DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz released a fatal arson defendant on July 22.
Dayshawn Nolan, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal arson incident that occurred on July 3, 2022 at the 400 Block of Condon Terrace, SE. Antoinette Davis succumbed to her injuries on July 17, 2022.
Judge Kravitz discussed the rulings made by DC Superior Court Judge Okun, who initially presided over Nolan’s case.
Judge Okun originally set a $100 cash bond for Nolan’s release on March 7, 2024 that would take effect after he finished serving his sentence in an unrelated case. Then, on Nov. 21, 2025, Nolan was transferred from Saint Elizabeths Hospital to the DC Jail and mistakenly put on a 1325 A hold.
A 1325 a hold keeps a person accused of first-or-second-degree murder held before their trial. Unless, the presumption of their dangerousness to the community is rebutted.
Judge Kravitz said the $100 cash bond should be restored but asked the prosecution their position on the risk of Nolan’s release with no conditions. The prosecution responded, “all options are on the table.”
Judge Kravitz read a transcript from Judge Okun where he determined Nolan’s release could protect the safety of the community based on a lack of evidence. The prosecution argued that a 1325 a hold is appropriate for Nolan since they claim there has been more evidence since Judge Okun’s ruling. The prosecution asserted that Nolan was and still is a danger to the community.
Judge Kravitz considered deferring this matter before making a decision. Nolan’s attorney, Christen Philips, asked Judge Kravitz to rule, adding “what may seem to be a short period of time to us is not a short period of time for someone at the DC Jail.” Philips added that Nolan’s was held for two months after his sentence in his other case expired.
Nolan was released on 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring and will live with his aunt.
At this time, Nolan is deemed mentally competent to stand trial, however, the defense is contesting his competency. To stand trial, Nolan must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.
Philips explained that Nolan has been undergoing cognitive tests since kindergarten and has an intellectual disability. According to Philips, various tests have shown Nolan has an IQ around 66, falling into the mild cognitive impairment category.
Judge Kravitz said he expected DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan to rule on whether Nolan is competent to stand trial by the following week.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 31 before Judge Kravitz.
