Judge Finds Probable Cause in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

By Mia Kimm , Audrey Staudacher - February 27, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo found probable cause a suspect committed a non-fatal shooting case.

Deangelo Wooten, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend on the 3400 Block of 13th Street, SE, on Jan. 20. The victim sustained serious injuries. 

During the hearing, the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that the victim and an eyewitness identified Wooten as the shooter, and that Wooten had sent the victim threatening text messages prior to the shooting.

In cross examination, Wooten’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, pointed out that the victim of the shooting initially named someone else as the shooter. He also stated that no DNA evidence currently linked Wooten to the incident, and that the threatening messages were sent from a phone number not associated with Wooten’s.

“You can indict a ham sandwich if you want, because a ham sandwich has meat,” Baldwin said. “This case has no meat.”

The prosecution responded saying the victim initially identified someone else as the shooter out of fear of violent retaliation because Wooten is allegedly part of a criminal crew–a neighborhood gang. 

“The weight of evidence is strong,” Judge Demeo said. 

Judge Demeo ultimately found probable cause there was sufficient evidence Wooten committed the crime given the facts, Wooten’s criminal record, and other pending cases. 

As a result, no conditions of release would ensure the safety of the community, according to Judge Demeo, and Wooten was detained. .

Parties are expected to return to court on May 8.