Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Requests to Represent himself in Jury Trial

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A non-fatal shooting defendant expressed on Feb. 2 that he wanted to represent himself.

Victor Leon Coley, 61, was charged with assault with Intent to kill while armed, the incident took place on the 300 block of 40th St, NE in which two victims were shot, one victim was shot in the back and the other in the right leg. The incident took place on Nov. 6, 2013, and the defendant has yet to have a trial. Coley has been in DC jail for over five years.

“Your Honor I have to go back to tell my family I don’t have a court date, now the judge moving it back. I want to represent myself your honor.” the defendant said.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan advised Coley that it was not in his best interest to represent himself in court as it would be extremely difficult to cease all his discoveries and evidence to support himself in a trial.

One of Coley’s defense attorneys, Jesse Winograd, requested a renewal of the motion for release into a 90-day outpatient treatment program where the defendant can get follow-up services, including housing.

Another defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, emphasized that the defendant has not been receiving his heart medication while in prison.

“Mr. Coley can show me gaps in his record when he does not receive his medication and the same exact issue has happened before. This is a medication that is keeping him alive,” Weletz said.

Judge Ryan said he understands Winograd’s request, but rejected the motion for release because the case is still pending.

The next hearing is a jury trial that is scheduled for April 24.

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