No Contact Order Upheld in Shooting Case to Protect Children, Despite Victim’s Wishes

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DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered that a no contact order remain in place and without modification during a July 18 hearing.

David Blanks, 38, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on June 21, on the 1600 block of V Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Blanks’ significant other alerted officers that Blanks had fired a gun five-to-six times outside of their home, after she had asked him to not point it at her. During a search warrant, a handgun was found in the residence, with seven rounds of ammunition.

A stay-away and no contact order from the victim and Blanks’ children was imposed on June 22.

At the July 18 hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Di Toro that the victim reached out to them requesting a modification to the no contact order involving herself, her two children, and the incident address.

However, the prosecution stated that considering the facts of this case they would oppose any modification to the no contact order. Specifically due to the fact that “the defendant is seen on video racking the firearm in front of the woman and her two younger children that they share in common,” going on to say that the defendant, “proceeded to shoot that same firearm.”

The prosecution also stated that while the firearm was not pointed at the victim, it does show a danger to the victim and the children in the home and that modifications to the no contact would not be appropriate at this time.

Angela Ramsay, Blanks’ defense attorney, requested Judge Di Toro do what the victim wants and revoke the stay away and no contact order.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 23 for another status hearing.