DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a non-fatal shooting co-defendant an extension on his curfew on Nov. 14
Donte Bennett, 27 and Demarco Hayes, 22, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence,. These charges stem from a non-fatal shooting that took place on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE, on July 24, 2024.
Hayes is also charged with unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered firearm in connection to the matter.
At the hearing, Hayes’ defense attorney, Molly Bunke, stated that Hayes had recently been hired by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and would begin working a 6 a. m.-to-2 p. m. shifts starting Nov. 17.
Currently, Hayes and Bennett are both under GPS monitoring with a curfew from 10 p. m.-to-6 a. m.
Bunke requested that Judge Kravitz be open to granting an extension of his current curfew for confirmed employment opportunities, rather than modifying Hayes’ current curfew altogether.
Judge Kravitz congratulated Hayes on his employment, and said that Hayes’ hours outside of his home would be extended for confirmed employment opportunities.
Bunke also orally requested that Hayes’ GPS monitor be removed, and that according to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Hayes has been in “perfect compliance”. Bunke added that Hayes no longer is required to complete weekly drug tests, and has been downgraded to spot testing.
Judge Kratviz denied the motion without prejudice, given that there was no written motion and that Hayes currently has a stay-away order in place. Judge Kravitz told Bunke that he would be potentially open to reconsideration if a motion was formally filed.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13. 2026.
