DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt expressed concern on Oct. 29 about a shooting trial complicated by potential homicide charges related to the ongoing investigation of a body found in the defendant’s attic.
Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges are in relation to his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE, that occurred on June 10, 2024. One person was injured in the incident.
Wise’s recently appointed defense attorney, Darryl Daniels, requested more time to go through the evidence in the case beyond the originally planned July date.
That angered Wise who complained in open court that they kept pushing the trial back.
“I don’t need your permission or anyone else’s permission to change a hearing on my calendar,” Judge Brandt said in response while acknowledging that Wise has been waiting for his day in court in jail.
He continued to complain loudly, but she told him to stop talking: “Don’t say anything about anything, because anything you say can and will be used against you.”
Between Wise’s outbursts, the prosecutor reminded the judge of a body found in the attic of the vacant property where the victim was shot and Wise was found by police. Judge Brandt asked if it was still being investigated, and the prosecutor said she would check.
Judge Brandt worried about a superseding indictment for the potential homicide interrupting the trial for the charges Wise currently faces.
The parties decided to set a new status hearing when more information is available. As they picked a date in November, Wise once again grew agitated and began to mutter under his breath. He gradually grew louder, cussing openly in court. “You need to watch your mouth in this courtroom,” Judge Brandt said.
Wise apologized but continued talking over the attorneys. He complained about previous attorneys not providing adequate counsel and insisted that the prosecution has not sent over all the videos in the case: “Tell her we need to see all the evidence, we haven’t seen all the evidence.”
The prosecutor noted that she had sent over all of the video she has, as well as the grand jury transcript, which Wise also claimed wasn’t disclosed. Daniels told Wise he would speak to him about these issues after the hearing.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 24.
