Two shooting co-defendants who police say alternated using an assault-style rifle and a Glock Model 30 .45 caliber pistol appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on May 19 for a pre-trial hearing.
Tyjuan Liggins, 29, is facing a sixteen-count indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm multiple projectiles, possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, destruction of property of less than $1,000, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of more than one year, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition.
Deonte “a.k.a. Baby D” Nolan, 18, is charged in a 15-count indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon,possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm-multiple projectiles, unlawful discharge of a firearm, destruction of property of $1,000 or more, destruction of property of less than $1,000, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The pair is accused of shooting at least 13 times in the area of a parking lot on the 1200 block of I Street, SE on Jan. 11. According to a police report,”It was obvious that both subjects know each other and are working together,” based on surveillance footage. The video also purports to show Liggins exchanging fire with occupants of a white Mercedes at the intersection of 12th and I Streets, SE. There were no reports of injuries in the incident.
During the hearing the prosecutor noted that a “wired” plea had been extended to the defendants, meaning that both would have to accept the same terms to resolve the case.
However, Nolan, represented by Diana Yu, declined the offer which would have dropped most of the charges besides assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license.
Liggins attorney, Matthew Covert, said his client was still interested in a deal and was willing to extend the trial deadline to consider another offer.
Covert argued for Liggins’ release on the grounds that he has family support and would like to attend his five-year-old daughter’s graduation next week. Further, Covert said Liggins could live with his aunt.
Judge Pipe noted that Liggins had a prior gun conviction that was set aside. The prosecutor argued for continued detention given the “concerning nature of the circumstances” and that the shooting occurred outside Liggins home. The judge ruled in favor of detention. Nolan is also being held in the case.
The trial is set for July 7 and the next hearing is scheduled for June 26
