Teen Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

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A teen homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Sept. 17.

Lorinzo Thompson, 18, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Niko Estep. The incident occurred on Nov. 3, 2023 at the intersection of 14th and Fairmont Streets, NW. Another juvenile individual sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.

Thompson, who was a juvenile at the time of the incident, is being tried as an adult under Title 16.

During the hearing, Joseph Yarbough, Thompson’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution told Judge Demeo they have yet to begin DNA testing evidence.

Parties scheduled a trial for September of 2026.

They are slated to reconvene Dec. 13.