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By
D.C. Witness Staff
- December 17, 2024
Court
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Daily Stories
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Robbery
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Shooting
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Suspects
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A DC Superior Court judge denied Dec. 17 a defendant’s request for release even though the crime was his first infraction.
Christ Tchakounte, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license. These charges relate to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 19 at the intersection of A Street and 16th Street, SE. A 15-year-old teenager sustained injuries during the incident.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, two suspects approached a victim at the scene, and one suspect shot the victim before both searched the victim’s pockets and fled.
During the bail hearing, Judge Anthony Epstein said that over the course of 11 months, the time Tchakounte has been in jail, there has not been enough change in the case to ensure any conditions of release would be safe for the community.
Judge Epstein said facts of the case are still very serious, including a 15-year-old being shot during a robbery attempt, the defendant being identified as the shooter and the prosecution’s assertion that there is stronger evidence in the case since the probable cause finding during the defendant’s preliminary hearing in May.
According to Tchakounte’s defense attorney, Rachel Circurel, Tchakounte is taking advantage of several programs offered at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) of the DC Jail. She presented eight letters from staff at the CTF that spoke about the who Tchakounte was be coming and the effort he put in the programs.
She said the defendant was able to form a supportive network of individuals who have programs in the community who could support Tchakounte with job training and in other ways. The defendant also has support from his family who were present in the courtroom.
Without release, Judge Epstein moved to set additional dates in the case, including deadlines for expert notices and other materials. Additional hearing dates were also set, including:
- A hearing to discuss independent DNA testing was set for July 25, 2025,
- Trial Readiness Hearing was set for Nov. 21, 2025, and
- A trial date was set for Dec. 1, 2025.
Judge Epstein also let parties know DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman would take over the calendar in the new year.