A Hyattsville, Maryland, man faces a seven-count indictment after allegedly shooting a teenager in Southeast D.C. earlier this year. The accused, 19-year-old Christ Tchakounte, has been charged with an array of felonies including assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault while armed, as well as gun-related offenses, in connection with a January 19 assault on a 15-year-old boy who was shoveling snow with friends, the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Columbia reported.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the victim was targeted while working with companions during a school snow day in the Kingman Park neighborhood. Tchakounte and, an accomplice are said to have flanked the teen at an intersection, and shot him three times, including once in the head, before fleeing the scene. The injured youth survived after several months in intensive care.
The indictment includes one count of attempt to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license, in addition to assault charges. The official press release noted that an indictment constitutes merely a formal accusation, not proof of guilt and that each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
