Metro Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment 

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On Dec. 6, a shooting defendant was arraigned on 22 counts in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo

Thomas Leach, 17, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with significant bodily injury, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, ten counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business.

He’s charged for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds, at the Benning Road Metro Station on the 4000 block of Central Avenue, NE, on Dec. 8, 2022. 

According to court documents, Leach and the intended victim went to school together. 

During the hearing, Leach’s defense attorney, Terrence Austin, alerted the court Leach was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial. 

A trial date was set for Oct. 3, 2024. 

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 16, 2024.