DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel set a March 2027 trial date for four co-defendants in an attempted carjacking and robbery case during a hearing on April 17.
Anthony Taylor, 18, and Laurence Cotton-Powell, 19, are charged with attempted carjacking, three counts of robbery, and three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in two separate incidents on Aug. 3, 2025.
The first, an assault and robbery at 2:50 a.m. at a Sunoco gas station on the 1400 block of U Street, NW. Then, an unarmed carjacking at approximately 3 a. m. on the 1400 block of Swann Street, NW.
At a previous hearing on March 20, the parties were unable to set a trial date due to scheduling conflicts and the late addition of a co-defendant, Michael Coker, 26, who is charged with one count of assault with intent to commit robbery for his alleged involvement in the Sunoco incident. Judge Israel instructed attorneys to confer and provide workable dates.
Kavon Strong, 20, is charged with receiving stolen property $1,000 or more. According to court documents, on Dec. 18, 2025, police reportedly observed Strong attempting to sell a watch he knew was stolen in the Aug. 3 robbery.
At the hearing, Judge Israel revisited scheduling and emphasized the need to move forward. She stated that, after reviewing the parties’ availability, the only feasible trial window was in March 2027. Although defense attorneys detailed conflicts, including prior trial commitments and personal obligations, Judge Israel declined to delay the matter further. She stated she would not continue to negotiate scheduling during the hearing.
Ultimately, Judge Israel set the trial for the week of March 1, 2027. She also ordered that all motions be filed four weeks prior to the trial date.
Taylor’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested his client’s release, citing his lack of prior criminal history, compliance with court appearances, and participation in educational programs while incarcerated. Gardner also noted that Taylor would have been detained for approximately a year and a half by the time of trial.
Judge Israel denied the request, citing the strength of the evidence and the violent nature of the offense. She also referenced a prior finding from DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on Nov. 6, 2025, that Taylor posed a danger to the community if released.
Parties for all four co-defendants are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5, 2027 for a trial readiness hearing.
