62-Year-Old Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Bias-Related Shooting

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 15.

Matthew Murphy, 62, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in a bias-related hate crime, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in a bias-related hate crime, aggravated assault while armed in a bias-related hate crime, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous crime, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured a child on Oct. 27, 2025, on the 4900 block of Ayers Place, SE, on the front steps of Saint Luke’s Roman Catholic Church.

According to the indictment, Murphy allegedly committed the shooting based on the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation.

The court arraigned Murphy on the charges against him. Diana Yu, his attorney, entered a not guilty plea on Murphy’s behalf, invoking his constitutional rights to a speedy trial and evidence in the case. Yu requested a status hearing before scheduling a trial since she was recently assigned to Murphy’s case.

The prosecution agreed to keep the plea offer open until the next hearing to allow Yu more time to review the case.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 21.

Judge Allows 17-Year-Old Fatal Shooting Defendant to Attend School

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan modified release conditions for a teen homicide defendant to allow him to attend school at a hearing before on July 15.

Keyonte Johnson, 17, is charged with first-degree premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Roy Bennett Jr. The incident occurred on Dec. 5, 2025, at the 300 block of Morse Street, NE. Bennett sustained seven gunshot wounds.

As a result of the serious nature of the offense, prosecutors are charging Johnson as an adult under Title 16.

Due to his medical conditions, Johnson is currently on release with GPS supervision and is subject to 24-hour home confinement. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said that Johnson has been in compliance with the conditions of his release.

Johnson’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, asked the court to ease his conditions of confinement so that he could attend school.

An attorney from the School Justice Project (SJP) was present and alerted the court that she has been working on school enrollment and attendance for Johnson.

Prosecutors requested that Johnson enroll in a virtual program, saying that the violent nature of the crime gives the court “reason to be concerned” about his interactions with other students.

Judge Ryan ultimately ruled in favor of the defense, arguing that school is “extremely important,” especially considering Johnson’s age.

“I’m giving you an opportunity to succeed,” said Judge Ryan.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for Johnson’s arraignment on Oct. 1.

Alleged Meat Thief Pleads Not Guilty to Fatal Stabbing at Arraignment

A defendant pleaded not guilty to a second-degree murder charge at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 16.

Christopher Taylor, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing and killing 31-year-old Michael Alanzo Jackson on the 1600 block of V Street, SE, on April 10, 2025. Jackson sustained 5 stab wounds.

As of the arraignment, prosecutors had not yet offered Taylor a plea deal, but said they expected to do so by early September.

Taylor’s attorney, Gemma Stevens said she would wait to receive the plea deal and consider other “open matters” in the case before possibly setting a trial date.

The court formally arraigned Taylor on the charge against him. Stevens pleaded not guilty on Taylor’s behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.

According to court documents, witnesses in the general area of the crime told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigators they recognized the suspect as someone who reportedly sold meat stolen from grocery stores.

MPD investigators allegedly verified Taylor’s identity by comparing CCTV footage near the crime scene to booking photos of people recently arrested for stolen meat offenses.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 4 to discuss the supposed plea deal.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Shooting Outside McDonald’s

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 15.

Serrel Wagoner, 22, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting outside of a McDonald’s on March 9 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh.

At the hearing, Wagoner accepted a plea offer that required him to plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. In exchange, the prosecutors agreed to dismiss the initial charges against Wagoner and not seek a grand jury indictment with greater or additional charges. Wagoner will be required to register as a gun offender for two years after his release.

Prosecutors said that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Wagoner rode a rented Lime E-bike to the McDonald’s, looking for a specific person.

They continued that Wagoner approached the restaurant on foot, fired multiple shots toward the entrance, striking a bystander in the upper right thigh, then fled on the E-bike. Investigators later linked Wagoner to the E-bike through rental records and GPS data, which provided his home address.

The prosecution added that CCTV video footage was also recovered from the crime scene and shown to Wagoner’s mother. When shown a photo of her son, she responded, “Yeah, that’s sure him,” and she recognized the clothing he wore.

Wagoner is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 25.

