Over One Year Later, Murder Case Still Awaits Grand Jury

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A DC Superior Court judge scheduled a hearing to discuss motions the defense brought up in a 2019 murder case that is still waiting to be heard by a grand jury.

Marco Powell, also known as Tyrell Powell, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 22-year-old Semaj Alsobrooks. The 23-year-old defendant is accused of shooting Alsobrooks on the 3900 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Sept. 4, 2019.

“Mr. Powell has been in jail since November 2019 without an indictment for over a year now, 23 hours a day on lockdown,” said defense attorney Jason Tulley, “I ask that we set a hearing.”

He said he submitted a motion for the disclosure of grand jury selection material on March 10 that has yet to be heard. He also submitted a motion for dismissal, immediate trial or release pending trial yesterday.

Judge Marisa Demeo mentioned that another Superior Court judge is handling the first motion, and she cannot rule on the most recent motion today since it takes time to rule on complex issues. She scheduled a status hearing for Sept. 8 to address the motion and other matters that may arise.

The defense also plans to file a bond review motion.

Sarah Gebrengus wrote this article.

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