A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 20 charges stemming from two shootings before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31.
Daquan Baker, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and a misdemeanor unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
All violent charges face an aggravating circumstance of allegedly being committed after Baker had two prior felony convictions.
Most charges stem from Baker’s alleged involvement in a January 25, 2025 shooting on the 5400 block of B Street, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh and graze wounds.
Additionally, Baker faces charges for his alleged involvement in a separate January 1, 2025 shooting on the 5300 block of Astor Place, SE. No one was injured but ShotSpotter detected 13 gunshots.
At the hearing, the court arraigned Baker on the charges against him while his attorney, Terrence Austin, pleaded not guilty on his behalf and asserted his right to a speedy trial.
The prosecution also presented evidence in the case which they chose to test for DNA which included a handgun and magazine from the January 25 incident. Prosecutors stated that their testing showed DNA evidence recovered from the handgun very likely belongs to Baker. They added that other evidence, including multiple handguns, shell casings, and a pill bottle, recovered during Baker’s arrest and from the January 1 incident, were not tested for DNA.
Baker waived his right to re-test evidence or test any additional materials. Defendants have a right to conduct independent DNA testing under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA).
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.
