Judge Grants Request to Join Shooting Co-Defendants’ Cases

By Mackenzie Konjoyan [former] - July 16, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting |

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted a prosecutor’s request to join a shooting defendant’s case with that of his alleged accomplice during a July 16 hearing. 

Rasheed Thorne, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 20 on the 600 block of Oglethorpe Street, NW. An off-duty police officer sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, the officer was driving to work when he spotted a vehicle driving erratically. The car stopped, one suspect got out, and allegedly shot at the officer’s vehicle who was injured and transported to a hospital for treatment.

Prosecutors requested Thorne’s case to be joined with that of his co-defendant, William Walker, 21. They were arrested moments after the incident.

Judge Di Toro said she would join the cases, alerting DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno who is currently hearing Walker’s case.

Janai Reed, Thorne’s defense attorney, made clear she would file a motion to sever the the cases as the trial date for Walker is Sept. 19 and that will be too soon to prepare Thorne’s case for trial.

Parties are set to appear before Judge Salerno on Aug. 1.