Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Remains Detained

By Maggie Rhoads , Adrianna Bhan - June 6, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, on June 6. 

Koby Ham, 25, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident occurred on June 2 on the 1300 block of Savannah Street, SE. 

Prosecutors displayed surveillance footage of the incident, which depicted two individuals, one identified as Ham,  shooting at a blue truck, occupied by two individuals ten times. No injuries were reported, but the truck sustained damage from five gunshots.

According to the prosecutor, at the time of his arrest, Ham was in possession of two firearms. 

During the hearing, Charles Haskell, Ham’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Raymond he waived his right to a preliminary hearing. 

Haskell requested Ham be released to his mother, claiming “he has never been in any trouble in his life.” 

Haskell also highlighted his client had no violent history and being in jail was an “eye-opening experience.”

His lawyer wanted Ham released under GPS surveillance, pointing to his mom and sister who were in the court, and stated they are willing to assist him.

The prosecution argued the nature and circumstances of the shooting proves Ham poses a threat to the community. They said the shooting was a “random act of violence,” and Ham should not be released. 

Judge Raymond denied the request stating she “agrees with the prosecution,” and there are “no conditions or combination of conditions [she] can order, which satisfies the safety of the community.” 

Judge Raymond stated it was “fortuitous” no one in the vehicle was injured or killed during the shooting and found probable cause he shot at the victims. 

Parties are set to reconvene on June 27 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Arthur Errol.