DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a fatal shooting defendant’s request for release on July 11.
Darvin Banks, 43, is charged with first degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of William Spriggs, 35. The incident took place on May 22, 2024 on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Spriggs was pronounced dead at the scene.
Defense attorney Peter Fayne asked Judge Brandt to dismiss the case against Banks, saying it lacked probable cause and Banks was acting in self-defense.
Judge Brandt refused, noting that two judges in addition to herself found probable cause in this case and agreed Banks did not act in self-defense. They based their decisions on a video of the shooting, surveillance footage of Banks leading up to the incident, and the testimony of multiple eyewitnesses.
“Ain’t no stopping this,” Banks said before opening fire, according to one eyewitness.
Fayne requested Banks’ release, given his limited criminal history and allegedly committed the shooting in self-defense.
The prosecution opposed Banks’ release, pointing out that he has had multiple gun cases dismissed and allegedly committed a stabbing in April of 2025 while in jail that almost killed the victim. The prosecution also claimed one of the witnesses has been intimidated by Banks and what he might doif released.
Judge Brandt agreed with the prosecution and denied Banks’ release.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 14.
