DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a shooting defendant’s motion to dismiss his case and release him on Jan. 21.
Marquis Allen, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearm during a crime of violence and threats to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 19, 2025 on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.
According to court documents, Allen shot at his sister but she was uninjured.
Defense Attorney Chidi Ogolo filed a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds that Allen’s right to a speedy trial had been violated. Allen has been in custody since his arrest on Aug. 27, 2025. Judge McLean said that when Allen requested new counsel on Dec. 1, 2025, she warned him that it could delay his trial. Judge McLean denied the motion.
Ogolo also filed a motion for release. He argued that Allen was not a flight risk, nor a danger to the community and has a job and family support.
The prosecuting attorney argued against Allen’s release due to the violent nature of the charges and his past criminal record. Judge McLean sided with the prosecution and denied the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.
