DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan presided over a homicide defendant’s bench warrant return hearing on May 19, during which the suspect was arraigned for a 2023 murder.
Jasson Vasquez Pineda, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Larry Thomas on Aug. 24, 2023 on the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW.
Vasquez Pineda’s mom, Emerita Garcia, 47, was previously charged with first-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the same incident. Prosecutors claimed she helped Vasquez Pineda commit the crime by bringing him a bag, which they argued had the gun which was used to shoot Thomas.
Her case was dismissed without prejudice by the prosecution in the summer of 2024, but it is unclear if they’ll re-open the matter..
Vasquez Pineda was extradited to DC from Georgia, where he was arrested in late April on a bench warrant that was issued in March.
During Vasquez Pineda’s hearing, Camille Wagner, his attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights including the right to a speedy trial.
Wagner also requested Vasquez Pineda be released, or the court to schedule a detention hearing for parties to argue release.
Judge Ryan and the prosecution stated they did not currently have sufficient information on the case to consider arguments for release.
Parties are slated to reconvene June 10.
