A defendant accused of shooting and killing a man inside of an America’s Best Wings pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 27.
Antoine Lawery, 20, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the shooting and death of Jacquise Zanders. 21, at the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE, on May 13, 2025. All of these offenses were committed while Lawery was on release for another unrelated matter.
According to court documents, Lowery allegedly shot at Zander as he entered the restaurant to pick up his order. After shooting him he fled the scene.
Terrence Austin, Lawery’s attorney, told Judge Kravitz that he would be pleading not guilty to these charges, and they would like to choose a trial date.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 18 for a status hearing.
