DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan denied release in a shooting case on April 21 because of the defendant’s prior criminal history and violent nature of the offense.
James Payne, 44, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly grave risk, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the corner of 2nd Street and Chillum Place, NE on Nov. 23, 2025. The incident left a victim with two gunshot wounds to the abdomen.
According to court documents, the incident began as a planned fight between two groups, but a third group joined later. The victim reportedly deployed pepper spray in the crowd before Payne allegedly fired a handgun at the victim.
At the hearing Payne’s attorney, Lauren Morehouse, informed Judge Nolan her client waived his right to a preliminary hearing thus acknowledging a finding of probable cause. After reviewing the waiver with Payne, Judge Nolan accepted it.
Morehouse asked Judge Nolan to release Payne under supervision from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). She stated he has strong support from family, cares for his stepchildren and grandchildren, and is employed. “[Payne’s] entire community is here and [he] has no reason to flee,” said Morehouse.
Morehouse cited Payne’s probation records from a separate case in Maryland saying it “shows exemplary compliance,” with no violations. Morehouse said that Payne’s record shows “he can be supervised successfully.”
The prosecutor noted that Payne’s Maryland case was a homicide where he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
The prosecutor argued Payne should remain held because of the violent nature of the offense. According to the prosecutor, the fight was planned prior to the shooting and Payne chose to bring a firearm. In addition, the victim’s injuries were so severe, they required emergency surgery and blood transfusions, said the prosecutor.
As a result, Judge Nolan ruled to keep Payne detained.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 12.
