DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ruled that there was probable cause and reason to hold a homicide defendant during a preliminary hearing on April 9.
Javonte Robinson, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a June 2, 2025 shooting that fatally injured 33-year-old Kalil Brown on the 1200 block of Raum Street, NE. Brown sustained three gunshot wounds to the back and one to the back of the neck.
The prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified that surveillance footage recovered from the area surrounding the crime scene depicts a suspect vehicle reportedly registered to Robinson’s significant other parking on a neighboring street.
According to court documents, during a police interview Robinson reportedly identified himself as the individual shown leaving the vehicle. In the footage described by court documents, Robinson reportedly heads towards the crime scene and runs back to the vehicle after several gunshots are heard.
On cross-examination, Robinson’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, questioned the detective about the credibility of evidence he received from witnesses during the investigation, pointing out that one witness said they saw multiple people running away from the crime scene.
Weletz also questioned the credibility of a witness listed in court documents who reported that Robinson told them, “I took care of him. He’s not gonna shoot at nobody no more.” When Weletz raised reports of this witness being “evasive,” the detective attributed this to a proven history of domestic violence.
“I’m sorry, are you a psychologist.” Weletz questioned?
According to the prosecution, Robinson’s alleged motive might have stemmed from issues related to an ID card taken and a reported altercation with Brown earlier in the day. They cited a “variety of evidence” including cell-phone location data, text messages, surveillance footage, and personal statements that support probable cause. They added that Brown’s manner of death was “inconsistent with self-defense.”
In response, Weletz said that there is only a “loose thread of evidence” and that “nothing forensically” links Robinson to the crime.
Referencing court documents in his ruling for probable cause, Judge Ryan said that Robinson admitted his involvement in an altercation with Brown earlier in the day near Raum Street during which shots were allegedly fired. Judge Ryan said Robinson also reportedly admitted to returning to the area afterward to buy drugs and that he changed his clothes to wear a ski mask and hoodie because “you gotta look the part.”
“It’s an odd case because so much of the stronger evidence comes out of Robinson’s mouth,” Judge Ryan said.
Weletz requested that Robinson be released on terms of high-security surveillance or home detention with permission to attend work.
After reviewing Robinson’s criminal history, Judge Ryan found that “significant failures on probation,” previous bench warrants, and Judge Ryan’s prioritization of community safety warranted Robinson jailed.
“He’s had some significant failures in that regard,” Ryan said of Robinson’s probation history.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 20 for a status hearing.