Judge Denies Release for Stabbing Defendant, Citing His Prior Homicide Conviction

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release on July 16 after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Thomas Slaughter, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a woman on July 3 in the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Slaughter and the victim reportedly fought over personal belongings. Slaughter then allegedly punched and kicked her before reportedly stabbing her in the right side of the head with a knife, causing a deep laceration.

Slaughter’s attorney, Tammy Thom, said her client wanted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, allowing the case to proceed without determining if the evidence proved probable cause against Slaughter.

Thom then asked Judge Herrmann to release Slaughter pending trial, arguing he owns a home, has strong ties to the community, helps care for his elderly mother, and suffers from schizophrenia. Thom told the court Slaughter was not receiving the proper medication while incarcerated and suggested conditions such as 24-hour home confinement could protect the community.

The prosecution opposed release, citing the seriousness of the alleged charges and Slaughter’s prior second-degree murder conviction from 1989, for which prosecutors said he recently completed serving his sentence.

Judge Herrmann denied the request for release, citing that it would be irresponsible of her to overlook that his conviction from 1989, although a long time ago, was for murder. She also asked Thom to complete paperwork so jail officials could address Slaughter’s medication needs.

The parties also told the court they are discussing a plea offer but did not mention the terms.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 5.

Defense Attorney Claims Prosecution’s ‘Obligations Have Not Been Met’ in Domestic Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur gave prosecutors two days to respond to a defense motion seeking a domestic stabbing defendant’s release at a hearing on July 15.

Paula Washington, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing on June 10 on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Washington allegedly slashed her boyfriend with a pocket knife during an argument, reportedly saying, “I’m going to send you to meet the Lord.” The two had reportedly been drinking, court documents state, and the confrontation caused lacerations to his chest and left arm.

At the hearing, Washington’s attorney, James Brockway, argued that the defense’s motion for release should be expedited due to her serious medical conditions, presenting concerns that she is not receiving adequate care while incarcerated at the DC Jail.

“Every day she is in there, we worry that her condition worsens,” said Brockway.

Brockway argued to Judge Arthur that prosecutors have handled Washington’s case in a “dubious” manner.

“Basic discovery obligations have not been met in this case,” argued Brockway.

The motion for release review was submitted on July 13, following the defense’s attainment of body-worn camera footage from the incident. Footage that the defense had been requesting since June 19, according to court documents.

According to Brockway, along with lackluster communication between counsel, the assigned prosecutor has been absent from the previous two hearings. Different stand-in prosecutors have been present at both hearings, further delaying the proceedings.

“[The assigned prosecutor] knew there was a court date,” said Brockway, referring to the prosecution’s absence.

Judge Arthur reminded Brockway that the approval of motions takes time.

“Did you let [the prosecutors] know you were filing a motion?” Judge Arthur responded.

Judge Arthur said he could not rule on the motion without hearing from the assigned prosecutor and granted the prosecution until July 17 to file a written response. The judge said it was “unfair to rely solely on a [prosecutor] who is not ready to argue the facts of the case.”

The next hearing is scheduled for July 22.

Prosecutors Claim Fatal Shooting Stemmed From Domestic ‘Cycle of Violence’

Both parties presented their closing arguments for a domestic violence related fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 15.

Wonell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams on July 19, 2022, at 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

Medical examiners stated in their records that Williams sustained 52 gunshot wounds or defects. Williams and Jones shared two children.

According to prosecutors, Williams got custody of their two shared children a few days before her death.

The prosecution began their closing arguments by clicking a pen to illustrate the number of gunshots they claim Jones fired. They added that Williams was “stuck in a corner” and her blood was “staining the walls.”

Prosecutors highlighted that two different guns were found at the scene that were emptied of ammunition. They claimed that the guns stopped firing because “they couldn’t” anymore.

In May 2022, Williams filed a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) and a Civil Protective Order (CPO) against Jones, according to prosecutors. Jones was ordered to stay away and not contact her, said prosecutors. After Williams asked for help by filing the TPO and CPO, Jones reportedly broke into her apartment.

Jones “does not care about what the law says he should or should not do,” prosecutors said.

Prosecutors classified their relationship as a “cycle of violence.” They urged the jury to consider how the situation would have ended if Williams had called the police when Jones came to her apartment the day of her death.

