The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Friday evening.
Officers responded to the 1900 block of 16th Street, SE after hearing sounds of gunshots, according to a press release. On the scene officers found 36-year-old Lagioria Brinkley suffering from a gunshot wound. She died on the scene.
The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.
A murder defendant’s ex-girlfriend admitted that she helped a murder defendant relay a message to a key witness via Instagram.
Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged roles in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.
One of Everett’s ex-girlfriends testified March 16 that she sent a message to another one of Everett’s ex-girlfriends, who testified during the week of March 9, through Instagram, a social media app, saying, “don’t do him like that.”
The witness testified that Everett gave her the name of the ex-girlfriend’s’ Instagram handle during a video visitation.
“I just did him a favor. I didn’t really care about the situation. I was just helping him,” she said.
A third ex-girlfriend was also called to testify about a letter she received from Everett in May of 2017.
In the letter, Everett wrote that his cousin and his friend were pulled over by the police while driving his car. The letter said that when the police stepped out of their vehicles the two men drove off. He said he was arrested because the car’s license plates were in his name.
The ex-girlfriend said she did not know until later about why Everett was really arrested, but she said she did not fully believe what he wrote in the letter because of a “gut feeling.”
DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring instructed the jury not to count the testimonies of the two women towards their deliberation of Hewitt’s innocence or guilt because he was not involved in this particular case of obstruction of justice.
The prosecution said they intend on finishing their case by March 18.
On March 18, the prosecution completed arguments and the defense rested. Trial is scheduled for closing arguments on April 8.
During a murder trial, a defense attorney called a witness a liar March 13 based on his previous testimony.
Nyekemia Everett and Malik Hewitt are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged roles in the shooting of 37-year-old Christopher Heard on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE in 2017.
Hewitt’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, said that a key witness for the prosecution, who was a former cellmate of Hewitt, lied on the stand on March 9 when he told the court that Hewitt asked him to contact another witness who was corroborating with police to ask her to stop.
Lotze tried to impeach the witness’s testimony.
“Did you not testify for this case and another case so that you could get a benefit from the government?,” said Lotze.
Lotze mentioned that the witness was currently under arrest for 2018 charges, including kidnapping, attempted armed robbery and carrying a pistol with a prior felony.
She said the witness was facing between 60 and 104 years in prison before cooperating with the prosecution because he had a high criminal history score.
She also said the witness pleaded guilty to kidnapping but was pending sentencing because the prosecution agreed to recommend a sentence based on his level of cooperation.
The witness said he was hoping to not spend a long time in prison but that ultimately he cooperated because his wife, who was not the woman he said he asked to contact another witness, asked him to do what he needed to do so he could go home to his family.
The witness said March 9 that he asked a woman, who was his girlfriend at the time, to contact the girl and then told her to tell the girl to stop talking to or cooperating with the police.
“Did you take care what I needed you to?” the cellmate asked his girlfriend over a jail call. She answered, “Yes.”
The witness said he and Hewitt knew each other before they became cellmates. He said that he and Hewitt grew up in the same area together.
Hewitt allegedly told the cellmate that at the time of Heard’s murder, he was with two people and they were trying to set up “Fat Daddy,” who is a guy that he and the cellmate grew up with. He said they were trying to set up a fake drug deal.
Hewitt told his cellmate that he used a texting app to disguise his phone number. They set up a location to meet, “Fat Daddy” struggled and the other individual that Hewitt was with allegedly shot him. Hewitt allegedly told him that it was only him, Everett and “Fat Daddy.”
Hewitt did not mention where the girl was at the time. The witness said Hewitt told him that he was standing right there when “Fat Daddy” was shot.
DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring instructed the jury that the cellmate’s testimony was only against Hewitt and not Everett. She told the jury to ignore the testimony when determining whether the prosecution proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for Everett’s case.
Trial continued with testimony from Everett’s ex-girlfriends on March 16.
A murder defendant asked for a new attorney and questioned why his current attorney was not present, during a status hearing on March 13.
Jerome Alexander, 26, is charged with felony murder for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Richard Washington, 28, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Dec. 19, 2019.
Alexander, who is currently being represented by Public Defender Service’s Madalyn Harvey, asked DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring why Harvey was not present in court.
“She hasn’t come to see me, and she hasn’t done her job,” said Alexander.
He said that he want a new attorney that was not Harvey or anyone who is part of her team.
Judge Josey-Herring explained to Alexander that the pubic defender service is a service that uses the same resources and therefore while Harvey may be removed from the case, he will likely see the same investigators and other resources used as before.
