Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

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On Oct. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond accepted a defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing in a shooting case.

James Jackson, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 6, on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. The defendant allegedly shot at two individuals, but no one was injured.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels II, asked the court to release Jackson on personal recognizance or GPS monitoring.

Judge Raymond responded by referencing threatening emails that the defendant allegedly sent to one of the victims two weeks prior to the incident and stated that they are “horrifying.” Judge Raymond stated that these threats were not only threats but they led to action.

So Judge Raymond denied the defense’s request for release and ordered he be held.

Judge Raymond also imposed a stay away order from both victims, as well as from the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE.

Daniels requested an initial mental examination for the defendant, which was granted by Judge Raymond.

A mental observation hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.

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