Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Shooting Defendant

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for Jayvon Thomas due to his failure to appear in court on June 7.

Thomas and Lavar Hunter, both 20, are charged with first- degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate. The incident occurred on Nov. 19, 2023, on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW. 

On June 7, Thomas did not appear in court due to being arrested in Maryland for a gun charge. –

Defense attorney Sylvia Smith argued that they have no probable cause for his new arrest and claims her client does not own a gun. 

Due to his absence, Judge Raffinan issued a bench warrant as a detainer, which states that law enforcement is ordered to arrest Thomas and bring him before the court in the District. 

Parties are slated to return to court on October 25 for an arraignment.