Judge Josey-Herring also said that Harvey was not available for court and therefore the judge accommodated her.
Judge Josey-Herring said she would assign Alexander a new attorney and schedule a status date so the new attorney could get caught up instead of rescheduling his preliminary hearing at this time.
A felony status is scheduled for March 17 which could be rescheduled due to COVID-19 and DC Courts potentially rescheduling cases.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.
According to a press release, officers located 18-year-old Naseem Simpson on March 15. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at a local hospital.
A vehicle of interest was captured on nearby surveillance cameras.
Vehicle of Interest
The department is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case or any other homicide case in Washington, DC. Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 202-727-9099. Anonymous information may be submitted to the department’s Text Tip Line — 50411.
As of March 11, 2020, there have been 31 homicides in the District.
The homicides have taken place in 23 neighborhoods throughout the District with Mount Vernon Square/Triangle, Shaw, Southwest Waterfront, Benning, Shipley Terrace, Congress Heights and Brightwood neighborhoods accounting for multiple homicides.
A map of homicides by neighborhood for 2020.
According to D.C. Witness data, the neighborhoods with two more homicides in 2019 included Fort Davis, 3; Bellevue, 3; Carver Langston, 2; LeDriot Park, 2; Greenway, 2; Washington Highlands, 2; and Northeast Boundary.
Mount Vernon Square/Triangle
Anthony Ward
There were two shootings over two separate weekends in Downtown DC. The first was of 39-year-old Anthony Ward on the Unit block of K Street, NW in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood on Jan. 4. Mount Vernon Triangle is within the Mount Vernon Square District.
Eugene Isaac, Jr.
On Feb. 15, 34-year-old Eugene Isaac, Jr. was killed in a shooting on the 100 block of N Street, NW, which is located outside of Mount Vernon Triangle but within the Mount Vernon Square District.
Suspects have not been apprehended in either case.
Shaw
Malick Cisse
Eighteen-year-old Malick Cisse, a resident of Northwest, DC, was found suffering from a gunshot wound on the 1300 block of 7th Street, NW on Jan. 8. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Malachi Lukes
On March 1, officers located 13-year-old Malachi Lukessuffering from a gunshot wound in the Shaw neighborhood on the 600 block of S Street, NW.
Both of these homicides are still under investigation.
Southwest Waterfront
Xavier Tate
MPD officers found 26 year-oldXavier Tate, a resident of Northeast, DC, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside a residence, on Jan. 5 on 1400 block of 3rd Street, SW. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
On Jan. 9, MPD arrested Bratrell Hawkins, 27, in connection to the homicide. On March 10, Hawkins layer, James King, requested that another mental exam be completed after a report from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, DC’s psychiatric institution declared him competent to stand trial. Hawkins currently awaiting a preliminary hearing.
MPD officers arrived to the Unit Block of N Street, SW on Jan. 26, and found 36-year-oldEric Delonte Barbour, a resident of Southwest, DC, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Barbour’s case remains under investigation.
Benning
In February and January a woman and a man were killed in the Benning neighborhood.
The first was Tia Carey, 21, who was fatally shot on Jan. 6 on the 3700 Block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Police have arrested two suspects, 21-year-old Dejon Ford and Tierra Posey.
Posey who is charged with second-degree murder while armed and being held without bail is scheduled for a felony status conference on March 18.
Ford is charged with kidnapping and carrying a pistol. His felony status conference was vacated, and he is now scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 3.
Donnell Hodges
Donelle Hodges was also killed from a shooting on Feb. 1. The homicide occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. No suspects have been apprehended in his case.
Shipley Terrace
Two men were killed in the Shipley Terrace neighborhood in January and March.
Angus Houston
The first was Angus Houston, 44, who was found shot to death on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Jan. 27.
On March 9, 24 year-old Markiese Johnson was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.
There have been no arrests in either case.
Congress Heights
On Jan. 30, officers found 30-year-old John Seegars inside a residence located on the 100 block of Atlantic Street, SE, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Raheem Murray
On Feb. 2 MPD officers responded to the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an unconscious 26-year-old Raheem Murray suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services(DCFEMS) responded to the scene and found no signs consistent with life. The victim remained on the scene until being transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Police have not apprehended a suspect in either case. Both cases remain under investigation.
Brightwood
Jaime Zelaya
Wilfredo Torres
On Feb. 23, 17-year-old Wilfredo Torres and 16-year-old Jaime Zelaya were fatally shot on the 6000 block of 13th Street, NW.
