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 shooting defendant on Nov. 7.

Donnell Hannah, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting 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.

Stabbing Defendant Had to ‘Make a Decision to Protect My Life’

A stabbing defendant claimed self-defense in a dispute with the victim, who suffered 21 stab wounds, in trial arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 6.

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, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 19, 2023 stabbing incident on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

Green testified he was not the aggressor in the incident.

Both the victim and the defendant testified the altercation began because of the victim’s infidelity and Green’s attempting to pack up and leave.

Green confirmed that the victim entered their apartment speaking to someone he did not know on the phone. Green waited in the bathroom to try and ascertain who it might be before confronting the victim and heard her say, “He’s a great guy, but I’m a little detached.”

Green stated that he confronted the victim and learned that it was a man the victim had just met picking up her son from school. Hearing this, Green decided he wanted to leave the relationship.

Green testified he began packing his things and heard the victim state, “You don’t do anything for me,” adding that the victim was generally unaffected by Green’s leaving. In retaliation, Green began packing all of the items he had purchased for the victim as well, including a pair of work pants.

According to Green, there was a tug of war over a pair of pants when he was packing up and the victim fell to the floor and hit her head. While on the ground, she “bear hugged” herself around Green’s calf and allegedly bit him.

Green recalled a loud commotion outside the apartment from the victim’s family members, and was afraid they were setting him up, as they tried forcing their way into the apartment.

According to Green, there was a back and forth between unlocking and locking the locks from both sides of the door so Green barricaded the door with a bookstand, and a purple knife on top.

While moving the shelf under the doorknob, the purple kitchen knife fell to the floor, Green testified.

Green went to find the victim on the balcony of the apartment, seeing she was armed with a knife upon opening the door. Green claimed that he took one step toward the victim and she lunged at his throat with the knife in hand. Green blocked the blade, suffering a minor cut on his neck and bleeding from his hands as he was holding the blade to protect his throat.

Green testified he wrestled the knife away from the victim and set it down inside, telling the victim to call her family off, and leaving the room to comfort the victim’s child and put him in the bedroom with their dog.

When Green heard more thuds from outside the apartment’s main door he went to hold the door closed while the victim grabbed the purple knife from the ground and the red knife Green had set down.

According to Green, the victim then lunged at him stabbing his right abdomen before he could, again, wrestle one of the knives out of her hands.

The cycle of Green holding the door closed, and the victim’s lunging at him continued, however, Green was able to move out of the way and, allegedly in self-defense, stabbed the victim in the left abdomen, according to Green.

Green then alleged that both parties retreated, the victim looked down at the wound and revealed she was pregnant. Prosecutors objected because the information was under seal, and the comment was stricken from the records and the jury was told not to take this into consideration for their verdict.

Green, fighting through tears on the stand, persisted, recounting two more instances of the victim’s lunging at him after hearing this emotional news. Green stabbed the victim in the leg, again allegedly in self-defense.

When the victim moved to attack Green for the final time, Green testified he believed he needed to “make a decision to protect my life.” According to Green, “I close my eyes and just start wildly swinging the knife” until he can hear the victim screaming, “Ok I’m done I’m done.”

Green said he watched the victim fall to the ground and could hear the victim’s family beginning to break through the door. “I knew it had to be bad,” Green said on the stand, but he decided to flee.

Green ran to the bathroom, looked at his injuries, dropped the knife, and jumped out the window and passed out in a backyard.

Green did not call police or go to a hospital, fearing that no one would believe what happened, until he was arrested on Oct. 20, 2023. The court was shown photos of the defendant’s stab wounds from the date of his arrest.

The intensive care unit (ICU) doctor who treated the victim in the hospital also completed her testimony, confirming that had the victim not received medical attention she likely would have died. She added that the injuries sustained by the victim could nonetheless have unknow effects.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Nov. 7.

Document: Police Investigste Homicide in

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 30-year-old Keion Naylor that took place on Nov. 5 on the 3300 block of 6th Street, SE. 

After responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.  The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Multiple Witnesses Provide Background for Prosecution in Homicide Trial

On day two of a murder trial, the prosecution built its argument with surveillance footage of the incident and offering testimony from four witnesses before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 6.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022 on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE.

Jermall Johnson, 40, is also charged in connection to Umoh’s death. On Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defendants’ request to sever their cases, which allowed them to be tried separately.

According to court documents, the shooting happened outside of the Franklin Market Liquor Store. When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene they found Umoh suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Umoh succumbed to his injuries later that night.

