There Won’t Be Time to Find Expert Witness, Defense Says

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 19, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a motion hearing on Feb. 18, the defense argued that there would not be enough time to find an expert witness to testify in a murder case. 

Robert Wilson Dean Jr., 61, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with a screwdriver for allegdely stabbing Tamiya White, 38, on March 31, 2018, on the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road., NE. 

John Armstrong, one of Dean’s two defense attorneys, argued that the prosecution did not give the defense sufficient notification about evidence. He said there was not enough time to review the evidence and prepare for trial. Armstrong told the judge that the prosecution’s failure to provide notification is grounds to dismiss the case. 

More information about the evidence was not mentioned. 

DC Superior Court Judge Ronna Beck denied the motion to dismiss the case, saying the prosecution had given over evidence in enough time for the defense to prepare. She also denied a motion to suppress electronic data and a motion to suppress testimony from a detective who investigated the case. 

Armstrong asked the judge for a continuance in order to find an expert. 

All parties will report back to court on Feb. 19 to figure out how the case will proceed. As of Feb. 18, a trial date has not been set.