A defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges stemming from two drive-by shootings, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 25.
Jayden Wells, 19, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings in the Petworth neighborhood on April 29, 2025. Zephaniah Wright, 19, was fatally shot and a second victim was injured outside the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Another victim was shot in front of the Petworth Recreation Center on the 800 block of Taylor Street, NW.
Wells is also charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute more than a half pound of marijuana from an incident that occurred on Sept. 19, 2025.
Wells’ co-defendant Jose Hernandez, 19, previously faced the same charges as Wells for his alleged involvement in the two shootings. On Jan. 8, Hernandez accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault while armed, and aggravated assault.
Court documents allege the shooting was the product of an ongoing feud between the Columbia Heights Village (CHV) and Kennedy Street (KDY) crews or gangs. The defendants are reportedly associated with CHV, while Wright and the two other victims are allegedly associated with KDY.
In an arraignment presided over by Judge Ryan, Wells’ attorney, David Akulian pleaded not guilty on Wells’ behalf and asserted his rights to a speedy trial. The prosecution said they planned on submitting an evidence list in the near future.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.
