Judge Orders Homicide Defendant Held During Presentment Hearing

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

On April 11, DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover ordered a homicide defendant held pending future proceedings at a presentment hearing.

James Outland, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn that occurred on June 28, 2023 on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Outland was apprehended by police at the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE after attempting to flee on foot during a traffic stop. Police found a black backpack that Outland had been carrying discarded in a corner store that allegedly contained a machine gun and ammunition.

At the hearing, Outland’s defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, argued that the suspect alleged to be Outland was barely visible in the surveillance footage, and that the identification of Outland was by a family member- making the identification questionable. He also argued there are not enough factors in the case indicating premeditation.

The defense requested that Outland be released with electronic monitoring.

The prosecution argued Outland is clearly visible in surveillance footage in the moments leading up to the shooting. According to prosecutors, the video, which was not shown in court, depicts four individuals, one of which was identified as Outland, walking towards the incident location.

Prosecutors also argued shell casings were recovered in the surrounding area where the individual identified as Outland raised his arm in a shooting position.

Judge Glover found probable cause, stating the evidence is strong against Outland. He ordered Outland held pending further proceedings.

Parties are slated to return on May 15 before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Follow this case