Judge Delays Trial for Mother-Son Accused in Shooting Case

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At a trial readiness hearing on July 5, DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples accepted the prosecution’s motion to delay Tiaquana Chandler’s trial in hopes of arresting her son who’s accused in the case.

Chandler, 41 is charged with conspiracy, burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and soliciting a violent crime. Chandler, along with her 27-year-old son, was allegedly involved in the non-fatal shooting of a man on March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Street SE.

Defense counsel stated they were ready for trial, which is slated to begin July 10. 

However, prosecutors requested a continuance since there is an arrest warrant for Chandler’s son, because as a co-defendant he’s considered a fugitive. Prosecutors believe it would be best to try mother and son together.

The judge agreed with the prosecution’s reasoning and granted the continuance. Since Chandler has been held for over a hundred days without trial, she was placed on house arrest with electronic monitoring and a stay away and no communication order from her son. 

A status hearing will take place on July 12 to decide how to proceed further.