Judge Denies Defendant’s Request to Fire Lawyer in Non- Fatal Shooting Case

By Hope Hamerslough - June 26, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting |

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denies a defendant’s request to fire his lawyer during a June 25 hearing. 

Christopher Wise aka “Woo”, 35, is accused of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 12, 2024. According to court documents, the victim was shot outside a liquor store on the 4000 block of Hayes Street, NE, ultimately asking a bus driver to call an ambulance. 

During the hearing, Richard Holliday, Wise’s defense attorney, requested a competency evaluation and for the preliminary hearing to be continued in two weeks. 

Wise said he wanted to fire his attorney based on a conflict of interest and he wants to represent himself. 

Wise also claimed that his situation in jail needs to be checked because he no longer has recreation time and he has been subject to excessive force from correctional officers who pepper sprayed him.

Judge Brandt affirmed that she would look into his complaints, but also told the defendant that it is too early in this case to entertain a dismissal of his attorney. She said he she couldn’t dismiss his lawyer because, “he just doesn’t like him”. 

Judge Brandt let the defendant know that a mental competency evaluation was required if he decides to represent himself. 

Parties are slated to return for preliminary and mental observation hearing July 12.