Carjacking Trial Set Back After Suspect Refuses Court Appearance

By Ben Dickson - June 28, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno issued a stern warning that if a carjacking defendant refuses come court from the DC Jail, he would cancel the upcoming trial. 

Kenneth Phillips, 24 is charged with armed carjacking, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, burglary two, theft in the first degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and receiving stolen property $1,000 or more for his alleged involvement in a armed robbery that took place on Nov. 15 2022, on the 2000 block of 4th Street NE.

Phillips has refused to go to court from the jail at least two times in 2024 including the June 26 hearing.

Judge Salerno said if the defense counsel can bring Phillips into the courtroom for the next scheduled hearing on June 28, the trial would proceed as planned. 

Phillips’ defense attorney Joseph Yarbough stated that there may be accommodations to help alleviate Phillips’ combativeness and stress about court proceedings, including more breaks, fewer US Marshals and removing his shackles.

According to court documents, Phillips is accused of carjacking of two vehicles, robbery of a home, and and severely assaulting a victim who suffered multiple injuries to his head and face, including abrasions along the left temple of his head, left cheekbone, and injuries to his lips and mouth. 

The trial calendar was also set back by late defense motions requiring time for the prosecution to respond.

Ultimately, the judge moved the trial date back from July 8 to July 15.