Judge Holds Murder Defendant During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - June 26, 2021
Court | Daily Stories | Domestic Violence | Homicides | Presentments | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A DC Superior Court judge held a defendant charged with second-degree murder while armed during presentments on June 25.

In total, 33 defendants were presented before the court.

Khalid Claggett, 37, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 30-year-old Isaac Aull Jr. on June 11. 

According to a press release, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Aull suffering from gunshot wounds on the 1600 block of Franklin Street, NE. He was pronounced dead on the scene. Claggett was arrested on June 24.

During his presentment hearing, defense attorney Howard McEachern argued that Claggett should be released. He said the white hoodie and the blue satchel believed to be worn by the suspect are not consistent with what Claggett was wearing at the time of the shooting. 

McEachern also said an identification process with witnesses to asses if Claggett matched their memory of the shooter’s appearance had yet to be performed. 

The prosecution said there were multiple videos, including an Instagram live story, showing Claggett with the hoodie and satchel in question prior to the shooting. They also said they have photographic evidence matching Claggett’s description.

Judge Shelly Mulkey decided to hold Claggett due to the strength of the photo and video evidence as well as the fact that Claggett had prior felony convictions.

Judge Mulkey scheduled Claggett for a felony status conference on July 15.

Judge Mulkey also released all four of the defendants who were charged in domestic violence cases. Their charges included attempted threats to do bodily harm, unlawful entry and destruction of property. All of the defendants were given stay away orders. The defendants are scheduled to return to court on Oct. 22.