Judge Denies Robbery and Murder Defendant’s Motion for Release

By Emily Reed [former] - July 11, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

C Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe denied July 10 a second motion filed by the defense to reconsider release conditions for a murder and robbery defendant on July 10.

Darryl Little, 30, is charged with one count of conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, four counts of first-degree murder while armed, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith Jr. on June 14, 2020, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries.

During the July 10 hearing, Little’s defense attorney, Wole Falodun, told Judge O’Keefe that there was no evidence that could convict Little. He stated that both parties agree that Little did not shoot or rob anyone during the incident.

According to court documents, the altercation occurred between two groups known as the “Congress Park Group” and another group who had traveled to DC from outside of the area called the “Georgia Group.” 

Documents report that members of the Congress Park Group assaulted members of the Georgia Group with guns and stole money from them before fleeing.

Other members Congress Park Group, including Johnny Wilkins, 34; Marcel Gavin, 37; Kharee Jackson, 31; and Earl Robinson, 32, were also charged for their alleged involvement in the incident.

On June 16, Falodun, Little’s defense attorney, filed the first motion to modify Little’s release conditions. In the motion, Falodun stated that while the video footage that led to Little’s arrest did in fact show him on video, he was not seen with a gun, participating in the robbery, or doing any illegal activities. 

The motion also included multiple letters from friends, family, and employers requesting his release, including a letter from his nine-year-old son stating that he and his siblings missed their father.

Falodun pointed out that Little has strong family support.

The prosecution objected to Little’s release, saying he posed a flight risk because he has the resources to leave. The prosecutor told Judge O’Keefe that it took two months to find and arrestLittle. The prosecutor also said video evidence showed Little with the co-conspirators and later picking up dropped money at the scene of the incident.

Falodun countered the prosecution’s last point, saying the police had already been at the scene when he picked up the money.

“You can’t tell me that somebody who was involved in an armed robbery is not a danger to the community,” Judge O’Keefe said.

Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, stating that a Grand Jury indicted Little, so he was liable for the other charges in the context of armed robbery. 

After the judge issued his ruling, Little asked to plead his case himself. 

He stated that he is currently studying law and that he has followed all steps of being compliant with release conditions. He further stated that he is a full-time dad and serves his community regularly.

Parties are slated to return April 18, 2025 to discuss trial readiness. Trial for all five defendants is slated to begin May 12, 2025.