DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur heard requests for severance in a three co-defendant carjacking case on Feb. 26.
Omari Dantignac, 20, Ion Cooper, 21, and Javard Harris, 22, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in two incidents that took place on the 1700 block of Bay Street, SE and on the 900 block of 3rd Street, NE on Dec. 1, 2023.
Cooper’s attorney, Thomas Healy, argued for Cooper’s case to be severed from his co-defendants due to the fact that Dantignac and Harris are requesting DNA testing in this case and Cooper is not. Healy asserted that his client is ready for trial and was already held for a significant amount of time. According to court records, Cooper has been incarcerated since the case was filed on Dec. 2, 2023.
Harris’ attorney, Santia McLaurin, stated that she also wanted her client’s case to be severed in order for time for DNA testing to be done.
Dantignac’s attorney, Molly Bunke, requested a new trial date as well regarding DNA testing. Dantignac is not held in this case.
Judge Arthur stated that he would not rule on severance requests at this hearing, and will convert the current trial date on April 8. into a status hearing to discuss these motions further.
The prosecution opposed severing the cases so that the defendants can go to trial together, noting that it would be difficult for the victims to testify more than once if the cases were separated.
Healy also asked for Cooper’s release with home confinement. He explained that Cooper has a place to live with his mother and wants to continue his education.
The prosecution requested that Cooper remain held due to the facts of the case, describing him as the “getaway driver” in the carjacking spree. Judge Arthur agreed that the facts of the case were serious enough to maintain Cooper’s detention.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.