The prosecution played surveillance videos from outside Williams’ apartment building in addition to the stairwell and hallway inside the building. The prosecution alleged that this footage shows that Jones was the only possible suspect because he is recorded entering Williams’ apartment on the day of the incident. Prosecutors emphasized Williams and Jones were the only two adults in the apartment, with eight children.

In order to prove Jones committed first-degree murder while armed, prosecutors had to prove that there was premeditation. According to prosecutors, “each and every time he pulled that trigger he made that choice.”

Jones’ attorney, Steven Kiersh, asserted that Jones “is not guilty of first-degree murder.” He emphasized that the lesser-included charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the jury instructions contain “really important distinctions.”

Kiersh emphasized that the surveillance footage displayed Jones walking into the apartment with Williams’ child and groceries. He asked the jury if this showed that “he was planning this murder” and asserted “there is no premeditation.”

According to Kiersh, Williams and Jones lived together for at least two weeks prior to the murder, so he was not a danger to her. Kiersh highlighted that Williams’ room was messy, and implied that “something happened in that room.”

Kiersh stated that no witness reported seeing Jones with a gun. However, Kirsh noted that Williams’ son testified in the trial that he saw Jones holding something that appeared to be a gun. In 2024, Kiersh emphasized that the son testified before a grand jury, and did not mention seeing Jones with a gun.

Kiersh stated, “He was impeached by his contradiction.”

Additionally, Kiersh asserted that the prior arguments between Williams and Jones were not violent unless infidelity was mentioned. He characterized the argument as “a heat of passion.”

Both parties agreed that this was a tragic event, but Kiersh reminded the jury that the case is not to be decided based on emotions.

Kiersh clarified that, if the jury did find that Jones fired the shots, “it’s manslaughter,” not murder.

During rebuttal, prosecutors clarified that Jones had “plenty of time to develop…that decision to kill” Williams. They pointed out that, if the jury accepts the defense’s argument, they are “left with the conclusion that Ms. Williams shot herself over 20 times.”

The prosecution stated that there was no evidence that Williams cheated on Jones. They also claimed that “words, no matter how offensive, are not adequate provocation” for murder.

Prosecutors asserted that convicting Jones of manslaughter would allow him an “excuse” for his crime.

After closings, Kiersh filed a motion for judgement of acquittal, which Judge Ryan denied. Kiersh also filed for a mistrial, characterizing the prosecutor’s claim that a conviction of manslaughter would be excusing him as “utterly incorrect.”

Judge Ryan said he would address that during jury instructions, but Kiersh said that was not an “adequate” remedy.

Judge Ryan said there was not a “basis” to grant the motion for a mistrial.

The jurors then began deliberations.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Releases Vehicular Homicide Defendant After ‘Barely’ Finding Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman released a vehicular homicide defendant on July 14 after finding probable cause for second-degree murder while armed.

Tiana Smith, 43, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Samuel Kesselman at the intersection of New Jersey Ave and P Street, NW, on Oct. 20, 2022. Kesselman succumbed to his injuries on March 27, 2023.

According to surveillance footage, the incident occurred when Smith allegedly arrived at a stop light with a line of cars, swerved around the line into a left turn only lane, continued to go straight, and reportedly collided with Kesselman’s scooter.

Prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective, who took over the case after the previous detective retired. The detective established that the suspect vehicle was going 39 miles per hour (mph) at its fastest, and the area’s speed limit is 25 mph.

Prosecutors presented ring and nest camera footage that showed multiple angles of the incident in which the vehicle can be seen going around the line of cars and into the left lane, followed by the sound of a crash.

Judge Edelman questioned why it took MPD three years to arrest Smith, as the warrant for Smith’s arrest was last updated in 2023. The detective said he did not know. Judge Edelman characterized this as an “unsatisfactory” answer.

During cross-examination, Smith’s Attorney, Christen Philips, used the arrest warrant to question the detective’s identification of Smith as the driver.

Philips explained that her client’s arrest stemmed from two unrecorded phone calls that allegedly occurred between the former detective and Smith. The current detective confirmed that he did not discuss these calls or the case with the former detective, explaining that “he is very reclusive when it comes to MPD.”

