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By
Yessica Osorio
- November 12, 2024
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Suspects
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DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the defense’s motion to continue trial for a shooting defendant on Nov. 8.
Amonte Moody, 18, is being charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 22 on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE. No injuries were sustained.
Moody’s attorneys, Molly Bunke and Kavya Naini, filed the motion on Nov. 1, stating they would need additional time to review all records the prosecution had disclosed — which included over 2,000 pages of school and medical records. Additionally, they needed the additional time to consult with an expert witness and would generate an expert notice within the next two weeks.
Bunke also stated Moody’s intent to challenge to a firearms’ expert who made a likely identification of a gun recovered as evidence.
The prosecution said the defense has known about the testimony since August but has now raised the issue to the Court. If granted, the motion would significantly curtail the expert’s testimony.
Judge Epstein said granting the motion could delay the trial for months, and even be pushed back until 2026. Judge Epstein asked Moody if that’s what he wanted to do.
Moody replied, “I would prefer the trial be delayed.”
Judge Epstein granted the motion.
Parties will reconvene on Nov. 22 to set a new trial date.