DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel didn’t change a shooting defendant’s release conditions on July 7, stating that she wouldn’t have initially released him.
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 to 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 outstanding case from 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.
Parties clarified that although the April 19 shooting occurred prior to the June 3 offense, the shooting charges were filed after the possession case was opened, on June 25. Due to conflicting times of each court filing, Walker was not officially on release at the time of either offense.
Judge Israel was uncertain about which of Walker’s cases Judge Jones considered when determining his release conditions. However, according to Barrella, Judge Jones heard the April 19 incident with the knowledge of the June 3 incident.
Judge Israel clarified 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.
