Defendant Takes Gun Possession Plea, Murder Charges Dismissed

A defendant originally charged with second-degree murder entered a plea agreement for gun possession before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on July 15.

Niko Lancaster, 26, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Levon Livingston, 29, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE on April 12. Livingston sustained two gunshot wounds in his chest and back.

According to court documents, Livingston and his wife reportedly had ongoing domestic violence issues. Livingston allegedly arrived at his wife’s home and broke through her bedroom window before she asked him to leave because she had company, namely Lancaster. An altercation between Lancaster and Livingston allegedly ensued, and shots were fired.

At his preliminary hearing to hear the evidence agains him, Lancaster agreed to plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. His attorney, Kevin Mosley, noted that the charge carries a maximum of five years in prison. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the murder charge against Lancaster.

After Lancaster acknowledged the rights he waived, the prosecution revealed the evidence they expected would have proved his guilt at trial.

Prosecutors said that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a 911 call about a shooting on April 12. Lancaster traveled to the location of the shooting on public transportation while carrying a pistol without a license. Prosecutors told the court that no one in Livingston’s wife’s home owned pistols.

Lancaster agreed with the prosecution’s account of the evidence.

Since his last hearing on April 28, Lancaster has been on release. Judge Park mentioned that he had received a notice of compliance from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), which noted that he adhered to his release conditions of GPS monitoring.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 18.

Suspect, Homicide Victim Were ‘World-Class Arguers,’ Says Defendant’s Son

The prosecution called multiple witnesses, including a murder defendant’s son, then resting their case in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 14.

Wonell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams, who is the mother of two of his children.

This incident occurred on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE, on July 19, 2022. According to court documents, Williams sustained 52 gunshot wounds or defects.

The prosecution continued questioning Jones’ son who began his testimony on the previous day of trial. The witness was one of eight children in the apartment during the time of the incident. According to his son, Jones and his children had spent two weeks living at Williams’ apartment leading up to the shooting.

The witness was shown two videos of an individual entering Williams’ apartment complex on different days and identified the man in the video as his father. He also recalled a history of arguments between Jones and Williams, calling them “world-class arguers.”

“It hadn’t escalated this badly before, that’s why I was a bit frightened,” the witness said in reference to a fight between Jones and Williams on the day of her death.

Jones’ son said he did not see the shooting himself.

When asked by the prosecution if he was happy to be in court, the witness responded, “To be honest, no.” This was the first time the witness had been in a courtroom with his father, Jones.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who was assigned to investigate a destruction of property and unlawful entry incident that took place at Williams’ residence on May 28, 2022. The detective had obtained CCTV footage of the hallway of Williams’ apartment building on May 27 and 28, 2022, which the prosecution played for the court.

According to the detective, in the surveillance video from May 27, 2022, an individual paced in the hallway outside Williams’ apartment for an hour before entering. The detective said the suspect was inside the apartment for 24 minutes and then left, running down the hall.

The footage from May 28, 2022 showed the same suspect on the phone in the hallway outside Williams’ apartment. The man then kicked down the apartment door and entered.

According to the detective, he identified the suspect in the footage as Jones.

On cross-examination, the detective admitted that someone without a key to a home could plausibly wait outside until they were let inside. Defense attorney Megan Allburn suggested the individual in the footage from May 27, 2022 may have been waiting in the hallway until someone opened the door for him.

A crime scene investigator from the MPD was also called to the stand. Four swabs of DNA were taken from two firearms and two magazines found at the crime scene.

The swabs were then sent to a forensic DNA analyst, who the prosecution called to the stand.

The prosecution presented a PowerPoint to inform jurors of the logistical steps and terms used in DNA analysis, as well as the outcomes from the DNA testing in this case.

On two of the swabs, the analyst said there was “very strong support” for Jones’ DNA presence on the firearm. One of the magazine swabs was unable to be analyzed, as it was below the limit of detection, and the other magazine swab was “one sextillion times more likely” to include Williams’ DNA presence, according to the analyst.

During cross examination, Allburn asked about touch DNA, which is the transfer of DNA from one person or object to another person or object. The analyst confirmed that although blood and saliva tend to yield more DNA, it is possible to get the full DNA scale from a single skin cell.

The prosecution called the forensic pathologist from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who conducted Williams’ autopsy to the stand. The doctor said she identified 52 bullet wounds or defects on the victim and found 16 projectiles or fragments lodged in Williams’ body.

