DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied release for a shooting defendant on April 13 due to no new information’s being presented since the previous ruling.
Dontae Carthens, 46, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 21, 2025 on the 700 block of 51 Street, NE. The incident left one victim with a gunshot graze wound to the temple.
According to court documents, the victim reportedly started a confrontation with an individual who witnesses identified as Carthens, after seeing him make an “unsavory comment” to a female at a party. Carthens then allegedly pointed a handgun and fired at the victim. The victim reportedly knocked the gun away, causing the bullet to graze his head.
The victim later changed the story, telling law enforcement the incident began when they asked Carthens to borrow a lighter. They also added that an unknown witness pulled Carthens away after the shot was fired.
Carthens’ attorney, Victoria Bethel, filed a motion to reconsider her client’s release on April 11. DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied Cathens’ release on March 13, citing a failure to find conditions of release that would protect the public.
Judge McLean questioned whether Bethel had any new information or evidence or if they were seeking a different ruling. Bethel acknowledged that there was no new information but requested a formal review of the original decision.
Judge McLean denied release for Carthens, saying that she does not dispute previous rulings “unless there is more information or a problem” with the legal proceedings.
The parties are slated to reconvene on June 5.
