Judge Finds Probable Cause in Non-Fatal Shooting Case, Second Suspect Still Not Apprehended

By Caroline Sagristano [former] - March 31, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

On March 31, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples found probable cause to charge Tiaquana Chandler with first-degree burglary and aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

Chandler, 41, allegedly forced her way into an apartment on March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE and assaulted the victim with her hands. The victim was allegedly shot by another suspect who was identified through witness testimony as her son.

The other suspect has not been arrested.

According to court documents, Chandler allegedly got into an argument with the victim earlier that night, which resulted in her being pushed out of the apartment. Chandler allegedly came back with her son who brought a gun.

Upon arrival, officers found the victim who had been shot in his right thigh with multiple lacerations and bumps on his head and face.

The victim’s head looked like a “sack of potatoes,” a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified.

The victim needed staples in his head as well as multiple surgeries to repair the fracture in his femur and remains in the hospital as of March 31, the detective said.

Judge Staples found probable cause for both charges and gave defense an opportunity to rebut the presumption of dangerousness accompanying the probable cause finding.

Defense attorney Thomas Healy stated that with the exception of one incident in 2014, the defendant has been a peaceful member of the community for 10 years. He also said the defendant, if released, would have no contact with witnesses and would comply with GPS monitoring or other regulations as assigned.

The prosecution responded that substances played a role in the incident and that by choosing to return to the apartment with someone who allegedly had a gun, she could be dangerous to other witnesses in the case and the community in general.

Judge Staples held Chandler without bail, stating the defendant tested positive for PCP on March 30, has a history of bench warrants, and played a big role in the incident. 

Chandler is scheduled to return to court on April 13.