On December 29, 2022, a 50-year-old man named Aniekobo Umoh was shot dead in Washington D.C., and two defendants, Rafeal Stevens and Jermall Johnson, are facing charges related to the murder. The charges include premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
During the court proceedings, Johnson’s attorney Stephen LoGerfo filed a motion to separate the case from Stevens’ in order to present exculpatory evidence related to the felony murder charge. Both defense attorneys discussed potential testimony that could impact Johnson’s state of mind regarding the charges. The court determined that the evidence provided by the attorneys was sufficient to show Johnson’s mindset during the alleged robbery.
However, Judge Raffinan denied Stevens’ motion to separate their cases for first-degree murder charge as exculpatory. The judge cited concerns about the impact on judicial economy if separate trials were held. Following this ruling, the prosecution indicated their intention to drop the felony murder addendum from the charges in order for both defendants to be tried together for first-degree murder. The trial is scheduled to proceed as planned in November with next status hearing set for July 12.
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The trial involving Rafeal Stevens and Jermall Johnson is set for November following their decision by Judge Maribeth Raffinan not to separate their cases due to concerns about judicial economy if separate trials were held.
On December 29th last year, Aniekobo Umoh was killed in Washington D.C., leading two defendants – Rafeal Stevens and Jermall Johnson – facing charges related to his death.
The charges against these individuals include premeditated first-degree murder while armed, attempted robbery – felony murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm among others.
During court proceedings earlier this year
