‘Prosecution’s Argument is Not Where it Should Be,’ Judge Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 11, 2020
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During a preliminary hearing on Feb. 10, a judge ruled that there was probable cause in a murder case even though he said the prosecution’s arguments were mostly hear-say.

Michael Fahnbulleh, also known as Mike Mike, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Michael Andre Francis, 28, on Nov.30, 2019, on unit block Danbury Street, SW.

The prosecution argued that Fahnbulleh should be held without bond due to his previous misdemeanors in Maryland.

The prosecution says there is also surveillance footage that a witness says shows “Mike Mike” entering an apartment building that can place him near the scene.

However, the defense argued that the footage the prosecution wants to use in court does not show her client nor does it incriminate him.

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman agreed and ruled to release Fahnbulleh due to the prosecution’s lack of evidence.

“It goes back to the philosophical question of what is probable cause… I am not going to detain Mr. Fahnbulleh,” said Judge Edelman.

Fahnbulleh was re-arrested for a parole violation in Maryland.

He is being held in Maryland for unrelated charges, including theft, a counterfeit order, obtaining goods and money-forgery, issuing a false document, and forgery of private documents.

Fahnbulleh is ordered to report back to court 24 hours after his release in Maryland. When Fahnbulleh returns to DC, he will be placed in the high intensity supervision program.

This article was written by Jailynn Caraballo