Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant with a Firearm’s Criminal History

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a shooting defendant with previous cases involving firearms to 24 months in jail and three years of probation on Nov. 6.

On Sept. 6, Abdoulie Jawneh, 23, accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting that took place on May 1 on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Jawneh’s older brother explained that he and his girlfriend were driving around when they saw Jawneh. The couple pulled over to talk with Jawneh and an altercation began when the older brother informed Abdoulie that their mother was concerned about his possible dangerous activities in the neighborhood.

Abdoulie Jawneh reportedly became irritated and began a physical altercation with his older brother. After the older brother and his girlfriend returned to the truck, Abdoulie Jawneh allegedly approached with a pistol and fired multiple shots. The shots struck the vehicle, according to court documents.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court that this was Jawneh’s fifth case involving firearms and the incident post a danger to the public. According to the prosecution, the defendant left the scene to grab a firearm before returning to shoot in public. They asked the court to sentence the defendant to 30 months in jail with a year of supervised release and requested a stayaway from the victim.

Richard Holliday, Jawneh’s defense attorney, revealed that the defendant had completed satisfactory probation in another case and he requested concurrent sentencing for the charges.

“I want to start off by saying sorry. I am truly sorry for the actions I made,” Jawneh told the court. Judge Di Toro pointed out that despite his contrition, during the incident, Jawneh left and came back with a firearm and he was already under supervision for another case while committing the offense.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Jawneh to 24 months in jail followed by three years of supervised release. While on supervised release, she plans to order an assessment for alcohol and weed, and order a mental health evaluation.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent After Back-And-Forth Pleas

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt deemed a murder defendant competent to stand trial on Nov. 7, citing a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Niko Hall, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

At the outset of the hearing, Judge Brandt made sure neither party had any objection to the ruling of competency found in Hall’s mental observation, adding that Hall’s continued refusal to meet and cooperate with defense counsel served as the primary reason for evaluating Hall’s competency.

Judge Brandt also highlighted numerous aspects of Hall’s case in an attempt to make a clear record for any future appellate court to read. Judge Brandt strated Hall’s two co-defendants, Darquise Montgomery and Kyree Wells, each took plea deals in 2023 for their involvement in the incident, while Hall decided to move forward to trial.

Hall’s legal proceedings began in late 2023 where he pleaded not guilty and made it to the second day of a jury trial. Opening arguments were set to begin on the third day, but before they were completed Hall decided he now wanted to plead guilty. Despite the timing of Hall’s request, the court ruled in his favor and ended the trial prematurely.

After just over a week of discussing a guilty plea, Hall expressed his desire to withdraw and reinstate his plea of not guilty, starting a new trial process and appointing a new defense attorney. Again, the court ruled it was Hall’s right and set new trial dates in December of this year.

In September, after nearly one year of being on the case, Wole Falodun, Hall’s attorney, requested to withdraw citing Hall’s refusal to meet. Judge Brandt denied this motion, highlighting the fact that Falodun is Hall’s second attorney on this case.

Throughout Judge Brandt’s recounting of Hall’s case, she made reference to a video of the crime’s being a key reason for the back-and-forth in this case. The video appears to depict the defendant committing the crime as well as clear identification.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Prosecutors Question Stabbing Defendant’s Failure to Call Police

“You had to stab her to defend yourself … including those seven stab wounds on her back?” the prosecution asked during cross-examination of a stabbing defendant in a Nov. 7 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Devan Green Jr., 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 19, 2023 stabbing incident on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Green and the victim were in a romantic relationship.

During the hearing, Green continued his testimony, describing the injuries he sustained from the incident as a “slice” on his hand, a stab on his neck, and an abdominal wound. He claimed to have treated them himself until his arrest on Oct. 20. Only then did Green receive surgery on his abdominal wound, suffered when the victim allegedly stabbed Green.

During cross-examination, Green maintained a consistent answer to the prosecution’s questions about stabbing the victim, consistently responding with “in defense, yes.”

The prosecution made note of the height difference between Green and the victim, claiming it would be difficult for the victim to pour water on his head, grab his dreads, or stab at his neck as Green had testified during direct.

Focusing on the night of the incident, the prosecution walked through the events, bringing attention to the numerous times Green could have left the apartment or called the police but never did.

Furthermore, Green never called the police or sought medical attention after the incident where Green allegedly sustained a serious injury to his abdomen. According to Green, the prosecution noted he was able to hide his injuries from family members he lived with for a full month before his arrest.

