Probable Cause Found in Co-Defendant Murder Cases

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On Jan. 30 DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found probable cause that two homicide cases had sufficient evidence to go to trial.

Deangelo Opey, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Anthony Weathers, 25, on the 300 block of V Street, NE. Weathers was found by responding officers on the 2000 block of 4th Street, NE, on Oct. 31, 2012.

Gregory Smithwick, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Vernon Davis, 34, on the 1900 block of 3rd Street, NE, on Sept 13, 2013.

Opey and Smithwick are co-defendants due to the prosecutors’ belief that Smithwick killed Davis because he was potentially a witness in a case against Opey.

In this continued preliminary hearing, Judge Raffinan found probable cause for both Opey and Smithwick. She stated that there are multiple witness testimonies placing Opey at the scene of the crime, including a witness who testified that Opey confessed to him for the murder of Weathers.

Additionally, there was evidence based on text messages between Smithwick and Davis, including one that said “call me when you about to leave,” followed by a call between the two individuals. Other witness testimony claimed Smithwick confessed.

Opey’s defense attorney, Paige Resnick, requested he be released, stating that he has previous work experience and has aspirations of starting his own company. Additionally, the defense argued that Opey would have stable housing and support within his community, while attending mental health treatments and finishing his GED.

Judge Raffinan, denied this request and ordered Opey remain detained as he awaits further proceedings. The prosecutors presented facts of previous release violations and gun charges in 2019 and 2023, indicating that Opey has had compliance issues.

Smithwick’s defense attorney, James King, requested he be released, arguing that, prior to his arrest for this case, Smithwick had been on supervised release for 36 months because of a previous conviction, and he had no violations to his release.

According to King, Smithwick is also involved in helping his community and runs a company where he teaches other members of his community how to be landscapers. King also argued that Smithwick would have support from his family and would stay with family members if released.

Judge Raffinan, found that he has the ability to comply with supervision and granted Smithwick’s release. During his release, Smithwick is required to be in home confinement until the next status date, have a GPS monitor, call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) twice a week, and is prohibited from possessing or using a firearm..

Opey is slated to return Feb. 21, with Smithwick returning March 6.

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