Judge Holds Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant on an ‘Obviously Very Dangerous,’ Offense

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A non-fatal shooting defendant waived his preliminary hearing and was denied release before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrman on July 16.

Abdoulie Jawneh, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on May 1 on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Jawneh’s older brother advised detectives that Jawneh was the individual who shot at him and his girlfriend.

The report says Jawneh’s older brother explained that he and his girlfriend were driving around when they saw Jawneh. The couple pulled over to talk with Jawneh. An altercation began when the older brother explained to Jawneh that their mother was concerned about Jawneh’s possible dangerous activities in the neighborhood.

The defendant reportedly became irritated and engaged in a physical altercation with his older brother. Afterward, the older brother and his girlfriend returned to their truck. The defendant then allegedly approached from behind with a pistol and fired multiple shots, striking their vehicle, according to court documents.

At the hearing, Richard Holliday, alerted the court of Jawneh’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Herrman accepted, finding his waiver “knowing, intelligent and voluntary.”

Holliday asked for Jawneh to be released to home confinement.

He argued Jawneh should be released based on his lifelong residency in the DC area, his ability to live with his father in Delaware and only come to DC for trial procedures, gainful employment, and prior compliance with release conditions.

The prosecution objected to the motion, arguing that Jawneh committed an “extremely dangerous offense,” and there are “no conditions,” that could ensure the safety of the community.

Prosecuting attorneys mentioned that Jawneh has two prior firearms convictions in other jurisdictions and, when he was arrested on May 1, he was awaiting sentencing for his most recent offense.

Judge Herrman agreed with the prosecution stating that the incident was “obviously very dangerous,” and that his prior convictions “add considerably,” in her decision to hold Jawneh.

Parties are set to meet on July 25.