Judge Hears Motions About a 2021 Shooting Boundary

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At a motion hearing Sept. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard arguments parties about where a shooting took place.

Kenneth Davis, 44, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior felon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 19, 2021 on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. A woman sustained non life-threatening injuries during the incident. 

On Aug. 9, Davis’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, filed a motion arguing the incident happened outside of DC’s jurisdiction because she says the side of Eastern Avenue where the shooting took place is actually in Maryland. 

During the hearing,  prosecutors contended the District’s jurisdiction definitely includes the location of the crime.

“The boundaries of the District of Columbia are historically a straight line,” Judge Brandt said in response to King’s argument.

King said the District of Columbia map could be manipulated and should not be trusted. 

In response, Judge Brandt said everything southeast of the Eastern Avenue boundary is considered within the District of Columbia. She also said the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and Emergency Services (DCFEMS) acknowledge the boundary.

“They don’t just show up en masse to an area that is not in their jurisdiction,” Judge Brandt said. 

Judge Brandt denied the motion and scheduled the next hearing for Sept. 13.