DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause on July 11, a day after hearing about the investigation of a murder case on July 10.
Darvin Banks, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old William Spriggs on May 22 2024 on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. According to court documents, upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Spriggs, who was pronounced dead on scene.
A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who works in the criminal investigation and homicide branch, said her role was to investigate the shooting that occurred by collecting video footage, reviewing the arrest warrant and interviewing witnesses.
The detective stated that an eyewitness reported maced Spriggs because he was acting aggressive, intoxicated and involved in a physical altercation with a woman prior to the shooting. Out of concern for her own safety, according to the detective, the witness maced Spriggs in an attempt to break up the altercation.
The witness stated she was facing Banks when the victim approached, so she could not speak to the victim’s demeanor prior to the shooting. However, the witness was able to identify the suspect from a series of photos.
The prosecution asked Judge Brandt to find probable cause because video footage reveals that the defendant unnecessarily involved himself in an altercation happening between people he did not know. Video footage shows an individual, identified as Banks, becoming upset, leaving the scene, changing his clothes, arming himself and then walking back to the scene. The prosecution insinuated that this was an attempt to cover his tracks.
Additionally another eyewitness at the scene of the shooting heard Banks state “you can’t stop this” before shooting the victim. The witness begged and pleaded for Banks not to further escalate the situation, according to the prosecutor.
The victim was shot four times in the posterior of his body, indicating he was turned away from the suspect. Given these facts, the prosecution argued that there was premeditation and probable cause.
Defense attorney Peter Fayne argued that the defendant acted in self-defense in response to Spriggs’ aggressive behavior. He emphasized that Spriggs had to be maced due to his aggression.
Fayne also pointed to video footage showing a weapon, stating that while it’s unclear where it came from, it appears to have fallen from Spriggs’ pocket.
The prosecution responded by arguing that there is no evidence a gun was drawn prior to the shooting, suggesting that Spriggs may have pulled a weapon only in response to being shot or in an act of self-defense.
“You don’t get to shoot and kill someone because they are intoxicated,” the prosecutor said.
Banks is being held at the DC Jail pending a Grand Jury. A felony status conference was scheduled for Aug. 14.
