Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Defendant who Violated Release Conditions

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During an Oct. 6 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant, who is incarcerated at the Fairfax County Detention Center.

Jose Ramos, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of 58-year-old Eduardo Cruz. Cruz was found unresponsive in a vehicle on the 4800 block of Colorado Avenue, NW on Jan. 25. Cruz later succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 29.

Ramos was to appear at the Fairfax County Courthouse for a separate assault case but was arrested on July 15, the day of his trial. Ramos was publicly intoxicated while on release at the time of his arrest.

Judge Brandt revoked his release status as his intoxication violated the terms of release.

Defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, maintained that Ramos be released under the High-Intensity Supervision Program (HISP).

The prosecution said Ramos should be incarcerated due to him being previously accused of four assaults.

“He is a danger to society,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Brandt said Ramos will be detained at the DC Jail once he returns to the district.

The next scheduled hearing is on Oct. 24.