Judge Ends Shooter’s Probation Despite Positive Drug Tests

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted release from probation for a nonfatal shooting defendant on Feb. 26, despite prior positive drug tests for cocaine.

Horacio Daswell, 40, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at a McDonald’s on the 7400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Oct. 8, 2022. Daswell was the only one injured in the incident. He was sentenced to 18 months of confinement and one year probation.

In court, Judge Di Toro stated the hearing was called due to Daswell’s positive drug tests for cocaine and his failure to comply with regular substance abuse treatment evaluations.

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), stated that since these infractions, Daswell has been in compliance with conditions of release and his drug tests have all resulted negative. He recommended that Daswell undergo outpatient treatment.

Daswell’s probation is set to expire Feb 27 but Judge Di Toro decided to discharge Daswell from his probation, not imposing further restrictions.

Witnesses Say They Saw Murder Victim Gunned Down

During the first day of a homicide trial, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 25, an off-duty police officer and another bystander testified they witnessed a fatal shooting ordered a disruptive person to leave the courtroom on Feb. 25.

Jerome Israel, 21, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022, on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

In their opening statement, the prosecution argued that Israel hid in an alley for 22 seconds before firing 12 shots at Barbett and fleeing in a stolen vehicle, killing the victim on Aug. 23, 2022. They claimed that on Aug. 25, 2022, less than 36 hours later, Israel returned to the scene and fired 14 more shots from the same stolen car with the same firearm.

Prosecutors outlined the evidence they plan to present, telling jurors they will review surveillance footage capturing the alley where the shooting occurred. They added that there will be testimonies from police officers, forensic specialists, and the medical examiner, who concluded the victim died from three gunshot wounds.

In addition, an eyewitness who allegedly identified the defendant and saw him with the victim the night of the incident will take the stand. Neighbors who saw or heard the shooting are also expected to testify, including an off-duty police officer who recorded footage of the moments after the gunfire.

Prosecutors stated that, on Aug. 25, 2022, officers responding to an unrelated crime near the incident scene heard gunfire and issued an alert for a stolen vehicle linked to the murder. They showed video footage of a crash where a suspect was seen fleeing and pointed to DNA evidence found on a firearm and other items inside the car, allegedly linking Israel to the stolen vehicle.

Investigators also said they recovered receipts, paperwork, and personal belongings of the car’s owner from Israel’s vehicle, suggesting he used car in the shooting, according to the prosecution.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Israel’s attorney, challenged the prosecution’s argument, claiming that prosecutors were wrongfully combining the two separate cases – the Aug. 23 homicide and the Aug. 25 shooting and unauthorized vehicle use. Sapirstein urged jurors to evaluate each incident separately and avoid making the same connection.

Following opening statements, Judge Ryan ordered Israel’s uncle to leave the courtroom when he exhibited disruptive and combative behavior with court officials, stating “He can get out,” and warning that if he refused, the court would handle the matter “not in his favor.”

The prosecution called on Barbett’s sister, who described her brother as silly, loving, and kind-hearted. She testified that she FaceTimed him on the day of the murder, stating their conversation was lighthearted and full of jokes.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer also testified that he was off-duty at home when he heard three gunshots. The officer described looking out his window and seeing a man crawling in the street with one arm raised defensively as another individual fired at him. After hearing six or seven more shots, he saw the shooter tuck the gun into his pants, kick the victim in the head while saying “fu***** bi***,” pat his pockets, and sprint away.

The officer also reviewed the video footage he took that night, which captured the victim laying in the street and repeatedly screaming for help as the shooter fled.

Sapirstein clarified that the officer couldn’t make out clear details of the shooter or the victim beyond their clothing and gender.

An eyewitness, who knew the defendant’s father, testified that he was in a parked car on the day of the incident, when he saw Barbett walking ahead of another individual, later identified as Israel. After hearing gunshots, he looked back to see the victim collapse as the shooter fled the scene.

