DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson didn’t grant a shooting defendant’s emergency motion for release, which would allow him to attend his grandfather’s funeral on March 9.
Zion Greely, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of destroying property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a shooting.
The incident occurred on Oct. 14, 2024 on the 700 block of N Street, NW. No injuries were reported, but three vehicles were stuck with bullets. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) allegedly recovered 27 shell casings and two bullet fragments from the scene.
Lorenzo Covington, 20, and Gregory Nelson, 19, are co-defendants charged for their alleged involvement in the same incident. Covington and Nelson were not present at the hearing.
Prosecutors opposed the motion and claimed that Greely is a danger to the community. Although, they did offer their condolences for his loss.
Greely’s defense attorney, Diana Yu, explained that the release would be “very brief.” She said Greely would be willing to wear a GPS monitor to attend his grandfather’s funeral.
According to the motion filed by Yu on March 6, “this loss has been extremely difficult for Mr. Greely.”
Judge Dayson said she was “not inclined to grant the motion.” She suggested Yu go through the administrative process with the DC Jail. The jail made arrangements in the past for inmates to attend funerals remotely, according to Judge Dayson.
Requests for escorts to attend funerals are “not granted often” due to staffing issues, said Judge Dayson. She said she would “be inclined to grant” the motion if an escort was provided.
For now, Judge Dayson denied the motion for temporary release.
“I love you, Zion,” his mother said as he was escorted out of the courtroom by US Marshals.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.
