DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied release for a defendant who allegedly attempted to shoot hisneighbor, during a hearing on July 29.
Juwan Russell, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 25, on the 1000 block of 16th Street, NE.
Defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein argued for Russell’s release, stating that he allegedly tried to shoot his neighbor’s car but missed and hit an unoccupied vehicle leaving no one injured. She also stated that if released on GPS monitoring, the defendant could live with his mother in a different part of the city, so that he would not have to come in contact with the victim.
The prosecution opposed and said nothing has changed since DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan ruled against releasing Russell on July 14. They also stated that Russell is charged with firearms charges and video footage captures Russell allegedly committing the shooting.
Judge Salerno stated that Russell had repeated altercations with the victim; there were four expended cartridge casings at the scene allegedly proving he tried to shoot at someone, and a distinctive yellow hoodie was found in Russell’s bedroom that surveillance footage shows the shooter was wearing..
Ultimately, he agreed with Judge Nolan’s ruling and decided to hold the defendant.
Parties are expected to reconvene Aug. 25.
