Despite emotional appeals from family, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied release on bond to home confinement for a shooting defendant on Oct. 31.
Antwan Buchanan, 50, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 29 at the 1700 block of Gales Place, NE. Two individuals sustained injuries.
Defense attorney Hannah Claudio asked Judge Park to allow Buchanan to await trial under home confinement, highlighting his strong community ties and rehabilitation efforts while incarcerated. She presented three letters to the court, two from Buchanan’s daughters and one from his pastor, describing him as a devoted father and a pillar of the community.
Claudio also noted that Buchanan, the father of seven children and grandfather of five, has a “stack of certificates” from multiple prison programs. These include classes in anger management, coping skills, and first aid. She emphasized that he had two friends in the courtroom willing to provide him housing and supervision if released.
Defense also argued that Buchanan is not a flight risk and would comply with home confinement conditions.
The prosecution opposed the defense motion, reminding the court that probable cause had been established at the previous preliminary hearing and it was “not a close call.” The prosecution detailed Buchanan’s prior convictions, including a 2016 voluntary manslaughter case and a 2008 aggravated assault case– both of which he said involved “strikingly similar circumstances” to the current charges.
The prosecution further noted that Buchanan had been in an escaped status following his 2016 case and before his most recent arrest, calling that history a serious concern for public safety and accountability. He also pointed out that the present case involves multiple gunshots fired in broad daylight, with one bystander struck. The crime was described as “an act that endangered many” over what he called a “petty dispute.”
Judge Park acknowledged the family’s and the defense’s efforts but ultimately sided with the prosecution. He said Buchanan’s prior record, the violent nature of the current charges, and the strength of the evidence weighed against release.
He added that the shooting’s occurrence in broad daylight heightened his concern and warranted continued detention to protect public safety.
The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 19.
