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By
Marissa Stambaugh
- November 29, 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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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan along with those involved agreed to reschedule an upcoming May 19, 2025 jury trial based on another case in Maryland and a delay in testing, during a Nov. 27 hearing.
Gerald Thomas, 21, is charged with attempted kidnapping while armed, first-degree murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license and second-degree murder while armed.
Thecharges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Jan. 27, 2022 which resulted in the death of 20-year-old Dasha Cleary. Three other individuals were also injured in the incident thus categorizing the event as a mass shooting.
Defense attorney Dominique Winters waived Thomas’ presence since he’s being detained for another shooting matter in Maryland. Winters stated to the best of her knowledge Thomas will accept a plea offer in that that case and will be sentenced soon.
Parties, along with Judge Raffinan, agreed to vacate the upcoming May 2025 trial date so the Maryland case can be resolved. Winters also requested additional time to ensure that all DNA evidence is tested prior to the start of trial.
No new trial date was set, but the calendar be discussed in a status hearing scheduled for February
Parties are set to reconvene Feb. 7.