Photo by fdmount

Good morning, Washington. The trial for obstruction of justice in the Robert Wone murder case has begun, and there are already confusing details to grapple with. Yesterday’s courtroom developments included the playing of the 911 call that was made on the night of the murder — a call which included the voice of one of the defendants. Judge for yourself, but the details seem to exemplify the sort of confusing ambiguity that’s been typical of this case.

Council Ducks Increasing Fees: Ah, election years. The Post reports on some less-than-heroic behavior by the city council. Faced with a docket of increased taxes and fees designed to help close the city’s budget gap, the council prepared to vote. Then they realized that Mayor Fenty could enact the unpopular measures without their approval, at which point they decided to table the measure and leave its enactment up to the city’s chief executive.

More On Metro Death: The Examiner takes issue with Metro’s decision not to release the name of the man found dead on a Red Line train yesterday. It appears that five hours passed between the man entering the Metro system and the discovery of his body, but there’s no indication of foul play. Metro is declining to release additional details, attributing its silence to respect for the victim’s privacy. The Examiner objects to that policy, citing a number of transit agencies that disclose such information.

Briefly Noted: Hit and run in N.E… Va Tech clashes with feds over response to 2007 shooting spree… Three shot near P.G./D.C. border… Council honors murdered intern… Montgomery County considers pricing carbon for heavy-polluting power plants… New dog park in N.W.… Handyman dies while protecting Centreville family from intruders…

This Day In DCist: One year ago Tony Kornheiser was out at Monday Night Football and Bruuuce rocked the Verizon Center.