Judge Finds Probable Cause in Teen Homicide at a Rec Center

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DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a fatal shooting during a hearing on March 31.

Andre Chillous, 18 is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting 14-year-old David Bailey at the Lamond Recreational Center on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE. on Aug. 1, 2024. Another juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident, but survived.

According to court documents, a group of four individuals, later identified as Bailey, his friends including the surviving victim entered the recreational center and, after allegedly seeing Chillous, immediately attempted to leave. Chillous allegedly followed them down a sidewalk and shot multiple times, fatally striking Bailey, and hitting the surviving victim in the neck.

During the hearing, the prosecution claimed Chillous’ attack was premeditated, as he allegedly chased after the victims as they attempted to get away.

Chillous’ attorney, Madalyn Harvey, argued that Chillous was acting in self-defense, stating the police affidavit mentioned Bailey also had a gun and that Chillous was trying to protect himself from the group.

Judge Ryan concluded the evidence shows that Chillous aimed and fired at the victims without their returning fire.

After reviewing the video evidence, he determined there was probable cause to charge Chillous with first-degree murder and declined to speculate on the cause of the incident.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.