Judge Denies Disabled Defendant’s Request For Release

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a defendant, who is in a wheelchair, requests for release and new representation during a hearing on June 26.

Delonte Brown, 30, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting injuring one person that occurred on June 7 on the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, requested that Judge Pipe consider releasing Brown and order him to home confinement, given his physical state.

Judge Pipe denied the request, stating that there could be no conditions for his release that would ensure the safety of the public due to the seriousness of the crime.

At the end of the hearing, Brown demanded a new lawyer stating, “I don’t want her.” However, Judge Pipe stated that she would not consider the request at this time, but told Brown that she would reconsider his request for new representation at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 23.

Good behavior earns resentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean resentenced a shooting defendant on June 23 based on his exceptional compliance with probation.

Joseph Robinson, 26, pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2021 to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business. The charges stem from his involvement in two incidents – an attempted armed robbery outside a gas station on May 8, 2021 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, and a shooting in a hotel room which injured one victim on July 8, 2021 on the 1200 block of 13th Street, NW. The victim later died of gunshot wounds.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Robinson on May 19, 2022 to 60 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and 15 months for carrying a pistol without a license. Judge O’Keefe suspended all but 24 months of Robinson’s sentence.

During the probation show cause hearing, Robinson’s probation officer highlighted his engagement in community activity.

Prosecutors requested Robinson finish serving his sentences because he possessed a firearm in both incidents. They claimed that Robinson displayed no regard for public safety evidenced by his repeated firearms related incidents.

Robinson’s attorney, Steven Polin, highlighted Robinson’s exceptional compliance during his probation, and the steps he’s taken in his education. Polin asserted that Robinson is a perfect example of the reason the city council amended the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which allows for young defendants to have their conviction sealed upon successful rehabilitation.

He added that Robinson is fully aware that if he violates any conditions he will be sent to prison. Furthermore, he argued that Robinson has experienced PTSD treatment after losing his twin brother in a police shooting.

Polin requested a resentence and probation concurring with his current supervision.

Robinson expressed remorse for his actions, and told Judge McLean that he is not the same person he was when the crimes occurred.

Judge McLean said suspension was a second chance, and successive chances are not warranted. However, in this very narrow circumstance she granted Robinson a third chance. She added that any violation will bring the full jail time.

Judge McLean resentenced Robinson to 60 months suspended and three years of supervised release running concurrently for both matters.

“Mr. Robinson, keep up your efforts,” said Judge McLean.

No further dates were set.

Defendant in EV Charger Shooting Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heidi Herrmann on June 30 and was ordered detained.

Ato Ocran, 46, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of 13th Street, NE on June 3.

One individual was harmed during the incident.

According to court documents, Ocran allegedly got into a verbal argument with the victim over an electric vehicle charger. When Ocran left the parking lot, the victim allegedly followed him down Franklin Street, NE when Ocran allegedly made a u-turn, and fired at the victim through the driver’s side window of his vehicle, shooting him once in the arm and striking the vehicle several times.

According to an interview conducted by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers at the hospital, the victim advised officers that the suspect was a Black male driving a blue Tesla. From camera footage near the EV charger, MPD officers were able to find the license plate number of the blue Tesla and identify the owner as Ocran.

After waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Ocran’s defense attorney, K. Lawson Wellington, argued for his release until the next hearing.

Wellington said that the police report was misleading as to how the incident actually occurred with Ocran acting in self-defense and that it was wrong to find him a threat to the community. He noted that Ocran is employed, a veteran, father, and has no criminal history.

The prosecuting attorney referred back to the police report arguing that Ocran escalated the situation through “unacceptably violent behavior,” by consciously making the choice to make a u-turn and fire several rounds at the victim’s car.

Prosecution also referred to a dangerous amount of unregistered firearms and ammunition found at the defendant’s residence.

Judge Herrmann agreed that the severity of the crime warranted Ocran remain held with no bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty After Conviction Vacated

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 30 after a motion to vacate a previous jury trial conviction was granted.

On April 30, Donnell Wells, 36, was acquitted of three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 1, 2024, on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

The jury convicted him of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his possession of a revolver during the incident.

Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, filed for a post-disposition motion hearing on May 17 claiming a faulty DNA test kit was used in investigations, thus deeming the jury’s guilty verdict as prejudiced.