There has been no arrests.
Multiple homicides in one neighborhood resulted from gun-related incidents.
Other neighborhoods where homicides were listed include:
Anacostia
Charles Robinson
Charles Robinson, a 60-year-old resident of Southeast, DC, was shot on the 2000 block of 19th Place, SE on Jan. 4. Police have not apprehended any suspects in the case.
U Street Corridor
Dy’Mani Priestly
Dy’Mani Priestly, 22, was fatally stabbed on the 1200 block of U Street, NW on Jan. 5. Reginald Hooks, 35, was charged with second-degree murder while armed. He is currently awaiting a preliminary hearing that is scheduled to occur on March 20.
Lamar Walters
Langdon
38 year-old Lamar Walters was the only casualty of a triple shooting on the 2400 block of Franklin Street, NE on Jan. 6. No arrest has been made in this case
Carver Langston
On Jan. 11, 41 year-old Tavon Cox was found with multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of 24th Street, NE. Cox succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 12. No suspects have been apprehended in this case.
Foggy Bottom
Kevin Chamberlain, 48, was found with stab wounds on the 2400 block of West Virginia Avenue, NW on Jan. 14.
Later that day 51 year-oldJoseph Melton was arrested and charged with first degree murder while armed and assault with the intent to kill (knife) for another stabbing that took place the same day.
NOMA
On Jan. 26, 20 year-old Anthony Williams was found suffering from stab wounds on the 700 block of 1st Street, NE, near Union Station. He would later succumb to his injuries at a local hospital.
On the same day MPD officers arrested 23 year-old Angel Mosesand charged him with first degree murder while armed. 29 year-old Edward Everstine was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact for his involvement in the murder.
Columbia Heights
Andy Bonilla
On Jan. 26, MPD officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Sherman Avenue, NW, where they discovered 19 year-old Andy Bonilla suffering from gunshot wounds.
There has been no suspects apprehended in this case.
Kingman Park
36 year-old, Jimmy Beynum, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1600 block of F Street, NE, on Jan. 23.
On Jan. 29 MPD officers arrested 27 year-old Stanley Brown and charged him with first degree murder while armed.
Brentwood
11 month-old Makenzie Anderson suffering from injuries inflicted by blunt force trauma on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on Feb. 10.
There has been no arrests made in this case.
Civic Betterment
Baron Goodwin
On Feb. 12, MPD officers discovered 60 year-old Baron Goodwin suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.
No suspect have been apprehended in this case.
Downtown
MPD officers were dispatched to the 700th block of 8th Street, NW where they found 29 year-old Terence Dantzler suffering from gun shot wounds.
Officers pursued the suspect onto the 700 block of 10th Street, NW, where there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the officers. The suspect was apprehended in the area of 11th and H Streets, NW.
Officers arrested 20 year-old Jaykell Mason and charged him with first degree murder while armed, assault on a police officer while armed and carrying a pistol without a license.
Trinidad
Cordaro Pierre Chambers, 31, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds on the 2100 block of I Street, NE on Feb. 17. He would later succumb to his injuries at a local hospital.
No arrests have been made in this case.
Fairlawn
On Feb. 20 MPD officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE. Upon arrival they discovered 37 year-old Bryan Tate Jr. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He would later succumb to his injuries at a local hospital.
No suspects have been apprehended in this case.
Deanwood
Miguel Romero, 75, was found on the 4900 block of Nash Street, NE by MPD officers, suffering from a gunshot wound.
There have been no arrests made in this case.
Parkview
On March 2, police discovered 24 year-old Malik Brown suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 700 block of Quebec Place, NW.
No suspects have been arrested in this case.
Washington Highlands
On March 10, police found 41 year-old Alkhenala Al-Fatah suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the 1200 block of Barnaby Place, SE.
The coronavirus is consuming virtually every sector of American life.
But, the one area that has gotten little attention is the virus’ effect on the American system of justice.
And, D.C. Witness has already gotten an inclining of what might come at DC Superior Court as city officials try to control the spread of the virus.
Our reporters have seen lawyers, judges and audience members wearing masks in courtrooms to ward off contraction of the virus.
This week a preliminary hearing for a murder case needed to be postponed because a detective, who was due to testify, did not make it to court because he was experiencing flu-like symptoms. There is no evidence, or suggestion, that the detective might have been infected, but he followed the advice to stay away.
