Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release to Home Care

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DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a request calling for a cognitively and physically impaired homicide defendant to be put into home care, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Tyree Bratcher, 18, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a high-speed chase that led to a multiple car crash at the intersection of 13th Street and R Street, NW. During the incident, Bratcher’s passenger, 18-year-old Devin Clark, succumbed to his injuries.

According to court documents, Bratcher was allegedly driving a stolen Mazda with Clark as a passenger, when they were involved in a high-speed chase with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cruiser. During the chase, Bratcher allegedly ran a red light, striking an individual driving past the intersection, before striking multiple parked cars.

The documents stated Clark succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and Bratcher was transported to a hospital for his injuries.

During the hearing, Judge Kravitz brought up Bratcher’s other case, in which he is charged with conspiracy, second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and tampering with physical evidence, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Tyreek Moore.

According to Judge Kravitz, Batcher was in violation of his home confinement release condition when he went driving with Clark.

In court, Sylvia Smith, Bratcher’s attorney, showed evidence of Bratcher’s serious injuries sustained during the incident, including cognitive issues and physical injuries. He is currently held at St. Elizabeths Hospital to manage his cognitive disabilities.

Smith requested Bratcher be released in the custody of his family for home care. She argued that St. Elizabeths does not provide proper care for Bratcher to regain competency and that home confinement is the best route for this “unique case.”

Judge Kravitz responded to the request by stating that Bratcher is still ambulatory and therefore still poses danger to the community.

Sending Bratcher back to the same environment as before his second arrest would pose too much risk, Judge Kravitz argued – denying the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 31.