Prosecution Argues for Continuance in 2016 Murder Trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 16, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a trial readiness hearing May 15, the prosecution argued to continue a murder trial by at least six months because their eyewitness is unfit to testify.

Dewayne Chatman, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and mayhem while armed, among other charges, for his alleged role in the death of 29-year-old Evan Williams on the 4000 Block of 3rd Street, SE in 2016. Chatman’s trial was initially scheduled to begin on May 13.

The prosecution said the man who was shot during Williams’ murder would be called as a witness. Apparently, the man was shot in the head.

The prosecutor said the man’s doctor said the man has had multiple brain surgeries and needs a 6-12 month recovery period.

The prosecutor said the witness’ most recent surgery was merely a month and a half ago and that he is experiencing long term and short term memory loss. The prosecutor also said the witness has difficulty understanding questions and trouble focusing. Apparently, the witness also becomes agitated and struggles to sit still.

The prosecution also told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that they are not prepared to decide whether or not they are going to call the witness given the uncertainty of his condition.

In response, the defense argued against the continuance, saying the witness will “never” be competent to stand trial.

Defense attorney Dominique Winters, who also spoke with the witness’s doctor, said the witness has had the same issues dating back to 2016, when the murder occurred. Winters said it’s unclear whether the witness’s “agitation” is a result of the surgeries or from the fact that he’s self-medicating with alcohol and “street drugs.”

Winters said the witness always had long term and short term memory problems and that the issue has only gotten worse over time. She also said that the prosecution was “leaning toward” not calling him as a witness for multiple reasons, including the fact that the witness was intoxicated at the time of the murder, he has long term memory issues and his repeated conflicting testimony.

Judge Dayson said she needs to speak with the witness’ doctor before deciding whether or not to continue the trial. The trial readiness hearing is scheduled to continue on May 16, when she is expected to make a ruling.

D.C. Witness previously reported, on May 7, that DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied the prosecution’s request for a continuance. Apparently, the prosecution requested additional time because they need to do additional investigative work.