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By
Michelle Roldan
- February 25, 2025
Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide case on Feb. 21.
Aaron Jones, 30, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Bobby Addison, 44, on July 28, 2024, on the 3200 block of 28 Street, SE.
According to court documents, on the day of the incident, witnesses saw Jones and Addison arguing when Jones’ girlfriend came out and joined the argument. Allegedly, Addison smacked Jones’ girlfriend and knocked her out cold. In response to Addison’s actions, Jones went into his apartment and returned outside, holding a handgun and allegedly fired at Addison as he ran away.
Addison was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution argued Jones did not act in self-defense due to his display of excessive force.
In the Ring camera footage obtained from the incident, the prosecution pointed out a pause after the initial four shots. They argued that if it was a matter of self-defense, Jones had a moment to retreat at that interval, but even more compelling, initially raising of the gun could’ve been enough for self-defense since Addison was already running away.
Christen Phillips, Jones’ attorney, countered the argument, emphasizing that self-defense involves examining what is happening at that exact moment.
According to Phillips, Addison manifested rage towards Jones and his girlfriend before the shooting, which prompted the girlfriend to call 911 to de-escalate the argument. According to Phillips, the call was not enough as the argument continued.
Phillips also pointed out that Jones’s shooting at Addison was an instinctive reaction, which in her opinion didn’t allow him time to reflect.
Judge Ryan concluded the prosecution provided clear and convincing evidence that Jones was the likely perpetrator and did not act in self-defense or in the defense of others.
Phillips filed a request to release Jones, highlighting the numerous letters submitted to the court from family members, employers, and even city council officials, all attesting to his being a respectful, thoughtful, and caring individual.
The prosecution argued those letters were rebutted as they only showed that he was loved, but they believe he remains a danger.
The prosecution cited Jones’ other crimes, which included a prior altercation where he pulled a gun on Addison, had a dispute with his landlord, and continued to carry guns despite not being allowed to do.
Judge Ryan said Jones had moved from simply being someone who has a gun, to someone who used a gun, and that it was the judge’s responsibility to keep the community safe.
Judge Ryan concluded there was no a set of circumstances for release that would protect the community from Jones, so he denied the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.