Judge Tables Modified Release Decisions for Shooting Co-Defendants

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Defense attorney Alvin Thomas asked DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe to modifyrelease conditions for shooting defendants during a July 16 hearing.

Daniel Cary, 29, and Chantel Stewart, 33, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22 on the 4000 block of First Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident–a gunshot wound to the back which caused a collapsed lung.

Stewart is additionally charged with threatening to kidnap or injure a person. Cary is additionally charged with carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During the hearing, Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested that Judge O’Keefe modify Cary’s release conditions to allow him to work at a new job.

The prosecution asked Judge O’Keefe to deny the request, citing three instances in which Cary violated his release conditions by going to locations that were not permitted.

Thomas said these violations resulted from Cary’s stopping on the way home from court to pick up food. He then asked that these violations be excused.

Judge O’Keefe said he was “sympathetic” to Cary’s case but needed to table the discussion due to time restraints.

Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, asked that Stewart’s release conditions be modified so that her check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) be less frequent. Stewart herself was not in court.

Judge O’Keefe asked Winograd to submit a written request to be discussed at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to return July 26 for Judge O’Keefe to decide on the issue.