Retrial in 2018 Murder Case Delayed as Defendant Seeks New Counsel

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On Aug. 7, Marquette Jordan’s murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt was postponed so a new defense lawyer could be appointed.

Jordan, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, simple assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business with a prior felony conviction for allegedly stabbing and killing 48-year-old Ivan Lynch on April 30, 2018 on the 900 block of 5th Street, SE. 

Jordan’s trial began in March of 2022, and as the proceeding continued prosecutors dismissed the charges of threatening to kidnap or injure a person and assault with dangerous weapon.

The jury then found Jordan not guilty of first-degree murder while armed and robbery while armed in April of 2022. However, they remained hung on the lesser charges of second-degree murder while armed, simple assault, and carrying a dangerous weapon while armed outside a home or business. 

The prosecution then decided to retry the case on the remaining charges, and Jordan’s defense attorney at the time, Elliott Queen, was replaced by Michael Madden, who was later joined by defense attorney, Camille Wagner. 

Jordan’s retrial was set for Aug. 1. However, undisclosed complications delayed the date, which was reset for Aug. 7. Now that has been further pushed back after Jordan said he wished to obtain new counsel.

Parties are expected back on Aug. 11 to assign new defense counsel and set another trial date.