Judge Holds 7 out of 23 Defendants During Initial Hearings

By D.C. Witness Staff - August 21, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

On Aug. 21, DC Superior Court Judge James Crowell released 16 defendants, held six in DC Jail and held one in the custody of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) during initial hearings.

Seth Andrews, who was charged with first-degree murder, is held by Judge Crowell. The defense submitted on probable cause and requested Andrews’ release. Andrews allegedly murdered his mother, 67-year-old Hazel Evans, by strangulation on the unit block of 35th Street, SE. Andrews began loudly crying in the midst of the hearing. 

After reviewing evidence, Judge Crowell found Andrews a potential danger to the public and held him on the murder charge.

Judge Crowell held Quincy Johnson, a 16-year-old high school student, on the charge of first-degree murder while armed. Johnson is being charged as an adult and allegedly shot 20-year-old Anthony Riley on July 17 on the 100 block of Walnut Street, NW.

The defense brought up Johnson’s asthma condition, asking for his release. 

Judge Crowell acknowledged the defense and detained Johnson based on the dangerous nature of the charge. Johnson is being held in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) custody. 

One defendant is being held on the charge of failure to appear for a probation hearing in a domestic violence case. Judge Crowell ordered an mental exam for the defendant. 

Another defendant involved in a domestic violence case, charged with second-degree theft and contempt. HE is being held at the DC Jail. Judge Crowell acknowledged the defendant’s history of domestic violence and violations of court orders. 

Nijee Britton is being held on the charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance while armed. The substances were cannabis and codeine. 

Tyrell Moody is being held on the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Judge Crowell cited that Moody was convicted for the “exact same offense” just two years ago. 

Bianka Hill is charged with being a fugitive from justice, where she is wanted for aggravated assault with a weapon. Judge Crowell held the defendant because of the nature of the crime and her extended criminal history. Hill is being held for three days awaiting Maryland to pick her up. 

Of those released, three did not have charges filed against them by the prosecution.

Four defendants, charged with domestic violence assault, attempted threats to do bodily harm and Temporary Protection Order (TPO) violation, were released by Judge Crowell. Three of the defendants were given stay-away orders and one was given a no harassment, assaultive, threatening or stalking (HATS) order.

Three defendants, charged with being fugitives from justice, were released to turn themselves in to the demanding jurisdictions where they are wanted for probation violation, failure to appear and fraud.

Judge Crowell released four defendants with misdemeanor charges. Two were given stay-away orders, one was ordered to get a drug and alcohol assessment once available and one was released on GPS monitoring.

Two defendants charged with felonies were released. One defendant was charged with possession with intent to distribute codeine and cannabis, and one was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 

Two defendants are still in the hospital. One has been in the hospital since July 20, and the other since Aug. 12. Judge Crowell moved their hearings to Aug. 22.