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Judge Encourages Probation Stabbing Defendant to ‘Keep it Up’ With Drug Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro discharged a show cause hearing for a stabbing defendant on April 15 despite a series of failed drug tests.

Janette George, 39, was sentenced on June 21, 2024, to seven months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 30 days of incarceration for simple assault, followed by 18 months of supervised probation. Both charges were committed against a senior citizen. 

George must undergo mental health assessments and transition to the community through the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), a residential facility. The conviction stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the unit block of O Street, SW on Nov. 6, 2023. The victim sustained a laceration to the right hand. 

According to court documents, George engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim and victim’s family in their front yard. The argument turned physical when George produced a knife and cut the victim. 

During the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) appeared via WebEx to provide an update regarding George’s probation. She informed Judge Di Toro that George was compliant and “doing great.” 

However, according to the representative, George consistently tested positive for PCP. The representative requested a continuance in the hearing to allow more time to receive George’s results from her most recent drug test. 

Rather than granting the continuance, Judge Di Toro, decided to discharge the show cause hearing because she wanted George to focus on drug rehabilitation. 

As a result, George will remain under CSOSA’s supervision as she participates in a drug treatment program.  

Judge Di Toro encouraged George to “keep it up” with her compliance. 

No further dates were scheduled.

Judge Dismisses Homicide Defendant’s Conspiracy Charge, Still Sentenced to Some 132 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson dismissed a conspiracy charge for a homicide defendant after a mandate from the Court of Appeals on April 10. 

Derek Turner, 34, was sentenced on March 13, 2023 to more than 134 years for conspiracy, first-degree murder, among other charges related to his involvement insome a shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 1, 2017 on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. McPhatter succumbed to his injuries on March 5, 2017. Turner was also convicted of the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017 on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. 

Ronnika Jennings, 47, was convicted and sentenced for accessory after fact for her involvement in the same incidents. 

A ruling from the DC Court of Appeals filed on Feb. 26 remanded the conspiracy conviction, shortening Turner’s sentence by two years. Because the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to prove Jennings’ conviction, which was reversed. Because Jennings’ charge was dismissed, the related charge against Turner for allegedly conspiring with her was likewise dismissed.

Judge Dayson asked the prosecution and Turner’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, if they objected. Neither of them did. 

No further dates were set.

Domestic Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon

A domestic violence shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 8. 

Warren Wills, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in shooting –a woman he was romantically involved with on the 2000 block of E Street, NE on Jan. 14. 

At the hearing, Wills’ attorney, Gregory Copeland, informed the court that his client accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment with greater charges. Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged and accepted the agreement. 

The prosecutor said if the case had gone to trial, the evidence would have proved that Willis shot  his romantic partner after a fight as she got into her friend’s car, injuring her leg. 

Copeland requested that Judge Hertzfeld release Wills under home confinement, stating this was his first offense and he had a stable job for 19 years. Judge Hertzfeld denied this request due to the nature and severity of the case. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on June 8.

Judge Serves Domestic Shooting Defendant With Civil Protective Order

A domestic shooting defendant was served with a Civil Protective Order (CPO) during a hearing on April 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld

Robert Young, 70, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Nov. 1, 2025 on the 1000 block of 8th Street, NE. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, Young allegedly arrived at his residence where he lived with his girlfriend on the night of the incident and argued with his girlfriend’s goddaughter, who recently moved in with them. Young reportedly grabbed a firearm from a closet and threatened his girlfriend, along with her goddaughter and her grandson. 

Later, Young allegedly left the residence through the back alley, and then fired a single shot. All three victims and a witness reported hearing the blast. 

ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection surveillance system used by law enforcement agencies, detected a single round fired. 

During the hearing, Young was served with a CPO, a court order protecting an individual from someone in a special relationship with the victim accused of violence against them. No details were given on the contents of the mandate. 

A stay-away order for the three victims had previously been ordered on March 25 by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, according to court records. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27. 

Judge Asks Homicide Defendant to Keep Current Attorney After Multiple Trial Delays

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman requested a homicide defendant waive his right to a new attorney in a hearing on April 14 in order to expedite the proceedings.

