Trial Date Vacated and Release Denied in Juvenile Shooting Case

By Adriana Marroquin - February 9, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Juveniles | Suspects |

On Feb. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted the parties’ request to vacate a juvenile’s trial date to allow plea negotiations to continue. Judge Hertzfield also denied the defense’s request for release. 

The juvenile, a 15-year-old boy, is charged with armed carjacking, assault with intent to commit robbery, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and non-fatal shooting incident on Jan. 12. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, a victim was sitting in his vehicle on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE, when three suspects approached him, assaulted him, and robbed him at gunpoint. Two of the suspects took the victim’s vehicle. 

Shortly after, one of the two suspects in the vehicle began to exchange gunfire with an unknown person on the 3300 block of Benning Road, NE, before being struck by gunfire. 

During the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld discussed a motion, filed by the prosecution, which requested a continuance for the trial slated to begin Feb. 12. 

According to the parties, the prosecution extended a plea deal on Feb. 6 and the defense needs additional time to discuss the deal with the juvenile and the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). 

Judge Hertzfeld granted the request for a continuance. 

The juvenile’s defense attorney also requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings, even though he is required to remain in the custody of DYRS until July for his conviction in two other incidents. 

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request for release. 

Parties are slated to return Feb. 26.