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By
Jeff Levine
- December 12, 2024
Burglary
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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In a brief Dec.11 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ended the probation of a defendant who pleaded guilty in July of 2023 to a non-fatal shooting. However, she ruled he unsuccessfully completed his term.
Robert Fenner, 30, was originally indicted on multiple counts including burglary while armed, possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon.
The charges were in connection to an incident on Jan. 15, 2020, when, according to documents filed with the court, police responded to multiple shots of gunfire near the 700 block of 21st Street, NE.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) encountered an individual at the scene who was shot in his right ankle. The victim told police that Fenner, along with two others, wanted to buy drugs from him. However, he had none to sell.
Shortly thereafter, the encounter turned violent with the trio punching him repeatedly. One of the suspects allegedly said shoot the victim and that’s when he was wounded. His house was also struck with several rounds of gunfire.
During Tuesday’s hearing a DC probation officer told the court that Fenner had violated the terms of his probation on two occasions in October and November, committing unlawful entry and assault. As a result, Fenner was arrested three times.
The prosecution asked Judge Di Toro to continue Fenner’s 18-month probation.
Defense attorney Michelle Lockard countered that these incidents were “not papered,” meaning they weren’t referred for prosecution.
“To say he was not adherent to his probation is…somwhat incorrect,” said Lockard. She pointed out that the infractions were committed just one month before the end of Fenner’s obligation and that he wasn’t served with notice that he was barred from the premises.
Judge Di Toro gave Fenner a “piece of advice,” to resolve his living situation since it appears the problems are a monthly event.
No further hearings were scheduled.