Shooting defendant pleads not guilty when arraigned

By Adriana Marroquin
– October 17, 2024
court | Daily Stories | Shoot | Suspicious |

A defendant in the shooting pleaded not guilty to seven charges on Oct. 17 before D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

Kevin Johnson, 40, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession accused of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred July 7 in the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, officers responded to the scene after hearing the sound of three gunshots and located three shell casings at the location. Johnson was arrested after officers received an image of the suspect who was seen firing the gun that matched his description.

During the hearing, William Howell, Johnson’s attorney, alerted the court to his intention to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights.

Judge Salerno and the parties discussed a motion filed by Howell on October 16th to postpone the trial, which had previously been scheduled for October 24th. In the motion, Howell stated that the defense needed to seek forensic experts.

Judge Salerno asked whether it had anything to do with concerns about Johnson’s competency, but Howell and Judge Salerno discussed the matter in private.

It is unclear whether Judge Salerno granted the motion for a continuance.

The parties are scheduled to meet again on October 24 for a status hearing.