DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a carjacking defendant’s motion for release on June 30, following an emergency hearing in regard to a lack of adequate detention conditions.
Antonio Gaither, 16, is charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2024 on the 800 block of P Street, NW.
Gaither is charged as an adult under Title 16.
After a delay in transferring Gaither to court from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facility, Judge Di Toro addressed the motion for release filed June 27. Gaither’s attorney, Quiana Harris, argued that excessive heat at the facility because of the air conditioning not working made it “completely inappropriate for children to be held.”
Judge Di Toro referenced a recent report indicating new air conditioning compressors had been installed and temperatures restored to normal levels. Harris responded that, based on Gaither’s experience, while fans were available, they were not permitted inside the individual units where those held are confined from 8:45 p.m. until morning.
In support of the motion, Harris also presented a representative from the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) program that mentors and counsels youth. The representative described Gaither as “a good young man” and offered to stand by him if he were released.
The prosecution opposed the motion, asserting that records demonstrated the air conditioning has been repaired, resolving the temperature issue.
Judge Di Toro concurred, denying the motion for release.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22.