Wells’ case was re-opened on June 12 after Burrell’s motion to vacate the conviction was granted.

In his June 30 hearing, Wells accepted the prosecution’s newly filed plea offer, which charged Wells with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The prosecution agreed to limit its sentencing request to 18 months of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 19 for sentencing.

Trial Date Vacated to Make Time for Forensic Testing in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman vacated a trial slated to begin July 28 to make time for the defense to run forensic tests on item evidence, during a hearing on July 2.

Diamond Stevenson, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gregory Wilkins on Feb. 4, 2023 at the 1100 block of Maryland Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Stevenson placed a 9-1-1 call in the early morning of Feb. 4, 2023. Upon meeting officers at the scene, Stevenson was reported to be “emotional” and screaming, and at one point laying in front of the apartment door and blocking police entry. After officers breached the door of the apartment, Wilkins was found unconscious and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

In the hearing on July 2, Stevenson’s defense attorneys, Erica Arensman and Madalyn Harvey, explained that they will be running DNA tests on cartridge casings and the murder weapon. The prosecution stated that they have also tested these items. Arensman and Harvey explained that the forensic tests will not be done by the scheduled trial date.

Judge Edelman moved the trial date back to Dec. 7, 2026 to give time for the testing.

In a separate ruling, Judge Edelman amended Stevenson’s release conditions from phone check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) twice a month to reporting as directed because of her compliance with reporting requirements so far.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 30.

James Allen, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual at a McDonald’s on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue NE, on Dec. 28, 2024.

According to court documents, Allen allegedly stabbed the victim while in possession of amphetamines before he disposed of the knife in a nearby trash can and fled.

During the hearing, Allen accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to misdemeanor simple assault. All other charges were dismissed.

Prosecution requested that Allen receive the maximum sentence of 180 days incarceration.

Allen’s attorney, Charles Allen, noted that he has been incarcerated since his arrest on Dec. 28, 2024. Both parties agreed that Allen had already served his time, thus suggesting that he be released.

Judge Pipe argued that such a request misconstrued Allen’s incarceration, which she understood to be in response to probation violations related to other cases. She cited that time served cannot be double counted.

Because Allen was on probation at the time of the offense, Judge Pipe sentenced near the maximum recommendation for his offense. Allen was sentenced to 150 days, having received some credit for time served.

No further dates were set.

mass shooting/murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to independent DNA testing

Shooting co-defendants waived their rights to independent evidence testing in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 27.

Johnny Wilkins, 35, Marcel Gavin, 38, Kharee Jackson, 32, and Darryl Little, 31, are charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith, Jr. on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Smith, a Tennessee rap artist, was visiting DC when he was attacked.

The prosecution listed the evidence they plan to admit to this case, including firearm evidence, clothing, and swabs that were later used for DNA testing. DNA results were received in November 2024. Although findings were limited, the prosecution informed the court that there was a DNA match linking Jackson to the case.

Defense attorneys Bernadette Armand representing Wilkins, Marnitta King representing Gavin, Joseph Fay representing Jackson, and Wole Falodun representing Little waived rights for independent testing on the prosecution’s admitted evidence on behalf of their respective defendants.

Judge Park accepted the waivers from all defendants.

Parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on Nov. 21.

Judge Weighs Motions to Withdraw Guilty Pleas in 2021 Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan is considering whether to allow a mother-and-son duo to withdraw their guilty pleas in connection with a fatal 2021 shooting.

Chakeatia Jackson, 39, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Her son, Jaquell Jackson, 20, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In return, prosecutors agreed to drop the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charge and agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to 15-years. Charges stemmed from their involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Tarshaqua Chappell on Sept. 15, 2021, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to court documents, the murder resulted from a verbal altercation between Chakeatia and Chappell at Ballou High School. Following the dispute, Chakeatia and Jaquell were allegedly seen pointing at Chappell’s vehicle before shots were fired.

The July 3 status hearing focused on motions from the defendants to withdraw their guilty pleas, saying that their previous attorneys had coerced them and misinformed them of their options.

Chakeatia’s attorney, Kevin Irving, stated that she had been in an extremely emotional and confused state when she was pressured by her previous lawyer, Errin Scialpi, to sign papers and agree with any of the judge’s questions. Although Chakeatia declined to testify, citing her Fifth Amendment rights, she now maintains that she did not understand what she agreed to during the plea negotions.

