Preliminary Hearing Postponed Until Murder Defendant Gets New Counsel

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A homicide defendant expressed frustration and motioned for new counsel before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. in an April 30 hearing.

Deonte Spicer, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023, on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW. The incident occurred at a bus station.

On April 18, Spicer filed a “pro se” motion, in effect representing himself, requesting a new attorney.

In his handwritten motion, Spicer stated, “[Russell Hairston, his current attorney] refuses to go over the case with me and doesn’t tell me any plan or strategy he has for the case at all.”

He added that his attorney has “on several legal ‘visits’ and conversations, told me that I am guilty of this crime I am charged with, even though I have never said anything of the sort to him.” Spicer maintains his innocence.

Hairston, motioned to withdraw from the case on the basis that Spicer has been refusing his legal assistance.

“I have never refused no visits,” Spicer continued, “he never came to see me.”

Judge O’Keefe expressed his concern because Spicer has requested and has been appointed new counsel on several occasions.

Regardless, Judge O’Keefe granted the motion, and the preliminary hearing was postponed until Spicer is appointed new counsel.

Parties will reconvene when a new attorney is assigned.

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