Drive-By Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Every Count

By Sadie Herman [former] - September 18, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting |

On Sept. 18, Jeremiah Downing was arraigned on seven charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.  

Downing, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition,for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Downing allegedly shot at the victim through the passenger window of his white pickup truck.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s defense attorney, told Judge Epstein that Downing would be pleading not-guilty and asserting his right to a speedy trial. 

McDaniel also requested the GPS monitoring condition of Downing’s release be removed. McDaniel explained that Downing is currently living on his college campus, and that the GPS monitoring heavily restricts his abilities to be a normal student on campus. 

However, the prosecution argued that he should be monitored due to the serious nature of the crimes, community safety, and Downing’s previous failures to comply with release conditions.

After deliberation, Judge Epstein  ruled to keep the GPS monitoring in place at this time.

A trial readiness hearing was scheduled for March 14, 2025.