Bullet-Riddled Target is Evidence in Shooting Case, Suspect Held

By Joseph Wolf - September 12, 2024
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found there was enough evidence for the prosecution to proceed with appears to be a targeted shooting during a preliminary hearing on Sept 11. 

Demarco Hayes, 18, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on July 24 at the intersection of 18th Street and Marion Barry Avenue, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the location and were advised that an individual driving a Hyundai Sonata was shot in the neck. 

Prosecutors called on a detective from MPD who assisted the lead detective in the investigation. 

Footage obtained from the Anacostia Library and shown in court depicted a blue Saturn speeding up to the victim’s car, blocking the intersection, someone inside shooting at the victim, and driving off. The prosecutor says the victim remains in critical condition.

According to the detective, the blue Saturn was registered to Hayes, and led to his arrest. 

The detective testified she was present when Hayes’ residence was searched, when he was arrested, and discussed photos taken from Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), which shows the suspect vehicle at the scene. 

According to the detective, the evidence seized from Hayes’ residence consisted of a 9mm firearm, two shooting targets with bullet holes labeled “Marco”, eight white round pills wrapped in cellophane, and 125 grams of green plant material. According to the detective, the casings recovered at the scene were likely 9mm casings. 

Hayes’ attorney, Mani Golzari, cross-examined the MPD detective and insisted that sections of the affidavit, which was written by the lead detective, were inaccurate. 

Golzari disagreed with the affidavit stating Hayes had his vehicle spray-painted after the shooting, claiming that there is footage of a witness telling MPD someone else was responsible

Golzari also argued it is difficult to substantiate that Hayes’ Saturn is the one depicted in the footage of the incident, since multiple people in the neighborhood own similar vehicles. 

Judge Okun ruled that probable cause exists to go forward with the prosecution, given the evidence obtained from the search of Hayes’ residence.

Golzari requested Hayes be released, arguing he does not pose a threat to the community and the court can impose release conditions that ensure he will return as required. Golzari requested Hayes be given the chance to continue school, and seek mental health and substance abuse treatment.  

Judge Okun denied the request, stating that although the defendant has a lot going for him, the nature and circumstances of the offense proves he poses a danger to the community. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 10.