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By
Elizabeth Bernstein
- November 22, 2024
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 12 indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 22.
Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, and two individuals suffered from gunshot wounds.
According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Wells, was smoking and being loud with some of his friends when a witness came to the door and asked them to be quiet. They allegedly started to yell at her. When the woman’s son asked the suspect to stop disrespecting his mother, Wells allegedly reached for a gun, and the mother yelled, “He has a gun”, as she and her son wrestled the defendant for the weapon
The mother said she also saw a third individual enter the apartment who was subsequently shot. When Wells broke free, the mother ran back into her apartment. Her son suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest and required surgery. The other individual suffered a gunshot wound to his neck.
Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, alerted the court that Wells was entering a plea of not guilty to all counts.
Burrell also alerted the court that he was recently informed that one of the victims has a medical condition that can potentially impact her vision and perception. Burrell argued he needs time to look at the witness’ medical records and decide whether to call an expert to testify about the issue at trial, which is set for Dec. 2.
The prosecution disagreed and said Burrell was notified of the matter months ago.
Judge Pipe ruled that Burrell’s request to inspect the records is “reasonable” and will delay the trial if necessary.
The prosecution stated they will get the witness’ medical records to Burrell as soon as possible to avoid delay.
Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 26.