Teenager Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

By D.C. Witness Staff - April 30, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a hearing April 26, an 18-year-old murder defendant pleaded not guilty  after prosecutors secured an indictment.

Bernard McKinney is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged role in the death of 24-year-old Daymond Chicas on the 300 block of 50th Street, NE in 2018. McKinney is also charged with attempt to committ robbery while armed and assault with intent to committ robbery while armed.

During the arraignment, defense attorney, Eugene Ohm, requested an earlier trial date. He told the judge that McKinney’s trial date is currently set in 2020.

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe said there was a waitlist, but if an earlier date became available he would contact counsel.

The prosecution did not object to the request.

According to court documents, a witness told police that he was at a public pool with Chicas when two juveniles stole Chicas’ cell phone and ran away. The witness said he and Chicas chased the juveniles when they came in contact with the defendant and an unidentified man. Apparently, the unidentified man shot Chicas. 

Police have not arrested anyone other than McKinney in connection to the homicide.

McKinney is scheduled for a status hearing on August 23.