Emerita Garcia was arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 7, after being released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody earlier in the week. Read more »

A status hearing on June 3 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe was extended to debate a proposed sanction on lost video evidence used in the investigation of a murder case. 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 »

A homicide defendant’s lawyer told DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on May 31 his client is set to be released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and returned to the District in the coming days.  She was previously released from the DC Jail. Read more »

Defense attorneys for Tony McClam,34, were back in court for a May 13 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe in a complex shooting case based on the constitutional issues of fair jury selection and double-jeopardy.  McClam, originally accused of killing 11-year-old Karon Brown in 2019 on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE, was found not guilty of first-degree murder in January of 2022 in a seven-count indictment, but the jury was hung on other six charges including assault with intent to kill and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. Read more »

A homicide defendant’s attorney filed a motion to allow a defendant access to a witness’ cell phone records outside of the Public Defender Services' (PDS) office, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan. Read more »

On April 26, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied the prosecution's request to revoke a defendant's release after multiple positive drug tests for phencyclidine (PCP). Read more »

Following a two-week trial on April 22, a jury of 12 returned a verdict in the case of a physical altercation-turned-shooting between a father and son.  Stephon Williams, 32, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business for his involvement in the shooting of his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. Read more »

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein, witnesses gave conflicting testimonies regarding the character of 49-year-old Stephen Magruder, who was alleged to have been shot and killed by his son Stephon Williams, 32. Read more »

“He fell and never was able to get up again. Read more »

“I was afraid for my life,” said a homicide defendant during a jury trial on April 17 before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom.  Stephon Williams, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in shooting his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. Read more »

On April 15, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein heard testimony from a victim’s widow in a patricide trial allegedly sparked by an argument over five dollars' worth of marijuana.  Stephon Williams, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the shooting of his 49-year-old father Stephen Magruder on Sept. Read more »

On April 11, witness testimonies continued before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein in a domestic fatal shooting stemming from an alleged dispute over a five dollars worth of marijuana. Read more »

On April 9, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to sever his case from a co-defendant.  Rafeal Stevens, 39, and Jermall Johnson, 40, are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery - felony murder, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the shooting death of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. Read more »

In a contentious hearing on April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein urged both sides in a complex constitutional case to work out their differences without making a ruling from the bench. Read more »