Armed Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

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A carjacking defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing, granted by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann in an Oct. 10 hearing.

She’ri Mykalie Bell, 20, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for her alleged involvement in a carjacking incident on May 5 on the 100 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, a suspect, identified as Bell, and the victim had agreed to meet for a FaceBook Marketplace transaction, in which Bell had shown interest in purchasing the victim’s vehicle. During the incident, Bell allegedly drove away in the victim’s vehicle, without paying for it.

Defense attorney Peter Cooper, standing-in for defense attorney Thomas Lester, alerted Judge Hermmann of Bell’s desire to waive her preliminary hearing rights.

Cooper did not request that Bell be released, stating that Bell should have the benefit of her attorney, who has the best knowledge of the incident, to make the arguments for release.

The prosecution argued that given the details of the case, Bell poses a threat to the community. She added that DNA evidence links the defendant to the stolen car and the gun in the case, most likely tying Bell to the incident.

Judge Herrmann ruled in favor of the prosecution. She stated that there are no conditions under which she can release Bell without reasonably ensuring the safety of the community.

The prosecution alerted Judge Hermmann that parties are in plea negotiations.

The parties will reconvene on Nov. 20.