Antonio Jones was ordered held today on suspicion of second degree murder while armed after Judge Thomas Motley found substantial probability that Jones killed Davon Gray in a shooting on Oct. 15.
At a preliminary hearing Tuesday, MPD Homicide Detective Brian Wise told the court that Jones and Gray may have known each other from a Northeast DC neighborhood. The only eye witness listed in the charging documents is an acquaintance of both men, Wise said.
Jones’ defense attorney, Daniel Harn, argued against that witness’ reliability. Witness 3, according to Wise, gave two different versions of what happened the night Gray was shot. In one version, the witness said a stranger shot Gray. In another version, after being told that Gray had died, the witness said that Jones shot Gray.
Prosecutor Emily Miller said there were reasons for the witness to change its story that are “perfectly plausible and reasonable,” including that the witness is close with both the victim and the suspect.
Jones, 19, has two previous gun convictions and a history of mental illness, Miller said in arguing for his detention. Records indicate that he has received treatment for bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder, but may not have stopped taking his prescribed medication this summer.
When arrested on suspicion of carrying a pistol without a license, Jones told authorities: “I’m paranoid. I have a mental health issue,” Miller recounted.
A status hearing has been set for Jan. 13.
