WASHINGTON — The man arrested in connection with the Dunbar High School shooting was in court Saturday evening.
Azhari Graves is facing multiple counts of possession of a dangerous weapon and assault. Images released by the court showed Graves and his co-defendant, a 17-year-old, running down what appears to be an alley with guns in their hands.
A witness told police they came out of their home while Graves and four others were in the alley and overheard them say, “get ready they’re coming around the corner." The witness went back into their home and later heard what sounded like “machine gunfire”.
During Graves’ hearing, his attorney argued that there was no proof that he was the one who fired the gun we saw him holding in surveillance photos. Therefore, he should not be charged with intent to kill in connection to the Dunbar student who was subsequently struck by a stray bullet from the outside.
The defense also highlighted that Graves’ is a senior who currently attends Dunbar High School and is on track to graduating. For that reason, his attorney requested that he be released on bond under parental supervision so he can finish his senior year from home.
The judge highlighted charges Graves faced in 2022 and 2023, while a minor, of “similar acts” and for that reason ordered him to be held without bond, citing that he could be considered a danger to society.
Of the eight charges the prosecution was pursuing, the judge only found probable cause with half of them. Graves is due back in court on May 28.