Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Shooting

By Sophie Griggs [former] - September 26, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Sept. 26, DC Superior Court Judge Shelly Mulkey granted the prosecution’s request to hold a non-fatal shooting defendant without bond after finding probable cause in a preliminary hearing.

Delonte Sherod, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a reported family dispute on Sept. 22, on the 200 block of Longfellow Street, NW. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, police received a trouble call at the incident address. Sherod told officers that there had been an argument about personal space issues. A witness claimed that the defendant and victim were having an argument that turned into a physical altercation and then the victim went to his car and Sherod shot towards the vehicle.

At the hearing, the prosecution called a MPD officer who recalled no shell casings were found and no one was struck by a bullet, but that a gun was found at the scene. 

Sherod’s defense attorney argued against probable cause saying, “Other people had access to where the gun was found” and “the only evidence of a shot fired is [the witness] say so”. 

Judge Mulkey ultimately found that the prosecution had met the standard of probable cause.

Additionally, the prosecution requested Sherod be detained, stating the defendant “discharged a weapon at a family member” and “has a fugitive warrant out of Virginia.”

Defense argued for Sherod’s release with any conditions the judge seemed fit. 

Judge Mulkey granted the prosecution’s request for detention. She also added that she believed Sherod is a danger to family members. 

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 1.