GPS Evidence Leads to Probable Cause in a Shooting Case

By Joseph Wolf - September 13, 2024
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled the prosecution had sufficient evidence to move a shooting case forward during a preliminary hearing on Sept. 10.

Mekhi Wilkins, 19, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that happened on Aug. 20 on the 200 block of 37th Place, SE. One individual sustained a graze wound during the incident.

According to court documents, a vehicle drove up to a police car to tell the officer that a female passenger was shot in the left ankle as she was getting out the car with her child. 

During the hearing, prosecutors called an Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who testified the agency’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) captured the suspect vehicle, which was identified as a black SUV by the eyewitness, and registered to Wilkins, at Wilkins’ residence. The RTCC officers of its location. 

The detective testified that Wilkins was on release for another case at the time of the shooting, and the court-ordered GPS monitor he was wearing put him at the crime scene during the shooting. The prosecution requested Judge Raymond find probable cause due to the GPS monitor pinging Wilkins’ location at the crime scene. 

Madhuri Swarna, Wilkins’ attorney, questioned if MPD located anyone at the scene that could identify Wilkins as the shooter. The detective said no.

Swarna disagreed, stating that although the GPS monitor showed him in the vicinity of the scene, it does not prove he is the shooter. According to Swarna, the shooter was seen wearing a very common outfit, and no one was able to identify the individual by name. 

Judge Raymond found probable cause, citing the GPS monitor as evidence Wilkins was at the location and the suspect SUV’s being recovered from his residence.

Swarna asked that Wilkins be released to home confinement so that he could continue his education and career as a rapper. She added he is preparing to be a father. 

However, the prosecution argued he poses a threat to the community, and requested he be released. 

Judge Raymond agreed with the prosecution, and ordered Wilkins remain detained. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 25.