Stand-In Attorneys Forced to Set Uncertain Hearing Date

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At a status hearing on Feb. 24, stand-in attorneys for both the prosecution and defense were forced to set a date for the next hearing without any knowledge on the case.

Christian Monge, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 31-year-old Brittanie Clark. Monge allegedly stabbed Clark in a residence on the 5000 block of First Street, NW on Aug. 31, 2021, after Clark and Monge’s girlfriend had gotten into an altercation about their relationship.

Due to a scheduling miscommunication, Monge’s defense attorney Anthony Matthews was not able to make the hearing. Kevann Gardner, who was in the courtroom for an earlier hearing, served as a stand-in.

The prosecution also required a stand-in due to undisclosed circumstances.

Because the attorneys on both sides were stand-ins, they did not have enough knowledge or information about the case for the hearing to proceed.

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun scheduled the next hearing, but it is subject to change according to the schedule of the attorneys on the case.

The next hearing is scheduled for April 3.

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