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By
Joseph Wolf
- October 28, 2024
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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A shooting defendant was supposed to be arraigned, but was not in court due to being detained pending a trial in Maryland, while his co-defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 24.
Jayvon Thomas, 21, and Lavar Hunter, 20, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Anwar Wingate, 24. The shooting took place on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW on Nov. 19, 2021.
According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Wingate in a “vulnerable” state, highly intoxicated and stumbling. Two individuals, later identified as Thomas and Hunter, allegedly planned to rob Wingate to steal his gun.
Thomas and Wingate fought briefly and Hunter was allegedly the one to fatally shoot Wingate, according to court documents.
During the hearing, Thomas’ defense attorney, Sylvia Smith told Judge Raffinan that Thomas is being held in Prince George’s County, Maryland, awaiting a trial. According to Smith, his trial will not start until Nov. 26.
With that in mind, she asked that parties not reconvene until after his trial.
James King, Hunter’s attorney, announced Hunter’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.
Parties in Hunter’s matter will reconvene on Dec. 13.