A non-fatal shooting defendant refused to appear for the third time for a hearing on July 8 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.
Rashid Shabazz, 36, pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2024, to unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 4, 2024, on the 5000 block of Banks Place, NE.
Shabazz has yet to be sentenced, as multiple lawyers have been appointed and withdrawn from his case. Additionally, Shabazz has refused to come to court for his last three scheduled court dates. At a hearing on June 26, Judge Hertzfeld said she would grant him one last chance to appear in her court.
At his most recent hearing on July 8, Shabazz once again refused to appear in court per the Department of Corrections (DoC). Shabazz’s defense attorney, Susan Borecki, also informed the court that the defendant has refused to communicate with her and requested to withdraw from the case.
Borecki’s request was deferred until the next hearing by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean, who has been transferred to the case. This was done by the court to see if the defendant will appear at his next hearing.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 10.
