Judge Orders Seal of ‘Pro Se’ Motions Submitted By Defendant

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On Oct. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered that recent motions filed by a shooting defendant on his own behalf, or pro se, must be placed under seal. 

Kenneth Davis, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill against a minor while armed, and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 19, 2021, on the 1600 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. The incident left one individual suffering from non-life threatening injuries. 

Among the motions submitted by the defendant was a request to suppress the identification of the defendant as the suspect. Attached to the motions were medical records of the victims and a report submitted by a special agent.

Judge Brandt stated that medical records and special agent reports are completely inappropriate to be presented as public records. She stated that the motions violate laws protecting the victims’ privacy laws and must be sealed immediately. 

Judge Brandt also warned defense counsel, Marnitta King, that all future filings must only be sent in by counsel.

Another motions hearing is scheduled for Nov. 3.