A detective testified about the evidence he collected in a carjacking, and probable cause was found before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on July 8 and 9.
Rodale Broadus, 21, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident on Aug. 15, 2024 on the 900 block of 24th Street, NW.
According to court documents, two suspects, one of them carrying a gun, allegedly approached the victim who was standing near his Toyota Camry, took his keys and wallet, entered the car, and drove away. Broadus was identified as one of the suspects. The identity of his co-defendant remains undisclosed.
During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective involved in the case. He identified Broadus in the courtroom, noting he was first arrested in Prince George’s (P.G.) County, Maryland immediately following the carjacking, and was later arrested in DC on a fugitive warrant.
The detective testified the victim indicated that he was inspecting the front passenger side window of his car, thinking there was damage, when the suspects approached. The officer said the victim identified Broadus as the gunman and as doing most of the talking during the incident.
On July 8, Judge Herrmann ordered the hearing to be continued to July 9 due to a medical emergency in the courtroom. Defense attorney Lauren Morehouse objected to the continuance because the case was ongoing longer than the three days allowed to press charges.
Judge Hermann said the deadline had been been waived for good cause given the medical emergency and new information that had been revealed earlier in the hearing that notes from the detective’s investigation had not been shared with the court.
On July 9, Morehouse filed a so-called Jencks motion, requesting all written or recorded statements made by prosecution witnesses relating to their testimony.
Morehouse alleged that the prosecution knew about the detective’s notes but did not present them to the court or plan to do so.
“Every single system failed to get these notes for us,” Morehouse argued.
Morehouse motioned to strike the witness’ testimony, but Judge Herrmann pointed out that the evidence was still recoverable, thus denying the motion.
During the defense’s cross examination, Morehouse asked the detective why so little video was taken during the investigation, in particular the interview with the victim.
The detective replied he does not like to interview witnesses or victims on camera to keep which could make them uncomfortable.
The detective also revealed the victim could not identify pecific features of the suspects at the scene, but allegedly identified Broadus as a perpetrator after he was detained in Maryland.
Morehouse argued that there was not enough evidence for probable cause because the detective did not conduct a thorough enough investigation. Judge Herrmann disagreed, citing Broadus was reportedly found with keys to the stolen vehicle and a gun was located in an apartment building in Prince George’s County where he was chased by a MPD helicopter.
Morehouse requested Broadus be released, citing his age, family support, and extensive work history. The prosecution objected, noting that Broadus was facing similar assault and carjacking charges in Maryland in a case that occurred prior to this incident. Judge Hermann denied Broadus’ release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on July 29.
