Judge Finds Probable Cause in Felony Murder Case

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Ruffian found probable cause for a felony murder-robbery case and granted the prosecution’s request to detain the suspect on Sept. 13.

Jaylen Suggs, 18, is charged with robbery – felony murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty on the 4000 Block of Sheriff Road, NE, on April 25.

The lead detective on the scene stated that eyewitnesses and surveillance cameras captured four masked individuals, some armed, approaching a deli before chaos ensued. One eyewitness to the crime specifically recalled one of the suspects approaching him and exclaimed, “You know what time it is?”

The suspects began to fire and allegedly Canty fired back as well.

After the crime occurred, detectives uncovered the suspect vehicle and said a cellphone inside belonged to Suggs. The phone was allegedly linked to Suggs using photos, the passcode being his birthday and usernames being linked to aspects of his life.

Suggs had also been involved in a burglary in Prince George’s County which had occurred in the same vehicle as the murder, according to the prosecution.

Judge Ruffian ruled that there is no direct evidence showing he was the one firing the weapon but with the probable cause standard, the evidence – witness statements, surveillance videos, recovered phone evidence and links to the vehicle – were enough to find that he was present and part of the robbery operation that led to Canty’s death.

The prosecution asked for Suggs to remain detained, stating he poses a threat to the community because of the nature and circumstances of the crime.

Kevann Gardner, Suggs’ attorney, argued that stolen cars are often passed around during these crimes, so it is feasible that Suggs’ phone was left in the vehicle from someone else in a prior trip. According to Gardner, Suggs’ phone was inactive for hours before the crime occurred, which may prove he didn’t have anything to do with the robbery turned murder.

Gardner requested that Suggs be released on home confinement as he has a strong family support and he helps out with his younger siblings and older family members. Gardner also claimed that the threat of danger is mitigated by home confinement as they will make sure he abides by his release.

The court ultimately granted the prosecution’s request to hold because of the nature of the offense, weight of the evidence, the defendant’s history and the danger that release would pose to the community.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 14.