Hooper arraigned, still held in Allegheny
Facing a raft of charges, including the May 4 homicide of Alexis Barnett, Tavian Hooper learned Friday morning during his formal arraignment he will continue to be held in Allegheny County jail.
Hooper and his co-defendant, Jamaal Greene, both 18 and both of Washington, are charged with slaying Barnett, 19, as she walked with a group on Bruce Street in Washington. Her friend, Jasmine Young, was wounded by gunshots. Assistant District Attorney Jerry Moschetta said last week prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against the men, each of whom pleaded not guilty.
Hooper’s prospective attorney, Ryan Tutera, said it is a hardship for the defendant’s family to travel from Washington to visit him, so he requested Hooper be incarcerated in Washington County jail but kept apart from his co-defendant. Because of the seriousness of the charges against him, Hooper is ineligible for bail.
Assistant District Attorney Jason Walsh objected to the move because, along with Greene, a witness is also housed in Washington County jail.
“I will, at least at this juncture, deny the request,” Judge Gary Gilman ruled.
Gilman informed Hooper of his rights and timetable to file pretrial motions and noted, “I know Mr. Hooper has had some juvenile proceedings before me.” The judge did not elaborate.
Because Tutera has not filed a document that he intends to represent Hooper, the judge also ordered the Washington County court administrator’s office choose an attorney for him if Hooper’s family does not hire Tutera.