Although he could not remember the exact number of shots or other specifics from the incident, prosecutors noted that his 2022 interviews with detectives and grand jury testimony provided more details. The witness previously identified Israel as the suspect from a photo lineup and reaffirmed that identification in court.

When asked by Sapirstein what he saw, the witness stated that the shooter was about 10 feet away from Barbett and saw the defendant holding a gun– although he could not remember which hand the gun was in, nor its color or other identifying details.

The eyewitness also recalled that when speaking to detectives, he described the shooter as having nappy hair and facial hair—a description that did not match the photo the witness previously identified Israel from a photo lineup. Sapirstein asked the witness whether he needed glasses, to which he admitted he did, questioning his unreliability.

However during the prosecution’s redirect the witness clarified that he only needs glasses to read, not see at a distances.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 26.

Attorney Claims Homicide Defendant Killed Teen in Self-Defense

Defense attorneys claimed a fatal shooting victim was the individual that escalated a verbal altercation into a homicide before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom on Feb. 25.

Daquan Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 3000 block of Randall Place, SE, on May 16, 2018.

During opening statements, Dana Page, Gray’s attorney, argued that what the prosecution described as a planned fight between high schoolers with Gray shooting Wheeler and running away, was actually an escalated situation when Wheeler got involved physically, had a gun, and threatened Gray with it.

“If you’ve got your dog use it b****,” Page claimed Wheeler said menacing Gray.

“Daquan had a single moment to think how am I going to make it home to his mom,” Page said.

She argued that the prosecution has been ignoring the evidence of self-defense since the incident.

During their opening, the prosecution showed videos and images of an individual identified as Gray allegedly running away and placing something under a tarp in the backyard of a home.

They explained a gun was retrieved by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who had seen an individual, later identified as Gray, running away. According to the prosecution, the officer did not believe Gray posed a threat, and returned to the residence where Gray reportedly placed something under a tarp, and found a .25-caliber handgun.

The gun was swabbed for DNA evidence, but because of preservation problems with the sample, DNA evidence will not be used in this case, prosecutors told the jury.

As the trial unfolds, the prosecution will call a witness who was present at the 2018 fight.

The trial is set to continue Feb. 26.

Stabbing Defendant Placed In Residential Drug Treatment

A stabbing defendant agreed to sign an information release enabling his placement in a residential drug treatment facility before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 26.

Billy Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and panhandling-aggressive for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 7, 2023. The incident occurred at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW.

In court, Judge Di Toro stated that Williams had been noncompliant with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) in the past, and that this hearing was called to get clearance from WIlliams to move him to a residential drug treatment facility.

Henry Escoto, William’s attorney, stated that Williams was ready to sign the document and comply with PSA’s conditions.

The prosecution had no objection and Williams signed the release.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 1.

‘I Need You to Understand That I’m Serious,’ Judge Tells Shooting Defendant in Granting Release

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a shooting defendant’s request for release following a jury mistrial on Feb. 25.

Daniel Cary, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020 on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE. The victim was shot once and suffered a collapsed lung.

Following Cary’s mistrial on Feb. 24, Alvin Thomas, Cary’s attorney, requested that Cary be given a second chance for released under supervision from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

According to Judge Brandt, Cary was released on home confinement before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe in April of 2024, which was then downgraded to GPS monitoring with special permissions granted for work. Cary immediately violated these conditions, by not charging the battery of his monitoring device, receiving a bench warrant for missing a hearing, and getting rearrested.

Thomas stated that Cary had experienced problems with the charging box of his device and that the bench warrant was the result of a mixup of dates. As for the rearrest, the case was an unauthorized use of a vehicle that has since been dismissed. Cary stated that he wants to work and will abide by all conditions set before him if given the opportunity.

The prosecution disputed the release request, citing Cary’s non-compliance with PSA and the fact that he “routinely played fast and loose with what was allowed.”

According to a representative from PSA, Cary was never compliant with pre-notifying the agency when he worked construction. The prosecution also stated that despite the mistrial, the evidence in the case was still strong and the offense significant.

