Homicide Defendant Won’t Get Relaxed Release Terms

By Tyler Davis - October 1, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request to modify his release after learning of his failure to comply with release conditions on Sept. 30.  

Daquan Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 3000 block of Randall Place, SE, on May 16, 2018. 

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) reported during the hearing that the defendant has had problems keeping his GPS monitoring device charged and missed a weekly report by phone. 

Therefore, the representative recommended a revoking the release conditions which the prosecution supported. 

Hanna Perry, Gray’s attorney, argued that the defendant’s violations are minor, given that his conditions are strict. Perry said that Gray reported that his monitor doesn’t always vibrate when the battery is low. 

Perry requested removal of the GPS monitoring device, saying that Gray will still check-in by phone once a week. 

The prosecution emphasized Gray can’t enjoy relaxed conditions after violating his current restrictions.

Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s request to remove the GPS monitoring device, and denied the prosecution’s request to revoke release. 

The prosecution requested the condition that allows Gray to take his child for family visits be revoked, arguing that family members wishing to see the child can go to Gray’s residence since he is the full-time caregiver. Judge Raffinan denied this request.

The judge reminded Gray that he is required to charge his GPS monitoring device for one hour a day, even if the device doesn’t vibrate. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7, 2025.