Judge Lynn Leibovitz ordered Khari Williams held Friday on suspicion of first-degree murder while armed.
Leibovitz determined that there was substantial probability in the case against Williams, a student at Anacostia High School, is suspected of fatally shooting Angelo Payne Dec. 30.
According to charging documents in the case, police arrested Williams, 18, after witnesses said he led Payne into an alley to confront him over missing PCP.
Witnesses said Williams shot Payne when he could not explain the missing drugs quickly enough.
One witness said Williams wore all black the night of the murder, including a mask with a small cut-out for visibility.
On Friday, MPD Homicide Detective Anthony McGee testified about one witness who told police Williams later spoke of the crime.
“I mugged that n–,” the witness said Williams said. “I shot that n–.”
Williams said he “punished” Payne for stealing the drugs, according to witnesses, McGee testified.
Officers didn’t recover the murder weapon from the crime scene. McGee, though, argued there was enough witness testimony to tie Williams to the crime.
Williams rejected a plea offer that would have given him a maximum of 18 years in prison on second-degree murder charges.
He’s scheduled to return to court May 13 at 9:30 a.m. for a status hearing.
