DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled that a domestic violence shooting defendant would be held at the jail and required to stay-away from the victims after waiving his preliminary hearing on June 10.
Manuel Thomas, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 13 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. No injuries were reported but Thomas allegedly fired one shot at his ex-girlfriend and another victim.
According to court documents, Thomas allegedly shot the living room wall after his ex-girlfriend reportedly told him that she wanted to end their relationship.
Thomas’ attorney, Charles Haskell, alerted parties that his client wanted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of evidence that would determine if probable cause existed in his case. Haskell then asked for Thomas’ release. He said that Thomas would live with his mom and work during release at Safeway and a hotel.
The prosecution disagreed because of Thomas’ criminal record, including previous firearm, domestic violence, and marijuana possession offenses. According to the prosecution, Thomas was arrested for possessing a different firearm during the same incident.
Judge Raymond denied Thomas’ release because of the seriousness of the offense and his prior record. The judge also ordered Thomas to stay-away from both victims.
Thomas is scheduled for a felony status conference on July 20 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.
