A Washington, D.C. judge ordered two 15-year-old Maryland teenagers released from juvenile detention Thursday under tight supervision following an early August attempted carjacking that left a federal staffer hospitalized and drew national attention.
According to New York Post, the teens were arrested after an August 3 altercation that resulted in serious injuries for Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old former DOGE employee, and was later cited by President Trump to justify deploying the National Guard and taking control of policing in the District.
Coristine, known publicly by his nickname "Big Balls," was reportedly assaulted while trying to stop the attempted unarmed carjacking near his vehicle. Authorities say the suspects fled the scene but were apprehended shortly after by the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C.
D.C. Judge weighs teen circumstances and risks
On August 21, the suspects — one boy and one girl — appeared before Judge Kendra Briggs, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. After considering arguments from prosecutors and defense counsel, Judge Briggs ruled that the teens would be released from the Youth Services Center and placed under strict restrictions.
The female suspect will stay in a group home youth shelter where electronics are prohibited, and she will be subject to weekly drug screenings. The male suspect will reside with his mother and participate in random drug testing. Both teens are now on 24-hour curfews and must wear electronic monitors.
Judge Briggs emphasized that the decision to ease their detention should not be taken lightly. "The fact that this court is stepping you down from Youth Services Center is a serious step," she said during the proceedings.
Concerns were raised over the girl's legal history and past behavior
Prosecutors voiced concern over the girl’s background, arguing she poses a risk to public safety. They cited her previous record of truancy, past time missing from home for months, and an existing legal matter pending in Maryland.
Her defense counsel countered that their client’s involvement in the attempted carjacking is questionable. They claimed she was simply "in the vicinity" and that there is limited evidence directly linking her to the alleged assault.
Both teenagers had no prior offenses at the time of arrest, according to their attorneys, which Judge Briggs acknowledged in making her decision. She also noted logistical challenges in relocating the boy to the youth shelter, stating that the facility was too far from his school and would significantly burden his family.
Strict monitoring and schooling plan outlined for teens
The court's terms require both defendants to remain either at school or at home. “School and home, that’s it,” said Judge Briggs, setting a narrow framework for the teens’ movements as they reenter their communities under scrutiny.
The judge also warned that any future incidents involving violent behavior would trigger an emergency hearing. If either teen violates the terms of their supervised release, the court may revisit their freedom and return them to full juvenile detention.
Both teenagers are expected to resume classes within the coming week. Local authorities will coordinate with the school district and families to monitor their compliance with curfew and educational requirements.
Ongoing investigation into the third suspect in the assault
Police continue to investigate the attempted carjacking. Officials are still searching for a third suspect, described as a Black male, who is believed to have participated in the attack on Coristine but fled the scene before officers arrived.
No additional updates have been provided on efforts to locate the third individual. Law enforcement has not published a name or image, and they are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information.
The violent episode has led to broader political reactions. President Donald Trump referenced the attack and similar incidents as justification for deploying the National Guard forces to the District — a move that has triggered widespread political debate.
White House cites D.C. attack to justify federal policing
Following the August 3rd incident, the White House authorized a federal intervention into the District’s policing. This includes control of public safety operations by federal officials, with assistance from National Guard troops originating from states led by Republican governors.
Critics argue the move undermines local governance and overrides Washington’s autonomous control of its police force. Supporters of the decision say federal involvement is necessary amid rising reports of youth-involved crime in the city.
The case has spotlighted broader questions about juvenile crime, accountability, and appropriate safeguards during pending trials. Advocacy groups on both sides have weighed in on the legal response and the level of flexibility courts should exercise in juvenile cases.
Case continues as broader issues take center stage
The next hearing date for the pair has not been announced, though the court is expected to monitor progress closely. Their attorneys have not publicly commented beyond court arguments, and prosecutors have not signaled whether they will seek more serious consequences.
For now, both teens remain under strict supervision as city and national leaders continue to weigh the implications of crime and justice across jurisdictional lines. Coristine, who suffered extensive injuries, has not made a public statement since the attack.
The community awaits further developments as the investigation continues and national attention remains fixed on how the justice system handles the balance between public safety and juvenile rehabilitation.
