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By
Lauren Andreala
- October 29, 2024
Carjacking
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Court
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Daily Stories
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Suspects
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DC Superior Judge Erik Christian ordered a carjacking defendant be detained on Oct. 28, following a report that stated he had been non-compliant with his release conditions.
Richard Bates, 17, is being charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence while armed. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE, which occurred on Sept. 13, 2023. One individual sustained injuries to the head.
Bates is charged as an adult under Title 16.
According to court documents, two suspects, one of which was later identified as Bates, pulled up to the victim’s car as he was retrieving items from the car. The two armed suspects exited a white sedan, with one suspect demanding all of the victims belongings. After complying, one suspect hit the victim in the head with a firearm, and both suspects drove away in the victims car and the white sedan.
During the hearing, the prosecution raised the issue of Bates being noncompliant for check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). A representative from PSA confirmed his noncompliance, saying Bates failed to show up to check-ins multiple times. The representative requested that his probation be revoked.
Bates’ defense attorney, Christen Romero Phillips, argued she was under the presumption that Bates had been attending those meetings. According to Phillips, a change in probation officers affected Bates and his checkin scheduling.
Judge Christian proceeded to agree with the prosecution and PSA, detaining Bates.
Parties are currently in plea negotiations and set to reconvene on Nov. 4