Juvenile Shooting Case Dismissed Amid Plea Deal in Carjacking

By Adriana Marroquin - June 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Juveniles | Shooting |

A juvenile defendant accepted a plea deal in connection to a carjacking and associated shooting before DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell on June 4. 

The juvenile, a 15-year-old boy, was originally charged with armed carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, and robbery for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on Jan. 12 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE. 

He was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred moments after the carjacking on the 3300 block of Benning Road, SE, which injured one individual. 

Prosecutors previously filed to dismiss the shooting charges without prejudice, which would allow the prosecution to refile charges if there were any developments to the case. 

During the hearing, the parties alerted the court they had reached a plea deal, which required the juvenile to plead guilty to unauthorized use of a vehicle as a passenger and a misdemeanor charge of receiving stolen property. All other charges would be dismissed. 

Parties also agreed to dismiss the shooting charges with prejudice, essentially closing the case.  

According to Howard Margulies, the juvenile’s defense attorney, the parties agreed that the juvenile be detained by the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) for six months in addition to the remaining month he has to serve in connection to four previous convictions. 

In scheduling the sentencing, Judge Crowell stated it shouldn’t take long because “he’s been before me for some time,” referencing his previous convictions. 

Parties are slated to return June 10 for sentencing.