Release Denied for Defendant in 2005 Homicide Case

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s request for release in a detention hearing on April 2.

Michael Wells, 53, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Wells and Mosby were foster siblings.

In asking for release, Molly Bunke and Hannah Claudio, Wells’ defense attorneys, pointed to the lack of credibility of the witnesses, a dearth of tangible evidence, and an indeterminate motive to commit the crime. The defense argued that the prosecution has nothing more than a finding probable cause, which is not enough to keep Wells detained until trial.

Additionally, Wells has eight kids, many grandchildren, and held two steady jobs before getting arrested. The defense was willing to work with any conditions of release agreed to by the prosecution.

The prosecution disagreed, saying that the witnesses were credible, Wells had both a motive and an opportunity to commit the crime, and the DNA evidence placed Wells on the crime scene.

Earlier prosecution evidence suggested that Wells allegedly killed Mosby in retaliation for her role in murdering a friend of his.

They mentioned Wells’ criminal history including possession of a firearm, robbery, assault, and drug offenses, and that he has previously broken probation and faced bench warrants for his arrest.

Judge Park acknowledged the community that Wells had built, however, agreed with the prosecution that release of Wells would not be appropriate. He mentioned that the nature of the offense weighs towards detention, given that probable cause has been found for a homicide.

After setting trial dates for May of 2026, the defense asked the prosecution to disclose the identities of some witnesses and other persons of interest so they could dive further into their investigation. The prosecution agreed to disclose the persons of interest, but not the witnesses.

Judge Park ruled that he will not force the prosecution to disclose the witnesses at this juncture, emphasizing that it is a premature request for a trial 13 months away.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 1.