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By
Nick Pallotto [former]
- November 13, 2023
Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Suspects
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On Nov. 9, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow granted a defendant’s motion to continue a non-fatal shooting case because of health concerns.
Dakia Thomas, 43, is charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm, for her alleged involvement in shooting at a vehicle on the 3500 block of Albert Irvin Cassell Place, NE, on Dec. 16, 2021. There were no injuries reported.
According to court documents, on the day of the incident, the victims told the Metropolitan Police (MPD) that Thomas left her residence in Albert Cassell Place and allegedly shot at them while they were inside their vehicle.
Following the shooting, officers went to Thomas’s residence but she told them that she couldn’t breathe.
Eventually, Thomas did open the door and one of the victims sitting in an MPD Police car, identified Thomas as the shooter yelling, “That’s the lady right there!” and “That’s her a*s!”
At the hearing on Nov. 9, Thomas appeared virtually due to her health. Thomas’s defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, filed a motion to continue the trial because of concerns surrounding her well-being.
According to Burrell, Thomas has been dealing with breast cancer. According to a motion for continuance filed on Oct. 30, Thomas’ breast cancer symptoms and signs seemed to have improved earlier this year.
However, a week after the motion was filed, Thomas allegedly informed Burell that her doctor saw something that could be lung cancer in addition to breast cancer.
Due to the new discovery, Thomas’ doctor requested she be excused from all court appearances. According to the motion filed by Burrell, it would be “exceptionally” difficult to proceed with the trial while she is in chemotherapy or any other cancer treatment.
Judge Pasichow granted the request for continuance, without any objection from prosecutors. She requested Thomas provide medical documentation to the court as soon as possible, to determine when she will is expected to return.
A new trial date was set for Feb. 15.