Argument With Neighbor Leads to Gunfire, Judge Finds Probable Cause

By Elizabeth Brady - November 28, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause in a domestic squabble and rejected the release of a shooting defendant during his Nov. 26 preliminary hearing.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 17, 2023, on the 2100 block of I Street, SE. One individual sustained four gunshot wounds. 

According to court documents, Harrison allegedly got into a verbal altercation with a neighbor, which led to Harrison shooting the victim in the face, chest, and arm. Harrison then fled the scene. 

During the hearing, the prosecution called the lead detective who said that he questioned three witnesses at the scene, including the victim, the victim’s baby’s mother, and an unrelated individual who allegedly saw Harrison flee

According to the detective, the victim he and Harrison often got into argument over Harrison staring at the victim and the other witness. However, the victim’s baby’s mother supposedly told prosecutors that she was having an affair with Harrison.

Defense attorney Christen Romero Philips argued that there was no objective evidence to place Harrison at the scene of the crime as there was no video recovered or nor a forensics analysis. 

Prosecutors argued Harrison’s when exiting the building “shows intent to kill,” citing Harrison saying “Go ahead on with that s***, that s***not worth it.”

The prosecutor connected Harrison to the scene explaining that in a search warrant of Harrison’s property, police recovered bullets that closely matched the shell casings at the scene. No weapon was recovered.

Philips pointed out that no one knows what happened during the argument between the suspect and the victim. Further, there were contradictions in the witnesses’ accounts of the incident.

“There is sufficient evidence” for the charges, and this doesn’t change any of the facts of the case, the prosecution argued.

Judge Demeo ruled,, “I certainly find probable cause to be pretty strong” as the inconsistencies don’t change the big picture of what happened.

Harrison’s other defense attorney, Erin Griffard, argued for Harrison’s release to his sister’s house, away from the location of the incident. With assistance from the Public Defender’s Rehabilitation Program, Harrison would have the resources to return to his jobs as a driver and restaurant staff, thus a benefi the community. 

Griffard further argued that Harrison has a recurring tumor in his mouth, is awaiting surgery, and he will have a painful recovery which would be most successful in a home environment.  

Prosecutors countered that Harrison is a threat to the community with previous convictions starting in 1997, most notably involuntary manslaughter and second-degree assault. They state there are no conditions or combinations of conditions to ensure safety for the community. 

“The victim survived, thankfully” the prosecution continued.

Judge Demeo cited his “pattern of assaultive behavior” in denying his release, stating that at his age, “he does things after clearly thinking about them.” 

The parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 24.