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By
Zachary Poe
- June 9, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a formal reading of their charges stemming from a nonfatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 6.
Demarco Hayes, 22, and Donte Bennett, 27, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The shooting took place on July 24, 2024 on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.
According to court documents, at approximately 6:50 p. m., police responded to a car crash. They found a man with a gunshot wound in the neck inside a wrecked blue Hyundai Sonata – later determined to be stolen. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Police executed a search warrant on Aug. 28, 2024, on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE. They found Hayes allegedly with a loaded 9mm gun, 125 grams of marijuana, pills in baggies, a cleaning kit, and labeled shooting targets.
During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Hayes’ attorney, and Steven Kiersh, Bennett’s attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz of their intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights to a speedy trial.
Judge Kravitz also addressed several issues related to Hayes’ pretrial release. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) recommended revoking his release after he tested positive for marijuana, violated his curfew on May 11 and 12, and moved next door to the Bennett’s home after an eviction despite having a stay-away order.
Judge Kravitz explained that he did not prohibit Hayes from consuming marijuana after a March 21 hearing. Bunke said the curfew violations did not resemble a pattern and were simply due to traffic, which Hayes reportedly documented. Judge Kravitz and the PSA representative agreed that Hayes may remain at his current residence as long as he abides by the stay-away order.
The defense plans to file a motion about imposition of the curfew, arguing that Hayes is responsible for childcare for his nieces and that the curfew should be adjusted to normal hours.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 18.