Case Acquitted: Co-Defendant in Mother-Son Shooting Case Stays in Custody

By Jaclyn Sersland [former] - July 19, 2023
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting |

Donnell Tucker was acquitted on Jan. 31, 2024.

On July 19, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz ruled a defendant connected to a non-fatal shooting be detained. 

Donnell Tucker, 27, is charged with conspiracy, burglary one while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, soliciting a violent crime, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement– along with his mother, 42-year-old Tiaquana Chandler–in a non-fatal shooting on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE. The victim endured a gunshot wound to his thigh and several lacerations on his head. 

According to court documents, Chandler allegedly became upset when the victim asked her to leave his apartment. Chandler allegedly contacted Tucker and in about an hour he allegedly arrived at the victim’s apartment and shot him with a firearm.

Prosecutors said Tucker posed a danger and should be held in custody

According to prosecutors, he was not a part of the argument between the victim and Chandler, but he brought it upon himself to “exact revenge.” 

Prosecutors say that Tucker said “Watch this,” before shooting the victim at close range. They also said the gunshot “snapped his leg” and that the victim was writhing in pain. 

According to prosecutors, Tucker threatened to kill an eyewitness if she said anything to the police. 

Prosecutors said the eyewitness told them she was “extremely concerned for her safety” and “absolutely terrified” of the consequences of witnessing the shooting. 

Defense attorney Marnitta King said the court could create release conditions that ensured the safety of the community. 

According to King,Tucker has no prior convictions and he was not harassing other people inside the community, but only trying to avenge his mother. 

Judge Leibovitz called the shooting “extraordinarily cruel and brutal” and said Tucker “lacked judgment and ability” to avoid conflict. She said he remains a danger to the community and denied his release. 

In reaction to the ruling, one of the defendant’s family members present in the courtroom said “That’s some bulls***.” 

A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 15.