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By
Adriana Marroquin
- October 26, 2023
Court
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Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Shooting
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Suspects
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On Oct. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe detained Vincent James as he awaits sentencing.
On Oct. 24, James, 39, was convicted by a jury of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at a liquor store on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, on July 30, 2020. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident.
Once the verdict was delivered by the jury on Oct. 24, prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe detain James stating he was convicted of a violent crime and needed to be held as he awaits sentencing.
During the Oct. 26 hearing, Susan Ellis, James’ defense attorney, requested he be allowed to remain on release as he awaits sentencing, stating he has been in compliance with his release conditions since 2020.
A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative stated that Ellis is correct about James’ compliance.
Prosecutors argued James has been picked up other charges during his release, including driving while intoxicated in June, which is pending.
According to prosecutors, James has a lengthy record of prior violent crimes, including an arrest in Prince George’s County, Maryland in 2022 for an incident in which he shot at his romantic partner. He accepted a plea deal in the summer of 2022, and is on probation for the offense.
Prosecutors also argued that alcohol played a role in many of James’ incidents, including the shooting in July 2020, and he “continues to endanger people.”
Judge O’Keefe stated that Prince George’s County offense occurred while James was on release for the shooting in July 2020, and that had it not been for the pandemic, he would have been detained.
“If he was in my calendar, I would’ve stepped him back immediately,” Judge O’Keefe said.
Ellis requested James be put on home confinement, which Judge O’Keefe denied, stating that his probation in Maryland will likely be revoked and establishes him as a flight risk. He stated he “can’t find him not a danger”.
Marshals detained James following the hearing.
A sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 12.