DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman found probable cause a defendant murdered his classmate during a preliminary hearing on Oct. 17.
Carlton Simon, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Angel Dominguez on May 29 on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Dominguez sustained five gunshot wounds to his chest, calf, thigh, knee, and forearm.
According to court documents, Simon and Dominguez both attended YouthBuild, an alternative high school that provides academic and vocational training to students.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who wrote the arrest warrant for Simon resumed her testimony with cross-examination from Kevin Irving, Simon’s attorney.
The detective wrote in the warrant that a witness said Dominguez previously threatened other students in class. Irving asked for additional details about the content of the threats but the detective said the witness was not specific.
According to the detective, the same witness told her about accusations that Dominguez robbed or attempted to rob people. However, the detective could not provide any specific information regarding the reported robberies.
The prosecutor confirmed with the detective that Simon told her Dominguez robbed people.
Irving confirmed with the detective that only 9mm firearm casings were found at the scene and during the execution of a search warrant MPD did not recover a gun in Simon’s home.
Irving argued there was no probable cause because the detective’s testimony differed from the warrant she wrote and asserted Dominguez could have shot himself because he had a gun in the video footage.
The prosecutor disputed the idea that Dominguez shot himself and pointed to the torso wound as his cause of death.
Judge Edelman found probable cause that Simon committed the murder because of the Metro surveillance videos, which were discussed on Oct. 3, documenting Simon and witness identification of Simon in the videos. The judge also noted Simon’s statements during his interview with MPD could be interpreted as a confession.
Following the probable cause ruling, the prosecutor requested Simon’s continued detention at the DC Jail while he awaits trial because there are no conditions that can ensure the safety of the community.
They noted the crime Simon’s accused of a shooting that occurred in broad daylight and asserted Simon bragged about the murder in social media posts and rap lyrics he reportedly posted following the incident.
Parties discussed under seal what the prosecutor described as the “history and characteristics of the defendant.”
Irving requested Simon’s release because he had no prior adult convictions, could stay with his mother, and had employment prior to his incarceration.
Judge Edelman ordered Simon to remain held due to the weight of the evidence against him and his prior history of violence that remains under seal.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 23, 2026.
