Continued release was granted for a defendant charged in connection to a murder before DC Superior Court Judge Ryan Michael on July 1.
James Rice, 27, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Thomas Felder, 32, that took place on Oct. 16, 2024 on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.
On Oct. 22, 2024 the court found no probable cause, dismissed the case and released Rice. The court did not believe that the eyewitness statements from the incident were sufficient enough to identify him as the suspect. However, the case was reopened and a bench warrant was issued on June 25, after a grand jury indicted Rice.
Rice was arraigned on July 1 and pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges. His attorney, Joseph Yarbough, requested that Rice remain on release until trial.
Prosecutors argued that Rice allegedly committed the homicide in broad daylight at a busy street, which deems him a danger to the community. Additionally, prosecutors referenced some of Rice’s criminal history including a previous simple assault conviction.
In his rebuttal, Yarbough argued that Rice “has been doing what he’s supposed to do, which is nothing wrong.” Rice is employed and working consistently, the simple assault was removed from his record, he has strong family support and has not tried to evade police since his case has been reopened, Yarbough insisted.
Given that Rice has no prior failures to appear and has little previous criminal history, Judge Ryan decided that there is little evidence to support the defendant’s detention and granted home confinement with electronic monitoring so he can work and meet with Yarbough.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Aug. 8.
