DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a defense attorney’s request for release during a homicide defendant’s arraignment on April 15.
Charles Mitchell, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 55-year-old Clay Hargrave on July 26, 2025, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, which also left a surviving victim with non-life-threatening injuries.
Mitchell pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts after the court formally read his charges.
Terrence Austin, Mitchell’s attorney, requested Mitchell’s release from the DC Jail because he has a wife and two children living in Virginia. Austin said although Mitchell does not live in DC, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) could still monitor him.
Austin said Mitchell was a productive member of society prior to his arrest because he earned a high school diploma, was employed as a truck driver, and his two prior criminal cases occurred more than 25 years ago. He also claimed Hargrave attacked Mitchell, before the shooting occurred.
Hargrave’s family was present in court, and the prosecutor said they opposed Mitchell’s release.
Judge Edelman denied Austin’s request because of the seriousness of the charges and said video evidence shows Hargrave did not attack Mitchell.
Mitchell indicated he would like new defense counsel, and Judge Edelman said he would consider the request at the next hearing if Mitchell’s concerns persist.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.
