DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe is considering dismissing a shooting case based on what she says is the prosecution’s continued lack of preparedness during a hearing on March 23.
Malik Stone, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 2100 block of R Street, SE on July 30, 2025.
According to court documents, a witness reported hearing gunshots outside their apartment. When they looked outside on the balcony, they allegedly saw Stone shooting at two individuals. No injuries were reported.
Representing Stone, Natalie Murphy, complained about the prosecution and disputed the viability of the case.
Murphy told Judge Pipe the prosecution said on three separate occasions they would have an indictment by the May deadline and were working on DNA testing, but that progress has stalled. According to Murphy, the case has been ongoing for eight months without an indictment. Court records indicate the case was opened on Aug. 14, 2025.
The prosecution emphasized they plan on filing the indictment by the deadline but did not have a timeline on the DNA.
Murphy is also concerned about evidence from ShotSpotter, a software used to collect sounds of gunshots and pinpoint their location. She stated the arrest warrant cited 15 ShotSpotter notifications from the time of the shooting and that the prosecution did not turn over any of them. The prosecutor stated they were not up to date on any discovery issues but would try their best to turn over any remaining evidence as quickly as possible.
Judge Pipe expressed frustration with the prosecution, stating there’s been a history of their claiming to be prepared when they were not. She advised them that if the problems persist she would consider dismissing the case entirely.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 9.