The prosecution called its witnesses, beginning with an MPD officer who was involved in executing a search warrant in this case on Jan. 3, 2023 . The officer located the Franklin Market Liquor Store on a map and oriented the jury as to the location of the crime.

Prosecutors also called an MPD investigator, testified that he was involved in retrieving the surveillance footage from the cameras both in and outside the liquor store. Surveillance footage leading up to and after the incident were admitted into evidence.

The footage showed the shooting and reactions from witnesses outside and inside the liquor store.

The mother of Stevens’ only daughter testified that her house was searched as part of a warrant and Stevens was arrested from her home. She said Stevens and her had been in a “back and forth” relationship since 2018 but they were on a break in December 2022 when the crime occurred.

According to the witness, Stevens texted her “I might go to jail,” the day after the murder.

After the jury was dismissed, parties argued over whether parts of text message evidence should be redacted before it can be viewed by the jury. The prosecution argued that the texts were important in identifying Stevens as the suspect but the defense argued that they are not contesting Stevens identity and that some of the messages were prejudicial toward Stevens.

Judge Epstein allowed half of the messages to be shown to the jury and the other half redacted citing that the second half of the messages were not relevant to the case.

One of the jurors failed to show up for trial and was called three times before Judge Epstein decided to go ahead with the trial and call in an alternate.

The trial is slated to continue Nov. 7.

Defense Questions Police Conduct in Shooting Trial

A witness working with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was questioned about posts on his Facebook page in a shooting case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Nov. 5.

Deon Jenkins, 46, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home or business with a prior felony, possession of a destructive device, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 29, 2023, non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1800 block of M Street, NE where Jenkins sustained multiple injuries.

According to court documents, Jenkins shot multiple times at a moving vehicle that was speeding toward him. The defendant fell to the ground and fled while the vehicle crashed through a fence and into a nearby yard.

During the hearing, prosecutors called several officers with MPD who responded to the scene. One officer said she encountered a man on the scene who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, who she identified as the defendant.

Another officer testified that he saw a white van on the block of the shooting with apparent blood stains on the front passenger door. He also testified that he found a gun in an alley behind a residence on the street along with spent shell casings in multiple locations.

During the trial, defense counsel Lauren Morehouse pulled up Facebook posts allegedly made by the officer who found the gun at the scene, which showed the :Blue Lives Matter” flag and quotes like, “I hunt the evil you pretend doesn’t exist.” Another post showed the officer’s account allegedly commenting on a post about police brutality with laughing emojis.

Morehouse also brought up pending conduct investigations allegedly against the officer, including a use of force violation that occurred in October.

On cross examination, another officer testified that in security camera footage there are flashes of light near two separate vehicles that could be muzzle flashes. He also said he had previously lied under oath during testimony in another criminal case where he said there were no sustained findings of conduct violations against him that he knew of, which was not the case. He had a sustained finding against him about an unauthorized vehicle pursuit after which he was suspended for five days.

Yet another MPD officer testified that the defendant did not have a firearm registered in his name at the time of the incident.

An analyst with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified that he collected the firearm and 23 cartridge casings from the scene. He also testified that he found an additional bullet in a residence on the street where the incident allegedly occurred and a bullet hole in the fence of another residence.

On cross examination, the witness testified that the casings had different “headstamps” or identification markings.

Another police witness who swabbed the firearm and magazine for DNA evidence said he accidentally put samples from the firearm and the magazine in the same box, which is not standard procedure. He said analysts were still able to test the samples.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 6.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Bond Review Motion

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a motion to release a shooting defendant on Nov. 5.

Marquise Vauss, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in two domestic violence incidents, on the 1700 block of D street NE.

According to court documents, on Sept. 17, Vauss slapped the victim, identified as his girlfriend, in her apartment and fired three shots at her vehicle as she drove away. Additionally, on Oct. 9, Vauss allegedly punched the victim in the face after she denied him money to purchase marijuana.

At the hearing, Anthony Smith, Vauss’ attorney, argued he should be released as he awaits future court dates. At previous hearings, Smith had argued that Vauss had a support system and place to live in the community through his mother, had a steady job, and Vauss’ girlfriend, the complainant in this case, had indicated Vauss would be allowed to live with her again.

Judge Hertzfeld asked if any circumstances had changed since she last denied his release and Smith said no. Judge Hertzfeld denied the motion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 13.

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