A fatal shooting defendant’s missing a July 24 court date might have resulted from an ankle injury sustained in jail, his attorney told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.
Jordan Therman, 27, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree felony murder while armed, armed robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm with a prior conviction more than one year. Those charges stem from an Aug. 4, 2023 incident on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW, where prosecutors allege Therman shot and killed Denzel Greenwood, 33, in a robbery.
In a separate case, Therman is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, and endangerment with a firearm. The charges stem from a Feb. 7, 2024 incident on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, where prosecutors allege Therman shot two men while attempting to rob them outside a 7-Eleven. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and the other sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
Therman was not present for his hearing. According to US Marshals, Therman had refused transport to the courthouse that morning.
According to his attorney, Julie Swaney, Therman injured his ankle in DC Jail the day before and that was likely the reason for his absence. Judge Dayson said it was acceptable for a defendant to miss a hearing held to discuss only procedural matters, but she would prefer that Therman attend every subsequent hearing.
Although she was aware of the injury, Swaney said she could not confirm whether that was the reason Therman refused transport from the DC Jail.
The hearing marked the second consecutive hearing Therman missed. Therman refused transport from DC Jail for his hearing on April 24, although the reason for his absence on that date was unclear.
Prosecutors informed Swaney that they began testing some DNA evidence, specifically strands of hair found on a coat. Judge Dayson had approved the testing despite the fact that the prosecution’s testing could possibly destroy the available evidence.
Swaney stated that the defense opposed the prosecution’s action, but she was not willing to file an objection since Judge Dayson had already ruled on the matter.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2027 for a status hearing.
