Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

By McKenna Bryant , Anthoine Godin - February 6, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 5, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reaffirmed probable cause for a fatal shooting case to go to trial and heard parties’ arguments for detention.

Deandre Miles, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller. The shooting took place on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023. 

On Feb. 2, Judge Brandt found probable cause that Miles had been the perpetrator, which prompted Miles to storm out of the courtroom as she discussed her ruling. Due to his absence, parties were unable to argue for detention or release. 

During the Feb. 5 hearing, Miles apologized.

Judge Brandt accepted the apology, and amended the record that Miles has “been nothing but a gentleman and attentive” in the courtroom.

In light of Miles’ lack of prior criminal convictions, and his courtroom demeanor, defense attorney Kevin Robertson requested Miles be released to home confinement with GPS monitoring to live with a family member. 

On the day of the incident, Miles was allegedly helping a family member run errands before the shooting. happened.

The prosecution argued that, while Miles’ does not have prior convictions, he does have two prior contacts with law enforcement where he was arrested after conflicts with two individuals, one of which was a police officer.

Taking into account Miles’ demeanor during the incident, where Miles is seen by surveillance footage allegedly “following, confronting, and waiting for Fuller,” the prosecution argued that Miles should remain detained.

Judge Brandt ruled in favor of the prosecution, explaining that she took into account the nature of the offense as well as the circumstances. Judge Brandt determined that, because the shooting happened in a very public setting in daylight, Miles allegedly endangered the public significantly. 

Miles will remain detained as he awaits further proceedings. 

Parties are expected to return April 26.