DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman allowed a defense attorney to remain on a murder case ahead of trial on Oct. 20.
Wilbert Whitaker, 77, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Leo Hackett, 30, on April 30, 2016 at the 800 block of 21st Street, NE. Hackett died from a gunshot wound to his chest.
Whitaker’s attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, began the hearing by explaining a potential conflict of interest that would necessitate his removal from the case if real…