Judge Modifies Stay-Away Order for a Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant

By Ying He [former] , D.C. Witness Staff - July 12, 2023
Burglary | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 12, D.C. Superior Court Judge Sean Staples accepted the prosecutor’s petition to modify a stay-away, no-contact order from March 30.

Tiaquana Chandler, 42, is charged with conspiracy, burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and soliciting a violent crime, for her and her son’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 28 on the 3400 block of 13th Place, SE. The incident left an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds and cuts.

On July 5, Judge Staples conditionally released keeping her under house arrest. 

During the hearing, the defense requested a four-hour pretrial accomodation for Chandler to have her hair braided for better presentability at trial, while wearing a GPS monitor to track her activities. 

The prosecutor strongly opposed this “frivolous request,” by saying it would “make a mockery,” of Chandler’s house arrest. He was also concerned about Chandler’s potential interactions with others during this exception. 

Judge Staples, however, dismissed the prosecution’s concerns and approved Chandler’s pretrial accommodation. 

Then, the prosecutor requested an expansion of the current stay-away no-contact order, including two more witnesses, as well as an order for Chandler to stay away from the alleged victim’s apartment. Judge Staples granted that motion.

Parties will return to court on August 15 for another status hearing.