DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe found probable cause in a carjacking case, after prosecutors showed a video of the offense during a preliminary hearing on June 24.
Kevin Lester, 36, is charged with carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on June 13 on the 300 block of 40th Street, SW.
According to court documents, Lester and another suspect allegedly approached the victim’s vehicle. Lester then allegedly held a gun to the victim’s head and demanded he exit the vehicle. The second suspect reportedly pulled the keys out of the ignition, where Lester allegedly dragged the victim out of the vehicle and struck him multiple times. Both Lester and the other suspect allegedly got into the car and drove away.
During the hearing, the prosecution called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who arrested Lester to testify. Prosecutors showed a video of the offense in court.
Lester’s defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, argued no firearm was present in the footage. The MPD officer said it’s still possible the suspect had a gun because of the video angle and the “aggressive stance and body language” the suspect shows.
Judge Pipe found probable cause Lester committed the charges filed and said she has “no reason to believe Lester did not take the car.”
Judge Pipe also noted Lester’s criminal history of three prior convictions, two that involved a firearm and one assault incident.
Shaw requested Lester’s release with GPS monitoring and a stay away order. Judge Pipe denied Lester’s release and stated the circumstances of this event were “very concerning” and that “detention weighs heavily here.”
The prosecution also put a plea offer on the record. If Lester pleaded guilty to robbery and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, the prosecution would dismiss the carjacking charge. Lester rejected the plea offer and asserted his right to a jury trial.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.
