Two co-defendants accused of a shooting that left a victim in critical condition pleaded not guilty during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Aug. 15.
Vance McIlwain, 33, and Kenneth Johnson, 32, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Johnson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting on Nov. 8, 2024 on the 700 block of Chesapeake Street, SE that injured one individual. The victim was transported to Howard University Hospital in critical but stable condition and suffered from five gunshot wounds–one to his chest, two to his abdomen, one to his left arm, and one to his right ear.
According to court documents, McIlwain is the alleged shooter while Johnson is accused of aiding and abetting the offense.
At the arraignment, McIlwain’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, and Johnson’s attorney, Matthew Davies informed Judge Park of both defendants’ intention to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted their rights to a speedy trial.
Parties scheduled a trial for November 2026. However, Sapirstein indicated that McIlwain does not expect the case to go to trial, despite there being no current plea offer. The prosecution said they will extend a plea offer for the defendants to consider before the next hearing.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 30.
