Trial Delayed in Homicide Case As Key Witness Unable to Testify

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As a postponed homicide trial was expected to begin on July 31, the prosecution received information that a key witness was unable to testify causing DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo to reschedule the trial to Sept. 9.

Darius Anderson, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30, on June 15, 2022, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

On July 29, when the trial was supposed to start, Judge Demeo delayed the case by a day to discuss a dismissal motion regarding phone records the prosecution had received and presented the night prior.

The defense requested dismissal or alternatively the option of a continuance, as the prosecution had the phone record evidence since mid-2023.

On July 30, the prosecution argued against dismissal stating that it agreed that the material should have been provided to the defense sooner, saying the non-disclosure was minimal, and was not intentional. The prosecutor told Judge Demeo all material had been disclosed to the defense and did not believe any of it will be used during the trial.

On July 31, the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy on Mattocks, was unable to testify due to a medical emergency.

The prosecution proposed having an alternative expert testify or provide a stipulation to the jury. However, Falodun disagreed.

Defense attorney, Wole Falodun, argued this “comes across as callous,” as the trial had already been delayed by a day and the jury had been picked. He also argued Anderson had been waiting in custody, and requested dismissal of the case.

Weighing the alternatives Judge Demeo granted a continuance and denied the request for dismissal.

Falodun also requested Anderson be on house arrest until the trial, stating he is from the DC area, is part of the community, and Falodun has kept constant contact with his mother.

The prosecution opposed the request arguing that, along with the weight of the evidence, Anderson had fled the scene and his residence following the incident.

Judge Demeo denied the request for release as there were no conditions to ensure the community’s safety.

Parties are slated to return on Sept. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.