Judge Denies Release of Co-Defendants in Carjacking and Extends Indictment Deadline

By Belinda Miguel , Hope Hamerslough - July 2, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Robbery | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Arthur Errol denied defense requests to prevent extending the time for indictment as well as the release the co-defendants in a carjacking and robbery case on July 2. 

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE, on July 11, 2023. 

Patterson is also charged with armed robbery in connection to the incident. 

At the hearing, the prosecution requested to extend the indictment deadline due to delays securing the victim’s testimony who’s been uncooperative. 

Pattersons defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., and Johnson’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, argued that there is no good cause to keep the co-defendants in jail while the prosecution continues to attempt to produce their witness. 

The defense requested that the prosecution share any relevant communication they have had with the grand jury and asked the court to consider the time that the defendants have already spent in jail. 

Both defense attorney’s requested to keep the previously set trial date of Aug. 8 or release both defendants, citing an increase of violent incidents in the DC jail. 

Judge Arthur denied the release request based on the fact that the circumstances of this case have not changed and granted the prosecution’s request for additional time to indict. 

Parties are slated to return on July 26 for a status hearing and arraignment.