DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a carjacking co-defendant’s request for release on Oct. 29 due to his ongoing cases in Virginia and Maryland.
Antonio Kent, 20, Darryl Butler, 20, and Julan Byrd, 18, are charged with armed carjacking for their alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 1, 2024 on the 5500 block of Jay Street, NE.
Butler and Byrd are also charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for alleged involvement in the same incident. Byrd is additionally charged with robbery while armed.
While Butler and Byrd have been released into the community, Kent remains in detention at the DC Jail.
Kent’s attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., argued that he should be released as he has been detained for one year during pre-trial while his co-defendants have been released.
Thomas explained that Kent wants to attend college and continue courses while he awaits trial. He claimed that the DC Jail has not offered any educational programming.
Kent hopes to use release to demonstrate how he has bettered himself while detained. Thomas argued that establishing himself in the community will impact hi sentence.
The prosecution argued that Kent is most likely going to be convicted of his charges and there is no reason to release him now. According to the prosecution, parties are in plea negotiations.
They also explained that Kent has additional counts in Maryland and Virginia that could lead to his incarceration as well.
After speaking to the Maryland prosecutor, Thomas argued that the Maryland matter will most likely result in his release and he will not be jailed for long.
He explained that Kent has also served time for the Virginia matter as well.
Judge Di Toro ruled in favor of the prosecution and denied Kent’s request for release. This is the third time that Kent’s release has been denied.
Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 17.