After deliberations, Judge Brandt labeled this case, “a very tight call for the court.”

She stated that by statutory definition, Cary is a danger to the community, however, she is willing to take a chance on him. She also mentioned that Cary’s codefendant, Chantel Stewart, 33, had recently been found not guilty at trial for certain serious offenses, despite allegedly being a key instigator of the incident.

“I need you to understand that I’m serious. I don’t suffer fools … Don’t mistake me being nice and courteous with me not having a backbone, because it’s made of steel,” Judge Brandt warned Cary.

The prosecution was audibly surprised stating that Cary did not follow directions during his first release, insinuating he would follow that trend this time.

“I’m gonna give him enough rope if he wants to hang himself,” Judge Brandt told the prosecutor, before granting Cary release.

Cary’s conditions include GPS monitoring, amended housing situation, no contact with the victim, a stay away order from the scene of the crime as well as all of Southeast DC, in-person check-ins with PSA, and a curfew.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Multiple-Incident Case

A shooting defendant, charged in connection to three different incidents, which he committed while on release from another matter, accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Feb.. 24.

Renard Levenberry, 28, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, endangerment with a firearm, possession of prohibited weapon, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 13, 2024, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left knee.

Levenberry is also charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 20, 2024, on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the arm.

Additionally, Levenberry is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession ammunition, for being in possession of a firearm on Aug. 21, 2024, while officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executed a search warrant at the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, officers located an unregistered firearm with a 21- round loaded magazine.

Sweta Patel, Levenberry’s defense attorney, informed Judge Pasichow that Levenberry had signed a plea deal that requires him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss all other charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on May 16.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 7-And-A-Half Years

DC Superior court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a homicide defendant to seven-and-a-half years of imprisonment on Feb. 25.

On Oct. 22, 2024, Ted Brown, 55, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Tommy Hudson, on May 26, 2024. The incident occurred at a residence on the 500 block of Harvard Street, NW.

According to court documents, an altercation occurred between the two men. After Hudson initially attacked Brown, Brown retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Hudson with a malicious intent.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Epstein impose a seven-and-a-half year sentence, considering Brown’s physical and mental condition. The prosecutor cited a lack of remorse on Brown’s part during his interview with law enforcement.

Brown’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested Brown be given the mandatory minimum, emphasizing Brown’s deep regrets, history of domestic abuse, and lack of a criminal record, excluding a non-violent conviction 20 years ago.

“I didn’t know what the word remorse meant…I regret it,” Brown told Judge Epstein.

Judge Epstein recognized Brown’s remorse, taking into consideration Brown’s intent not to kill, Hudson’s prior convictions, and his unhealthy relationship with the defendant. Judge Epstein granted the request of both parties and sentenced Brown to the agreed up term.

No further dates were set.

Defense Claims Prosecution ‘Has the Wrong Guy’ in Homicide Trial

Parties presented opening statements on Feb. 25 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson in a fatal shooting trial that defense counsel says “has the wrong guy,” as the suspect.

Guy Johnson, 57, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the murder of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

In opening statements, the prosecution argued Johnson allegedly stared down Robinson’s cousin, followed them in a “cash Uber,” exited the car, and fired six shots into the white sedan Robinson was driving. Her cousin in the passenger seat fled from the shooter and wasn’t hurt. Prosecutors argued surveillance videos show the so-called stare-down between Johnson and Robinson’s cousin, demonstrating concern about the surviving victim.

Charlotte Gilliland, Johnson’s attorney, argued it’s a case of mistaken identity. She maintained there is no physical or forensic evidence connected to Johnson, eyewitness descriptions of the shooter don’t match the defendant, the bullet casings and magazine went untested, and the prosecution has no plausible explanation regarding motive.

Gilliland added that Johnson “acts like the innocent man he is on surveillance” because he remained on the scene and spoke to the police when they arrived.

