DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause a defendant acted as a getaway driver for a homicide during a preliminary hearing on May 30.
Byron Sneed, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Raymond Washington on June 30, 2024 on the 4100 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. Washington sustained a single gunshot wound to his lower left back that damaged his heart and left lung.
According to court documents, a fight over a gun occurred between Washington and two other young men. Following the altercation, surveillance video reportedly captured the two men leaving an apartment, getting into a burgundy Hyundai, and Sneed allegedly driving them to carry out a drive-by shooting targeting Washington.
Before issuing his ruling, Judge Ryan summarized arguments presented by parties during the preliminary hearing held the previous day. Neither the defense nor prosecution disputed that Sneed drove the car during the incident.
Judge Ryan said prosecutors argued Sneed aided and abetted first-degree murder by driving the car and presented surveillance evidence of the car’s route. Sneed’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, argued there is no evidence linking Sneed to the younger individuals, he was innocently helping them, and there was no premeditation.
Judge Ryan found probable cause Sneed facilitated the getaway for the murder because the path, speed, and mode of transportation indicate distinct and purposeful travel by Sneed.
Fullwood-Singh requested Sneed’s release on home confinement. Fullwood-Singh informed the court Sneed sustained an injury from a fall down 16 concrete steps two years ago and since his incarceration, his wound has grown and is infected.
Fullwood-Singh emphasized the length of time between when the jail changed Sneed’s bandages and showed the court graphic photos of his wound bleeding through his clothes. “DC Jail is ill-equipped to care for people,” said Fullwood-Singh.
Judge Ryan noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, US Marshals discovered unhealthy conditions in the DC Jail and since then then the goal has been to avoid sending people there unless absolutely necessary.
According to a D.C. Witness report last year, in 2021, the US Marshals Service determined after an inspection that DC Jail conditions “do not meet the minimum standards of confinement as prescribed by the Federal Performance-Based Detention Standards.”
Based on that review, the marshals removed 400 detainees in their custody from the facility.
The judge said he will pursue the health issue with the DC Department of Corrections.
Judge Ryan noted Sneed had positive drug tests at the time of his incarceration, previous bench warrants, and a criminal history.
Fullwood-Singh pointed out that Sneed’s most recent contact with the legal system was 25 years ago and said since then he “lived an extremely peaceful life.”
Judge Ryan denied the request to release Sneed but said he would reevaluate his ruling if Sneed does not receive proper medical treatment.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.
