Judge Ends Weekend Home Confinement for Homicide Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the release conditions for a homicide defendant during an Aug. 30 hearing.

On Jan. 19, 2021, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to reports of gunshots on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. Two men were found shot in a parking lot. Upon arrival, officers found Tyrone Wright, 32, unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the head, body, and legs. The second victim was transported to a local hospital and recovered from his injuries.

Ronald Wallace, 49, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder on Feb. 25. According to court documents, Wright allegedly robbed Wallace’s brother.

During the Aug. 30 hearing, Wallace’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, moved to have Wallace’s weekend home confinement waived on Sept. 3 , so he could attend the funeral of a woman Bruckheim said was “basically like a second mother for Mr. Wallace.”

A pretrial service officer reported that Wallace has been in complete compliance with release conditions.

The prosecutor did not oppose the motion.

Citing Russell’s “glowing report,” Judge Brandt granted the waiver, and in response to a second defense motion to waive all conditions of release, ended home confinement but kept the curfew in place for weekends as well as weekdays.

“Mr. Wallace, I’m sure, can understand that he’s one of the lucky ones,” Judge Brandt said.

Bruckheim stood by his request for the curfew to be removed, noting again Wallace’s full compliance throughout the process.

“It’s called baby steps, Mr. Bruckheim,” said Judge Brandt. She denied the second motion as well.

Wallace is scheduled to return to court for a felony status conference scheduled for Sept. 16.

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