Judge Finds Probable Cause in Case of Clay Terrace Homicide

By Ariana Rojas [former] , Andy Tripathi [former] - February 18, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Darius Roberston is accused of beating his cousin to death at a street corner in the Clay Terrace neighborhood of Northeast, DC. On Feb. 9, a DC Superior Court judge ruled that his case has enough evidence to go to trial.

Andre Roberston was 33-years-old when he died of blunt force trauma on Oct. 2, 2021. According to court documents, the medical examiner could not pinpoint which of the victim’s multiple injuries caused his death.

The 28-year-old defendant allegedly assaulted his cousin close to midnight on Oct. 1, 2021, near the corner of Clay Terrace, NE, and 53rd Street, NE. He is charged with second-degree murder.

During the preliminary hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department detective took to the witness stand. Video footage of the homicide, as well as the autopsy, was shown.

When observing the footage, defense attorney Michael Madden noted that the defendant was seemingly attempting to avoid getting involved in a dispute with the individuals seen on camera. 

Parties discussed whether the defendant had a gun. Madden argued the black object seen in the video footage was just his client’s hair since it was moving along with his body. Madden noted that the autopsy did not report visible marks on the victim’s face that could have been from a gun, but the detective said the defendant could have been striking his neck. 

Madden went on to argue that his client was provoked during his interactions with the victim and other witnesses. He pointed to a part of the video that shows him being pushed up against a fence while trying to leave. Instead of fighting back, the defendant apparently attempts to get away from the group. 

Judge Milton Lee ruled that the case has probable cause. Darius Robertson will remain held at DC Jail as he awaits his next hearing, which is scheduled for June 3.