Trial for Homicide Defendants Delayed as Attorneys Face Scheduling Issues

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

During a status hearing for a homicide case on May 31, scheduling conflicts arose with both the defense and prosecution delaying proceedings.

Nelfy Hernandez, 19, DeAndre Levy, 21, and Trey Prillerman, 19, are charged with first-degree murder in relation to a homicide on the 5500 block of 9th S. NW on Aug. 10, 2020. The three defendants allegedly opened fire on a group of teenagers resulting in the death of Taijhon Wyatt.

After Hernandez withdrew from a plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense were faced with unexpected hearings resulting in scheduling concerns. The number of defendants and defense attorneys further complicated the issue due to multiple conflicts.

Levy’s defense attorney, Johnathan S. Zucker, raised concerns about a lengthy trial due to cross-examination times, saying “I have a reputation for doing long crosses.”

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan attempted to bring the parties to an agreement on a proper date to proceed. An agreement was reached for parties to discuss scheduling outside of the courtroom.

After repeated failures to find a necessary date for hearings, the trial will potentially be delayed to 2024. Parties are set for a motions hearing on June 14.

Follow this case