Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.
Donate NowBy
Varshana Ramnarine
- October 28, 2024
Daily Stories
|
Non-Fatal Shooting
|
Shooting
|
Suspects
|
DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian allowed a non-fatal shooting defendant to remain on probation despite his noncompliance on Oct. 25.
Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discharge of a firearm in exchange for a waiver of the indictment, stemming from a shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported.
According to court documents, Parker walked up to the front door of the victim’s house and demanded his jacket back. The victim closed the door, scared of the defendant from previous interactions, and told him she didn’t have his jacket. Parker allegedly proceeded to fire multiple shots outside the residence. When the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to the scene, Parker had disappeared.
The victim told MPD that she was previously in a romantic relationship with Parker and had recently ended it after a history of physical and verbal abuse, according to court documents.
During the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) alerted the court that Parker was not compliant with all of his probation conditions, failing to complete his community service hours and court ordered programs.
Parker’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, asserted that Parker has been homeless and that his mother recently lost her home. He was however able to obtain a job as a security guard, and recently moved in with his girlfriend. Kopecki was insistent that he was getting his life together, and would be able to complete the conditions if given 6 months.
Kopecki also stated that he lacks a mother figure in his life, and this could be a reason for his noncompliance.
Judge Christian questioned why Parker needed a mother as a grown man, stating “Does he need a mother to wake him up in the morning?”
The prosecution remained concerned about the defendant’s lack of completed community service hours requested his probation be revoked.
The judge stated that Parker either completed his probation conditions by Nov. 15 or he would immediately revoke his probation.
Parker quickly agreed, promising to try his best.
Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 15.