Preliminary Hearing Waived in Non-Fatal Shooting Case 

By Audrey Staudacher , Ayda Atici [former] - February 20, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 20, before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover, parties agreed to waive a preliminary hearing for a defendant in a non-fatal shooting case. 

Jamal Francis, 44, is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 15, on the 3000 block of Raleigh Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, two men were having an argument and had agreed to fight when the suspect allegedly pulled a gun and began shooting in the victim’s direction. The victim was not injured. After the suspect fled the scene, responding officers arrested him.

Francis’ defense attorney, Mark Rollins requested a waiver of Francis’ preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the motion. 

Rollins also requested Francis be released, arguing that he only has one prior conviction dating back several years, and Francis is willing to follow a conditional release, such as GPS monitoring. 

The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that regardless of Francis’ past convictions, his release would still endanger the community, citing the fact that the shooting occurred near a college campus. 

Judge Glover agreed with the prosecution and denied the motion for release.
All parties are slated to return on Feb. 28 in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom.