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Phoebe McConnell
, Madelyn Nall - October 8, 2024
Carjacking
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Daily Stories
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Robbery
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Suspects
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The prosecution argued Michael V. Robinson conspired to aid a carjacking, while the defense claimed he was merely trying to help during closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 7.
Robinson, 39, is charged with unarmed carjacking and two counts of robbery for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on May 26, 2024, on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue NW.
After a driver hit a cyclist, court documents state, Robinson intervened, saying he was trying to help the cyclist. The cyclist, still unidentified, attacked the driver and drove off with his vehicle.
Robinson admitted during cross-examination that he previously pleaded guilty to charges of destruction of property, attempted theft, prison breach, and distributing liquid PCP.
The prosecution argued the defendant and the cyclist knew each other and created the incident to steal the victim’s car. The prosecutor cited a statement the victim alleged Robinson made during the incident, saying, “You can’t hit my little cousin.”
Robinson said he and the biker are not actually blood related.
The prosecution showed video footage from a bus behind the carjacking to demonstrate there was no dispute a violent robbery occurred and Robinson was there.
Robinson’s defense attorney, Martin V. Rosendorf, argued Robinson’s intentions were to check on the cyclist and mediate the situation.
Robinson said on the stand that he opened the victim’s car door to ask about insurance information.
Rosendorf added that there were no fighting gestures and Robinson did not expect the cyclist to steal the automobile.
Rosendorf said the prosecution’s whole case is based on the existence of an unsupported conspiracy.
Parties will reconvene when a verdict is reached.