Joshua Franklin, 40, 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 prior crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

All of Franklin’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

According to court documents, the Public Defender Service (PDS) represented Franklin for the last four years, with four different PDS attorneys.

In a hearing on March 20, Judge Edelman received a note from Franklin requesting a trial delay to obtain new counsel, and reject plea negotiations. However, At the end of that hearing, parties concluded that Franklin wanted to withdraw his request and proceed with his current attorneys.

At the current hearing, Judge Edelman expressed his concern with Emma Mlyniec’s representing Franklin because of “past non-effective representation” from PDS. Mlyniec was co-counsel under former defense attorney Joseph Yarbough before he resigned from PDS without providing “proper advice,” to Franklin, said the judge. 

Judge Edelman requested that Franklin have an informal or handwritten waiver, meaning that he would like to proceed with his current representation at a trial, and not request a new attorney later in the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Defendant Rejects Plea in Drug Deal Turned Stabbing

A defendant accused of a stabbing during a drug deal rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 14. 

Steventh Logan, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 19 on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a laceration to the left calf.  

According to court records, the victim reported that he was meeting “Juan,” who he later allegedly identified as Logan in a photo police showed him, to purchase cocaine when an argument reportedly broke out between them regarding money. Logan then allegedly retrieved a knife from his pocket and stabbed the victim before fleeing. 

During the hearing, Logan rejected an offer from the prosecution that would have required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Daniel Dorsey, Logan’s attorney, requested a trial date after his client rejected the plea offer. 

Parties scheduled a trial date for June 16. 

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial readiness on June 5.

Judge Allows Homicide Defendant’s Transfer For Maryland Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan lifted a detainer holding a homicide defendant in DC, allowing his transfer for a case in a different jurisdiction in a hearing on April 10. 

Jayvon Thomas, 22, and Lavar Hunter, 21, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery,  for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW, on Nov. 19, 2023. 

Thomas was released in this case in April 2024, less than two months later in June 2024, Thomas was arrested in an unrelated matter in Maryland. Parties did not specify the charges Thomas faces in Maryland.

A detainer was put out on Thomas, which keeps him in DC instead of Maryland. 

Thomas’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, argued that they would not be asking for a 120 day trial in the DC case and asked if the detainer could be lifted so he could continue his case in Maryland.

Judge Ryan said as long as they are not requesting a trial date then he will “squash the detainer.” 

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 14.

Defense Says Prosecutors Failed to Preserve ‘Physical, Real, Tangible Evidence’ in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found that the prosecution failed to provide material evidence to the defense belonging to a homicide victim on April 14.  

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kevin Redd, 32, on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained gunshot wounds to his left shoulder, left forearm, and chest.

Before the jury entered, Whitley’s attorney James Brockway argued that the prosecution did not preserve a bag of marijuana found in Redd’s pockets, failing to share all material evidence with the defense upon request and information that may prove Whitley’s innocence. Prosecutors allege Whitley gave the marijuana to Redd before his death. Brockway said forensic testing of the bag could have disproved this or provide Whitley information necessary for his defense.

Brockway said this was “physical, real, tangible evidence” the prosecutor should have maintained.

“The [prosecution] had a duty to preserve, and they did not preserve,” Brockway said.

The prosecutor said the marijuana was not preserved because there was no indication at the scene that it would be relevant to the case. The prosecutor said it was a very small amount and noted marijuana is legal in DC.

“None of that has anything to do with issues of materiality,” Brockway responded. Brockway added that prosecutors could not prove the marijuana did not contain an illegal substance.

Judge Dayson agreed that, while the marijuana would not have necessarily proved Whitley’s innocence, it was tangible evidence that should have been preserved. She ruled that the loss of the bag violated the defense’s right to material evidence, though it was not a failure to provide exculpatory evidence. 

Brockway requested Judge Dayson impose sanctions on the prosecution and at the very least, instruct the jury about the missing evidence.

With the jury present, the defense called a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who retrieved Redd’s belongings from the hospital where he was treated, including two clear bags of marijuana. The belongings were placed in a white bag. The officer said he attempted to look in the bag in hopes of identifying Redd, but a homicide detective at the hospital told him not to. 

