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By
Ella Munnelly
- December 3, 2024
Daily Stories
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Shooting
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A defendant in a double shooting will remain detained despite an oral motion for release that was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Dec. 3.
Devaughn Branham, 21, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024.
According to court documents, two separate crime scenes were located, one at the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE and the other on the 500 block of Parkland Place, SE. Multiple shell casings were located at each scene, but there were no victims.
Branham’s defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, asked that the court consider amending his release conditions from the DC Jail. Swarna noted that there is evidence that Branham was acting in self- defense and that the nature and circumstances found in the preliminary hearing are not sufficient to detain someone.
Swarna contended Branham has limited criminal history, and if he was put on release under 24 hour home confinement he would be living with his mother. His mother has been receiving cancer treatment and before his arrest Branham was her primary caretaker.
The prosecution was opposed because nothing has significantly changed to warrant his release.
Judge DiToro agreed in denying the request.
Parties will reconvene on Dec. 19.