Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Granted Release

By Emily Reed , Gelela Tesfaye - June 17, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

An 18-year-old defendant in a shooting case waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and was released by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on June 17.

Owen Mendez, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. No individuals were injured during the incident.

According to court documents, officers responded to a phone call from the garage, in which an individual reported a gunshot that hit their vehicle. A garage attendant stated that he heard a gunshot in the garage and officers requested video footage from the time of the incident. 

Court documents state that the footage showed two male individuals, the complainant and an individual identified as Mendez, arguing before breaking out into a fight. 

The complainant apparently brought Mendez to the ground and kicked him in the face. Mendez allegedly returned a few moments later with a gun, pointing and firing at the complainant, but missing him and hitting the caller’s car.

During the hearing, Mendez waived his right to a preliminary hearing and requested release from the DC Jail.

Defense attorney Kibria Nabeel argued that Mendez had no criminal record and he had acted out of fear of being “jumped” by a larger group. 

Nabeel also stated that Mendez was the sole provider for his family and children. Mendez’s entire family – including parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins – was present in court to show their support.

The prosecution argued against release, stating the nature of the charges indicate that Mendez has impulsive behavior that would endanger the community if he were to be released.

Judge Raymond granted conditional release under electronic monitoring.

Parties are slated to return Aug. 1.