A teen shooting defendant was denied release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 17.
Kenard Howard, 17, is charged with robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 300 block of 62nd Street, NE on Oct. 28, 2025.
Howard is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.
At the hearing, Howard waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence, which Judge Jones accepted.
While requesting his release, Howard’s defense attorney, Clarence Powell, informed Judge Jones that Howard was enrolled in high school where he earned exceptional grades and was a member of the basketball team.
Powell also pointed out that Howard’s mother and grandfather were present in court for the hearing, and assured Judge Jones that Howard had a support network in the community. Powell requested that Howard be released from custody so he could continue his education.
The prosecutor argued Howard remain jailed because he posed a threat to the community, claiming that the incident was an assault with intent to kill.
While describing the offense to Judge Jones, the prosecutor stated that they have no evidence to lead them to believe Howard was armed. However, the prosecutor asserted that Howard and other suspects involved in the case knew each other, disputing Powell’s argument that Howard was unfamiliar with the other suspects.
The prosecutor played the CCTV video footage of the incident that showed a large group of suspects moving toward the victim and stealing his jacket. The video showed some of the suspects reaching for what prosecutors allege was their firearms. According to prosecutors, the suspects then started to walk away but instead chased after the victim. The victim then pulled out his own firearm and began shooting, causing the suspects to flee, said prosecutors.
Powell claimed that based on the video, Howard remained in place and did not follow the suspects when they began chasing the victim.
Judge Jones stated that Howard was possibly associated with two individuals who were armed during the incident, and that he faced the same charges as the other suspects, concluding the hold should stay in place.
Judge Jones said he did not believe any combination of release conditions could ensure the safety of the community.
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 23.
