Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Ordered Detained

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A homicide defendant waived his preliminary hearing, and DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied his request for release in a May 14 hearing.

James Outland, 25, and Bobby Gupton, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to court documents, a suspect fired 44 shots at the location, fatally injuring Glenn, before getting in an orange Dodge Charger and fleeing the scene.

At a hearing on Jan. 10, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found that Gupton was one of the perpetrators for the shooting and ordered him detained.

During the May 14 hearing, Michael Bruckheim, Outland’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Demeo he was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested he be released pending future proceeding dates.

However, prosecutors argued based on the nature and circumstances of the incident, he remains a danger to the community, and no combination of conditions can guarantee its safety.

Judge Demeo agreed with the prosecution, and ordered Outland remain detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 21.

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