DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McClean released a carjacking co-defendant on electronic monitoring on Oct. 8.
Rashid Woods, 30, Travis Morris, 32, and James Matheny, 31, Kanna Bowen, 29, are charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred around May 30, 2025, on the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE.
Woods’ attorney, Omar Bississo, presented a motion to review and modify his client’s current bond status in order to secure his release under specific conditions. The defense argued that Woods is willing to comply with the conditions of the High Intensity Supervision Program or other similarly restrictive measures. They emphasized that Woods has strong ties to his local community and no indications of current drug, alcohol, or mental health issues.
Additionally, a drug test at the time of his arrest was negative, and the evidence against him suggests that his alleged involvement is more tangential than that of a principal actor, according to Bississo.
Bississo requested that Woods be subject to electronic monitoring, regular in-person reporting to Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), a requirement to seek or maintain employment, and a prohibition on possessing any firearms.
The prosecution raised a significant issue, namely that Woods has an outstanding detainer from another jurisdiction. The prosecution argued that if Woods were to be released, he could be extradited and jailed in another county, making his return for trial uncertain.
In response, the judge proposed severing Woods from his co-defendants to allow his case to move forward independently. The prosecution opposed severance, emphasizing that witnesses are shared among all co-defendants and that splitting the case could create further complications.
Despite the objections, the judge ordered that Woods be released under GPS monitoring once he checks in with PSA. The court emphasized the need to move forward in light of the unresolved detainer issue and broader scheduling challenges.
In opposing the prosector’s position Bississo admitted that the issues had not yet been fully resolved. The court acknowledged that if these complications aren’t addressed soon, more serious problems are likely to arise close to trial.
The court extended the motion deadline to Oct. 10 and is considering vacating the current trial date if issues persist.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 17.
