After a fatal-shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges on July 31, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) voiced concerns with monitoring the defendant’s release conditions before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.
Shawnta Aiken, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, 56-year-old Richard Walker, on the 3000 block of P Street, SE, on Nov. 2, 2025. Walker sustained two gunshot wounds to his head.
At the hearing, the court arraigned Aiken on the charges against her. Dominique Winters, Aiken’s attorney, pleaded not guilty to all charges on her behalf and asserted her rights to a speedy trial. The trial is set for Nov. 8, 2027.
At a previous hearing on May 1, Judge Kravitz released Aiken to 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring, with the conditions that she receive mental health and drug counseling.
After Aiken was arraigned, a representative from PSA, present virtually, requested that Aiken submit to a drug test and allow PSA to speak with her current mental health provider. The representative explained that they have been unable to monitor her treatment because Aiken does not receive counseling through PSA.
“I don’t want to put her in a position where I am compromising her treatment,” said Winters.
Winters explained that she already agreed with PSA that Aiken’s GPS monitoring shows her attendance at mental health sessions. Winters emphasized that this accommodation proves compliance without Aiken’s exposing confidential health information.
In addition, Winters explained Aiken is currently in an outpatient substance abuse program with weekly drug tests. However, the PSA representative said they were unsuccessful talking to the program representatives about her treatment.
Judge Kravitz did not order the release of Aiken’s mental health information or a drug test, explaining she is already tested weekly.
Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30.