According to court documents, Smith allegedly told the former detective “I didn’t even know what I hit.” and “I keep wondering how he is doing.” Court documents state that Smith also reportedly told the detective that she wanted to come in and “give a confession.”

According to Philips, Smith has never sat down for a recorded interview with the MPD or admitted to driving the car that night.

Philips also highlighted that no witness identified Smith as the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. She added that there are no photographs or videos of Smith driving the car that night.

According to Philips, Smith reported her car stolen shortly after the incident. The detective, however, said he had no evidence supporting that claim.

The car was found on Oct. 27, 2022, at Howard Road and Bryan Place, SE, which Philips asserted is not where Smith lives. She also claimed that no witnesses or Smith have any connection to that location.

One witness told detectives that the car had been there for more than a week, but they were not sure how it got there.

In addition, Philips asked the detective about the DNA evidence found in Smith’s car. DNA evidence of three people, including one man, was recovered on the steering wheel, and four people, including one man, from the center console.

The detective also established that on the night of the incident, the light at the intersection had just turned green, so the suspect vehicle was traveling toward a green light. Additionally, he said he was unaware of the mental state of the driver that night.

Philips argued that this case is “at best… is negligence,” not second-degree murder.

A negligent homicide charge is the unintentional killing of another person due to unjustifiable risks or a gross deviation from a reasonable standard of care. Philips argued that in this case, there was no motive to kill or harm the victim. She highlighted that the car was driving in a legal lane and direction, toward a green light.

“Had she simply waited her turn, this wouldn’t have happened,” prosecutors said.

The prosecutor urged Judge Edelman to find probable cause for second-degree murder while armed, alleging that Smith acted in conscious disregard for human life, which does not require intent.

Judge Edelman found probable cause for second-degree murder while armed based on Smith’s ownership of the car, cellphone data that shows Smith’s phone pinged a nearby tower the night of the incident, and the statements she allegedly made to the MPD. However, he also said this is “barely enough evidence” to support second-degree murder while armed.

The parties also discussed Smith’s detention. Philips confirmed that Smith is 43 and has no prior convictions.

The prosecutor asked that Smith be held. She alleged that Smith made a fake police report about the stolen car, involved a family member to cover up the events, and went to a public forum acting like a “victim of injustice.” According to the prosecution, all of these things reflect poorly on Smith’s character and justify her continued detention.

Philips requested Smith’s release, citing her support from the community and the three years between the incident and her arrest. Philips referenced six letters of support submitted to the court from community members vouching for Smith’s character. She also emphasized the prosecution has had all the information since 2023 and did not seek an arrest until now. During that time, Smith did not engage in any criminal activity.

Judge Edelman released Smith on the condition that she does not operate any motor vehicles. The judge explained that the prosecution had not established clear and convincing evidence that Smith should be held, especially since they have not charged or detained Smith for the past three years.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20.

Case Acquitted: Defense in Stabbing Case Wants Testimony From Jailhouse Informant Thrown Out

Editor’s note: Rayvon Slye was acquitted of all charges by a jury on August 5, 2026.

Defense attorneys argued to exclude the testimony of a witness who allegedly received a confession from a fatal stabbing defendant in the jail before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 14.

Rayvon Slye, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a March 7, 2023 stabbing that fatally injured 30-year-old Andrea Bond on the 1000 block of D Street, NE. Bond sustained one stab wound to her left chest.

According to court documents, Bond and Slye were dating at the time of her death and shared one infant child, whom they were not in custody of at the time.

Prior to the hearing, Slye’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, filed a motion to either exclude the testimony of an incarcerated informant or to continue the trial date to allow time for the defense to investigate him. According to Mosley’s motion, the informant claimed that Slye made incriminating statements to him while they were both held at the DC Jail.

During the hearing, Mosley argued that the prosecution had not provided “basic information” and adequate notice regarding the agreement the witness entered into with prosecutors and what his testimony will contain. In his motion, Mosley argued that “as time passes, the defense’s ability to pursue leads turns cold, memories fade, and Mr. Slye’s ability to proactively shape his defense is impacted.”

