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Elizabeth Bernstein
- October 8, 2024
Carjacking
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Daily Stories
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Suspects
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During a hearing on Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur initially ruled on motions for acquittal of several charges facing two armed carjacking defendants.
Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.
Johnson faces additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The enhanced charges stem from his alleged possession of these items during his arrest on March 28 on the 4000 block of Ponds Street, NE.
Judge Arthur’s ruling pertains to the charges of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed.
Judge Arthur denied the motion to dismiss charges for Patterson but granted the motion to dismiss counts for Johnson.
Regarding Patterson, Judge Arthur cited the victim’s testimony during trial and on CCTV footage, which the judge said corroborated that Patterson struck the victim and pointed a firearm at him.
Judge Arthur found Johnson did not strike the victim. During trial, the victim testified that Johnson did not strike him and that Johnson attempted to get the other suspects to stop.
The prosecution asked that Judge Arthur reconsider his ruling and let the jury decide whether Johnson is guilty. They cited a portion of the video where a man wearing similar shoes to Johnson’s appears to strike the victim.
The prosecution argued that while Johnson tried to prevent the robbery from turning into a homicide he did not try to prevent the robbery or assault.
Judge Arthur decided to take another look at the video and decide whether to confirm his ruling or not.
Parties will reconvene on Oct. 7.