Judge Finds Probable Cause in Non-Fatal Shooting Case

By Betty Yigebahal - March 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On March 22, DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a non-fatal shooting case.

De’Aungelo Savage, 36, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1350 block of Barnaby Terrace, SE on May 20, 2023. No injuries were reported. 

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case as their witness. 

The detective recounted responding to a “shots fired call” when an individual on the scene reported that Savage, whom he identified to the detective, was firing into the air. The officer recalled recovering 10 shell cases from the scene. 

As part of his testimony, the detective did an in-court identification of Savage as the suspect from the incident.  

In cross-examination, the defense questioned the credibility of the witnesses. Pointing out that an eyewitness and another individual never shared the nature of the relationship they had with the defendant. 

According to the detective, the eyewitness never mentioned feeling threatened by Savage.

Savage’s defense attorney, Gail Engmann, delved into the detective’s past disciplinary actions, focusing on an alleged incident involving inappropriate text messages sent to the prosecutor’s office, which resulted in an initial demotion before being reinstated.

Engmann argued that there is insufficient evidence to prove probable cause, because the witnesses lacked credibility. She shared with Judge Raymond four letters of support from Savage’s family and job.

Regardless, Judge Raymond found probable cause, but granted release with conditions of electronic monitoring (GPS).Parties will meet again on April 24, before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.