Shooting Suspect Denied Supervised Release, Dismissal of Charges

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DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied requests for supervised release and case dismissal for a homicide suspect during a hearing on Nov. 25. 

Wonell Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams – the mother of his children – on the 2000 block of Knox Place SE, on July 19, 2023.

Jones Jr. submitted a motion requesting supervised release from incarceration, claiming that he is not a flight risk. The prosecution opposed the request, stating that nothing has changed in his situation since the initial indictment. 

Judge Raffinan denied this motion, agreeing with the prosecution that nothing has changed since the initial indictment, and concluded he remains a danger to the community. 

Jones Jr. also submitted a motion requesting that his case be dismissed, arguing that his right to a speedy trial was violated due to delays in filing the indictment and scheduling a trial date. 

Judge Raffinan also denied this motion, stating that the delays were due to the defendant’s repeated requests for new counsel and refusal to cooperate. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2025.