Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty During Arraignment

By Anthoine Godin - January 30, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Jan. 29, a non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in the courtroom of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno. 

Johnathan Dawkins, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and threat to kidnap or injure a person, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 700 block of G Street, SE, on April 24, 2023. No injuries were reported.  

According to court documents, Dawkins allegedly fired six shots in the direction of the victim. After being interviewed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the victim revealed that they had talked to Dawkins earlier that night, and claimed the interaction escalated to the point that Dawkins told the victim “ I’ll shoot you right now”. 

According to the victim, the two had met a year prior and the hostility Dawkins demonstrated was due to money lost in a craps game.

Dominique Winters, Dawkins’ defense attorney, alerted the court he pleaded not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

While awaiting trial, Dawkins continues to comply with pretrial release conditions.

A status hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 21.