Release Granted to Murder Defendant

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 14, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court judge put a defendant, who was previously held for 21 months without bond, under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

Sean Smith, charged with second-degree murder while armed, allegedly shot Matthew Walker on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE in 2016. According to court documents, witnesses said Smith, 36, and Walker, 26,  had a verbal altercation at a party. A gun, recovered at the time of arrest, contained Smith and Walker’s DNA.

Smith pleaded not guilty. Defense counsel told Judge Judith Bartnoff during a June 8 hearing that Walker pulled a gun on Smith and ultimately their client acted in self-defense. 

The prosecution offered a plea deal, which would remove all of Smith’s charges except for unlawful possession of a firearm. The defense said the prosecution’s plea deal is still being considered.  

Smith is scheduled for a status hearing on June 19.