Parties Prepared to Continue with Murder Defendant’s Preliminary Hearing

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On Feb. 16, parties told DC Court Judge Danya Dayson that they are ready to pick back up with a preliminary hearing that had previously been cut short due to COVID-19 complications.

Kevin Goggins, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Yisa Jeffcoat on the 1600 block of W Street, SE on Oct. 9, 2020.

His preliminary hearing began on Feb. 11, but ended early when defense counsel was informed that a member of their team possibly has COVID-19. This cut the testimony of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective short. The detective is expected to finish his testimony on Feb. 17.

Defense Attorney Kevann Gardner said he plans on calling other witnesses, including a former MPD detective, who both the prosecution and  defense have had a difficult time reaching.

The preliminary hearing will ultimately determine if the case against Goggins has enough evidence to go to trial.

Adriana Montes wrote this article.

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