Judge Orders Teen Homicide Defendant Remain Detained, ‘To Guarantee Safety for the Community’

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On April 12, DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs denied a teenage defendant’s request for release and ordered multiple forensic evaluations.

The 16-year-old boy is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of unregistered ammunition for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Avion Evans on April 4 at the Brookland Metro Station on the 800 block of Monroe Street, NE.

According to previous testimony by the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), video footage of the incident shows two groups of kids, which included Evans and the shooter’s two friends, fighting. As the two groups merged into one, the shooter, who was standing away from the melee, pulled out a gun from his waistband, pointed it at Evans, who was the closest in proximity, and fired.

According to Judge Briggs, a report written by a probation officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) recommended the juvenile continue to be detained as he awaits further proceedings, and requested psychiatric, psychoeducational, and psychological evaluations, as well as a substance abuse and risk assessment.

However, defense attorney William Howell suggested the evaluations be delayed as the prosecution and MPD continue to investigate the incident.

Judge Briggs partially granted the request, but ordered a psychiatric and psychoeducational evaluation.

Howell filed a motion to amend the juvenile’s detainment, requesting he be released to his parents. Howell deemed the case a “spontaneous incident,” and added that the juvenile has “very strong family support.”

Judge Briggs denied the motion, stating she “needs to guarantee safety for the community.”

Parties are slated to return May 17.

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