Defense Attorney Filed Motion for New Trial for Pena
A Washington court is reviewing a request for a new trial following a voluntary manslaughter conviction.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Defense attorney Dana Page has filed a motion for a new trial for David Pena, who was previously sentenced to over 14 years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter of Maurice Robinson. Judge Danya Dayson held a hearing to consider the request, which the defense claims relies on evidence discovered after the original trial concluded.
Why it matters
The defense argues that a statement overheard from the victim's mother supports Pena's claims of self-defense during the incident. However, the prosecution contends that the motion fails to satisfy the legal requirements for newly discovered evidence.
The defense filed the motion for a new trial after the 14-day post-trial deadline, noting the attorney was out of the jurisdiction for 13 days before filing 11 days after returning. Judge Danya Dayson will issue a ruling within 30 days.
The players
David Pena
He is a 49-year-old defendant currently serving a sentence of more than 14 years for voluntary manslaughter.
Dana Page
She is the defense attorney representing David Pena in the motion for a new trial.
Danya Dayson
She is the judge presiding over the case at the DC Superior Court.
Maurice Robinson
He was the 24-year-old victim who died after being fatally shot in 2023.
The details
David Pena, 49, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter while armed after firing six shots that killed 24-year-old Maurice Robinson on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. The defense motion centers on witness testimony regarding remarks made by the victim's mother following Pena's February sentencing.
Timeline
June 12, 2023: Maurice Robinson was fatally shot.
November 25, 2025: A jury found Pena guilty of voluntary manslaughter.
February 27, 2026: Pena was sentenced to over 14 years in prison.
March 24, 2026: Dana Page filed the motion for a new trial.
September 18, 2026: A post-sentencing hearing was held at DC Superior Court.
Legal Context
Criminal proceedings in Washington frequently rely on the strict application of the five-prong test for newly discovered evidence to determine if a case warrants retrial. This framework ensures that post-trial motions are limited to truly transformative evidence rather than repetitive arguments.
The case highlights the procedural requirements for legal motions following a conviction in DC Superior Court. Residents and stakeholders observing the case are awaiting the judge's written decision regarding whether the motion will proceed to a new trial.
The takeaway
Legal motions filed past the mandatory 14-day deadline face significant hurdles in court proceedings. Defense teams must strictly adhere to procedural timelines to ensure newly discovered evidence remains admissible.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal processes in the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dcwitness.
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