Non-fatal shooting defendant waives right to preliminary hearing, taken into custody

By Maggie Rhoads, Ben Dickson – June 5, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-lethal shot | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

Washington Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a shooting defendant remain held in jail pending further proceedings during a June 5 hearing.

Desean Delaney, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an April 8 shooting in the 200 block of Florida Avenue, NE, in the NoMa-Gallaudet metro. station.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Delaney, got into an altercation with a woman after she did not respond to his advances. He allegedly brandished a handgun; the victim then pushed his hand away, causing the suspect's gun to fire. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Elliott Queen, Delaney's defense attorney, alerted the court to his intention to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Queen asked that his client be released and confined to his home for 24 hours, saying he has significant support in the community, naming eight members of Delaney's family present in court, to ensure he complies the conditions set for his release.

“This is his first contact with the criminal justice system,” Queen said, saying Delaney had no criminal history.

The prosecution opposed the request, saying the nature and circumstances of the offense prove Delaney poses a danger to the community.

“I was struck by the information contained in the[police report] and just as struck today,” Judge Raymond said, saying the prosecution’s case against Delaney is strong.

Judge Raymond rejected the defense request,

The parties will reconvene on June 28 before Washington Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld for a status hearing.

Notifications are not yet available for this specific case. Please check back later for updates. THANKS.