Judge Orders Defense Attorney to Draft Plan for Defendant’s Release

By D.C. Witness Staff - July 16, 2020
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On July 17, a DC Superior Court judge ordered a defense attorney to draft a plan to ensure a defendant is safely released.

O’Donna Daniels is charged with arson for allegedly attempting to set a house and car on fire on the 3100 block of 35th Street, NE on Dec. 31, 2019.

Defense attorney Rachel Cicurel said her client is “doing extremely well at St Elizabeths, on mental health medication and very interested in improving her mental health.”

A hospital worker said she has been stable for at least a month.

Judge Michael Ryan said he would release Daniels as long as her and the community’s safety can be ensured. 

“We’re in the midst of a pandemic, it’s a weekend and it’s a shelter, bad things could happen to her,” he said. 

Judge Ryan also said he would like the defense to try and find her a place to live that is not just a shelter. Cicurel said she is waiting for a female spot to become available at the Community Residence Facilities (CRF.)

Daniels is scheduled to return to court on July 22 to re-discuss her release. In the meantime, she will remain at St. Elizabeths.