Judge Holds Two Domestic Violence Defendants During Presentments

By D.C. Witness Staff - May 25, 2021
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

During initial hearings on May 24, DC Superior Court Judge Shelly Mulkey held two defendants charged with domestic violence offenses.

There were a total of 24 defendants presented before the court, and eight of the defendants had domestic violence cases brought against them.

The first defendant that Judge Mulkey decided to hold is charged with contempt, destruction of property and unlawful entry. 

Defense counsel requested his release, saying that the defendant thought he was allowed to be at the residence since he was invited by the complaining witness. He also mentioned that as soon as tensions began to rise, the defendant left the premises and did not engage in any assaultive conduct.

Judge Mulkey decided to hold the defendant, however, citing the pending case involving the same woman and his violation of the stay-away order.

The second held defendant is charged with simple assault. According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly grabbed the victim around her neck with both hands and pressed hard enough to leave marks that were seen by responding officers. 

Judge Mulkey decided to hold the defendant, saying she believes him to be a danger to the complaining witness.

Both held defendants will return to court on June 8.

The remaining six domestic violence defendants have charges that include simple assault, second-degree theft, attempted second-degree cruelty to children and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. 

One of the defendants was brought in on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing. He was released with orders to return to court June 29.

The other five defendants were given stay-away orders from the alleged victims, ordered to check-in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week and told to return to court on Nov. 29.