Court Appearance Introduces Witness in Reston Shooting

All three of the suspects in the fatal shooting at Stoneview Square in May appeared in Fairfax County Court on Wednesday.

While they were scheduled for preliminary hearings, the appearances became more of administrative scheduling sessions for Dominique May, 18, Eddie Rodriguez, 22, and Jalan Merrill, 21.

The three men have been all been charged with robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Fairfax County Police said the men were allegedly involved in a fight that ended with the shooting death of 24-year-old Rashad Kejuan Daye on May 17.

None of the men have been directly charged in Daye’s death.

Wednesday’s court appearance introduced for the first time a witness, Kevin Baldwin. Sources said the residence in the 11600 block of Stoneview Square was Baldwin’s residence.

Police said at a Hunters Woods community meeting in May that the resident of the condo, who was not named by police at that time, is not facing charges “because according to law, he was defending himself in his own home,” said FCPD Lt. Lance Schaible.

Virginia statute allows for use of force in relation to perceived threat, says Schiable.

“If someone is in your home … you can take the level of force you feel necessary,” he said. “Ultimately, the decision [on level of force allowed  by law] is made by the Commonwealth’s Attorney.”

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Rodriguez waived the preliminary hearing on both charges. He will appear in Fairfax County Circuit Court Sept. 15. Merrill waived the preliminary hearing on the robbery charge. He will appear Aug. 20. May received a continuance on his preliminary hearing to Sept. 29.

Baldwin is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on separate felony and misdemeanor drug charges on Sept. 8. Those charges stem from a February arrest.

Photos: Left, Dominique May; Right, Eddie Rodriguez/Courtesy FCPD