The officer said that after leaving the hospital with the property, he returned to the crime scene and met with a Department of Forensic Services (DFS) evidence technician. After talking to a detective on scene, the technician kept certain items and returned the rest to the officer. The marijuana was among the returned items. 

The officer said he brought the returned items back to the police station, where he filled out a property record. He then left Redd’s belongings in the property room for the clerk to process. The marijuana was listed on the property record presented to the jury as evidence. 

On cross-examination, the prosecution confirmed that the officer arrived at the hospital before the homicide detectives did. However, Brockway clarified that the detectives were present when a nurse handed the officer the marijuana. 

Prosecutors called an employee in the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) from the trial graphics unit, who showed videos of who prosecutors allege was Whitley and Redd at a Shell gas station, on the 4300 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE. 

The USAO employee discussed that the video showed the movement of the suspect vehicle from the Shell to the alley where the shooting occurred. The video also showed that vehicle leaving the scene.

Prosecutors also called an MPD sergeant who performed a search of MPD records that showed Whitley did not have a concealed carry permit or a firearm registered to him on the day of the incident.

Without the jury, Brockway motioned for a judgement of acquittal. Brockway said, even if the evidence is viewed in the light most favorable to the prosecution, it is largely based on inferences. He noted that the videos did not depict an argument between Whitley and Redd and no one saw the shooting or could attest to bad blood between the two. 

Brockway concluded there was not sufficient evidence of premeditation. Brockway said the charges against Whitley depend on him having a gun, but since he cannot be clearly seen with one in the video and no one testified to seeing him with one, he should be acquitted on all charges.

The prosecutor argued there was evidence that Whitley had a gun because he was the only person seen with Redd near the time of the incident and the cause of death was gunshot wounds.

“Two people go into an alley, one person comes out,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said there was evidence of premeditation because Whitley left the gas station and returned in a different vehicle wearing a surgical mask. According to prosecutors, a video showed Whitley taking something from his pocket and pointing it at the other car.

Judge Dayson denied the motion to acquit all charges, but did not yet rule on the premeditated first degree murder while armed charge. She said that while a reasonable fact finder could conclude Whitley caused Redd’s death, she was unsure if they could find premeditation. She said she would review the evidence and decide.

The defense also called a Public Defender Service (PDS) supervisory investigative specialist to testify. She said the day prior to her testimony, on April 13, she took photos and measurements of the area where the shooting occurred. The investigator said there was a break in the fence leading to Jay Street and a walkway leading to Sheriff Road that someone could exit the alleyway through without walking on to 47th Place, where prosecutors said Whitley’s car drove away from the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Judge Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a defense attorney’s request for release during a homicide defendant’s arraignment on April 15.

Charles Mitchell, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 55-year-old Clay Hargrave on July 26, 2025, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, which also left a surviving victim with non-life-threatening injuries.

Mitchell pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts after the court formally read his charges.

Terrence Austin, Mitchell’s attorney, requested Mitchell’s release from the DC Jail because he has a wife and two children living in Virginia. Austin said although Mitchell does not live in DC, the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) could still monitor him.

Austin said Mitchell was a productive member of society prior to his arrest because he earned a high school diploma, was employed as a truck driver, and his two prior criminal cases occurred more than 25 years ago. He also claimed Hargrave attacked Mitchell, before the shooting occurred.

Hargrave’s family was present in court, and the prosecutor said they opposed Mitchell’s release. 

Judge Edelman denied Austin’s request because of the seriousness of the charges and said video evidence shows Hargrave did not attack Mitchell.

Mitchell indicated he would like new defense counsel, and Judge Edelman said he would consider the request at the next hearing if Mitchell’s concerns persist.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.

Judge Sentences Non-Fatal Shooter to 6 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a shooting defendant who left a victim paralyzed to six years’ imprisonment on April 15.

Ke’Shaun Farmer, 27, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, on Feb. 18, 2025, that left the victim partially paralyzed.

Judge Edelman sentenced Farmer to six years’ imprisonment with five years’ supervised release for the aggravated assault charge and five years’ incarceration with three years’ supervised release for the possession charge.

