Teen Violates Home Confinement Due to Eviction  

By Gelela Tesfaye [former] - July 18, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Suspects | Victims |

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian granted modification of carjacking defendant’s release terms July 17 after he failed to abide by his condition of home confinement because his family was evicted.  

Richard Bates, 17, is being charged as an adult with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unarmed carjacking on Sept. 13, 2023, on the 1600 block of Frankford Street. According to a release from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), two suspects demanded a victim’s vehicle at gunpoint. Bates was later apprehended allegedly with the victim’s vehicle. Police have not arrested the second individual. 

Richard’s defense attorney, Christen Romero Philips, said the teenager only violated the terms of his home confinement because his family lost housing and moved to a shelter. 

Phillips suggested that Richard could work a summer job at a recreational center, where he could stay, and would have adult mentors who would supervise him at all times, everyday of the week. 

The prosecution noted that despite eviction, Bates was taking advantage of his family’s situation. His locations were not consistent, the prosecutor said. He stated eviction was not an opportunity to “hang around the block.” 

“I think there is some truth to all of this,” Judge Christian said, referring to the eviction and the prosecution’s allegations.

However, Judge Christian decided to give Bates the benefit of the doubt because of his age. He allowed the defendant to attend his interview at the recreation center on July 18. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene to see the status of his work situation on July 19.