“This is not supposed to be trial by ambush,” Mosley said in court.

Mosley also took issue with prosecutors disclosing the existence of the jailhouse informant to the defense two years after Slye allegedly confessed to him, describing the prosecution’s conduct as “preposterous” and “glaringly just nonsense.” Prosecutors said they did not notify Mosley because at the time they were not committed to calling the informant as a witness.

The parties were confused about the jailhouse informant’s intentions when he reported Slye’s alleged confession. If the informant was actively seeking out confessions from fellow inmates to gain benefits in his pending fentanyl distribution case, Mosley argued that he would be an agent on behalf of the case’s investigators. Therefore, Mosley said the law would require the witness to read Slye his rights before they spoke.

In addition, Mosely and Slye’s other attorney, Kayla Wyatt, filed a motion to suppress statements Slye made to police the day of the incident, arguing in their written motion that his statements were involuntary and the manner of questioning violated Slye’s Miranda rights.

To address the motion, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responding officer. After she learned that Slye was the last person to see Bond alive, she said she ordered Slye to remain at the incident location. She affirmed that her actions followed MPD protocol and she would have been reprimanded if she had done otherwise.

A current MPD sergeant, who worked then as a responding detective at the incident location, also testified that he followed protocol when questioning Slye on the scene. On cross-examination, Mosley alleged that the sergeant had treated Slye as a “captive audience” and had not ever explicitly told him that he had the right to leave. The detective said that had Slye tried to leave, he would not have stopped him.

Another MPD homicide detective was brought before the court to testify to an interview she conducted with Slye the day of Bond’s death.

The detective told the court that Slye arrived at the homicide department and waited for an hour in the interview room while detectives were busy. She noted that Slye was not under arrest nor was he a suspect in the case yet. Slye was not read his rights before being asked questions, said the detective.

Prosecutors displayed the footage of the interview, where Slye said that he and Bond “were together all the time.”

On cross-examination, Mosley asked the detective if Slye had been evasive in any way during their interview. The detective said, “he was being cooperative.” She did not believe he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

While Slye was waiting to be interviewed, Mosley noted that the door was closed. The detective said that sometimes detectives will leave the door open so interviewees can get air, but for Slye she did not.

Mosley asked if Slye “wasn’t free to leave.” The detective said that he was not being held, but he would have had to ask a detective to leave.

On re-direct examination, prosecutors asked why the door was closed for Slye. The detective said that it was “human nature. We forget.”

After testimony, Mosley said that he had no arguments to add to the original motion he filed. Prosecutors reminded the court that at the time of the interview, no MPD officials accused Slye as a suspect in the case. Judge Dayson decided to defer her ruling on the motion until a later hearing.

The parties also discussed the prosecution’s notice of intent to introduce evidence of eight prior “bad acts” involving Slye, spanning from February 2022 to February 2023. According to the prosecution’s motion, Slye and Bond reportedly had a history of domestic disputes and both had prior arrests for allegedly injuring one another.

Mosley and Wyatt objected to the inclusion of all eight acts based on their relevance, probative value, and prejudice. Judge Dayson refrained from making a final ruling on the motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15.

Judge ‘Willing to Do Anything’ to Schedule Homicide Retrial Amidst Delays

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the prosecution’s request to reschedule a trial around a key witness’ availability on July 14.

Anthony Green, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Terence Akindo. The incident occurred on July 30, 2023, on the 2300 block of 13th Street, NE. Akindo sustained one gunshot wound to the back of his head.

The prosecution filed a motion to reschedule because the case’s sole medical examiner will be on a 12-week medical leave that conflicts with the original trial date of Aug. 3.

Defense attorneys Jessica Willis and Sylvia Smith opposed the prosecution’s request for continuance and called the length of Green’s incarceration without trial “frustrating.”

According to court documents, Green has been incarcerated since Aug. 8, 2023. After Green’s first trial, Judge Edelman declared a mistrial on May 30, 2025. Green has been awaiting retrial since.

Smith said the medical examiner’s unavailability and her own busy schedule meant that if the trial was rescheduled, she would not be available until July 2027.

