Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing and Denied Release 

By Adrianna Bhan [former] - July 9, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects |

DC Superior Court Judge Judge Heidi Herrman accepted Stephan Ombolo’s waiver of a preliminary hearing and denied his release at a hearing on July 8. 

Ombolo, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place on March 26 on the 400 Block of Newton Place, NW.

According to court documents, Ombolo’s cousin’s roommate called the police for help when Ombolo’s cousin was having a mental health crisis. The roommate told a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective that Ombolo assaulted him after Ombolo’s cousin was transported to a hospital and the police left. 

Court documents state that Ombolo was angry with the roommate for calling the police regarding his cousin. Ombolo allegedly struck the roommate repeatedly with the butt of a gun and fired one shot towards him that didn’t hit him. 

At the July 8 hearing, Ombolo’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, requested Ombolo’s release, arguing that he has “three prior convictions in 2018, none of which were assaultive,” and that she “believe[s] [Ombolo] could comply.”

King said, if released, Ombolo would not come to DC unless he had a court hearing, “and the community will be safe.” 

The prosecution objected to Ombolo’s release, stating that there were “serious concerns about the defendant’s ability to abide by rules.” 

Judge Herrman said there were no conditions she could set that would ensure the safety of the community. 

Parties are slated to meet again on July 17.