DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered that a homicide defendant remain in the DC Jail April 6 after he was transferred there by mistake.
Gerald Thomas, 23, is charged with first-and second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The charges stem from Thomas’ alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Dasha Cleary and injured four others. The incident occurred on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, on Jan. 27, 2022.
According to court documents, Thomas was scheduled for a hearing on Feb. 2, which he missed due to being moved to another jurisdiction for a separate matter. Judge Ryan stated he was absent due to being “accidentally shipped out to a different matter in another jurisdiction.”
At the hearing, the prosecution requested that Thomas be detained under the DC jurisdiction to avoid another transfer and ensure his presence for future hearings.
Thomas’ attorneys, Dominique Winters and Quiana Harris, expressed no opposition.
Judge Ryan subsequently changed Thomas’ detention to the DC jurisdiction.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 5.
