Judge Denies Release of Murder Defendant Charged in 2018 Drive-By Shooting

By D.C. Witness Staff - January 13, 2021
Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 12, a DC Superior Court judge heard arguments from defense counsel as well as the prosecution on the possible release of a murder defendant. However, the judge decided not to release the defendant.

Torey Stockton, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, tampering with physical evidence and obstruction of justice for allegedly killing 23-year-old Jasmine Light and injuring three additional victims on the 2000 block of 16th Street, SE on Jan. 17, 2018.

The alleged offense was a drive-by shooting, which began on the 1500 block of U Street, SE and ended on the 2000 block of U Street, SE.

During the hearing on Jan. 12, there was a continuation of a cross-examination from defense counsel Rachel McCoy of the prosecution’s witness, a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). On Nov. 2, 2020, the detective said he received information from two people at the jail whom Stockton allegedly told details of the murder and his involvement.

In the resumed cross-examination on Jan. 12, McCoy asked the detective several questions regarding the two witnesses who allegedly spoke with Stockton. According to the detective, he was unable to corroborate that the witnesses spoke to Stockton at the jail. 

After the cross-examination, McCoy argued that the prosecution has relied heavily on the two witnesses who allegedly spoke to Stockton, saying that there is no corroboration and that both witnesses had slight differences in their stories, which the detective could not recall.

Additionally, both witnesses have “intense cases” going on in Maryland, which she suggested could give them reason to work with the prosecution. “Nothing would indicate that this was information that they actually received from Mr. Stockton.”

McCoy also suggested that the prosecution’s main witness, who places Stockton at the scene of the crime, has had many mental health and drug abuse issues, saying, “this is the eyewitness that the government’s case hinges on.”

McCoy also said, the differences between the testimony from the other two witnesses who allegedly spoke with Stockton. She questioned whether the other witnesses had gotten their information from the news or court documents.

When arguing for Stockton’s release, McCoy cited that he has a job waiting for him, he has support from his family, he has a place he can live, he is not a flight risk and there is no real danger to the community.

“There’s been a great deal of time since he’s been indicted, and there’s not a great deal of evidence,” McCoy said.

But, the prosecution argued that Stockton is a danger to the community as he has picked up two additional felony cases since being at the jail, both of which involve alleged stabbings. She also said there are concerns about his family support as his grandmother allegedly lied to the police about his whereabouts at the time of the crime.

Judge Danya Dayson agreed with McCoy that there could be an issue with the two witnesses who allegedly spoke with Stockton as they may have motivation to curry favor with the prosecution, given their pending cases. However, she disagreed with defense counsel surrounding the competency of the witness who places Stockton at the scene of the crime.

Judge Dayson decided not to release the defendant, citing the nature of the offense, the probable cause finding and the fact that he has picked up two additional felony cases while held at the jail. 

Stockton’s next hearing is scheduled for March 4.