Released Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Mass Shooting Incident

By Rhiannon Little [former] - July 17, 2023
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On July 14, a defendant in a 2022 homicide case was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Gerald Thomas, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, and several other charges for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that led to the death of 20-year-old Dasha Cleary on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The shooting left four others injured, including Thomas’ girlfriend.

Thomas’ defense attorney, Aubrey Dillon, alerted the court Thomas was pleading not guilty to all counts and asserted his trial rights.

Parties then discussed the prosecution’s request to detain Thomas until trial.

The prosecution said Thomas was arrested in Prince George’s County, Maryland for alleged drug and gun offenses indicating he should be held.

The prosecution also noted a pending law in the District that would broaden the conditions for pre-trial detention and that probable cause has been determined in Thomas’ case.

A relative of the victim spoke in support of Thomas’ detention, saying there is “no reason he should be free” and asking the Court to “please put him in jail.”

The defense responded saying the Prince George’s County case has been dismissed and Thomas has been in perfect compliance with his release conditions. 

Judge Raffinan said she’ll wait to see if the new DC law is signed and if the prosecution the wants to respond accordingly.

The Judge ruled there has been no change that warrants Thomas’s being detained and denied the prosecution’s request. 

Parties are expected back on Nov. 14 for a status hearing.