Judge Warns Defense About Foregoing Preliminary Hearing if Delays Continue

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DC Superior Court Renee Raymond advised a shooting defendant’s attorney he might have to waive his client’s right to a preliminary hearing if delays continue.

Michael Owusu-Sakyi, 48, 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 10 on the 1700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries from the incident.

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Owusu-Sakyi, fired at a woman outside her residence. Following the shooting, the suspect told the victim he thought she was someone else.

Jeremy Feldman, Owusu-Sakyi’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Raymond in a June 5 hearing they were not prepared to go through with the hearing.

“This is a long time between when [the case] came in and a preliminary hearing,” Judge Raymond said, citing the five continuances since April.

The defense assured the court this would be the final postponement for the preliminary hearing, stating the parties continue to be in plea negotiations.

The judge was adamant about this being the last postponement, stating if they were not prepared by June 18, the defense should be “prepared to waive” the defendant’s right to a preliminary hearing.

Feldman affirmed he will be prepared by the next date.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 18.