DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan modified a murder defendant’s release conditions on July 17, allowing him to search for work after months of compliance.
Jordan Battle, 25, is charged with with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree cruelty to children grave risk while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Terrell Oliver on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE, on Dec. 18, 2024.
At an earlier hearing on Feb. 13, Judge Ryan modified Battle’s release conditions to enable him to attend weekly church services with the family he is staying with.
Judge Ryan read over the report filed by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) on July 15, detailing Battle’s “perfect compliance.” According to the report, Battle has had no electronic monitoring infractions, has not violated his stay-away order, and has been attending weekly PSA meetings.
Defense attorney Kevin O’Sullivan filed a July 15 motion seeking to modify Battle’s release conditions, arguing that home confinement is “not truly necessary” after eight months of perfect compliance. O’Sullivan agreed to keep Battle on electronic monitoring and maintain the stay-away order from DC, but proposed a new curfew of 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. to allow him to search for a job in Virginia.
The prosecution argued that Battle’s second-degree cruelty to children charge had already raised concerns about allowing him to attend church because minors were present, and expressed similar concerns about him working in retail settings. She maintained that because Battle’s circumstances had not changed, there was no basis to modify his release conditions.
Judge Ryan stated that his primary concerns were the danger Battle might pose to the community and whether he would return to court. However, he noted that Battle’s compliance with the conditions of his release weighed in favor of modifying those conditions.
Judge Ryan ruled that Battle can leave home confinement for up to four hours each weekday to search for a job. If Battle secures a job, he may leave his house during his work hours as long as they are not after 10 p. m. or before 8 a. m.
The prosecution requested additional oversight, asking that Battle’s host family verify when he leaves home for job interviews. Judge Ryan declined the request and maintained his ruling, claiming he did not see a basis for the prosecutor’s request.
O’Sullivan told Judge Ryan that he had previously proposed a plea offer to resolve the case and that the prosecution had responded with a counteroffer. He said he needed additional time to discuss the options with Battle.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.
