A defendant allegedly involved in a fatal shooting motioned to sever from his case from two other co-defendants before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 10. If the judge agrees, one of the remaining defendants could benefit from exculpatory testimony.
Deandre Sams, 29, Raymond Mathis, 38, and Keshawn Lavender, 24, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with attempt to kill while armed, attempted robbery while armed, conspiracy while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller during an attempted robbery on Sept. 6, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. Two other individuals were injured during the incident.
Lavender filed a motion to sever from his co-defendants on June 20 on the grounds that he would not receive a fair trial due to potential conflicts of interest that would arise from the defendants’ testimonies.
Specifically Sams says he does not want to implicate them with his testimony.
Unless Sams’ case is severed he could not testify that Lavender allegedly had no plan to commit a robbery, rather only buy marajuanna from the victim the day of the crime, according to his attorney, Jessica Willis. Sams’ testimony could potentially lead to Lavender’s exoneration.
Additionally, Sams will not seek immunity for his testimony.
The prosecution requested more time to give a response to the motion and received a deadline of July 21.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 29.
