Parties Share Frustration Regarding Homicide Defendant’s Detention in Another Jurisdiction 

By Birchard Allen IV [former] , Adrianna Bhan [former] - July 12, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A mass shooting defendant’s counsel expressed her frustration with a defense attorney in another jurisdiction where he is being held, before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on July 11.

Gerald Thomas, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and seven counts of possession of a firearm, for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of Dasha Cleary, 20, on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The incident left four others injured. 

According to court documents, five women and six men attended a party at a Days Inn hotel at the location. Thomas’ then-girlfriend had organized the party for one of the witnesses. When Thomas allegedly arrived, he fired multiple rounds into the room, striking his girlfriend, three other individuals, and killing Cleary.  

At the hearing, Dominique Winters, Thomas’ defense attorney, waived his presence, citing his detention  in Prince George’s County in connection to an unrelated matter. 

Winters expressed frustration with Thomas’ attorney in the Maryland matter, stating that she as not been able to get in contact with her regarding a plea deal, which would resolve all cases.

“It has been difficult for me to get in contact with the Maryland attorney,” Winters stated. The prosecution agreed stating that they “share [her] frustration.” 

The parties expressed that they are uncertain if the plea deal has been disclosed to Thomas’ defense counsel in Maryland. Thomas is scheduled for a hearing on Aug. 16 in Prince Goerge’s County, where parties expect he will be transferred to DC. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 23.