Witness’s Health Concerns Delay Deposition

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During an Oct. 21 hearing, parties were intended to schedule a deposition date for one of the witnesses in a murder case, but the date was postponed due to the witness’s health. 

David Rhodes, 54, is charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection with the May 9 stabbing of 47-year-old Georgette Banks on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. Banks was stabbed multiple times in the neck, chest and arms. The defendant and the victim were in a relationship.

Rhodes was also quarantined at the DC Jail at the time and if the prosecution wants to present a deposition, all parties must be present.

The prosecutor gave the defense approval to conduct a cross-examination on the witness but argued that the defense requested additional information about the witness that was not necessary for cross-examination. 

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee informed the prosecutor that a disposition requires the defense to have all necessary information needed for the deposition by the prosecution. 

The prosecutor also expressed doubt if the witness would appear for the deposition since the witness has frequent medical appointments.

Judge Lee is recommended that the witness virtually present online if she couldn’t physically make it to court.

Instead of setting a deposition date, Judge Lee scheduled an additional status hearing for Nov. 16 to address the witness’s health status update and discuss the scope of the deposition. 

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