DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a request to modify release conditions for a homicide defendant during a status hearing on May 1.
Alfred Paulino-Del Rosario, 23, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, armed carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violencefor his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jhonatan Guzman Hernandez, 21, on Dec. 30, 2022, on the 2400 block of 15th Street, NW.
Paulino-Del Rosario’s attorney, Molly Bunke, asked Judge Dayson to extend her client’s weekly three-hour release block, which was previously granted for job searching. Bunke stated that Paulino-Del Rosario has maintained “perfect compliance” and has used his time “very productively.”
Bunke informed Judge Dayson that the defendant has applied to multiple McDonald’s locations, a Chuck-E-Cheese restaurant, and various construction jobs. “He has more than shown that he can be fully compliant with any amount of conditions that the court sets and he is going to use that time not only to apply to jobs but also again to provide childcare for his young child,” Bunke said.
The prosecution objected to any changes, arguing that the current three-hour window has been “adequate” for the defendant to apply for jobs and secure an interview. The prosecutor noted that Paulino-Del Rosario’s existing conditions already allow him to leave his home for confirmed interviews or employment.
Judge Dayson declined to modify the release conditions at this time but expressed satisfaction with the defendant’s efforts. “I am glad to hear that he’s using that time well and that it’s leading to some fruitful endeavors,” Judge Dayson said.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.
