Thank you for reading D.C. Witness.
Consider making a donation to help us continue our mission.
By
Jeff Levine
- December 10, 2024
Daily Stories
|
Non-Fatal Shooting
|
Suspects
|
Mother and son co-defendants say their violent actions were justified given the threat posed by the victim in an assault case argued before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Dec. 10.
Ralph Price, 20, and his mother, Wilinda Barron, 45, face charges respectively for aggravated assault knowingly, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Barron is accused of assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for an incident that occurred on July 27, 2023, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.
According to Barron’s attorney, Raymond Jones, Barron was being punched when Price came to her aid by firing a shot at her assailant. Thus, he says, a valid claim for self-defense and an argument for release.
“He saw an older man beating his mom,” said Jones, explaining Price’s response. “She didn’t say, ‘Go get a gun and shoot him.’”
The prosecution opposed release for the pair based on the circumstances of the case.
“Ms. Barron was the original aggressor,” said the prosecutor. He said she hit the victim in the head with a glass object and continued to beat him when he was on the ground suffering from a serious gunshot wound to the back.
According to the prosecution, Barron has three prior convictions for assault, including one outside of DC.
While Judge Christian acknowledged that the victim was assaulted, he nonetheless allowed a modification of the pair’s release terms to 24-hour, seven-day-a-week house arrest with GPS monitoring.
“There is to be no movement outside the home,” said the judge.
Earlier, Judge Christian issued a bench warrant for Price and Barron after they failed to make an October court appearance.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2025.