In postponing the case, for a week, the presiding judge said he would not require the detective to come to the courthouse and risk exposing the thousands of people that frequent the building daily. Further postponements seem inevitable as caution dictates that people experiencing any type of illness stay away.
At a time when DC is suspending any activity that requires large public gatherings, it is useful to remember that more than 10,000 people visit the DC courthouse every day.
So far, the courthouse has not followed major sports leagues, mass events and schools by shutting down. But it is unclear, and there have been no announcements so far that the court is either ordered to, or will decide to, close.
Would the court move online, if so how might that work?
Would long planned trials be continued, both denying justice to victims and the accused? Could the virus suspend a defendant’s constitutional right to a speedy trial?
Would confined citizens, with orders for release, remain locked up? And would those newly arrested (because crime is unlikely to stop) remain incarcerated when they might otherwise have been released?
Is the jail system ready for this?
Doesn’t unnecessarily confining people increase the risk of the contagion, thereby making DC complicit should any of the inmates die from the virus?
And, how long might it take for the wheels of justice to get back up to speed?
Obviously containing and eradicating the pandemic is the national priority.
But what D.C. Witness has already seen at DC Superior Court suggests that another victim of Covid-19 will be the American justice system. And moreover, we, as a society, have yet to grasp the full implications of these extraordinary times.
During a felony arraignment March 12, a defense attorney entered a plea of not guilty on behalf of a murder defendant.
George Anderson, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 24-year-old Devin Butler at the Tyler House Apartments complex on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW on June 13, 2019.
After the defense entered a not guilty plea, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edleman asked the prosecution when they would file evidence with the court.
The prosecutor said he would file it within the next two weeks.
According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department were told that someone was injured and that the injured person was dead. A witness pointed to the defendant’s bedroom where Anderson was on the floor.
The witness said that no one in the apartment had any problem with each other and that for anyone to be in the residence, they needed to have a close relationship with the occupants of the residence, the documents stated.
A loud gunshot in the residence startled the witness. The witness said Anderson was standing over Butler with a gun in his hand, the documents said.
Apparently, the defendant said, multiple times, “I’m Zeus.”
According to the documents, Anderson told the witness, who was holding him down until the police came, “I’m a killer. What? You gonna tell on me? Get off me, I’m Zeus. I’m Allah. What happened? For respect, I’m a killer.” The witness was smoking marijuana with Anderson and the victim before the shooting.
A status hearing is scheduled to occur on April 29.
During a status hearing March 12, a defense attorney said all of the prosecition’s motions have been responded to except for one that says the defendant cannot claim self-defense.
Wilbert Whitaker is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Leo Hackett in April of 2016 on the 800 block of 21st Street, NE. He is also charged with possession of a firearm while armed during a crime of violence.
Mani Golzari, Whitaker’s defense attorney, said that he and his client need time to consider their options before responding to the prosecutions self defense motion.
According to court documents, officers were dispatched to the crime scene and discovered Hackett unconscious, unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest. Witnesses said that Whitaker and Hackett had an altercation and police were called, and shortly after they left witnesses heard a “pop pop.”
A trial readiness hearing is scheduled for May 8. Trial is slated to begin on May 26.
During a motion hearing on March 12, a new trial date was set for an almost six-year-old murder case.
Mark Bowser is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business and obstruction of justice for allegedly stabbing 39-year-old Tracy Womack on the 4600 block of Benning Road, SE on Sept. 20, 2014.
The case was previously set to go to trial in April. But, the defense said a new trial date was necessary because Bowser’s defense attorney, Betty Ballester, would not be available.
Ballester said she will be out of town for one week at the end of March and one week in the middle of April, when the trial was set to take place.
Apparently, a witness told police that a male individual entered Womack’s house uninvited. When told that Womack was sleeping, the individual pushed his way past the the witness and into the victim’s bedroom.
Seconds later, that witness reported screaming coming from Womack’s bedroom.
The witness said Womack yelled, “he’s cutting and stabbing me.” The witness then said the individual left the building, walking south on Benning Road.
A trial readiness hearing is scheduled to occur on July 10. Trial is slated to begin on July 27.
During a trial readiness hearing March 12, a prosecutor offered a plea deal to the defense.
Brain Davis is being charged with conspiracy and first-degree murder during with aggravating circumstances for allegedly murdering Mawuli Kocuvie on the 1700 Block of Benning Rd., NE, on Oct. 29, 2017. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation. Davis was indicted for the murder before he was arrested.
