Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz of their intent to dismiss certain charges after a jury agreed on conspiracy but was deadlocked on some counts in a multi-defendant carjacking case on Jan. 30.
Byron Gillum, 20, Jaelen Jordan, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Warren Montgomery, 20, Taj Giles, 20, and Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20 were charged in a 19 count indictment connection to what prosecutors called an armed carjacking ring.
The crimes occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW, on April 27, 2023 at the intersection of K and 8th Streets, NE, and May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.
On Jan. 6, a jury alerted the parties they had reached a guilty verdict for conspiracy but not unable to reach a unanimous verdict for others. Judge Kravitz gave the prosecution time to decide how to move forward with the remaining counts.
During the hearing, the prosecutor requested dismissal for the counts the jury was unable to resolve. Judge Kravitz granted the motion without prejudice, meaning the prosecution can re-open the case at a later date if they wish. Flower’s defense attorney, Gretchen Franklin, initially objected, asking to dismiss the charges with prejudice, but later withdrew her objection.
The sentencing of the seven co-defendants was further delayed while the court awaits the results of Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) studies. These studies will determine each defendant’s eligibility to be sentenced under the YRA, which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant.
Judge Kravitz emphasized that although the defendants are applying for the YRA consideration their eligibility is not guaranteed. If any of the defendants don’t meet the qualifications, they would face the standard sentencing guidelines.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 27.