The sentences will run concurrently, consistent with the parties’ sentencing agreement in the plea deal.

The victim’s father spoke in court and said if the victim had not crawled out the door, and a neighbor had not placed a towel on the wound and called the police, the victim would be dead.

“Everything for my family changed, but most of all it changed [the victim],” his father said.

He said Farmer, who he said was supposed to be the victim’s friend, did not call the police and was “nowhere to be found” after the shooting, demonstrating a lack of remorse.

The father said he did not agree with the sentence but had to respect Judge Edelman’s decision.

Bernadette Armand, Farmer’s attorney, said she has known Farmer for 10 years and was proud to stand next to him as he took accountability. She said evidence shows Farmer demonstrated remorse “since the moment it happened” and attempted suicide after the shooting.

Armand said Farmer will lose everything he has not lost already, including his job, home, and co-parenting his child. She requested he is held as close to DC as possible, so his family can visit.

Judge Edelman said the incident began with a minor, mutual fistfight, then Farmer pulled out a gun.

He said Farmer had 2022 cases involving possession of cocaine and a large ammunition feeding device but recognized the non-violent nature of those charges. He noted that Farmer accepted responsibility by taking a plea deal early on in the case.

Judge Edelman recommended Farmer obtain a GED while imprisoned and seek employment upon release. He said Farmer will need to register as a gun offender upon release. 

He said he would request Farmer be imprisoned within 120 miles of DC.

No further dates were set.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant For Homicide Defendant Held in Georgia

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant held in Georgia for another case on April 15.

Dijon Williams, 26, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and attempted to commit robbery while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW, on July 21, 2020.

Prosecutors stated Williams’ case in Georgia has not been scheduled for a preliminary hearing, and no trial date is expected until next year unless a special request is made. The prosecution explained they are in contact with Georgia authorities, but have limited information about the timeline of proceedings.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant to ensure Williams’ return to DC, citing uncertainties surrounding his release and the need to maintain progress in the DC case. David Knight, Williams’ attorney, opposed the request, noting that they had no concrete information about the status of the Georgia case, but that it could potentially be dismissed or updated within the next week.

Judge Park granted the prosecution’s request, issuing the bench warrant and noting the importance of tracking developments in Williams’ Georgia case.

The judge also discussed the next steps depending on Williams’ custody status. If released in the Georgia case, the court will address how to ensure his appearance in DC. If he remains detained, the parties will work to coordinate his transfer ahead of his trial in DC, scheduled for Sept. 22.

The parties were instructed to keep Judge Park updated on any developments in the Georgia case. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 14.

Judge Denies Released Infanticide Suspect More Freedom for Personal Needs

During a hearing on April 15, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a motion to modify pre-trial release conditions in a murder case involving an infant.

Wayne Blake, 24, who is facing two counts of cruelty to children and one count of first-degree murder for allegedly killing one-year-old Journee Moore on Sept. 28, 2024 at a residence in the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. 

Blake has been on pre-trial release for approximately 10 months, during which he has been subject to 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring. The hearing addressed alleged violations of his release conditions and requests to adjust the terms. 

Judge Ryan highlighted the two unexplained violations. On April 9, Blake left his home without permission for approximately 11 minutes, with his location recorded near the Cleveland Park Metro Station. The second was on April 11, when he was again recorded at the same location, away from his residence for slightly more than 11 minutes. 

Blake’s attorney, Kevin Mosley argued that the violations were due to personal needs. Further, Mosley stressed that given the defendant’s overall compliance it would be helpful for Blake to have the freedom to handle tasks like walking his new puppy and getting a haircut, which are difficult to manage under the current strict confinement rules. 

Mosley proposed either removing GPS monitoring or adjusting Blake’s curfew to allow for activities like daytime dog walks, grooming, and job searching. 

Mosley emphasized that Blake has been in compliance for 10 months before the two incidents. 

The prosecution opposed, citing public safety concerns relating to “great impulse control and violence issues,” and a risk to children. The prosecution’s primary concern was that Blake should not be around children, noting the defendant’s residence is located at the corner of the Cleveland Park Metro Station frequented by many children. He was observed at the same corner during the alleged violations. 