The prosecution sent an email to the defense the night before the hearing, outlining the plea deal. The details are yet to be confirmed but if Davis accepts the deal, he would be tried alone and not with his co-defendant, Samuel Davis.
Davis’ defense attorney, Erin Scialpi, said that she and Davis will discuss the plea deal and come up with a decision well before the rescheduled trial readiness hearing on May 1.
According to court documents, Davis choked the victim with assistance from another individual in a bedroom.
Davis’ co-defendant, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed but, on July 13, 2018, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for his involvement in the homicide.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled for the co-defedant, according to DC courts. However, a status hearing is set to occur on May 8.
During a mental observation hearing on March 11, a defense attorney said that the prosecution is unable to see the private medical files of his client.
Alisa Randall, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 59-year-old Ronald Jones in an apartment on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW on July 15, 2019. Randall said Jones attacked her. She also said Jones sexually assaulted her daughter.
Randall’s defense attorney, John Fowler, told the court that under DC law it is unlawful for the prosecutors to keep email files of Randall’s private medical information. “The prosecution is not entitled to it and are not able to see it,” Fowler said.
The prosecutor said that even though he still does have the emailed file, he was not intending to open it or to violate Randall’s rights by viewing the information.
“We emailed it to the court as soon as we saw it and have not opened it since,” he said.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz told the prosecution to delete the medical records from their email inbox. “The prosecution is not trying to unnecessarily consume,” he said.
Another mental observation hearing is scheduled to occur on March 23.
This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo and MiriYam Judd.
A judge voiced her concerns regarding DNA evidence testing.
Eliyas Aregahedne, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing Margery Magill with a knife on the 400 block of Irving Street, NW, on Aug. 27, 2019.
Judge Beck said t there could be possible consequences for the prosecution if they are not dutiful with how the DNA is preserved. She said that blood is different than touch DNA.
Judge Beck issued an order for the prosecution to provide the defense with information about any relevant DNA orders. She said the position needs a position to contest if the prosecution uses all of the available DNA material.
The prosecution said there was a lot of blood evidence, including three small samples.
Judge Beck advised the prosecution that she wants the lab to understand that if they are in a position to do so, they must try to preserve some of the blood so that the defense can test it if they choose to do so.
Defense counsel did not have anything to say.
A felony status conference is scheduled to occur on April 10.
During a preliminary hearing March 11, a defense attorney asked if it would be okay if he and his client wore masks in the courtroom after a witness came down with symptoms resembling those of the Coronavirus.
Juvon Julian Searles, 39, is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting 46-year-old Paul Williams, Jr. on the 800 block of R Street, NW on July 24, 2018.
The prosecution was set to call a detective who worked the scene to testify. The detective, however, has recently come down with flu-like symptoms and a high fever.
His symptoms resemble those of COVID-19, a virus that was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
While the prosecution said that the detective was feeling better and could testify, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz said “even though he apparently feels better today, it would be utterly irresponsible for me to have him come here today and interact with everyone in this courthouse.”
Judge Kravitz asked the prosecution if the detective has been monitoring his temperature, and they responded that they weren’t sure, but that he said he was feeling better.
He issued a one week continuance, and told the prosecution to confirm for the court that the detective has been taking his temperature and is fever-free for 72 hours prior to the hearing.
James King, Searles’ defense attorney, asked Judge Kravitz if he and his client could wear face masks when the detective testified.
The prosecution did not object and Judge Kravitz said it was okay.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 16.
This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo and MiriYam Judd.
During a status hearing, a defense attorney said he was going to file a motion.
Kavonte Richardson, 26, is charged with robbery while armed, first-degree murder while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing Matthew Scott Rooker on the 600 block of 7th Street, NW, on May 23, 2018.
Richardson’s defense attorney, Mani Golzari, said that he was going to file a motion to suppress statements by March 13. Golzari said he anticipates two issues from the motion.
Golzari said he thinks there would be a legal issue with statements given to a detective. He said he is also not sure if the defense is intending to call a witness about Richardson’s mental health.
The mental health expert, if called, would comment about whether the statements Richardson told the police were voluntary and willful or if they were a product of mental illness.
The defense attorney said he would also supplement the motion with any information he would gather from the expert by March 20.
The prosecution has until March 25 to responsd to the defense’s motion.
Golzari also said that all the material for DNA testing has been sent out. He said that while the prosecution did provide a more detailed expert notice, the defense will be contacting the expert witnesses.
A status hearing is scheduled to occur on March 25.
