Case Acquitted: Judge Denies Release for Suspect in Mother-Son Shooting Case

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 24, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | stabbing | Suspects | Victims |

Donnell Tucker was acquitted of all charges on Jan. 31, 2024.

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples turned down a defense request to release a suspect involved in a non-fatal shooting during an Aug. 24 hearing. 

Donnell Tucker, 27, and his mother Tiaquana Chandler, 42, are both charged with conspiracy, burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and soliciting a violent crime in connection with an incident that took place March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Street Place, SE. The incident left one victim suffering from gunshot wounds. 

According to court documents. Chandler and Tucker were involved in a long standing dispute with the victim.  The pair allegedly broke into an apartment and punched him viciously in the face leaving severe cuts.  Then Tucker allegedly said, “Watch this,” and shot the victim in the leg.

“This is premeditated, all day, every day,” said the prosecutor who argued to keep Tucker detained.  He also allegedly tried to intimidate a homeless witness, saying, “I will kill you if you talk to the police.” 

At issue is whether Tucker was originally considered a suspect in the case since the prosecution waited until the grand jury indictment in June to order his arrest.  The prosecutor’s response was that Chandler had warned her son to stay away, although they were sure he was the shooter. 

Defense attorney, Marnitta King, shot back, “You did nothing to look for Donnell Tucker.”  She said Tucker has no prior criminal history and that he isn’t a threat.  The prosecutor noted it was “ironic” that the defense’s own investigator couldn’t locate Tucker.

Judge Staples, acknowledging this is a “very disturbing indictment,” ruled against releasing Tucker based on a “presumption of dangerousness.”  

However, Judge Staples modified Chandler’s 24-hour home confinement order so that she’s able to leave between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

There is also a “wired” plea offer pending, meaning that both defendants would have to agree on the terms for the agreement to be accepted.  Details of the proffer were not immediately available.  A stay away order is in place to protect the victim and the witnesses in the case. 

Judge Stapes set the trial date for Oct. 30.