Prosecutors also asked Green about his decision to leave the victim bleeding out while her son was in the bedroom, especially if he was a parental figure. Prosecutors said Green did not even check if the victim was alive.

In conclusion the prosecution asked Green about his thought process when deciding to “start wildly swinging the knife” asking the defendant ,“you kept swinging until she said ‘I’m done’? … you had to stab her to defend yourself … including those seven stab wounds on her back?”

In redirect, Lee Smith, Green’s attorney, also clarified Green’s decision to leave the apartment through a bathroom window. Green claimed it was fear of the victim’s family stating, “if they kick that door in, and see [the victim], they gonna kill me for sure.”

As a rebuttal witness, the prosecution recalled the intensive care unit (ICU) physician so that she could share her expert opinion of Green’s injuries. She concluded that the abdominal wound “was not a life-threatening injury” and was “most likely” suffered in a later incident than Green’s neck and hand wounds, given the amount of healing she could see in photographs.

The trial will continue on Nov. 12.

Witness Said to Contradict Previous Statements in Nightclub Murder Retrial

A witness who was at the scene with a homicide defendant allegedly contradicted statements he made to police and in previous proceedings in a stabbing case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 7.

Mark Beasley, 52 is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for the fatal shooting of Darryn Conte on April 26, 2015 on the 6900 Block of 4th Street NW outside a nightclub. One other individual sustained injuries.

Beasley was convicted and sentenced to 40 years of incarceration in 2017 and in 2019 the case was reopened after the defense filed an appeal.

Prosecutors called Beasley’s friend, who was at the club with him that night. The witness was detained for failing to appear after he was served a subpoena to testify on Nov. 4.

The witness testified that Conte earlier in the night had almost hit him in the face while dancing in the club. He said as he was leaving the club, he caught up with Beasley and a silver car pulled up next to them at a corner. He said he saw the victim in the car with another individual and Beasley flashed a gun.

When he asked why Beasley had a gun, Beasley allegedly said “This is what I do.”

The witness said he then lost sight of Beasley and heard gunshots as Beasley followed the car into an alley. He said Beasley had given him his keys earlier in the night, and he drove Beasley’s car to meet at a nearby Denny’s restaurant after the shooting.

On cross examination, defense attorney Destiny Fullwood-Singh read the witness a statement he made to defense investigators in 2016 where he said Beasley never had a gun during the night. They also read a statement he gave to investigators where he said that he drove his own car to Denny’s, not Beasley’s.

Fullwood-Singh also noted the witness had previously been convicted of child sex abuse, larceny, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Fullwood-Singh also played security camera footage of the witness walking out of the club, which she said showed he did not ever get close enough to Beasley to see him flash the gun and that he was never near Beasley while the silver car was on the corner.

On redirect, prosecutors asked if he wrote the statement given to investigators and the witness said no, adding he just signed it because he felt that was what he was supposed to do.

Prosecutors also called an Uber driver who was picking up a customer at the club that night. He testified that he pulled up behind a silver car and saw a bald, light skinned African American man arguing with the people in the car and he thought he saw a gun on the man’s waist. He said he then pulled up closer to the club and heard gunshots.

Prosecutors called a firearms expert who testified that all 12 casings he received in this case were consistent with coming from the same 9 millimeter handgun but he could not narrow down the make and model. He said he also received a bullet in this case that was consistent with a 9 millimeter gun, but could not be sure if it came from the same gun.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 12.

GPS Monitoring Links Defendant to Carjacking

An armed carjacking defendant was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on Nov. 8 on the basis of circumstantial evidence, part of which was provided by GPS monitoring.

Anardo Little, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting and robbery of the victim’s motor vehicle on the 1200 Block of H Street, NE on Oct 14.

Court documents state Little allegedly committed the crimes with three other individuals, then fled the scene and was arrested at a separate location.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer testified at Little’s preliminary hearing that she arrested him but did not personally see him engage in criminal activity. The officer said four suspects approached the victim’s car, but she did not recall the identity of each individual.

Defense attorney Susan Ellis argued the court should not find probable cause to send the case to a grand jury, since the police officer couldn’t identify the four suspects. Ellis said there was nothing linking Little to the carjacking and he was not armed or behaving illegally when he was arrested.

