DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the defense’s request for mistrial in a homicide case on Feb. 13, due to lead counsel’s unavailability mid-trial because of a personal emergency.
Jakiem Miller, 27, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior crime of violence, and obstructing justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Avon Perkins, 30, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Dec. 17, 2022.
On Feb. 9, during the fourth day of the trial, Judge Edelman informed parties and jurors that the trial would be delayed due to a personal emergency for lead defense attorney Steven Kiersh…