Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

By Adriana Marroquin - August 23, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

On Aug. 23, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to six indictment charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun. 

Reginald Hughes, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 26, 2022. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE, and left one individual injured. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, officers responded to the location after ShotSpotter alerted to seven shots being fired in the area. When they arrived, officers located the victim’s vehicle crashed against a pole before it was engulfed in flames. The victim was conscious and breathing, and told officers he couldn’t feel his legs several times. 

The MPD’s investigation showed that the victim’s vehicle had been shot at as he was crossing the intersection of Southern Avenue and Bonini Road, SE. Officers located seven spent shell casings at the intersection. MPD believes that there were two shooters involved in the incident. 

According to MPD documents, the victim was able to identify Hughes as the shooter, and told officers that Hughes had threatened to kill him before he shot him. 

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Hughes’ defense attorney, alerted the court that Hughes was pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted his right to a speedy trial. 

A trial date has been set for March 2024. 

Parties are expected to return on Aug. 31.