DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release in the wake of a family tragedy during a hearing on July 9.
Kevin Lester, 36, and Traviyan Hardy, 23, are charged with carjacking for their alleged involvement in an incident on June 13 on the 300 block of 40th Street, SW.
According to court documents, Lester and Hardy allegedly approached the victim’s vehicle. Lester then allegedly held a gun to the victim’s head and demanded that he exit the vehicle. Hardy allegedly pulled the keys out of the ignition, where Lester allegedly dragged the victim out of the vehicle and struck him multiple times before both got into the car and drove away.
In the hearing, Hardy asked Judge Pipe to be released from detainment pending trial because of a recent loss in her family. When asked to elaborate, Hardy explained that her brother had been fatally shot and she wished to be there to support her parents.
Judge Pipe acknowledged Hardy’s family tragedy and expressed her sympathies. However, due to the nature and circumstances of the offense, Judge Pipe denied Hardy’s request to be released.
Parties are set to reconvene on July 15.
