DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover denied a carjacking defendant’s release due to prior firearm-related convictions on Sept. 16.
D’Eric Brown, 24, is charged with robbery while armed, carjacking, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm during the crime of violence for his alleged robbery and carjacking of the victim’s car keys in 100 block of Q Street, NE on Sept 5. Brown was allegedly attacked by a crew of five workers in his apartment garage and retaliated using a gun to steal a vehicle.
The defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Sara Kopecki, Brown’s defense attorney, also motioned for Brown’s release on home confinement. Kopecki argued that Brown was the first victim in this event, as video footage depicts the initial attack that made the defendant lose consciousness. Furthermore, a search did not reveal the presence of a firearm in his residence.
The prosecution, however, argued for Brown’s continued detention because of his response to the initial attack against the victim. Given the evidence, having multiple eyewitnesses, and previous weapons charges, the prosecution claimed that the defendant’s release would jeopardize community safety and his house arrest would not be appropriate.
“This is a case that stood out to me,” Judge Glover shared upon hearing arguments from the defense and prosecution. Citing compelling evidence from the incidents and Brown’s prior conviction and firearm-related history, the court did not believe any conditions would justify Brown’s release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 6.
