Judge Releases Carjacking Defendant After Finding Probable Cause

By Radhakund Ramnarine - October 9, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories |

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum determined probable cause agreed to releasing an armed carjacking defendant to home confinement with the exception of school.

Julian Byrd, 17, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 1 on the 5500 block of Jay St. NE Washington with two other suspects. 

Prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who revealed there is video footage of three individuals, including who he identified as Bryd, before the crime occurred. 

However, the detective testified there was no video of the car being taken and officers did not recover footage from the Pentagon parking lot where the car was found.

According to the detective, one of the three suspects threw a gun into a storm drain, but testified it was not clear which did so and there was no specific evidence that could specify the identity of a possible gunman. 

There was no gun, bullets, or paraphernalia found on the defendant when arrested according to the detective, and the victim could not clearly identify the three suspects..

When arguing for probable cause, the prosecution said Byrd tossed the gun during a foot chase. In addition, the prosecution stated the victim’s key and lanyard reported stolen, was found on Byrd during his arrest.

Defense attorney Varsha Govindaraju said the prosecution lacked specific evidence in that it wasn’t clear who threw the gun based on witness testimony.

The court found that there was enough evidence to determine probable cause that Byrd was the perpetrator. 

In regards to Byrd’s release, Govindaraju requested home confinement, emphasizing his strong ties to the community, dedication to completing his high school education, and lack of contact with the criminal justice system until now. 

Prosecution argued that even despite all these factors he allegedly committed a serious offense and out of the three that were involved in the crime, “One was the ringleader, and it may well have been Mr. Byrd.”

The court found that “although he jumped off the deep end,” home confinement with the exception of attending school would be able to ensure the safety of the community and his return to court. 

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 8.