Case Against Defendant Accused of Shooting Girlfriend Has Enough Evidence to Go to Trial, Judge Rules

By Andy Tripathi [former] - March 18, 2022
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge found probable cause in the case against a domestic violence defendant accused of shooting her girlfriend.

The victim was shot in Benning Ridge in December 2021. Responding officers found her wounded in a black BMW. The defendant was arrested in Virginia a little less than a month after the incident. The prosecution alleges that she shot the victim while the two were in the vehicle.

During a March 14 preliminary hearing, an officer explained what he saw at the crime scene. He interviewed the victim and had a search warrant for the BMW, which he said was found six to 10 blocks away from the scene of the shooting. Shell casings were also found in it.

The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder. When officers questioned her, she did not answer because she was in shock. She gave a statement after she arrived at the hospital.

In her statement, the victim alleged that the defendant tossed the gun into a fence after shooting her. Officers were unable to find a weapon.

The prosecutor argued there was more than enough evidence to establish probable cause. They alleged she stayed outside the jurisdiction to avoid arrest and mentioned she has two gun charges on her record.

After finding probable cause, Judge Lloyd Nolan ruled that the defendant will remain in custody awaiting trial. He cited her criminal history and lack of cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for May 10.