Prosecutors called a witness who spent a lot of time near the incident. She identified herself in surveillance footage, and testified to seeing an unfamiliar man across the street, describing him as “kind of weird… just the way he was pacing back and forth.” She added that the individual across the street interacted with a white sedan – like the one in which Robinson was located fatally wounded.

Surveillance video showed an individual next to the witness who she was unable to identify, but she testified the person said “he’s on my line” about the man across the street which she understood as “someone is out to get you.” She left the area prior to the shooting and elaborated “that means trouble in street terms…why would I want to be there.”

Johnson’s other attorney, Kevin Mosley, asked the witness “You are in an orange jumpsuit does that mean you are locked up?” The witness answered, “Yeah, and for what reason I would like to know.” Mosley argued prosecutors issued a warrant for the witness to come to court, although she does not have a clear memory of that night and never saw anyone with a gun.

Prosecutors also called another eyewitness, who testified he heard the gunfire and his Ring camera captured the scene after the shots were fired. In the footage, a car allegedly carrying Robinson and her cousin were attempting to drive away as an individual in a grey jacket fled the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 26.

Detective Says Murder, Mass Shooting Defendant ID’d Through Social Media, Surveillance Footage

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that a homicide defendant was identified as the suspect through social media and surveillance footage in a Feb. 21 proceeding.

Andre Greene, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Lamont Street and 50-year-old Jermaine Proctor, which occurred on July 18, 2024, on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue SE. Two additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, when MPD officers responded to the scene, they found four victims suffering from gunshot wounds, two of whom were in critical condition. Street was discovered lying unconscious in a parking lot and was pronounced dead at the scene, while Proctor was taken to Washington Hospital Center – MedStar for a head injury, but all life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and he succumbed to his injuries.

The prosecution called on MPD’s lead detective in the case who testified that Greene was one of four suspects as he went over the footage gathered from the crime scene, and the evidence obtained from an Instagram search warrant that was conducted on Greene’s account.

According to the detective, Greene and three other individuals got into a blue Dodge Charger, believed to belong to Greene, and drove to a location near the crime scene, where the suspects switched over to the suspect vehicle, identified as a white Chevy sedan.

The detective testified that surveillance footage shows the suspect pull up to the crime scene, get out of the car and shoot at the victims, injuring four individuals.

During the hearing, the prosecution also presented information from the Instagram search. The probe revealed Instagram story videos from an individual said to be Greene in a blue Dodge Charger, like the one from the crime scene, with the same latitude and longitude.

The videos were reportedly posted about four minutes before Greene allegedly picked up the other three suspects, and about 30 minutes before the shooting.

Additionally, the prosecution showed business records from the search showing messages between Greene and another person, where the defendant asked the person to call a lawyer on his behalf.

Shawn Sukumar, Greene’s attorney, argued that the detective could not verify that the metadata was correct, requesting that part of the detective’s testimony be designated as not credible. Sukumar also argued that that text message asking for a lawyer was not an admission of guilt.

Judge Ryan allowed for the text messages to remain as evidence for possible relevance. Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

The hearing is set to resume on Feb. 28.

Defense Notes Description Discrepancies in Homicide Trial

An eyewitness to a homicide provided different descriptions of the suspect before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on Feb. 20.

Darrell Moore, 47, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the murder of 37-year-old Julius Hayes on the 300 block of 18th Street, NE on April 3, 2021.

In trial, the prosecution called a witness who was present the day of the shooting and called 911. In that call, he described the suspect as being a darker-skinned individual who was about 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Brandon Burrell cross-examined the witness and highlighted differences between how the witness described the suspect and Moore’s actual appearance.

Specifically, he noted that the description given to the detective just after the incident occurred was similar to the information in the 911 call. However, when asked to describe Moore in court, the witness identified him as a lighter-skinned, 5’7” or 5’8” individual.

As a predicate to additional testimony a monitoring specialist for the Department of Corrections (DoC), testified about the procedure for inmate phone calls, explaining that each inmate has a unique DCDC number used as a PIN to verify their identity. During cross-examination, she noted that an inmate could use another person’s DCDC number if they knew it.

