DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman delayed a detention hearing on July 8 for a defendant accused of participating in a mass shooting that injured nine, one fatally.
Jaden Smith 26, Mikeal Matthews, and Isaiah Anderson, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, eight counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 10 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, mayhem while armed, and carrying a pistol without a licence outside a home or place of business for their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on July 20, 2020 at the 3600 block of 14th Street, SW.
According to the prosecution, Smith, Anderson, and Matthews allegedly exited a black four-door vehicle and began shooting. The gunfire injured nine victims, including 28-year-old Devin Peterson, who was fatally shot, and another who lost his leg. Prosecutors said they collected approximately 70 shell casings from the scene.
Anderson and Matthew are in custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP). Judge Edelman ordered the two defendants’ returned to the jurisdiction on Aug. 7.
At Smith’s detention hearing, the prosecution claimed that Smith should remain in jail as the “indictment already makes probable cause.”
Smith has a lengthy criminal record including distribution of cocaine, armed robbery, and possession of firearms, all of which occurred after the 2020 incident. The prosecution also pointed out that some of Smith’s offenses were committed while on supervised release.
“No conditions would ensure the safety of the community other than detention,” the prosecution said.
The prosecution argued that the suspects’ motive stemmed from a music video released approximately 10 days earlier, targeting the 9th Street Crew, considered a criminal gang. The defendants are said to be members.
Smith’s attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, requested a hearing to obtain evidence the prosecution has not provided based on the Brady ruling in which evidence possessed by the prosecution must be disclosed if favorable to the defense.
Smith’s case was initiated by a grand jury indictment and therefore, he had no preliminary hearing to rebut the evidence against him. Govindaraju asked for an evidentiary hearing to resolve possible Brady violations and argued the defense should have the right to question the detectives on their investigation.
The prosecution responded that they are currently “rolling out” evidence including body-worn camera footage, protective orders, and other substantial materials.
Judge Edelman ultimately deferred the decision about Smith’s detention and an evidentiary hearing until both Matthews and Anderson are arraigned to “link up the cases.” Smith remains in jail until then.
Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 14.
