Judge Grants Release Request for Shooting Defendant 

By Betty Yigebahal , Carolyn Flammini - April 10, 2024
Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

On April 10, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a defendant’s motion for release.

Vann Allen, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence,  for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE, on Nov. 11, 2023. One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries. 

Allen’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, presented a bond review motion mentioning that Allen’s family has been facing eviction due to his imprisonment and lack of financial support. The defense also mentioned Allen has a job offer waiting for him.

Lockard argued that the prosecution’s evidence is weak, citing the victims’ statements to the police admitting they don’t know who shot them. 

The prosecution opposed the request, saying they had two eyewitnesses, one of whom supposedly filmed the scene of the shooting. According to the prosecution, the video depicted a man wearing a white hat and a light-colored sweatshirt “running” from the scene. Police later arrested Allen who was wearing similar garments.

The prosecution finalized their argument by stating “employment didn’t stop this from happening in the first place,” insinuating that Allen’s new job opportunity does not make him any less of a threat to the community’s safety. 

Upon further review Judge Raffinan granted the defense’s request to release Allen to home confinement. She based her decision on, “some ambiguity on the events of the shooting.”

Allen is set to remain on home confinement and on GPS monitoring. Additionally, the court ordered a stay-away order for the victim. 

Parties are set to reconvene on May 14.