DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman arraigned a homicide defendant May 30, which led to a pointed disagreement between counsel over holding the defendant in jail another full year before trial.
Adrian Morgan, 64, is charged with second-degree murder,aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possssing a prohibited weapon for allegedly stabbing 42-year-old Tiffany Parker on Aug. 30, 2024 on the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.
According to court documents, Morgan told police that Parker had pulled out a knife on him after an argument about money. Morgan was able to take the knife away and proceeded to stab Parker, allegedly in self-defense.
The hearing started with the prosecution stating that DNA testing had been done on a knife and a condom. Judge Edelman noted that as a result, an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing was needed–a legal proceeding that allows individuals accused of a crime to request DNA testing or present new evidence that could prove their innocence.
The defense requested all the evidence the prosecution intends to use, as they have received very little.
Judge Edelman urged the prosecution to comply as soon as possible. The prosecution agreed, saying the results would be handed over no later than June 6.
Then, Elizabeth Weller, Morgan’s attorney, expressed frustration when the prosecutor said he was not available to bring this case to trial until 2027, leaving Morgan in jail for another year.
Weller said the “government waited the full nine months to indict him,” and that Morgan should not be punished for the prosecution’s busy schedule.
When Judge Edelman asked the prosecution to explain what made 2026 so busy, he responded there were multiple trials throughout the year.
“The calendar, unfortunately, is not very good,” Judge Edelman said.
Five minutes later both parties returned from a bench conference sooner a trial date of Oct. 13, 2026, as well as a status/IPA hearing was set for Sept. 19.
