Pretrial Services Request to Revoke Homicide Defendant’s Release Denied

By Betty Yigebahal - April 1, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Victims |

On April 1, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied an agency’s request to revoke a homicide defendant’s pretrial release. 

Christian Johnson, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Lavonte McCould on Nov. 25, 2021, on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

A representative from DC’s Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) raised concerns regarding Johnson’s ability to follow release conditions, and requested the revocation of personal recognizance and electronic monitoring for Johnson. This request followed alleged infractions where Johnson didn’t follow mandated home confinement for five minutes on two separate days.

In response, Johnson’s defense attorney, Dominique Winters, explained that his absence from home was due to his grandmother’s injury, preventing her from walking the family’s dog. Johnson, said Winters, had to assist his grandmother, which led to his temporary absence from home. 

The defense shared that the issue had been addressed with Johnson’s case manager, and the dog was relocated to another family member’s home.

The prosecution made no arguments or requests. 

Judge Robert Okun decided not to revoke Johnson’s release, since the issue was resolved.

Parties will meet again for a status hearing on April 12.