Judge Lets Convicted Shooting Defendant Attend Grandmother’s Funeral

By Lindsay Mutzman - June 26, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L Hertzfeld granted permission for a defendant convicted of a non-fatal shooting to attend his grandmother’s funeral during a hearing on June 25.

Diandre Caesar, 30, was charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of second-degree cruelty to children grave risk, one count of carry a pistol without license outside a home or business, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 28, 2022, on the 2200 block of New York Avenue, NE.

On April 9, Caesar was convicted by a jury on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence.

Judge Hertzfeld allowed Caesar to be released from DC Jail on June 27 at 4 p.m. until June 28 at 8 p.m.

Video surveillance showed an individual identified as Caesar throw a milk crate over a fence and into the drive-through lane of a McDonald’s while he was mowing the lawn of the nearby parking lot.

The victim, who found his path blocked by the milk crate, left his car to throw the crate back over the fence. As he attempted to drive away, Caesar allegedly retrieved the milk crate and threw it back over the fence, striking the victim’s vehicle. 

An argument ensued, and dash camera captured Caesar and two victims exchanging insults. When the victims drove away, Caesar reportedly fired four shots at their vehicle. No injuries were reported.

While released Caesar will be placed on a GPS monitoring system. 

Judge Hertzfeld said she has never done this before for an inmate and told Caesar, “Don’t blow it.” 

If Caesar doesn’t turn himself in on time, Judge Hertzfeld said it will affect his sentencing.

Parties are slated to meet on July 10 for sentencing.