DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel didn’t change a shooting defendant’s release conditions on July 7, although stating that she wouldn’t have released him initially.
Dakarai Walker, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous crime for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 19 at the 200 block of V Street, NW. No injuries were reported.
According to court documents, Walker was reportedly identified as one of three shooters during the incident. DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones ordered Walker’s release on June 26 after the defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing that would have determined if probable cause existed for the charges against him.
At the current hearing, Walker’s attorney, Nigel Barrella, requested changes in Walker’s release conditions regarding a stay-away order, GPS monitoring, and home confinement. However, Judge Israel expressed confusion about Judge Jones’ decision to release Walker.
According to both Judge Israel and the prosecution, Walker had another case outstanding as of June 3. Court records indicate that Walker was charged in an unrelated matter with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Judge Israel said it was unclear if Judge Jones considered both of Walker’s cases when determining his release conditions. However, according to Barrella, Judge Jones heard both cases and still decided to release Walker.
Parties clarified that although the shooting occurred prior to the June 3 offense, the weapons charges were filed after that case was opened, on June 25. In terms of court filings, Walker was technically not on release status at the time of either offense–that would be a logical impossibility since the crimes could not have been committed while Walker was on detention.
Walker’s release was granted, for the June 3rd incident, on June 5th. For the April 19th incident his release was granted on 26th of June.
That left Judge Israel to sort things out.
She made it clear that she wouldn’t have released Walker based on the severity of both cases. Therefore, Judge Israel shut down any change in Walker’s release conditions.
Judge Israel also emphasized to Walker that any minor violations of his release conditions would result in detention
Barrella also asked for the plea offer, with unspecified terms, to remain open until Aug. 19 when parties are slated to reconvene.
