A non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Feb. 25.
Warren Wills, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the shooting of a woman he was romantically involved with on the 2000 block of E Street, NE on Jan. 14.
At the hearing, Wills’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, informed parties that his client signed a waiver to a preliminary hearing of the evidence. Judge Raymond ensured that Wills’s waiver was knowing and voluntary.
According to court documents, Wills had been in a romantic relationship with the victim for two-and-a half-years. He allegedly became upset that the victim had left the rear door of their home open, believing she had someone in the house. When the victim tried to leave the residence, Wills allegedly shot at the car door, striking the victim’s leg. However, the victim was not driving the car.
Copeland then requested Willis be released under home confinement with substance abuse treatment. Copeland explained that, during the incident, Willis was intoxicated.
Copeland said Wills’ mother would provide him with a place to stay, he has a stable job as a mechanic, and his father recently passed away, so the defendant wants to be able to support his family.
The prosecution objected, asking for a continued hold, stating the seriousness of the offense. The prosecutor emphasized the incident involved a romantic partner and a gun, which was fired at a moving vehicle.
Judge Raymond agreed with prosecution, maintaining Wills’s pretrial hold.
Additionally, Judge Raymond extended the stay-away order from the victim to include the driver of the vehicle that the victim fled in at the time of the offense.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.
