Two attorneys reported they have come to a “principle settlement” in a $30 million federal wrongful death lawsuit involving Ashli Babbitt’s property during a hearing at the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
The specific reasons for scheduling an expedited hearing before Judge Anna Reyes haven’t been disclosed yet, but it’s clear the session was intended to advance the proceedings. On May 2, Terrell N. Roberts III, Babbitt’s former attorney, sought a restraining order and to impose a lien, claiming at least 25% of certain figures.
“I don’t know why you’re speaking at this moment.”
Ultimately, Judge Reyes rejected Roberts’ request for a temporary restraining order. Her growing frustration was evident during the hearing, especially as she addressed a lawyer representing Aaron Babbitt and his deceased wife.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed in January 2024, asserting that the federal government bears responsibility for Ashli Babbitt’s death during the Capitol riots on January 6. Capitol Police Lieutenant Colonel Michael Byrd shot Babbitt, and the Biden administration later transferred the case from San Diego to Washington, D.C., against the preference of the judicial oversight body.
The lawsuit alleges Byrd acted negligently while Babbitt attempted to climb through a broken window from a concealed spot in the lobby of the House Speaker’s office, firing a shot just after 2:44 PM. The complaint claims Byrd did not adhere to established protocols and breached several departmental rules.
The trial is set for July 2026.
Photo by Joseph M. Hanneman/Blaze News
During the hurried session, Reyes reprimanded judicial oversight attorneys Robert Stitch and Richard Driscoll for not promptly updating Roberts on potential settlement discussions.
Judge Reyes, who was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, displayed her frustration throughout the 30-minute hearing. At one point, she exclaimed, “Stitch-san [sic] stop talking! Stop talking!”
At that time, Sticht (pronounced “Sticked”) was trying to clarify the judicial oversight’s role to Roberts while negotiations were ongoing. He mentioned that once the settlement agreement is finalized, Roberts would still have a minimum of 30 days to seek attorney fees for his work.
Yet again, the judge interrupted him.
“I don’t understand why you’re speaking right now,” Reyes said. “Driscoll and I are not discussing what you think we’re discussing.”
Sticht acknowledged, “Oh, that’s true.”
“Stitch-san [sic], that’s not quite accurate,” Reyes snapped back. “It’s up to me to decide what’s relevant, and I say this isn’t. Your comments are unrelated to our conversation.”
The attorney expressed hope that a signed settlement agreement would be achieved by May 8. Meanwhile, Judge Reyes had already scheduled a May 12 hearing to address Roberts’ initial request for fees related to a motion from February 2025. Judicial Watch later filed a counter-opposition and moved to intervene.
Roberts mentioned that he received calls from media across the nation on May 1 regarding a supposed settlement in Babbitt’s case, but he claimed he was unaware of it. He filed a motion for a temporary restraining order at 10:40 AM that same Friday.
Photo: Sam Montoya/Blaze News
When Sticht remarked about Roberts receiving case information from a reporter, Judge Reyes interjected.
“Just please stop talking. No more snide remarks in response to my question,” Reyes instructed. “My question isn’t about how Mr. Roberts got his information.”
“Honestly, I’m quite troubled that reporters have informed Mr. Roberts before you did,” the judge added, expressing dissatisfaction with the situation.
Judge Reyes emphasized her confusion over why judicial oversight hadn’t promptly reached out to Roberts ahead of Friday’s hearing and noted that Roberts should have alerted them of his claims sooner.
“Your objection is drawing attention.”
Roberts indicated he attempted to connect with Stitch and Driscoll just before filing his motion that morning.
“That doesn’t exempt you from trying to inform Mr. Roberts and not letting this drag on,” she replied, asserting it would have been a professional courtesy to reach out since he had no updates when he called earlier.
Judicial oversight stated that Justice Department lawyers drafted the settlement late on Thursday, and Sticht noted he had not yet reviewed it.
Judge Reyes suggested that Babbitt’s lawyers weren’t engaging adequately, prompting a rebuttal from Stitch.
“From now on, any matter related to the settlement needs real-time communication among all parties,” Reyes insisted. “We’re done with this. I don’t want to hear excuses about these kinds of cases.”
Photo by Aaron Babbitt
“I disagree with that, your honor,” Stitch responded.
“Your objection is becoming quite notable,” the judge replied.
Driscoll clarified that his role in the matter was simply to represent Aaron Babbitt and Ashli Babbitt’s estate as Roberts pursued intervention.
Roberts informed Judge Reyes that he didn’t want to engage in settlement debates, but he wanted timely notifications regarding the conclusion of the settlement to pursue a lien.
Reyes instructed those involved to submit a status report by May 5 or 6.
Aaron Babbitt had hired Roberts on January 18, 2021, to investigate the murder in preparation for the lawsuit. Roberts stepped back from the case in late February 2022, and Judicial Watch later agreed to take up Babbitt’s representation to seek justice for his late wife.
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