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By
Ayda Atici [former]
- March 6, 2024
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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On Mar. 6, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer as a jury trial was scheduled to begin before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.
Raymond Stoddard, 59, was originally charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on July 22, 2022, at the 4900 block of Benning Road, SE.
According to court documents, the victim and a witness had been arguing on a bus when the suspect became involved and the argument turned physical. The suspect then pushed the victim out of the bus, pulled out a gun, and shot him.
One individual was left with gunshot wounds.
Moments before opening statements were set to begin, the defense and prosecution requested Judge Christian pass the case so that they could discuss a settlement.
Later, when Stoddard’s case was called again, his attorney, Susan Ellis, informed the court that the defendant wished to accept the prosecution’s offer and plead guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
The mandatory minimum for this charge would be 12 months in prison, while the maximum is ten years.
The prosecution stated that they were not pressing more serious charges, and would dismiss the remaining counts against Stoddard.
Judge Christian accepted the plea offer, and canceled Stoddard’s trial.
Parties are slated to return on May 13 for sentencing.