The prosecution said Little’s GPS monitoring device located him among the group of four suspects, providing probable cause Little committed the crimes.

Judge Hildum conceded the police affidavit supporting Little’s arrest and the officer’s testimony were not the most compelling but cited circumstantial evidence as the basis of probable cause.

The details of the circumstantial evidence Judge Hildum laid out were that Little’s GPS monitoring placed him at the events of the armed robbery, then fleeing the scene afterward. Little was later found with three other individuals, one of whom allegedly had a gun in his waistband. More guns allegedly connected to the crime were discovered at a separate location.

Ellis asked for Little’s release, Judge Hildum denied the request, saying Little’s pattern of escalating conduct is troubling.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec 11.

Judge Didn’t Strike Prosecution’s Closing as ‘Prejudicial’

A motion to strike the end of the prosecution’s closing arguments was denied during a trial for a shooting defendant on Nov. 7 by DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Andrew Parsons, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting with one victim on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE on Aug 9, 2023.

During the hearing, Judge Demeo addressed the defense’s motion to strike the end of the prosecution’s closing argument as “prejudicial,” in that they told the jury to hold Parsons accountable for the gun violence in the city.

Judge Demeo stated that the prosecution was addressing Parsons specifically, and was not providing a general argument about gun violence in the city. She denied the motion.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Partially Convicted Carjacking Defendant May Have Second Trial

A partially convicted carjacking defendant is scheduling a second trial for gun possession charges, which stemmed from his original arrest in connection to the incident. The case was heard before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Nov. 7.

On Oct. 8, Jimmy Johnson , 44, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury, and acquitted of armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed, for his involvement in a carjacking incident on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

Johnson also faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Johnson was allegedly in possession of the gun at the time of his arrest in March.

Allen’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, previously requested that Allen’s gun possession charges be tried separately from the charges relating to the carjacking, arguing the charges stemmed from separate incidents.

Allen is currently detained for the conviction and is in plea negotiations for the remaining three charges, awaiting sentencing and a potential second trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 12.

Defendant’s Request to Modify Release Denied

As plea negotiations continue, DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied to modify the release conditions of a carjacking and shooting defendant on Nov. 7.

Donnell Hannah, 26, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident on July 21 on the 800 Southern Ave, SE. Hannah and another individual allegedly fired gunshots before stealing the victim’s car.

During the hearing, parties informed the court that they are still working on a plea agreement and would need more time.

Hannah’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, requested his client’s GPS monitoring be removed as he has been in compliance with the requirements from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Pipe denied the request and informed counsel that if Hannah continues to be compliant when parties reconvene, then she would grant the motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 14, 2025.

Prosecution Claims Murder Was, ‘Like Shooting Fish in a Barrel’

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun, heard opening statements from three prosecution witnesses, one claiming to identify the suspect, as a homicide trial got underway on Nov. 6.

Mark Beasley, 52, is charged with first-degree murder 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 by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Darryn Conte. This incident occurred on April 26, 2015 on the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW.

According to court documents, an individual shot at a vehicle on the 400 block of Butternut Street 13 times, nine of those shots striking and killing Conte and one injuring another. The victims in the vehicle were waiting for their friends to arrive and headed home from the Takoma Station Bar.

The prosecution argued that, through surveillance footage and witness identification, it is clear that Beasley was there on the night of the incident.

According to prosecutors, a witness described the shooter as a larger male, white complexion with a gray and blue sweat jacket. The prosecution insisted that is what Beasley was seen wearing at and around the tavern that night.

Another witness, who is a friend of Beasley’s and who went to the bar that night with him, is set to testify that Beasley allegedly committed the crime.

The prosecution said that the victim was enjoying a night out with friends, before it turned tragic when he was shot and killed in a vehicle, which the prosecution said was ‘like shooting fish in a barrel’.

They also argued for premeditated murder as Beasley, according to his friend, had stated, ‘This is what I do,’ before allegedly firing shots into the vehicle.

Defense attorneys Destiny Fullwood-Singh and Albert Amissah argued that there is another possible suspect shown in the surveillance footage who also was capable of committing the crime.

An individual seen hanging outside the bar and closer to the corner where the incident occurred also matched another witness’ statement given to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), according to the defense.

