Trial for Released Homicide Defendant Won’t Take Place Until 2025 

By Rachel Benck [former] - March 30, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A trial date was set in a homicide case two months after the defendant was released on a technicality.

Christian Johnson is charged with first-degree murder in connection for allegedly shooting Lavonte McCould that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Nov. 25, 2021.

According to witnesses, McCloud and Johnson had a tense relationship as well as a child with the same woman. Johnson is currently on release because the prosecution failed to file an indictment within the nine-month deadline.

In a Feb. 2 hearing, Johnson’s attorney Dominique Winters told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun she needed more time to review relevant information before setting a trial date. 

Almost two months later, during a March 28 hearing, she requested more time and to schedule another status hearing.

When questioned why she was in the same position as two months ago? Winters agreed to set a date.

However, the closest the prosecution had available was April 7, 2025, nearly three and a half years after Johnson was first charged.

Judge Okun agreed to set an additional status hearing as well. All parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 1.