Willis argued the medical examiner’s “straightforward” testimony was “nothing special” and could be effectively substituted with another medical examiner testifying or a transcript of the original examiner’s testimony from the first trial.

The prosecutors argued the medical examiner is “not a negligible witness” and her testimony is important.

Prosecuting attorneys said if the continuance was not granted, the court is “limiting the [prosecution] to evidence in the first trial,” which the prosecutors described as “shoddy second-tier”

Prosecutors argued other witnesses may testify to matters requiring clarification or context only provided by live in-court testimony from the medical examiner. The prosecutors also argued they would be disadvantaged by a written testimony because it would be less impactful to the jury than in-person testimony.

Judge Edelman said he was “willing to do anything [he] can to get this trial in,” even offering to double-book his calendar if necessary.

In search of a solution, Willis proposed seeing if the medical examiner would be able to testify before she is medically cleared to go to work, noting the difference between being able to work and being “cognitively able to give a 30-minute remote testimony.”

“None of this really matters if we can have a serious conversation about release,” Smith said amidst rescheduling.

Judge Edelman confirmed Green has time to serve in Maryland for an unrelated reckless endangerment conviction. Parties agreed that if they confirm Green can serve prison time in Maryland while awaiting his retrial, they will grant temporary release to do so.

After some discussion, parties decided to reschedule the trial for Oct. 5, accommodating the medical examiner’s unavailability and the attorneys’ schedules.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Jail Stabbing Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two co-defendants allegedly involved in a jail stabbing were arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 15.

Justin Borum, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly-grave risk while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and tampering with physical evidence.

Michael Alexander, 21, is charged with unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution and tampering with physical evidence offenses.

Borum and Alexander’s charges face an additional penalty of allegedly being committed during their release and after two prior convictions for crimes of violence.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a jail stabbing on Sept. 21, 2025, at the 1900 block of D Street, SE, at the DC Jail. The victim sustained a punctured right lung and puncture wounds to his shoulder, hand, neck, and lower back.

According to court documents, Borum allegedly ran up behind the victim and stabbed him in the back with a sharp object. The victim and Borum both reportedly then stabbed each other, but were quickly maced by a correctional officer. Borum sustained one minor injury to his left arm.

As correctional officers were detaining the pair, Borum allegedly threw the sharp object down to a lower tier of the cell block. Alexander reportedly picked up the sharp object, then ran into the communal cellblock shower.

Both Borum and Alexander were arraigned on the charges against them and pleaded not guilty. Defense attorneys for both defendants requested a speedy trial, evidence, and that the next status hearing be scheduled on the same date for both defendants.

Borum’s defense attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, said he planned to file a motion for bill of particulars, which asks the court to order the opposing party to provide clearer details about their allegations.

Parties for both defendants are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 28.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Stabbing Defendant Held in Virginia

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld issued a bench warrant on July 15 for a defendant in a stabbing case who is currently being held in Virginia for other charges.

Miyanna Parker, 32, was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2025 to 180 days, all suspended in favor of one year of probation, for simple assault. The charge stemmed from Parker stabbing her romantic partner on the 4500 block of 3rd Street, SE on Oct. 9, 2025.

Parker was not present at the hearing, which was held to address a notice of non-compliance to her probation terms filed on July 1.

According to a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), on June 29, Parker was arrested in Arlington, Virginia for an unrelated offense. The representative said Parker turned herself in on July 13 and has been held there since.

Judge Hetzfeld ordered a bench warrant detainer to return the the defendant to DC.

Defendant Accused of Shooting 5-Year-Old Prepared to Accept Plea Deal

A defense attorney in a non-fatal shooting involving a five-year-old victim said her client plans to accept a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel at a July 14 hearing.

Sequan Herron, 25, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1300 block of 5th Street, NW on April 28. Three juvenile victims sustained gunshot injuries.

Herron’s attorney, Veronice Holt, stated that her client was prepared to accept a plea offer from the prosecution but the necessary paperwork was not yet ready.

Prosecutors said that the terms of the plea deal would require Herron to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to not pursue further charges in a grand jury indictment based on the facts of the case.

