Case Acquitted: Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Release Motion

By Adriana Marroquin - October 3, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

This case was acquitted on Dec. 1, 2023.

On Oct. 3, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a non-fatal shooting defendant’s motion for release, arguing she remains a danger to the community.

Saphire Johnson, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 28 on the 4100 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. The incident left one individual, and Johnson, suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. 

According to court documents, the incident occurred during a funeral and stemmed from a verbal altercation between Johnson and a family member. Once Johnson began to shoot, another individual returned fire and struck Johnson on her leg which prevented her from shooting at the crowd. 

Varsha Govindaraju, Johnson’s defense attorney, filed a motion for release, stating Johnson has substantial community support and is ready to comply with any conditions the court finds necessary. Govindaraju, stated if Johnson is released, she would continue to receive the mental health treatment she needs and go back to her long standing job.

According to Govindaraju, Johnson has been traumatized while detained at the DC Jail. She stated that a corrections officer took images of her naked and that Johnson has been attacked by other inmates. 

Govindaraju also argued since Johnson has never been incarcerated before the drastic change in lifestyle has negatively affected her. 

The defense requested Johnson be released under the High Intensity Supervision Program (HISP) which requires defendants check-in frequently with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and be monitored by GPS at all times. 

Prosecutors quickly opposed the defense’s motion, stating that Johnson continues to be a danger to others. According to prosecutors, on July 28, Johnson assaulted an officer at the jail by throwing a hot liquid at the individual who sustained second-degree burns. 

Judge Hertzfeld agreed Johnson poses a danger and that no release conditions will ensure the community’s safety. 

Once Judge Hertzfeld delivered her ruling, Johnson screamed “What danger am I?”. 

Parties are expected back for a trial readiness hearing Nov. 3.