Judge Denies Defense Motion For Release

By Hypatia Fitzsimons [former] - October 12, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Traffic | Victims |

On Oct. 12, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan heard a bond review motion for a homicide defendant involved in a traffic fatality.

Spiro Stafilatos, 36, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer for his involvement in the car crash that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui. The incident occurred on Dec. 30 at the intersection of 14th Street and New York Avenue, NW. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, Stafilatos fled from police in his vehicle during a traffic stop. He collided with a car at the intersection which sent his vehicle spinning and struck Sui and another victim while crossing the street. 

The defense motioned for Stafilatos to be released with GPS monitoring. Stafilatos’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, argued he could be placed under third party custodianship and his mother would be his custodian. According to McDaniel, Stafilatos’s mother has been present at all his hearings and is willing to be the custodian. 

The prosecution read a letter she had received from the victim’s uncle, in which he asked the judge to not release Stafilatos. He discussed the grief their family is going through because of his niece’s death. In the letter, the uncle states he wants to ensure Stafilatos is not released so this does “not happen again to any other family.” 

Judge Raffinan denied the defense’s motion for release, because of Stafilatos’ past driving record. He has had previous run-ins with law enforcement and charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence. 

A status hearing will occur on Jan. 11.