DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause and denied the release of a homicide defendant in a Jan. 20 preliminary hearing.
Alvin Young Jr., 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the March 19, 2022 shooting death of 28-year-old Mark Cobrand Jr.. Cobrand was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a van parked on the 4200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.
The prosecution called the lead detective in the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified that DNA evidence recovered from three out of eight shell casings discovered at the crime scene is very likely linked to Young.
Judge Edelman later pointed to this DNA evidence as “easily enough” reaching the standard for probable cause that Young Jr, committed the crime when making his ruling.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Madalyn Harvey questioned the detective about multiple witnesses and suspects mentioned in court documents. During the hearing, Harvey also submitted multiple video clips for evidence.
“I did not kill Bolo,” Young said in a police recording after his arrest. ‘Bolo’ was Cobrand’s nickname.
Court documents claim that Young considered the victim a “close friend,” despite their relationship being characterized as tumultuous and often engaged in arguments. The prosecution also stated that Cobrand had engaged in a sexual relationship with Young’s ex-girlfriend.
Prior to the hearing, Harvey submitted a motion to compel under the Brady rule requiring the prosecution to provide potentially exculpatory evidence to the defense. She requested seven pieces but agreed to proceed with the hearing before this ruling.
The prosecution stated that the defense was “not entitled” to some of the requested evidence.
Judge Edelman questioned the prosecution on its denial of select evidence under the Brady rule.
“How are you saying none of this is Brady information?” Judge Edelman asked.
Harvey said that Young’s being held would be a “great injustice,” proposing that Young should be released on 24-hour home confinement instead. Harvey said that the case is not one “the government is likely to win.”
The prosecution argued instead that Young’s criminal record portrayed “extremely violent” behavior and that he would be a “danger to the community” and witnesses if released. Judge Edelman ultimately ruled that Young would be held under no conditions or combinations for release that could assure the safety of the community.
Judge Edelman expressed concern for some evidence used by the prosecution, referring to a video of black SUV and the filing of missing vehicle tags as “circumstantial evidence” at best. The prosecution plans to use both to tie Young to a vehicle in the area at the time of the shooting.
“I agree that there are a lot of loose ends in this case,” Judge Edelman added.
Judge Edelman gave the prosecution a deadline of Jan. 23 to respond to the defense’s motion to compel.
Parties will reconvene Jan. 29 for a motion hearing.
