Domestic Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

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DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied the defense’s request to release a defendant in a non-fatal domestic shooting case during a June 13 hearing, after waiving a preliminary hearing.

Bernard King, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a domestic shooting on June 7 on the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the shooting victim was with King’s children’s mother.

King’s defense attorney, Karen Minor, alerted Judge Raymond of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and proceed to trial.

The prosecution requested that King continue held throughout the case because, they argued, he has a dated yet serious criminal history and there are no conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community.

Minor asked Judge Raymond to release him with electronic monitoring because he has no prior bench warrants, his prior convictions are old and he can live away from the victim and he has a job.

Nonetheless, Judge Raymond ruled that King did pose a safety threat and that he be held for trial.

In addition to being detained, Judge Raymond also ordered that going forward King stay away from the victim.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 1.