Jaquell’s attorney, Megan Allburn, offered a different argument, stating that his previous lawyer, Brian McDaniel, was not incompetent but was instead misinformed of the plea deals on the table. Jaquell reportedly believed that his mother would only receive a plea deal if he accepted one as well, leading him to agree to terms despite wanting to proceed to trial.

The prosecution opposed both motions. They highlighted the professional records of both defense attorneys, stating they are capable and experienced. The court heard how McDaniel had secured a favorable plea deal for Jaquell despite his alleged involvement in a jailhouse stabbing while awaiting trial.

Furthermore, the prosecution pointed out the repeated discrepancies between Chakeatia’s new recollection of events that led to her plea and what actually happened.

Chakeatia claimed that she was instructed by Scialpi to blindly agree during a break in her plea hearing, when in fact no such break took place during the court proceedings. Additionally, her new stance of having no involvement in the shooting is contradicted by video surveillance at the scene of the crime that identifies her, according to the prosecution.

Judge Ryan has given both parties until July 8 to submit any final written arguments on the matter and will make a ruling on the motions before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 4.

68-year-old Defendant Gets Mental Competency Exam in Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a stabbing defendant to undergo a mental competency exam during a preliminary hearing on July 3.

Jacqueline Robinson, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing using a pair of scissors. The incident occurred on June 30 at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Morris Road, SE.

During her preliminary hearing, Robinson’s defense attorney, Claudine Harrison’s request for forensic testing was granted and a preliminary forensic screening was ordered.

In order to stand trial, the law requires that a defendant understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied the request for release of a carjacking defendant during a July 1 hearing.

Raysean Brown, 29, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of threatening to kidnap or injure a person, armed carjacking, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of reckless driving, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and destruction of property $1,000 or more for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

Brown’s attorney, Joseph McCoy, asked Judge Arthur to release Brown, arguing that Brown has been behaving since his arrest. Prosecutors countered that due to his prior convictions, current warrants in Maryland and Virginia, and the fact that he was on supervised release at the time of the incident, Brown would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecution also raised the concern that Brown has relationships with several of the witnesses and could potentially pose a threat to them if he were released.

Judge Arthur denied McCoy’s request to release Brown.

Addressing another issue, McCoy asked the court not to permit cell site evidence, that the prosecution plans to use. McCoy said that the prosecution acted negligently by not filing notice to use that data sooner. The prosecution had filed notice of their cell site data expert just two days before the July 1 hearing. McCoy requested that, if the judge decided to permit the evidence, he and Brown be given more time to review the evidence and prepare a defense.

Judge Arthur ruled that cell site data would be permitted into evidence and ordered the parties to reconvene on September 23.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal from prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz during a June 27 hearing.

Eliexander Lopez-Burgos, 24, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Carlos Blanco Fernandez, 38, on the 2200 block of New York Ave, NE, on Nov 16. 2023.

During the hearing, Lopez-Burgos accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for the dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of four-to-six years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, witness accounts and surveillance evidence would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that he fatally shot Fernandez from his vehicle. His actions were in retaliation for an altercation two days earlier in which Lopez-Burgos was shot in the leg in a McDonald’s parking lot.

Lopez-Burgos will be held without bond pending sentencing on Sept. 12.

Defendant Testifies Why He Shot The Victim in Night Club Incident

The defendant in a non-fatal shooting case took the stand before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 3.

Vann Allen, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on 1400 block of New York Ave NE on Nov. 11, 2023.

Michelle Lockard, one of Allen’s defense attorneys, questioned him about the night of incident and events leading up to the shooting.

Allen testified that he was at Throw Social club the evening of Nov. 11, 2023 to celebrate a friend’s birthday, but did not stay long. He stated that he arrived so late that he never met up with his intended group. Instead, he left with an old friend of his that he recognized.

While waiting outside for an Uber, he noticed an altercation between a woman he knew from childhood and a group he did not recognize. Allen approached the group once he saw a fight break out between a woman and man.

Although Allen said he only stood near the brawl, the man involved in the altercation charged at Allen, stating, “You know what I got on me” indicating to Allen that he had a weapon on him. The defendant stated that he felt threatened but, “In my mind I’m not doing anything to get attacked.”

It was at this point that he pulled out his gun and shot the man in his abdomen.

