Shooting Defendant Remains Released, Despite Arrest in Federal Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian allowed a shooting defendant to remain on probation despite his arrest in an undisclosed federal case on Sept. 10.

Joseph Robinson, 25, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that that took place on the 1200 block of 13th Street, NE on July 7, 2021 which resulted in the death of Zaire Taylor. Robinson also suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Robinson was additionally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that took place on May 8, 2021 on the 2000 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. One individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Robinson accepted a plea on Dec. 14 2021, that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

On May 19, 2022, Robinson received a suspended sentence of 15 months, and was required to serve three years of probation.

During the hearing, Robinson’s probation officer told Judge Christian that Robinson remains in compliance with his probation requirements, despite being arrested in connection to a federal case earlier this year.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 11.