US Marshal Says Murder Defendant Has Security issues

By Dayana Coronado [former] - August 15, 2023
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Aug. 15, a US Marshal discussed whether it was safe to move Derryck Decuir who’s currently incarcerated in the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) system.  

Decuir, 30, is charged with second-degree murder while armed against a minor and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 15-year-old Malik Mercer. The incident occurred on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE on June 19, 2015. 

Decuir was originally convicted, but the decision was reversed by the DC Court of Appeals because inappropriate testimony was introduced at Decuir’s trial. He is set to have a new trial on the matter in coming months. 

However, preparations for the case are difficult because Decuir is housed more than two hours away from DC, and he “has a high security” classification according to a US Marshal who testified for the defense. That means he’s considered a security risk.

The defense asked if it were possible for Decuir to be placed in a closer facility once his new trial begins. However, the Marshal said that the Northern Neck facility in Virginia where Decuir is housed is unwilling to move him, and the DC Jail is not willing to accept him because he poses a potential danger.

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan proposed that the defense attorneys reach out to the Bureau of Prisons to see if an agreement can be reached once the trial date nears.

The same issue was discussed in a May 11 hearing without resolution.

Decuir’s next hearing will be on Oct. 18.