Homicide Defendant’s Request to Modify Release Conditions Denied

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A murder defendant was denied modified release conditions to pursue job and education opportunities in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 31.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with attempted robbery, felony murder while armed, three counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, and second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Langston Sharps, 33, on July 3, 2023 on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, an argument about between Settles and Sharps precipitated the killing. Settles allegedly reached into a car to steal a backpack from Sharps sparking a physical fight that ended in Settles’ allegedly shooting and killing Sharps before fleeing the scene.

During the hearing, Jason Tulley, Settles’ attorney, motioned to modify Settles’ release conditions to allow him to pursue employment and schooling. Settles was originally placed on electronic monitoring Aug. 30, but remains under home confinement.

Judge Okun denied the motion without prejudice, stating that if the defense would like to file a motion in writing with more details he would review it.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19, 2025.