Judge grants sick man accused of murder parole

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During a July 2 hearing, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a murder defendant’s request for compassionate release due to his declining health.

Joseph Ballard, 60, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the fatal stabbing of Monte Daniels, 33, on July 28, 2023, in the 1600 block of Benning Road in Nebraska.

According to court documents, Ballard allegedly stabbed Daniels in the chest, killing him, following an argument over drugs.

In September, District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt released Ballard on condition that he receive treatment for drug use. He was rearrested for failing to appear in court and had multiple drug test failures.

Ballard’s attorney, Dominique Winters, said Ballard has been diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and heart failure. She told Judge Demeo that he is currently receiving advanced hospital care, with his wife making most of the medical decisions.

On July 3, the court considered Winters’ request to release Ballard due to his current health condition.

Judge Demeo cited a letter from the medical director of United Health Services that said Ballard suffers from lung cancer, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, heart failure, cardiac problems and fluid retention around the lungs that requires constant drainage so Ballard can breathe.

According to Winters, the Department of Corrections (DOC) is unable to provide the care the defendant needs. He will be placed in home hospice care, and doctors believe he has only six months to live.

The victim’s family was present virtually via Webex and addressed their complaint directly to the court.

“He shouldn’t be able to walk away without being held accountable. My son didn’t get the same compassion when Ballard killed him,” the victim’s father said.

Judge Demeo granted Ballard release on the condition of 24-hour house arrest and GPS monitoring and ordered Ballard to sign a medical document for the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

The return of events is scheduled for July 10.

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