Allen stated that he had never shot anyone before, and was scared that someone in the victim’s group would retaliate against him. “I didn’t wanna be a victim,” he testified. According to Allen, as the group charged at him, all he thought was, “I got kids at home” and “I didn’t wanna get hurt.”

Allen testified to walking away from the scene and calling his mother. He said that he was scared and didn’t know what to do. Shortly after, he was arrested in an apartment complex parking garage near the scene of the shooting.

During the cross examination, the prosecution questioned Allen about his prior charges, including a second-degree assault charge in Maryland in 2013.

They also asked Allen about his relationships with others around him the night of the incident. He didn’t clarify his relationship with one of the women in the group who he said punched the victim.

A friend of Allen’s also testified for the defense. She told the court that she was with Allen at Throw Social near the end of the night, giving him a hug when she saw him. She also said that Allen stood with her on the street corner while she waited for her Uber.

According to her testimony, that was when the commotion started. She went home before the shooting and did not know what happened after leaving.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 7.

Victim and His Brother Testify in Shooting Case

The victim of a non-fatal shooting and his brother testified before DC Superior Court Judge Ryan on July 3.

The victim continued his testimony from July 1, describing the night of the incident. He stated that he was at Throw Social bar and entertainment venue with his brothers, cousins and other friends to celebrate a birthday.

He said, “I wouldn’t say I was drunk but I was feeling good.”

While in the club, the victim stated that he did not see the shooter or interact with him at all. He additionally stated that he did not know the shooter prior to the incident..

The prosecution also called the victim’s brother who testified that on the night of the incident he recognized the victim’s ex-girlfriend at the night club. However they did not interact. He stated that she looked familiar and he was certain he had seen her on prior occasions but was not sure of the extent of the relationship with the victim.

Leaving the club, the witness stated he noticed the victim’s ex-girlfriend outside with some friends. Shortly after, a fight broke out between the victim’s ex-girlfriend and then-girlfriend. The victim testified he attempted to intervene and break up the fight.

Shortly after, according to the witness, the victim got upset and the witness had to hold him back. They attempted to walk away but the victim and ex-girlfriend were still arguing. The victim’s brother noticed someone standing adjacent to the fight but did not recognize him.

The victim’s brother denied seeing the victim approach the shooter directly. He testified that his brother was upset after the fight, but was not yelling, and asked the shooter why he was there.

The witness allegedly saw the suspect shoot his brother and then walk away. He stated that he did not see a gun, but he was aware that his brother was shot.

In an attempt to ensure the suspect was caught, the victim’s brother followed him and recorded the pursuit on his phone. He followed the suspect to an apartment building on New York Avenue where the suspect entered a stairwell.

According to the witness, he flagged down a police cruiser nearby and reported that his brother had been shot. He also showed police the video footage he had taken.

The prosecution also called the responding MPD patrol officer who discovered a suspect firearm. The officer testified he was approached by an individual who informed him that his brother had been shot. The individual then pointed to the building where the shooter fled.

The officer downloaded a photo of the alleged shooter from the victim’s brother’s phone, and called for assistance before entering the building’s stairwell where he located a firearm sitting on top of a ledge. The defendant was arrested minutes later.

The prosecution showed the gun to the officer, who confirmed, “it looks like the gun I saw on the ledge.”

In cross examination, the officer testified that the individual who had initially approached him never claimed he was a target. The officer also indicated that the defendant did not appear to be under the influence of any substances.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 3.

Carjacking Defendant Held After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann ruled that a carjacking defendant will be held after she waived her preliminary hearing on the evidence in a July 3 hearing.

Traviyan Hardy, 23, is charged with unarmed carjacking for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred at the 300 block of 40th Street, SE on June 13.

Hardy waived her right to a preliminary hearing and defense attorney, Everald Thompson, argued for her release stating that “[the prosecution’s] case is not strong.”

Thompson claimed that Hardy was already in the car with the victim prior to the alleged carjacking saying it was unclear the incident was a carjacking “so to speak.”

He argued for release on the basis that Hardy has a stable job and home life and that this is her first arrest in DC. According to Thompson, Hardy is a good candidate for home confinement if this were deemed necessary.

The prosecution argued that Hardy be held, stating the carjacking was caught on video with Hardy seen sitting in the passenger side of the vehicle and the victim in the driver’s seat. They noted that Hardy allegedly admitted to being in the video.

