Probable Cause Found in Murder Case

By Sadie Herman [former] - December 5, 2023
Appeal | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Nov. 29, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan found a homicide defendant’s case has enough evidence to go to trial.

John Dickens, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Kelvin Hamlett who was left in his burning car, on the 1500 block of Gales Street, NE, on Nov. 12. 

The prosecution began by calling the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective to detail surveillance footage from the apartment crime scene.

The detective explained that part of the footage shows Hamlett’s vehicle pulled into a parking lot, then the same vehicle drives into a different parking lot near the crime scene. An individual, identified as Dickens by prosecutors, is also seen at this parking lot, dressed in dark clothing, walking towards the vehicle where the shooting occurred.

According to the prosecution, there was a security guard who observed a man in the area waving a gun around. The detective said the security guard confirmed that the suspect was Dickens after identifying a confirmation photo by the police. 

During cross-examination, Kevann Gardner, Dickens’ defense attorney, questioned the witness regarding a plastic bag of drugs was found in Hamlett’s vehicle. Gardner then explained that Hamlett has a criminal history of drug use.

The detective explained he was unsure about the amount of drugs. Gardner said as the lead detective, the witness should know, since a drug deal could be a motive for the crime.

Additionally, Gardner questioned the detective about the suspect’s description which was based off of what the defense believes largely unclear surveillance footage.

Gardner pointed out that the security guard who identified Dickens didn’t report the incident until police were already on the scene for the murder later that morning. 

Gardner concluded,  “The [prosecution] is cutting corners in this case, and that is how innocent people go to jail!”. 

Judge Raffinan ruled for probable, however, saying there may not be enough evidence for proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Judge Raffinan ruled to detain Dickens, agreeing he could pose a potential threat to the community.

Parties are expected back on Jan. 23.