DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied two shooting co-defendants’ requests for release modifications during a July 25 hearing.
Jonah Harris, 47, and Gerald Jones-Hall, 24, are charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery while armed, conspiracy to commit robbery while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for their alleged involvement in the shooting and attempted robbery of two victims at the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on July 10, 2023. Both victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Harris violated his stay away order by driving along the shooting location in early July.
Harris’ defense attorney, Christen Phillips, stated that the stay away location was near his home and he had to drive through it due to construction. She asked Judge Park to dismiss the stay away order because it’s “not serving any purpose for public safety.”
Judge Park disagreed, noting the co-defendants know people that live on the block where the shooting happened and denied the motion. The judge reminded Harris that if it happens again he will be out of compliance, and it could result in his detention.
Phillips also requested that Harris have special release orders for a work trip. Phillips noted Harris may be promoted to supervisor and his supervisor has taken notice of his hard work and wants him to attend a conference in New York.
Judge Park allowed this under the conditions Harris would be in his hotel room between the hours of 10 p. m. and 6 a. m.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 22.
