DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow deemed a carjacking defendant competent to stand trial, and denied his request for release on Nov. 4.
Xavier Ellis, 32, is charged with carjacking and kidnapping for his alleged involvement for an incident that occurred on the unit block of New York Avenue, NE, on Oct. 26, 2023.
According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Ellis, allegedly stole a vehicle in DC while its owner slept in the passenger seat, before driving to Maryland.
During the hearing, Ellis’ defense attorney, Susan Ellis reported the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Ellis competent for trial, and all the parties agreed. His lawyer asked for the hearing to be continued in order to give her time to explain the plea offer.
Susan Ellis also requested Xavier be released as he awaits further procedure arguing that he does not pose a threat to the community.
The prosecution argued against release based on the severity of the crime, and a similar incident with his misdemeanor matter. Judge Pasichow agreed with the prosecution explaining no conditions could keep the community safe, denying the defense’s request for release.
Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 21.
