DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe issued a motion stipulating access to 543 pages one of a victim’s medical records which had been sought for six months. The records were subpoenaed in March.
Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2024 and two individuals suffered from gunshot wounds.
“Upon brief review by chambers, it appears that all substantive information contained within the medical records is relevant to the incident in question and would not be subject to redactions,” said Judge Pipe in her ruling on April 21, one day prior to the scheduled trial.
The records delay had threatened the proceedings.
Brandon Burrell, Wells’ defense attorney, stated he was concerned about continuing the case while Wells is still being held, and he would agree to delay the trial only if Wells were released.
Judge Pipe denied the request, citing Wells’ concerning history of gun-related charges.
Burrell stated that while parties were scheduled to select a jury, he was not comfortable moving forward with the case without the medical records in question. The prosecution was concerned that swearing in the jury could lead to a mistrial if they don’t receive the records in time.
“I’m not picking a jury till we get the records,” said Judge Pipe during the hearing.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 22.