Judge Ryan emphasized the need to balance Blake’s rights with community safety. While noting Blake’s prior compliance, Judge Ryan denied the defense’s motion to modify Blake’s release conditions. The judge also warned Blake that further non-compliance issues could lead to greater restrictions or re-incarceration. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 24, 2027 for a trial-readiness hearing.

Domestic Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Awaits Sentencing

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal and was denied release pending sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 13.

Nyasar Childs, 28, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Nov. 10, 2025 on the 3200 block of 9th Place, SE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the foot and visible injuries to around her face. 

At the hearing, Childs pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, both charges carry a maximum sentence of ten years. 

In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all charges in an unrelated firearms possession case and not indict on any additional charges. Prosecutors also agreed to limit their sentencing recommendation at the midpoint of the guidelines and agree to give Childs credit for time served. Childs must also register as a gun offender. 

The prosecution said had this case gone to trial, they would have proven  beyond a reasonable doubt that Childs and his girlfriend got into an argument regarding their child at the girlfriend’s house, when Childs pulled out a firearm. Childs assaulted and threatened to kill her before firing the gun at the floor, hitting her in the foot.

Child’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, requested his client’s release. 

Judge Hertzfeld declined the request before ordering a pre-sentence report, stating that he would remain held pending sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 18 for sentencing.  

Defense Says Stabbing Defendant is ‘Dragging That Broken Leg’ Without Wheelchair in Jail

A doctor told DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 14 that a stabbing defendant’s wheelchair was taken because of alleged fights and a lack of necessity.

James Gregory, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE on March 26, 2025. The victim sustained a stab wound to their left arm. 

Judge McLean ordered a representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) to appear to address the emergency motion to return Gregory’s wheelchair that was filed on Jan. 27. Gregory’s doctor from the DC Jail was also present.

According to Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, his wheelchair was taken on Nov. 25, 2025. McLauren said a psychologist visiting Gregory at the DC Jail in February informed McLauren she saw “Gregory crawling on his hands and knees,”McLaurin continued.  “[Gregory] has been dragging that broken leg.” 

Judge McLean said to the DOC representative, “Tell me why he’s not back in [the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF)],” and “I’d like an answer from the jail.”

The representative stated wheelchairs and crutches are not allowed in the general population in the DC Jail. He said they were in the process of transferring Gregory to CTF. However, the doctor said Gregory could not be transferred to the CTF’s medical unit because of a separation order following Gregory’s alleged involvement in a fight. 

The doctor stated he did not believe Gregory needed a wheelchair and that a cane or crutches would suffice. Additionally, the doctor said wheelchairs are needed for those with balance or coordination issues, which Gregory has neither. 

McLaurin affirmed her request for Gregory to receive a wheelchair or crutches. Judge McLean told McLaurin there’s not much more she can do. She advised McLaurin to file a motion for release including medical needs and conditions of release that can ensure the safety of the community.  

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 28. 

Prosecutors Call Stabbing Defendant’s Actions ‘Extremely Dangerous’

A non-fatal stabbing defendant waived his preliminary hearing and was detained before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on April 15. 

Christopher Pierce, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that took place on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue SE, on March 9, 2026. 

According to court documents, Pierce reportedly got into a confrontation with the victim, who chased him down the street. During the confrontation, Pierce allegedly swung a knife at the victim, who was stabbed twice. 

Pierce waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence which is tantamount to a finding of probable cause, then Judge Raymond heard the parties’ arguments for release.

Defense attorney Anthony Dimillo argued that Pierce was chased by the victim, and only used a knife against the victim in self-defense. Dimillo stated that Pierce had tried “multiple times” to leave the situation and attempted to run away. 

Additionally, Pierce has a stable family home and is actively involved with his two children, with a third on the way. 

The prosecution asked Judge Raymond to keep Pierce detained, describing his actions as “extremely dangerous.” The prosecution also emphasized Pierce’s criminal history, stating that he had been previously convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm. According to prosecutors, the victim was also unarmed.

Judge Raymond decided to keep Pierce in custody due to his criminal history and because the victim was unarmed.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 6.