Witness unable to testify in triple homicide trial

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 13, 2018
Court | Homicides | Suspects |

A witness called to testify, in a triple homicide murder trial, did not appear in court Feb. 12 because of an undisclosed medical condition.

According to the defense, the witness saw Benito Valdez while the witness was running away from gunshots in Langdon Park on the night of April 23, 1991.

However, the prosecution said the witness told police they weren’t at the park at all on the night of the homicides.

Judge Judith Bartnoff questioned if the witness would be able to testify because of their medical condition. The defense requested to use testimony from the witness’ doctor.

The doctor’s testimony could determine whether the case against Valdez would be postponed until the witness could testify or if closing arguments would begin Feb. 13. The trial began on Jan. 22.

Valdez is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly fatally shooting Curtis Pixley
, 29, Keith Simmons, 24, and Samantha Gillard
, 23.