Trial to Begin, Despite Scheduling Conflict

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A DC Judge said that jury selection would happen on Nov. 12 despite a scheduling conflict which will prevent one of the defense’s witnesses from testifying. Sean Baker, 40, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in the Jan. 31 stabbing of 35-year-old Robert Wiggins on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. Baker was initially charged with assault with intent to kill. After continuing a motions hearing nine times DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman refused to delay Baker’s trial. According to one of the defense attorneys, Dominique Winters, Baker preferred to delay the trial until the witness was available to testify. “I understand that might be her preference but in a 2016 case we are past the point of preference,” said Judge Edelman. According to Winters the witness in question is someone who would only testify to the facts of the case, not someone who would offer their opinion as an expert on a particular subject. Judge Edelman said that he would rule on the remaining motions on Nov. 13 and order the jury to return either later that day or on Nov. 14, to begin hearing the prosecution’s theory. Notifications are not yet available for this specific case. Please check back later for updates. Thank you.