Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

By Ashley Fajardo Perez [former] - March 11, 2024
Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

On March 11, DC Superior Court Judge Lynn Leibovitz denied a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for release.

Cornellius Ruffin, 40, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one victim injured on April 12, 2021, on the 200 block of Bates Street, NW.

Natalie Stokes, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact for her alleged involvement in the incident. 

Ruffin’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, requested Ruffin to be released from confinement, arguing that he wishes to resolve pending court matters in Virginia. 

The prosecution argued against Ruffin’s release due to the level of dangerousness and risk of not returning to court, citing Ruffin’s failure to appear to court on two previous cases in Virginia, which have outstanding warrants.

The prosecution added that Ruffin was on ankle monitoring from another case in Virginia when the non-fatal shooting took place.

Judge Leibovitz ruled in favor of the prosecution, and denied LoGerfo’s request for release based on Ruffin’s history of failures to appear at court. 

LoGerfo also mentioned he is waiting on a global plea offer from the prosecution and will need additional time to receive and review the offer with Ruffin. 

Parties are slated to return on April 1.