Judge rejects request to reinstate accused's release

By Sofia Feigelson, Ben Dickson – June 18, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Shooting | Suspects |

Judge Errol Arthur of Washington Superior Court denied a defendant's request for release for the second time, although the defense categorically asserted: “Every thing you tell him, he will follow it.” »

Amonte Moody, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly firing several shots at a car that was speeding away on a public road in the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE, on April 22. No injuries or property damage were reported.

According to court documents, Moody allegedly dismantled his firearm and hid it in a ceiling after the shooting.

Moody had previously been released by Washington Superior Court Judge Lloyd Urban Nolan, Jr. on May 3, requiring that the defendant be placed on electronic monitoring and subject to home confinement.

Three days after Judge Nolan's decision, the prosecution filed an emergency motion to review a magistrate judge's order granting the defendant's pretrial release and requesting an emergency hearing, in which she affirms that “the accused accused of these offenses present particular risks of dangerousness”.

An emergency hearing was held on May 22 and Judge Arthur overturned Judge Nolan's decision to release Moody, thereby ordering his detention.

On June 18, Molly Bunke and Kavya Naini, Moody's defense attorneys, asked Judge Arthur to reconsider Moody's release, arguing strict conditions, a 24-hour curfew and a restraining order. stay away from Washington – all under electronic monitoring and home confinement.

Bunke emphasized his client's lack of criminal history and that additional family ties that would further ensure his release under strict conditions would not be an issue.

“There will be no threat to the community, there will be no mistakes or missteps,” Bunke said in reference to Moody's past conduct in release agreements.

Bunke also added that Moody “went above and beyond” during his short period of release, saying he connected with a mentor and enrolled in online classes.

“There will be no mistakes. We know he can comply with it,” Bunke argued.

“Prison is an extremely dangerous place,” Bunke said, noting that young men like Moody are regularly exposed to drugs and violence. She said it took several weeks to move her client from the Washington DC prison to the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF), and added that five deaths had been reported recently at the prison.

She added that Moody would only have the opportunity to receive a GED, as opposed to his high school diploma, if he remained in custody.

Ultimately, Judge Arthur disagreed with the defense argument and denied Moody's request for release.

He mentioned that the argument was “identical” to the defense's previous argument, which occurred before Bunke was assigned to the case.

The holidays are expected to return on July 26.

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