Judge Allows Defendant to Stay With Family in Louisiana

By Carmen Quinteros , Joseph Pellegrini [former] - April 7, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects |

On April 5, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted a shooting defendant’s request for release to his family outside of DC.

Jeremiah Downing, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 SB at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s defense attorney, requested Judge Epstein amend the conditions of release in order for him to move to Louisiana with his parents.

McDaniel argued that Downing’s family could help ensure he cooperates with court orders if he lives with them and has their support.

Judge Epstein said it is unusual to grant release to parents for third party custody since Downing is an adult. The judge also expressed concern about his lack of control after the move.

The prosecution believed the request to be inappropriate due to the severity of the case.

Even so, Judge Epstein granted the motion under the conditions that Downing reports to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week by phone, returns to the District for hearings, and doesn’t possess a firearm in Louisiana.

The next hearing date was scheduled for March 14, 2025.