

During the incident, Woodings is alleged to have flashed a pistol and stolen a moped from the victim after the victim let him ride it, according to court documents. Officers did not recover a weapon from Woodings during his arrest or at the scene of the crime, where Woodings allegedly left it behind, according to court documents.

Woodings’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, called the emergency motion hearing out of a concern that the prosecution had used false statements at some point in previous hearings. If true, the misuse would violate the Napue rule, which requires prosecutors to disclose to the defense any false statements made by witnesses.

The specifics of the potential Napue violation in Woodings’ case are unclear because previous discussions between parties in his case have occurred under seal. During the Nov. 18 hearing, Judge McLean hinted that the issue stemmed from witness statements about allegations that Woodings’ lifted his shirt and flashed a pistol at the victim

Judge McLean ultimately found that the prosecution had not used any false statements in their preliminary efforts to prosecute the case.

“There is nothing definitive to say that the [prosecution] allowed false testimony to be a part of the hearings thus far,” Judge McLean said.

In her ruling, Judge McLean noted that officers are allowed to incorporate hearsay, or out-of-court statements, in their testimony during probable cause hearings. Judge McLean also instructed the prosecution to be very careful of Napue violations during trial.

She also ordered the prosecution to comply with a Nov. 25 deadline to turn over any relevant information to Morehouse. Judge McLean took issue with a prosecutor’s statement that they would comply with the order but might continue to find evidence after the deadline as they continued to investigate the case.

“I find that that is problematic for the defense,” Judge McLean said, though she recognized that the prosecution had a right to investigate the case up until trial.

After clearing the prosecution of any Napue violations, Judge McLean denied a motion to release Woodings. Judge McLean argued that the defense had not overcome the presumption that Woodings posed a danger to the community.

Before the conclusion of the hearing, Woodings surprised the court by requesting a new attorney.

Judge McLean denied the request.

“I’m not going to grant the request at this time,” Judge McLean said.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.

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