One witness identified the suspect as a light-skinned Black male with a bald head also wearing a blue and gray sweat jacket. The man outside of the bar is seen on surveillance in a blue and gray sweat jacket and heads in the direction of the scene of the crime, according to the defense. No surveillance footage is available of the crime itself happening, only photos of the crime scene and the street closer to the tavern.

Amissah claimed that because of this other potential suspect and conflicting testimonies the prosecution will fail to prove Beasley guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

They added that the witnesses did not see the actual crime occur,

Prosecutors called on Conte’s friend, who was there at the time of the incident. He claimed it was a fun night where everyone was having a good time and nothing bad had occurred in the bar.

The witness gave an in-court identification of Beasley as the shooter, stating he had seen him prior to the crime occurring within the bar and he had seen him walk around the car and open fire.

Minutes prior the witness said he noticed that Beasley had been fumbling with his pocket while walking around the street. After seeing the shots being fired, the witness and his friend fled the scene.

The witness testified he was able to identify one of the men with Beasley prior to the crime. Through Facebook, the witness and law enforcement were able to find a photo of this individual and Beasley which allegedly connected Beasley to the crime.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) conducted a photo array where the witness was asked to point out the individual who committed the crime. The witness testified that when he picked he stated, “my gut says that is him.”

Fullwood-Singh argued the witness changed his testimony since the grand jury. According to Fullwood-Singh, the witness now claims he saw the gunshots, but previously testified he had left the area before shots were fired.

A MPD officer who responded noticed the vehicle where the victims had been shot, one individual was laying partly outside of the vehicle and the other was moving away from the vehicle.

This officer, along with a team, conducted witness interviews and obtained surveillance footage in order to catch a suspect. This officer also conducted the photo array to identify Beasley.

The trial is set to resume on Nov. 7.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A stabbing defendant entered a plea of not guilty and requested a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Nov. 7.

Valentino Allen, 34, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful introduction of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan 15. Two victims sustained injuries.

Allen’s defense attorney, David Akulian, stated that Allen plead not guilty to all four indictment charges. He added that they are no longer in plea negotiations after rejecting a prior agreement extended during his preliminary hearing. The terms of the plea were not disclosed.

Allen is released on a cash bond for this case but is currently held in an unrelated case.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan 8, 2025.

‘The Only Thing He Could Do Was Protect Himself,’ Says Defense Lawyer in a Stabbing

A stabbing defendant testified at the conclusion of his trial on Nov. 6 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Samuel Robinson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weaponfor his alleged role in a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Square Metro Station on the 700 block of M Street, NW, on Feb. 6. One person sustained a wound to the back of the head. He allegedly committed the crime during release from another criminal matter,

During the hearing, Robinson took the stand to tell his side of the story. Robinson testified the victim attacked him while he was listening to music and waiting for the Metro. According to Robinson, pushed him into an elevator wall and swung at him, and would not let him go, even after a transit police officer told him to stop.

After threatening to call the police, the victim let him go.

Robinson testified that while he was talking to the officer,who did not restrain the victim, saw the victim walking in a circling back toward him. Robinson feared that he was in danger, saying the victim was threatening him. Robinson claims to have then lunged at the back of his head, but didn’t strike him with full force. He stated that he saw kids coming off the train and hesitated, and in doing so cut his index finger.

During cross examination, the prosecutor asked Robinson to review camera footage that showed the victim allegedly walking away from Robinson instead of toward him. The prosecutor also asked if the defendant was angry during the incident.

“Just because I’m angry and pissed off, what does that mean?” Robinson said.

The prosecutor also asked if he was aware of the victim’s mental impairment, to which Robinson seemed annoyed by.

“How am I supposed to know he got a mental impairment, I don’t even know him,” Robinson said, raising his voice.

When the prosecutor asked Robinson about his criminal background, he confirmed his convictions but stated that they, “have nothing to do with this case.”

The prosecution made the closing argument that Robinson’s actions were motivated by revenge, not self-defense. While the prosecution agree that the victim did attack first and that Robinson had a right to self-defense, there’s a limit; that limit is reached, the prosecution argues, when the victim starts to walk away, and Robinson allegedly runs after him.

The prosecution reviewed security footage from the Metro and discussed each scene, arguing Robinson had no reasonable justifications for self-defense at that moment.

Defense attorney Michelle Lockard countered by arguing Robinson’s actions were reasonable. Lockard claimed the people who were supposed to protect Robinson, the transit security, did not intervene, but instead let the victim walk around freely after visibly assaulting Robinson.

