DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a shooting defendant’s request for release after prosecutors said they intend to retry the case during a hearing on Aug. 8.
Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.
These charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2020 the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW outside of the Columbia Heights Metro Station. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to the hand.
The court declared a mistrial on July 28 after the jury could not reach a verdict. During the hearing, prosecutors informed Judge Dayson that they intend to retry the case.
Shelton’s defense attorney, Emily Sufrin, requested Shelton’s release on GPS monitoring. Sufrin said the case was several years old and that the trial was delayed several times before the mistrial. She pointed out that Shelton had been incarcerated for almost two years and has not been charged with any more crimes. Suffrin also asserted that most jurors did not think Shelton was guilty.
“They undermined Shelton’s right to a speedy trial,” said Sufrin about the prosecution.
Sufrin also told Judge Dayson that Shelton completed the “A’Tonement Project” program, a self-development course at the DC Jail, for which he was a block leader. Suffrin played a video from a staff member advocating for Shelton’s release and spoke about his growth as a violence-interrupter in the program.
Sufrin said if released, Shelton already had an employment offer, would stay with his mother, and abide by any conditions of release. She added that he had an abundance of family supporting him and pointed out family members in the courtroom.
Shelton’s sister was present and asked Judge Dayson for leniency because she was actively working on connecting Shelton with counseling and the resources he needed if granted release.
The prosecution requested that Shelton continue to be held at the DC Jail and argued that his criminal record showed a pattern of dangerousness to the community. They pointed out that Shelton had two prior firearm convictions, previously had his probation revoked because he did not abide by conditions of release, and was on release at the time this incident occurred. The prosecutor added that Shelton had only been held in this case since April 2024.
Judge Dayson acknowledged the strong familial support that Shelton had but said that his history indicated an escalation of risky behaviors. Ultimately, the judge denied Shelton’s release because there were no conditions she felt could ensure the safety of the community.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 7.
