Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting, Detains Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ruled on April 4 that the prosecution established probable cause to send Quateze Moore‘s case to a grand jury. Judge Dayson rejected the defense’s request for pre-trial release.

Moore, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Martinez Robinson, 25, on Aug. 23, 2024, on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW. Robinson suffered multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his wounds at a local hospital.

“The prosecution has more than met the standard of probable cause,” the prosecutor stated before Judge Dayson. The prosecutor said surveillance video footage clearly shows Moore with a gun in his hand, pursuing Robinson, immediately after the shooting

Madalyn Harvey, Moore’s attorney, argued that Moore cannot be clearly identified from the surveillance video footage.

In her cross-examination of the lead police detective in the case, Harvey elicited the testimony that Moore’s identification was made from video footage taken before the shooting, not during Moore’s pursuit of Robinson. Harvey said the shooter’s appearance is consistent with Moore’s in that both are wearing dark clothes, but there’s nothing distinctive about the clothing to make them recognizably the same.

The detective also said the police haven’t found any witnesses who will testify to the interaction between Moore and Robinson, although video footage shows several individuals surrounding them.

Harvey argued, even if Moore committed the shooting, he might have done it in self defense, since Robinson had a gun on him when he was found.

Judge Dayson agreed with Harvey that the shooter’s clothing was not unique, but she pointed out that cell site data also places Moore in the area of the shooting.

Judge Dayson found it unlikely that Robinson threatened Moore with his gun and prompted the shooting in self defense because Robinson’s gun was found inside his compression shorts. Judge Dayson added it would have been hard for Robinson to put the gun inside tight shorts before running away after he was shot.

The detective testified that eight shell casings were found at the scene of the crime. Judge Dayson said the number of shots fired demonstrated the perpetrator’s intention to kill his victim.

The detective also testified that a man entered Moore’s apartment after the shooting and removed a pair of shoes and a bag of other items. When police questioned him, the man said he was acting at Moore’s request.

Judge Dayson said the request suggested Moore had consciousness of guilt.

The prosecutor asked Judge Dayson to keep Moore in custody because he has prior convictions for violent crimes involving firearms. In addition, Moore was found in possession of a firearm and narcotics when he was arrested.

Harvey argued Moore should be released because his most recent conviction was almost 25 years ago and he completed his probation showing he can comply with conditions of release.

Judge Dayson ordered Moore to remain in jail. She said he is a danger to the community because he allegedly committed a crime of violence while armed during the day on a playground, where others could be harmed. Even Moore’s own dog died at the scene from a gunshot wound.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 11 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.