While the prosecution did admit that it was unclear whether the defendant participated in physically assaulting the victim, they suggested the video clearly showed that Hardy had stolen items from the victim as her co-defendant, Kevin Lester, forced the victim to the ground.

The prosecution also noted that Hardy was allegedly involved in a burglary case in Maryland and has admitted to involvement in another carjacking in the same jurisdiction. These statements added context to Thompson’s earlier suggestion that this carjacking was her first offense in DC.

Prior to her ruling, Judge Herrmann explained that there were allegations that Hardy was trapped in the car and that the complaining witness would not allow her to exit the vehicle. She argued these allegations were significant if true, and thus, relevant for her consideration.

Video evidence appears to show Hardy hovering over the victim who was on the ground after her co-defendant allegedly assaulted the victim, getting back into the car, and driving away with the co-defendant.

Judge Herrmann concluded from the evidence that even if the defense arguments were true, at the time of the carjacking, Hardy was no longer trapped.

Judge Herrmann ruled that Hardy is to remain held given the evidence and her criminal history.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 8.

Judge Detains Defendant in Stolen Rolex Murder

A homicide defendant’s release motion pre-trial was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, during a detention hearing on July 3.

Avery Taylor, 20, Rayon Davis, 19, and Quintin Reed, 18, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for their alleged involvement in the Dec. 20, 2023, fatal shooting of 39-year-old Dwayne Barbour on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

Judge Brandt, who weighed evidence from the prosecution after a hearing earlier in the week, said the evidence showed Taylor is a serious threat to the community. The trio is alleged to have robbed Barbour, taking his Rolex watch and fatally shooting him in the process before fleeing.

“The weight of the government’s evidence is strong,” Brandt said.

Information provided by the prosecution outlined Taylor’s apparent callousness allegedly wearing the watch for months after the homicide, in what they described as a brazen act. The prosecution said that Taylor frequently brandished the watch on his Instagram account, even using a picture of him posing while wearing it for his profile.

Prosecutors say he also posted a number of images of unauthorized firearms on social media.

The prosecution also outlined several open cases including charges for possession of a controlled substance and a conspiracy involving Taylor and two other co-defendants attempting to obtain fentanyl.

“It is unjust that those involved should have the opportunity to enjoy any freedom,” Barbour’s daughter wrote in a letter to the court, highlighting the painful effect the loss of a father has had on her and her six siblings. Some had signed into the proceeding virtually.

Judge Brandt’s decision followed a hearing on July 1, where the prosecution presented more than 50 slides showing Taylor’s alleged connection to and involvement in the fatal shooting.

The prosecution said that of the three co-defendants he was the likely shooter.

“The facts are pretty damning,” the prosecutor said, adding “I think this is gonna be an overwhelmingly strong case against all three.”

They showed conversation threads between Taylor and the other co-defendants, as well as other associates. There were texts leading up to less than an hour before the crime, and finally a minute before. Subsequent texts pointed to an alleged pattern of behaviour, where weeks after Barbour’s death, Taylor was looking to continue to poach high-end watches and sell them.

“I don’t know what is more brazen than that,” the prosecutor said.

More than half a dozen members of Taylor’s family were sitting in the stands at the July 1 hearing and heatedly objected to the prosecution’s characterizartion of the defendant. Ultimately, Judge Brandt had them removed from the courtroom. Additional security was present for the hearing on July 3.

The judge said certain family members had been “treating the courtroom as interactive,” engaging disruptive conversations.

At the initial hearing, Taylor’s attorney, Andrew Ain, suggested that the prosecution mischaracterized Taylor. He told the judge they were reaching to trying to fill gaps in evidence with speculation.

“They have a lot of holes in the dam where they are trying to put their fingers,” Ain claimed.

He asked Judge Brandt for home-release for Taylor, at his mother’s home in Howard County, Maryland. He said he would accept, as terms of release, 24 hour GPS monitoring and attested Taylor would not leave the home. Ain told the judge that Taylor had been a help around the home, fixing broken hardware. He said he was also a strong presence for his younger brothers, who he had been spending time with.

“At this point Mr. Taylor is innocent,” Ain reiterated. He said Taylor should be treated as such until proven otherwise.

Judge Brandt ordered that Taylor be held without bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 12.

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