“The only thing he could do was protect himself,” Lockard stated, “the [prosecution] will have you think he’s not the victim. He is.”

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

During a felony arraignment, an armed carjacking defendant pled not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights on Nov. 7 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Vincent Jones, 29, is charged with carjacking, two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on June 16, 2023.

Defense attorney, Peter Odom, spoke on Jones’ behalf and pleaded not guilty in front of Judge Demeo, who was covering for DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro. He asserted Jones’ constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 3.

Murder Defendant Misses Hearing for the Third Time

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo delayed a ruling on a motion for release from the DC jail during a status hearing on Nov. 7, because the defendant failed to appear for the third time.

Iesha Marks, 30, is charged with first-degree murder while armed drive-by or random shooting, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for of her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Donald Childs, 46, on the 4900 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW on July 23, 2023.

Marks previously failed to appear because she had been sick, and during this third attempt to resolve a pending motion, Marks was again a no-show. It was unclear as to why, and her defense attorney, Dana Page, also stated she did not know the reason.

Judge Demeo mentioned that sometimes defendants avoid court and asked for the US Bureau of Prisons (BoP) to find out what’s happening.

If Marks is sick, Judge Demeo said her condition should be actively addressed, and the parties should be alerted to her status.

A new date for the status hearing was set for Dec 12.

Judge Disallows Some ID Evidence From the Victim’s Mother in a Shooting Case

Parties sparred over what Identifying evidence could be admitted in an upcoming shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park. In a Nov. 6 hearing the defense was particularly concerned about statements by the victim’s mother, and that prosecutors allegedly failed to deliver evidence to them in a timely fashion and introduced new information from a 911 call.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual, identified as Gibson’s childhood friend, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, Gibson’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, motioned to suppress three witnesses’ testimonies, including the property manager where Gibson lived, its security guard, and the victim’s mother. One focus was an interaction with the property manager that the defense said wrongly pointed to Gibson as a suspect.

Meanwhile, detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), insisted their investigation went by textbook.

One detective testified about interviewing the victim’s mother who was present after the shooting positively identifying the defendant from a photo presented by the detective.

Body-worn camera footage depicts the victim’s mother writing down “he shot and robbed my son,” on a document.

The judge ruled the camera footage would not be admitted into evidence because the witness only saw the aftermath of the shooting, not the actual event.

Cicurel also asked to dismiss the obstruction charge linked to a series of nonconsecutive tweets posted to Gibson’s account allegedly threatening some witness against testifying.

She argued that the tweets were never seen directly on Twitter and were ultimately hearsay.

“Lift up my Glock, I’ll shoot anybody,” a tweet read. Cicurel explained how this was a line in a song by rapper “No Savage” and thus is protected speech and artistic expression.

“If you tell your mother and the law, you’re hot 100,” another tweet read. Judge Park ruled that the word “hot” meant “snitch” and thus could be inferred as a threat. He allowed it to be used in trial.

The Judge also ruled that the motion to dismiss the charge was denied.

The prosecution acknowledged they failed to give the defense the Twitter subpoena as ordered by discovery. Judge Park determined it was “ordinary negligence” and the remedy was to make note of the failure in the jury’s instructions.

The prosecution also requested a 911 call be added to the evidence that would provide direct evidence of an individual’s getting shot. Kevann Gardner, Gibson’s other attorney, objected due to the potentially prejudicial nature of the audible screams and distraught crying as it would arouse jury sympathies.

Judge Park granted the request with some redactions.

The trial is set to begin Nov. 7.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Judge Erik Christian denied a shooting defendant’s request for release in a status hearing on Nov. 7.

Ralph Price, 18, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a July 27, 2023 shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Wilinda Barron, 45, Price’s co-defendant, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for her alleged involvement.

During the hearing, Price’s defense attorney, Lauckland Nicholas, asked for additional time to review the new discovery and a plea deal extended by the prosecution. Nicholas also filed an additional request for Price to be released as he awaits further proceedings.

Nicholas argued that Price has been held since he was indicted, and he would safely be able to stay in DC ensuring he will report to court.

The prosecution argued against release based on no change in Price’s actions and circumstances since the last hearing on Oct. 11, and the severity of the crime that caused the victim to remain in the hospital for two months.

Judge Christian agreed with the prosecution, denying the request for release without prejudice based on the severity of the crime and no changes from Price since the last hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 10.

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