Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

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DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a shooting defendant remain held in jail as he awaits further proceedings, during a June 5 hearing.

Desean Delaney, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting which occurred on April 8 at the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE within the NoMa-Gallaudet metro station.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Delaney, got into an altercation with a woman after she didn’t respond to his advances. He allegedly brandished a handgun; the victim then pushed his hand away, which caused the suspect’s gun to fire. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, Elliott Queen, Delaney’s defense attorney, alerted the court he planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Queen requested his client be released to 24-hour home confinement, stating he has abundant support in the community, pointing to eight of Delaney’s family members in the court, to ensure he complies with conditions set for release.

“This is his first contact with the criminal justice system,” Queen said, claiming Delaney does not have any prior criminal history.

The prosecution objected to the request, stating the nature and circumstances of the offense proves Delaney is a danger to the community.

“I was struck by the information in the[police report] and equally struck today,” Judge Raymond said, stating the prosecution’s evidence against Delaney is strong.

Judge Raymond denied the defense request.

Parties will reconvene on June 28 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld for a status hearing.