Female Defendant Held in Jail After Shooting Partner

By Caroline Sagristano [former] - February 9, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Homicides | Presentments | Sex Abuse | Sexual Assault | Suspects | Victims |

A judge held one homicide defendant charged with second-degree murder while armed during presentment hearings on Feb. 8.

Twenty-five defendants were brought before DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond.

Latasha Gray, 35, is being charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Anthony Thomas, 40, on Feb. 6 on the 4200 block of 7th Street SE.

On the evening of the incident, Gray and Thomas were allegedly engaged in an argument. 

The defendant allegedly found the gun in a drawer at which point she said it accidentally discharged, hitting Thomas. Thomas was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead on Feb. 7.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough argued there was no probable cause for a second-degree murder, stating the incident was an accident. Yarbough spoke to the defendant’s good character and her commitment to her children.

However, Judge Raymond found substantial probability for the second-degree murder and denied the defendant’s request for release.

Gray is being held without bail and given a stay-away order. She is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 21.

In another felony case, Judge Lloyd Nolan Jr. decided to release Jovon Jackson on Feb. 7. 

Jackson, 26, who is charged with second-degree sex abuse on April 30, 2021, on the 2600 block of Birney Place SE.

The accuser said that the defendant forced himself on her while she was asleep and intoxicated. She said she told the defendant to get off of her, but he allegedly replied “I thought you wanted it.”

Jackson was released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP) and instructed to return to court on March 23. 

Judge Raymond confirmed Feb. 8 that Jackson  reported for GPS installation and orientation as ordered.

Two domestic violence defendants were also released. 

One defendant was charged with simple assault and attempted threats to do bodily harm, while the other was charged with attempted second-degree cruelty to children and simple assault.  

Both defendants were given stay-away orders and are scheduled to return to court in March.