Mass shooting defendant pleads not guilty to 39 counts

By Elizabeth Brady
– October 9, 2024
Daily Stories | data | Non-lethal shooting | Shoot |

A defendant pleaded not guilty to 39 counts before D.C. Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in connection with an Oct. 8 nightclub shooting.

Rennwel Mantock, 23, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill with an armed weapon, six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of aggravated assault with a weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence with an armed weapon, as well as seventeen counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that left six people injured on April 26 in the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, outside the Decades nightclub.

Defense attorney Margaret Anthony alerted the court to the defendant’s intention to plead not guilty and called for a speedy trial to enforce his constitutional rights.

The defendant previously rejected two plea offers that would have reduced the charge to three counts of knowingly armed aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The parties agreed to a jury trial scheduled for August 18, 2025, delayed due to the prosecution’s DNA testing of the firearm.

The defense questioned the need for an investigation since the defendant had stated that he owned his vehicle and was under it at the time of his arrest.

Anthony alerted the court that she intended to file another bail application due to discrepancies in the prosecution’s previous written objection.

The parties will meet again on January 18th.