The prosecution also called a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Special Agent who conducted a cellular analysis to track the movements of a phone that police say was used by Moore on the day of the shooting.

The analyst concluded that the phone’s user was likely traveling in a vehicle on the day of the incident. However, during cross-examination, Sanita McLaurin, Moore’s other attorney, elicited that the phone serviced by AT&T never pinged near the crime scene that day.

The agent acknowledged that AT&T’s 2021 data did not track app usage or other inputs, only calls and texts, meaning the phone could have been in the area without leaving a digital trace.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 24.

Prosecution Gets Last Chance to Find Missing Stabbing Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a final continuance on Feb. 26 to further delay a stabbing trial as prosecutors continue to look for the victim.

Shawn Dyson, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 29, 2023, on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Judge McLean continued the case for an additional day to allow prosecutors more time to locate the victim. She advised that if they are not ready to proceed to trial on Feb. 27, she will hear the defense counsel’s argument for a case dismissal and issue a substantive ruling.

Defense attorney Sharon Weathers emphasized that Dyson has been held on the matter for more than a year. She stated that the defense team was prepared to go to trial on Feb. 24 and argued that the case should be dismissed in accordance with Dyson’s right to a speedy trial.

Judge McLean deferred any discussion on dismissal argument until the next hearing and instructed the defense to follow proper legal procedures, regardless of whether it is “routine.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Teen Carjacking Co-defendants Waive Preliminary Hearing

Carjacking co-defendants waived their right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Antonio Gaither, 16, and Derrick West, 17, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking and robbery while armed for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2024 on the 800 block of P Street, NW.

Gaither and West are charged as adults under Title 16 which allows them to be tried as adults for certain serious crimes.

Gaither’s attorney, Quiana Harris, and West’s attorney, Gregg Baron, alerted Judge Herrmann of their intent to waive their right to a preliminary hearing.

West and Harris also requested that the court consider their release, citing the ages of the defendants. The prosecution opposed the motion given the serious nature of the charges.

Judge Herrmann determined that there were no release conditions that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Shooting Victim Injured, Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Cameron McMillian, 35, is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Jan. 24 on the 1100 block of 4th street, leaving one person injured.

During the hearing, McMillian’s attorney, Errin Scialpi, alerted the court that he intended to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Scialpi also asked the court to consider his release, citing weak identification of McMillian as the perpetrator, and a local place of residence.

The prosecution opposed the motion, stating that there is clear surveillance footage of the incident, and the defendant is shown possessing a firearm. They additionally cited McMillian’s previous offenses.

Judge Herrmann determined that there were no acceptable release conditions for the defendant that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Shooting Defendant Waives Hearing, Considering Plea Deal

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Daniel Griffin, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 27, 2024 on the 4300 block of Burroughs Ave, NE, injuring a single victim.

During the hearing, Griffin’s attorney, Mark Rollins, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and informed the court that they are actively considering a plea offer proposed by the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Release Denied

A stabbing defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Brenda Blanco, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a single stabbing that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 3600 block of 14th street, NW.

Blanco’s attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, alerted Judge Herrmann of Blanco’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing, and requested that the court consider Blanco’s release, citing her lack of any prior criminal record and a residence in DC that she can return to.

The prosecution opposed the motion, citing clear surveillance footage of the incident as well as identification of the defendant. The victim was familiar with the defendant, and was allegedly able to identify her as the assailant, according to the prosecution.

Lanyi informed Judge Herrmann that Blanco tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in jail, and has requested any available drug treatment services. Lanyi also requested that Judge Herrmann consider releasing Blanco to a bed-to-bed treatment program.

Judge Herrmann had considered it, but bed-to-bed treatment would require Blanco’s release. The Judge determined that there were no release conditions for the defendant that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties alerted Judge Herrmann they are continuing plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to return March 5.

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