Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking and Domestic Violence Cases

By Hope Hamerslough [former] , Caitlin Blackman [former] - July 1, 2024
Carjacking | Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled that probable cause was sufficient in both a carjacking case and domestic violence case and ordered the defendant to remain in detention during a hearing on June 27. 

Carlos Shelley, 29, is charged with unarmed carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm with a previous felony conviction due to his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Dec. 18, 2023, on the 5000 block of Connecticut Avenue NW. 

Shelley is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence due to his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2023, on the 1800 block of Irving Street, NE. 

According to court documents detailing the carjacking, Shelley forced the victim to surrender his car keys to Shelley and an accomplice. When Shelley was later tracked down and arrested, the police allegedly found he had a gun.

During the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer said the victim allegedly gave a description of the defendant.  

Arguing against probable cause during cross examination, Christen Phillips, Shelley’s defense attorney, attempted to refute what she termed circumstantial evidence by arguing the only evidence implicating Shelley in the crime is the testimony of the witness who claims to have heard his voice at the scene.

For the domestic violence case, the lead detective confirmed that shell casings were found near the incident and none of the victims was physically harmed. The detective attested that a search of the defendant’s sister’s apartment revealed rifle accessories that matched the weapon alleged to have been used during the incident. 

 No footage, DNA evidence, or GPS tracking confirmed that the defendant was presented at the scene. 

In response to defense’s request for release, Judge Raymond said, “The level of danger is phenomenal,” as she rejected the request. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 24.