Judge Continues Hearing for 2017 Drive-By

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 25, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

During a June 24 status hearing, after a discussion at the bench a status hearing was continued to September.

Robert Moses and James Mayfield are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvment in the death of Jamahri Sydnor on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE in 2017. The co-defendants are also charged with assault with the intent to kill, aggravated assault while armed, conspiracy while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Moses is charged with obstruction of justice. 

The reason for the hearing’s continuance to Sept. 6 wasn’t discussed in open court. 

A prosecutor also told DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe that the defense received all material evidence in the case. According to DC Courts, protective orders for body-worn camera footage were issued and signed by Judge Iscoe in May. 

Moses, 20, and Mayfield, 19, allegedly fired more than ten shots at individuals at the intersection of Saratoga and Montana Avenue, NE, court documents state. Sydnor, 17, was an unintended target, struck by a bullet while driving through the intersection.  Sydnor’s passenger, her 12-year-old cousin, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Three other bystanders were also wounded during the shootout.

The shooting is believed to be the result of an on-going feud between young men from the Langston and Saratoga neighborhoods, according to the police.

Sydnor was a recent graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, who was set to attend Florida A&M University in the fall of 2017, news reports state. She was also the daughter of a DC police officer.  

Philip Carlos McDaniel, 22, who is charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed in connection to the case, is scheduled for a status hearing on Oct. 3.