DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted severance to two carjacking defendants on July 30.
Derrick Coltrane, 40, and Ira Shaw-Bates, 22, are charged with unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in an incident on June 6 on the 300 block of N Street, NE.
Judge McLean granted the motion to sever the co-defendants’ cases. She based her decision on the availability of the attorneys involved and the desire to speed up trial proceedings. The cases appear to be headed in different directions.
Coltrane’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, indicated his interest in accepting a plea deal from the prosecution. Further details will be discussed at a later date.
Shaw-Bates has not expressed interest in accepting a plea. His case will proceed to trial.
Parties are set to reconvene Aug. 29.
