Domestic violence shooting defendant remains in jail

By Cameron Horne
– October 18, 2024
Daily Stories | Non-lethal shooting | Shoot | Suspicious |

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Oct. 17 and was denied release conditions by D.C. Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann.

Marquise Vauss, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in two domestic violence incidents in the 1700 block of D Street NE .

According to court documents, on Sept. 17, Vauss struck the victim, identified as his girlfriend, in her apartment and fired three shots into her vehicle as she drove away. Additionally, Vauss allegedly punched the victim in the face on October 9 after she refused to give him money to purchase marijuana.

During the trial, Vauss waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and Anthony Smith, Vauss’ attorney, argued that he should be released as he awaits future court dates.

Smith argued that Vauss had a support system through his mother and a place to live in the community, had a steady job, and Vauss’ girlfriend, the complainant in this case, had indicated that Vauss should be allowed to live with her again.

Prosecutors opposed the release conditions, citing Vauss’s criminal record and the seriousness of the crime as reasons the community would not be safe if Vauss was released.

Ultimately, Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution and refused to release Vauss.

The next parties are planned for October 24th.