A homicide defendant refused to show up to court from the DC Jail for a hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept 18.
Jerome Israel, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022 on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.
A jury convicted Israel on March 7, 2025 of unlawful discharge of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and leaving after colliding. The conviction stems from his involvement in an offense on Aug. 25, 2022. However, the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on the charges related to Barbett’s death.
At a hearing before Judge Ryan, Israel’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, informed parties that her client refused to appear in court. Sapirstein said they planned to discuss a “very generous plea offer” that the prosecution had extended to him. The terms of the offer were not discussed in court.
As a result of Israel’s absence, parties scheduled a new date and planned to reconvene on Oct. 2.
