A woman accused in a shooting who says she suffers from intense mood swings rejected having her case tried in mental health court again before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on April 29.
According to court documents, 32-year old Jordan Jennings is accused of carrying a pistol outside of a home or business as well as endangerment with a firearm. Officers initially responded to the sounds of gunfire on Sept. 10, on the 2800 block of 28th Street, SE.
During the hearing, defense attorney Janai Reed again turned down the prosecution’s offer to litigate the matter before DC’s Mental Health Community Court for a 14- month commitment. The program offers treatment to severely ill mental patients as an alternative to jail
A witness said, “That’s her,”- referring to-Jennings as the alleged shooter. Following the suspect, police stopped Jennings, wearing a pink-purple jacket and walking her dog down the 2800 block of Vista Terrace, SE.
During the encounter with police, Jennings repeatedly claimed she suffers from the mood swings, which are characteristic of bipolar mental illness and “could not calm down.”
Meanwhile, a search of the defendant’s black backpack allegedly turned up a Glock model P80 9mm handgun (serial # PF940C) containing one 9mm round in the chamber and two 9mm rounds inside of a 15 capacity magazine.
Police then arrested Jennings for endangerment on several gun charges and an attempt to kidnap a person after recovering a shell casing at the scene.
The precipitating event for the shooting was Jennings banging on the back door of a nearby residence allegedly demanding personal property. According to an occupant, Jennings was heard to say, “What the f***k, I got to let off a warning shot.”
Though another witness claimed to hear a gunshot, it could not be determined who fired the weapon. There were no reports of injuries.
In a September hearing, probable cause determined that Jennings committed the crime and she was jailed. However, later that month she was released on personal recognizance and a stay-away order from the victim. Meanwhile, prosecutors made a plea offer to have Jennings evaluated by DC’s mental health court.
However, Jennings rejected the deal, opting for trial instead, and ultimately winding up in Judge Salerno’s court where she was ordered to have outpatient drug treatment.
During the current hearing, defense attorney Janai Reed again turned down the prosecution’s offer to litigate the matter before DC’s Mental Health Community Court for a 14- month commitment.
The case is scheduled for indictment on June 7
