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D.C. Witness Staff
- February 14, 2020
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A judge decided to detain a murder defendant despite the fact that another judge ordered his release.
Javon Gunter, 18, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting 15-year-old Thomas Johnson on Oct. 9, 2019, on the 1300 Block of Half Street, SW.
Despite being released to a halfway house by DC Superior Court Judge Gerald Fischer on Jan. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found substantial probability based on the arrest affidavit and ruled in favor of detaining Gunter Feb. 14.
After the case was transferred to Judge Dayson the prosecution requested the judge to not release Gunter, despite Judge Fischer’s prior ruling.
“This was a targeted assassination,” the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor also said that no conditions would ensure the safety of the community.
Gunter waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
A felony status conference is scheduled to occur on April 17.
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