DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a homicide defendant’s request for compassionate release due to steadily deteriorating health, during a July 3 hearing.  Joseph Ballard, 60, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Monte Daniels, 33, on July 28, 2023, on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE.  According to court documents, Ballard allegedly stabbed Daniels once in the chest killing him over an argument about drugs. Read more »

A discussion about a possible compassionate release for a mortally ill homicide defendant took place before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on July 1. Read more »

Prosecutors requested DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo appoint independent counsel in a homicide case, citing ineffectiveness by the Public Defender Service (PDS) during a June 20 hearing.  Kenneth Stewart, 62, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Courtney Jones, 54. Read more »

The murder trial of Kenneth Stewart will be delayed to allow an expert in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to evaluate him, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo ruled on June 16. Read more »

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a motion to delay a July trial after the defense challenged the DC jury selection process, arguing there are “stark racial disparities” in grand juries and trial panels, during a June 3 hearing. Read more »

Before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo, defense attorney Dominique Winters filed a motion on May 30 to reschedule a July 20 trial because her client didn't think a racially balanced jury would hear his case. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »

On April 1, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied an agency’s request to revoke a homicide defendant’s pretrial release.  Christian Johnson, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Lavonte McCould on Nov. Read more »

On Jan. Read more »

Editor's note: On May 30, a jury acquitted Devonte Brothers of all charges connected to the homicide of Deron Leake. Read more »