If Herron does not accept the deal, the prosecution suggested they would pursue two more counts of aggravated assault while armed and two more counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution said the potential indictment charges would account for the three victims.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) responded to reports of 12 gunshots fired at 7:07 p. m. When they arrived at the scene, officers reported two victims suffering from gunshot injuries. The third victim, a five year old, was located at Howard University Hospital, before being transported to Children’s National Hospital.

Court documents further state that the five-year-old’s mother reportedly told a detective that her son was chasing squirrels when she heard gunshots. When her son ran to her, she said she noticed bleeding from his legs and realized he had been shot.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 19.

Defense Questions ‘Safety Suite’ Approach to Restore Mental Competence in a Homicide

Before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 14, parties clashed over the use of a so-called “safety suite” to restore a shooting defendant’s mental competency.

Darryl Thompson, 37, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice related to harassment and reporting.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in two murders, the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr. on July 30, 2016 on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. Thompson is also charged for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyler McEachern on Aug. 29, 2016 on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

In court, Thompson’s attorneys, Dana Page and Mani Golzari, argued that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) placed Thompson in a “safety suite” at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Page claimed that the safety suite treatment facility is a “euphemism for solitary confinement” and opposed its use.

DBH representatives described the safety suite in court, likening it to an apartment with layers of doors that can be locked or unlocked when it’s deemed safe to do so. Patients can stay in the bedroom area or gain access to a living room-style area.

The purpose of the approach, according to prosecutors, is to restore Thompson’s mental competency. To stand trial, Thompson must understand the charges against him and must be able to assist his attorneys in his defense.

According to court records, Thompson was found incompetent to stand trial on May 16, 2025.

“This is just wrong and just patently illegal,” Page noted, arguing that the manner in which DBH is using the safety suite violates DC statutes, DBH’s own policies, and the 14th Amendment guaranteeing fair legal process.

In addition, the use of a safety suite “cannot possibly be helpful,” Page claimed, citing that solitary confinement does not lead to competency restoration and can instead result in heightened paranoia or false beliefs for defendants.

The prosecution responded by alleging that the safety suite is a “necessary tool” because Thompson has “assaulted other patients and staff” at mental health facilities. They also asserted that the severity of the case warrants its use.

Judge Park responded to parties’ arguments by requesting additional information from DBH about their policies and protocols.

However, he noted, “we’ve been in this posture for many months,” referencing the continued dispute between parties about Thompson’s competence. He stated that he would rule on this matter in the next scheduled hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Shooting That Left 66 Shell Casings

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause on July 15 in a shooting case where a defendant allegedly fled the scene with a stolen vehicle.

Davion Brown, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of more than one year, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3800 block of Commodore Joshua Barney Drive, NE on June 15.

At the hearing, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that surveillance footage showed three individuals firing shots at two people before fleeing in a stolen vehicle. There was also a fourth suspect involved, who was allegedly Brown, inside the vehicle when the shooting occurred.

The detective said that US Park Police trailed the four suspects as they fled the scene before crashing the stolen vehicle. The detective said Brown was reportedly apprehended at the crash scene and no other suspects were identified.

Both parties questioned the detective on the physical descriptions of the three shooters, supplemented by CCTV footage from the crime scene. This included clothing, shoes, and “bluish-purple” gloves worn by one of the suspects.

Brown’s attorney, Charlotte Gilliland, argued that prosecutors claim Brown was the fourth occupant of the car, and that no evidence could link him to the firearm charges against him. Gilliland cited Brown’s forehead injury consistent with damage to the passenger seat of the vehicle. No one was seen exiting the passenger seat in the surveillance footage, she argued, which meant he must have been seated there.

Prosecutors argued Brown should remain detained, emphasizing the severity of offense he is accused of. They noted that 66 shell casings were recovered from a residential neighborhood, with multiple bullets striking parked vehicles and causing extensive property damage.

Judge Hermann found probable cause on all charges, citing the severity of the offense. The judge described the incident as “extremely violent,” and found sufficient evidence to link Brown to the charges against him.

In addition, the judge denied Brown’s release, finding that “no conditions could reasonably ensure the safety of the community.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.

Search