Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Leah Meyer
- March 4, 2025
Court
|
Daily Stories
|
Non-Fatal Shooting
|
Suspects
|
A shooting and robbery defendant charged in a 55 count indictment entered a plea of not guilty for all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 27.
Rodney Bennett, 19, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, robbery, and two counts of robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public space at the 600 block of Edgewood St, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and two armed robberies at the 1300 block of Neal Place, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and at the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW on Aug. 29, 2024.
According to court documents, Bennett allegedly committed these crimes while on release for another matter.
Bennett is also charged with endangerment of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for an incident that occurred on Aug. 26, 2024, but the incident location is unknown.
Michael Madden, Bennett’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Ryan of Bennett’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and to petition the court for his release due to his age and large amount of community support.
Judge Ryan responded by stating that Bennett has an “astounding” number of indictment charges, and there are no release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 4.