New judge to hear obstruction of justice trial in Wone case

D.C. Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz will oversee the trial involving three former Dupont Circle roommates who were charged with obstruction of justice in the 2006 slaying of attorney Robert Wone, according to a ruling by Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield made public Monday.

The attorneys for Dylan M. Ward, Joseph R. Price and Victor J. Zaborsky petitioned Satterfield to allow Judge Frederick H. Weisberg to continue overseeing the case, although Weisberg and Leibovitz will switch trial calendars in January.

The attorneys argued that Weisberg was more knowledgeable about the case since he has overseen the hearings since the mens' arrest last year. Satterfield denied their attorneys' request.

The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 15. The trial is scheduled to begin in May.

-- Keith L. Alexander