Judge grants request for release of accused shot dead

By Adrianna Bhan, Thomas Hinton – June 3, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-lethal shot | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Washington Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted a shooting defendant's release during a June 3 criminal status hearing.

Natasha Mack, 40, and Stephan Moorer, 42, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 3 in the 400 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

According to court documents, two individuals, later identified as Mack and Moorer, confronted the victim inside a residence and shot him once. The two men could have been seen entering and leaving the apartment building where the victim was staying.

Footage from the apartment's security cameras revealed that the two individuals were in the apartment at the time of the shooting and can be seen leaving the apartment afterward. The victim was able to identify Mack as one of the alleged perpetrators.

According to prosecutors, Mack acted as Moorer's accomplice during the shooting. An accomplice is a person who helps or encourages someone to commit a crime.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro discussed a motion for modification of detention, filed by Mack's defense attorney, Erin Griffard, on May 31.

Through the motion, Griffard argued that Mack had “absolutely no history of violent contact,” and that the only criminal charge against Mack was in 2006 for allegedly passing bad checks. She also argued that being accused of complicity does not constitute a person being detained.

The prosecution argued that Mack's alleged involvement in the incident was reason enough for her to remain in custody.

However, the defense refuted: “Mere presence is not enough to support the theory of “complicity.”

Judge Di Toro granted the request, ordering Mack to remain under home confinement for 24 hours, with an ankle monitor, and an “order to stay away and no contact” from the victim.

Moorer will continue to be detained.

All parties are expected to return on June 28.

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