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By
Brigette Bagley
- March 10, 2025
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz considered release modifications for non-fatal shooting co-defendants on March 7.
Donte Bennett, 26, and DeMarco Hayes, 22, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting where one victim sustained critical injuries at the intersection of Marion Barry Avenue and 18th Street, SE on July 24, 2024.
Bennett’s defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, requested a temporary release from 24-hour home confinement to attend his brother’s funeral. Judge Kravitz advised both defense parties to consult with the prosecutors for special event requests. The prosecution agreed to allow Bennett to attend under GPS monitoring, provided event details are shared in advance.
Hayes’ defense attorney, Molly Bunke, filed a motion to modify release conditions from 24-hour home confinement to a curfew GPS monitoring, plus the same release conditions to attend the funeral with Bennett. The prosecution opposed, noting the nature of the crime was “very serious and violent,” and DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun previously disagreed with any type of release for the co-defendants.
Bunke argued that Hayes has been making efforts to find a job and attend programs, but 24-hour home confinement has proven to be a hardship since most job opportunities are hard to find remotely.
Judge Kravitz asked Bunke and Hayes follow-up questions about his job search and ultimately granted the modification, so long as the defense submitted job-related details in advance.
Hayes will be released on GPS monitoring from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with an additional Friday noon release in March for Ramadan observance.
Parties for Hayes are slated to reconvene on May 9 for a status hearing on release.
All parties are slated to reconvene on June 6.