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By
Thomas Hinton [former]
, Birchard Allen IV [former] - June 11, 2024
Daily Stories
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Non-Fatal Shooting
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Victims
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DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a shooting, during a June 10 hearing.
Jason Dyer, 26, is charged with aggravated assault while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured four on April 7, on the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.
Prosecutors called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who was one of the first responders.
Video surveillance footage, played in court shows a blue Acura on the 100 block of Elmira Street, SW, sitting on the side of the road for two minutes before making a wide left turn across an intersection, stopping in the middle of the intersection, where four individuals get out and start shooting towards a vigil.
The car then drives off and crashes into a tree in front of the 4400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW, before four individuals get out of the car and flee, one of which the prosecution claims to be Dyer.
According to the officer, as Dyer fled the scene, he sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, so he couldn’t run. The officer was able to locate Dyer and arrest him. There was a ski mask next to where was found behind the 100 block of Elmira Street, SW, and a blood trail from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.
Defense attorney Elizabeth Weller claimed that there is no DNA evidence connecting Dyer to the shooting.
Despite Weller’s arguments, Judge Epstein found probable cause that Dyer was one of the shooters in the vehicle.
He said the occupants of the car had “clear intent to fire,” which is grounds for probable cause.
Due to Dyer’s injuries the defense argued for his release to home confinement so he could continue his physical therapy, which they claim is not possible to continue at the jail.
The prosecution responded, saying he should not be released due to the “heavily armed nature of the encounter,” and insisted he is a danger to the community.
Due to Dyer’s significant criminal record and the nature of the case, Judge Epstein ordered he must remain detained.
Parties are set to return Dec. 13.