Despite Clean Record, Judge Denies 21-Year-Old Homicide Defendant’s Release

By Sofia Feigelson [former] , Laura Berol - June 17, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun denied a 21-year-old homicide defendant’s request for pretrial release on June 17, despite his lack of a prior criminal history.

Shannon Updike is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Chidozie Njoku, 23, to death at the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on May 27. 

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) the victim was shot in his face and chest, and found unconscious when officers responded to the scene.

Updike reportedly told a MPD detective that there was an altercation between Njoku and his girlfriend. Updike stated he only met Njoku once, but knew the boyfriend was abusive toward his girlfriend. 

Police documentation states that a witness to the incident took photos of the shooter, allegedly identified by MPD officers as the defendant, as he left the scene.

At the hearing on June 17, Updike waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His defense attorney, Stuart Johnson, requested Updike’s release under high intensity supervision and GPS electronic monitoring.

Johnson acknowledged the seriousness of the case but argued for his client’s release, noting that he does not have a criminal record and has never been arrested. Johnson said Updike would reside with a family member in Largo, Maryland, and find employment.

Referring to the charge against Updike, Johnson stated, “My client went to the assistance of a woman who was allegedly being beaten by the decedent.”

Johnson also pointed to the large number of family members present in the courtroom to support Updike.

“They’re also shocked at the allegations,” Johnson said.

Moreover, he attested to Updike’s character, stating he does not use “hard drugs,” and described him as a “polite, calm, respectful, [and] well-spoken” young man.

Meanwhile, the prosecution argued that the defendant should remain in detention, emphasizing the strength of the evidence in the case and Updike’s “way overreaction” to the incident.

“This situation could arise at any time. He could see an altercation and think he’s doing the right thing,” the prosecutor maintained, arguing that Updike would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecutor described the defendant as “extremely dangerous,” having no “strong ties to the community.” He claimed that the defendant built his own rifle, the alleged weapon, and that the incident was caught on video surveillance.

Judge Okun described the three conditions he must look for when considering release: the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, and the personal qualities and criminal history of the defendant. 

Referring to the case’s evidence, Judge Okun stated that a purple firearm was found in a black bag, believed to be the defendant’s, which has been consistent with witness statements and video surveillance footage.

“The nature of the offense weighs in favor of detention, and the nature of the evidence does, too,” Judge Okun stated, despite admitting that the defendant’s personal qualities and criminal history weighed in favor of release.

Ultimately, Judge Okun ordered that Updike remain in detention, asserting he could not find any release conditions that would protect the safety of the community. 

At Johnson’s request, Judge Okun assigned Updike to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) rather than the DC Jail due to his age and lack of prior criminal history.

Parties reconvene on July 26.