By D.C. Witness Staff - July 13, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

Basing her decision on a witness’ testimony, a DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in an assault case.

Jarrell Gayden is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a man at a McDonald’s on the 3000 block of Minnesota Ave, NE on Feb. 19. 

Judge Rainey Brandt ultimately determined probable cause because the witness’ testimony was “candid” and “straightforward.” She said the witness could comfortably identify Gayden as the shooter.

She also said that the affidavit alone, which the witness adopted as testimony, clearly established probable cause.

During the hearing on July 13, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that investigators recovered multiple firearms from the room where Gayden was arrested. The detective said that one of the firearms matched the caliber of ammunition recovered from the crime scene.

However, defense attorney Elliott Queen argued that, while the firearm was found near Gayden, the prosecution had not clearly established that his client owned the firearm.

He said it could have belonged to another person in the house. 

Queen also said the residence where Gayden was arrested, which is located in Capitol Heights, Md., belongs to the defendant’s relative, not the defendant himself. 

Queen said the detective used “general” descriptors of the shooter.

The attorney also petitioned for his client to be released awaiting trial, saying his stable employment and living situations could enable the judge to find conditions to ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Brandt denied the request. She said the severity of Gayden’s charge and his criminal history establishes a pattern of assaultive behavior.

According to court documents, the victim said something along the lines of “hey beautiful you in line” to a woman while they were both standing in line at the fast food restaurant. The woman started yelling at the victim and then made a phone call.

The victim was then confronted by a man. When the victim tried to leave, but the suspect followed him outside and shot him.

The woman told MPD officers that she did not know the suspect well, but supplied a phone number under the name “Mike Jones.” Investigations later revealed that the number was actually Gayden’s. 

Gayden’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27.