DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelmann found probable cause July 22 in a double homicide of two teen-agers that prosecutors say could be gang-related.
Sean McFadden, 23, and Royale McGlenn Jr, 19, are charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for their alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 23 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Royell Walker, 16, and Jamar Jackson, 19, were found dead along with a 14-year-old surviving victim.
The prosecution called the lead detective to testify who explained that when he arrived on scene, he initially found Walker and Jackson approximately 100 yards away from each other. The surviving victim was already being taken to the hospital to treat his injuries.
According to the detective, several casings of different calibers were found on scene, indicating that three different guns were used. One gun and a 9mm casing were found near Jackson, which the detective said indicates that Jackson was armed at the time.
After reviewing CCTV footage the detective noticed the victims on scooters circling around the area of the shooting. The video shows two individuals on either side of the street waiting for the scooters to reapproach, then suddenly muzzle flashes show indicting shots are fired.
The detective testified that during the investigation family members were shown photos of McGlenn and McFadden and allegedly identified them as the shooters. Additionally, McGlenn is reportedly linked to a shooting that occurred on May 17, where he was wearing nearly identical clothing. The only difference the detective was able to point out were the shoes the shooter was wearing as the May 23 suspect.
Defense attorney Carrie Weletz questioned the detective about McGlenn’s identification, A witness, who claimed to identify McGlenn as the shooter has a criminal history and substance abuse issues.
The detective stated that he had no knowledge of any substance abuse issues and that the witness appeared sober during the interview.
The witness was also very hesitant while answering during the interview, stating several times that the person did not recognize the individual shown and expressing frustration about the relationship with McGlenn, saying “I don’t like that little boy.”
Several neighborhood criminal street gangs or “crews” in the area are “beefing,” according to the detective, including the 4th and 6th Street crews. He also explained that the 4th Street crew is on the north side of the street, while the 6th Street crew refers to the Cascades apartment complex.
Weletz argued that McGlenn was not associated with either crew, although prosecutors clarified that McGlenn’s girlfriend lives in the area. The detective also stated that one does not have to live in a certain neighborhood to be associated with it.
Defense attorney Howard McEachern argued that McFadden is not seen in the video footage at the time of the shooting. The only thing that is seen is a figure dressed in black that is allegedly McGlenn and several muzzle flashes. In CCTV footage, you can see the two shooters jump back as if something startled them.
McEachern stated that ShotSpotter alerted police of 18 shots fired, while there were 16 casings found, insinuating that shots could have been fired from somewhere else.
Judge Edelman explained that the probable cause standard is very low, but family member identifications, testimony from the detective and McGlenn’s potential involvement in another shooting were enough to meet that standard. He found probable cause despite acknowledging that there are several weaknesses in the case, stating “the motive is vague at best.”
Judge Edelman also determined that there are no conditions or combination of conditions of release that would protect the community, even though McGlenn is only 19, working towards his GED and McFadden has a son.
Both defendants are detained pending trial.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 17.
