Shooting Defendants Plead Not Guilty During Arraignment

By Grace Nardei [former] - February 4, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-Fatal Shooting | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 2, two non-fatal shooting defendants were arraigned before DC Superior court Judge Robert Salerno.

Jonah Harris, 47, and Gerald Jones-Hall, 23, are charged with conspiracy to rob, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, among other charges, after allegedly participating in the shooting and attempted robbery of two victims at the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on July 10, 2023.

At the hearing, the prosecution stated that Hall had a prior criminal history of second-degree assault and pointed out that Hall was allegedly the individual who carried a rifle in a bag before the shooting.

At the hearing, Jones-Hall’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, and Harris’ defense attorney, Christen Romero Phillips, alerted the court they were pleading not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial and the right to a trial by jury.

Reed argued that Jones-Hall’s GPS monitoring should be removed, stressing that Jones-Hall has been compliant with most of his release requirements.

Prosecutors opposed the request, stating that he was previously convicted of second-degree assault, and is now charged in connection to a shooting that left two individuals suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, insinuating he is a danger to the community.

“I find it hard to believe that he has been fully compliant given that he has been charged with a felony one offense,” Salerno said, referencing their newly upgraded charges through indictment.

Harris’ and Jones-Hall’s cases have been transferred to DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, due to the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Parties are slated to return Feb. 13.