Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Found Competent to Stand Trial

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A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer and was found mentally competent to stand trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Dec. 2.

Bryant Russell, 47, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 6, 2024 on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, the victim was sitting on the porch smoking when Russell allegedly came up to the house and shot the person in the right arm. 

A mental competency exam had previously been ordered for Russell, and Judge Hertzfeld read in open court that Russell was found competent to stand trial.

Defense attorney Daniel Dorsey spoke on behalf of Russell, rejecting the plea deal extended by the prosecution. The plea stated that if Russell pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, the prosecution wouldn’t bring any further charges against him, and would agree to cap his sentences within the bottom third of the guideline range. 

A trial date has been set for March 6.