Judge Holds 2 Assault Defendants, Finds Probable Cause

By D.C. Witness Staff - November 2, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

On Oct. 30, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in an assault case for two defendants.

Ryan Philip and Kameron Collins are both charged with felony assault with the intent to kill. On Dec. 11, 2019, Philip, 27, and Collins, 23, allegedly shot a victim as he was walking down the street after leaving a nightclub located on the 2100 block of Queen’s Chapel Road, NE. 

After hearing the arguments from both sides, Judge Danya Dayson said there was enough evidence to grant the prosecution’s request to hold both defendants.

The case was continued from Oct. 23 after the prosecution presented the initial arguments.

The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and had to undergo several surgeries including the amputation of his leg, according to court documents. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective said the victim suffered from blood poisoning as a result of the gunshot wound. 

The detective said the victim said he was running down the street when bullets hit him and hearing a “powerful car” speed away. 

Both defense attorneys challenge the victim’s statements to the police. 

They argued that since the victim only heard a car speeding away, the prosecution cannot prove the vehicle belonged to their client. Especially since there is no proof that a particular vehicle is unique. 

However, the prosecution admitted several video surveillance clips as evidence to support the victim’s story. These clips showed a light-colored Dodge Challenger with distinct tire rims driving around the scene of the crime. The vehicle then appears to wait for the victim to leave the club and follows him down the street. 

The detective testified that the flashes of light in the video appear to be muzzle flashes fired from a gun outside the vehicle. Shell casings were found at the scene. 

The detective said he believes they are muzzle flashes based on the known circumstances of the case, including the victim’s body’s reaction as the car slows down next to him while the flashes of light are seen. 

These events correlate with an MPD shot spotter report. 

Phillip’s attorney, Jacqueline Cadman, argued the video did not show continuous footage of the vehicle and speculated that during the missing minute it is possible her client was dropped off and picked up by a family member. 

Phillips previously told police that he called a family member from Collins’ phone and asked to be picked up. There is no record of this phone call. 

Judge Dayson stated that while that theory is possible it is not probable. She also agreed with the prosecution’s argument that while the vehicle may not be unique to the DC area, it is unique to the other vehicles in that area at that time. 

The next court date is scheduled for March 25, 2021. 

Maria Marzullo wrote this story.