Outstanding Warrant Delays Murder Suspect’s Release

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On June 12, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan further delayed defendant Victor Coley’s release date due to an outstanding warrant in Maryland.

Coley, 60, was found guilty in 2015 for his involvement in a shooting that injured four on Nov. 6, 2013 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. He was accused of assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm, along with eleven other charges.

In 2021, one of Coley’s victims, 65-year-old Dennis Foster, allegedly died from gunshot wounds sustained in the 2013 shooting.  As a result, new murder charges were filed against Coley.

On June 23, the murder trial resulted in a hung jury.

Defense lawyers Jesse Winograd and Carrie Weletz were planning to place Coley at a residential recovery facility in Southeast DC. However, given his outstanding warrant, the facility will not be able to accept Coley. 

Judge Ryan delayed releasing the defendant until July 20, allowing the defense time to contact Maryland officials and resolve the issue. 

The “detainer” or warrant in Maryland is in regards to a second-degree assault charge in 2011. The active warrant was issued in November 2013, shortly after Coley was taken into custody for the 2013 shooting. 

The next status hearing will take place July 19.