Two of Seven Carjacking Defendants to be Tried Separately

By Tyler Davis [former] - September 17, 2024
Carjacking | Daily Stories | Suspects |

Two of seven defendants in a carjacking will be tried separately due to the large number of suspects in the case facing with some different charges. The decision came in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe told parties on Sept. 16. 

Taj Giles, 19, and Warren Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed, for their alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023. 

Giles faces additional charges of conspiracy, armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and receiving stolen property, in connection to the incident. 

During the hearing, the prosecution requested that Giles’ and Montgomery’s cases be transferred to Judge Robert Okun, who is already handling the cases of the five other defendants allegedly involved in the carjackings. 

Montgomery’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, and Giles’ attorney, Christopher Young, requested that they both remain with Judge Lynn Leibovitz who is the original judge in the case, because the pair has fewer charges than the other defendants and their trial is scheduled for a later date. 

Judge Pipe agreed with the defense and denied the prosecution’s request, stating that Judge Okun’s calendar would be unable to accommodate the seven defendants in a five week trial. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 1.