The prosecution presented a diagram of Williams’ body taken from the autopsy report, along with several photos of gunshot wounds in Williams’ arms, shoulders, upper chest, abdomen, and legs. The doctor also identified a fracture in an X-ray of Williams’ left arm near the shoulder, which she said was most likely the result of a bullet striking the bone.

The doctor determined Williams’ cause of death to be multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death to be homicide. According to the doctor, other than the bullet wounds and defects, the only injuries on Williams’ body were scrapes on the chin.

While cross-examining the doctor, Jones’ other attorney, Steven Kiersh, confirmed that she could not determine the sequence in which the injuries to Williams’ body occurred or if any one gunshot caused her death.

The prosecution then rested their case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15 for closing statements.

Judge Sentences Domestic Stabbing Defendant to Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced a domestic violence stabbing defendant to 18 months of probation on July 10 for his conduct during a domestic dispute.

Marquise Bailey, 27, pleaded guilty on April 7 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered firearm. Bailey admitted to stabbing his girlfriend after a verbal altercation on Nov. 30, 2025 in his apartment on the 5200 block of Karl Place, NE. The victim sustained one laceration to her hand.

Prosecutors asked for a 24-month prison sentence for the assault charge and a six-month concurrent sentence for the possession of an unregistered firearm. They argued that certain statements Bailey made in the pre-sentence report about the victim being “crazy” made them think he was not taking the charges seriously.

Sara Kopecki, Bailey’s attorney, argued for no jail time added to the seven months he had already spent in custody. Kopecki said that when Bailey experiences the loss of a relationship, he “doesn’t handle it appropriately” and recommended grief counseling as a condition of his probation.

When given the opportunity to speak, Bailey said he felt like he was “misunderstood at times” but that he did not “disregard [anybody]’s feelings.”

“I don’t want to be looked at as a negative entity,” Bailey said.

Judge Israel sentenced Bailey to 18 months of imprisonment for the assault charge and six months for the possession charge, to run concurrently. All time was suspended in favor of 18 months of supervised probation, meaning he will not serve any additional jail time unless he violates his probation and the judge revokes it.

Following his probation, Bailey must register as a gun offender for two years and cannot possess a firearm in DC.

As an additional condition to his probation, Judge Israel ordered Bailey undergo training for a commercial driver’s license, since he had expressed desire to be a truck driver in his pre-sentence report. She also granted the grief counseling Kopecki sought.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 30 for a probation review hearing.

You’re Putting Yourself on Thin Ice Here,’ Judge Warns Defendant After Release Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman admonished a stabbing defendant with a warning after she violated her home confinement twice but allowed her to remain on release at a hearing on July 14.

Shauntia Daniels, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on May 23 at the 7-Eleven on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim sustained stab wounds to her chest and forearm.

Judge Edelman released Daniels to home confinement on June 30, with exceptions for legal meetings, pre-trial services, and employment responsibilities.

At the hearing, Judge Edelman notified the parties that he was recently alerted of two violations of Daniels’ home confinement order.

The first was on July 12 from 2:10-to-3:30 a. m. on U Street, NW. The second was on the same day at 7:30 p. m. at an unspecified location.

Daniels’ attorney, Terrence Austin, said that Daniels reported to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) that she violated home confinement to “pick up supplies” for her children at a local convenience store. According to a representative from PSA, Daniels is required to notify them at least four hours in advance to avoid violations.

“You’re putting yourself on thin ice here,” Judge Edelman said to Daniels.

The judge said that he previously lived in the area and knew that it would not take an hour and twenty minutes to go to the local convenience store.

The prosecutors asked the court to warn Daniels to comply with her release conditions. They will seek a possible step back in release and incarceration if issues arise in the future.

Judge Edelman advised Daniels that if he receives a similar report, she will be “locked up.”

Austin then requested to modify Daniels release conditions to allow her to attend appointments with the Center of Family Services (CFS), that is helping her find housing. Judge Edelman granted the request because Daniels’ stay-away requires her to find new housing away from the victim.

Austin also requested that Daniels be able to “pick up supplies” for her children, but Judge Edelman denied his request, calling it “too open-ended.”

“This can go one of two ways, the choice is yours Ms. Daniels,” warned Judge Edelman.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.

Judge Rejects Request to Dismiss Case 17-Year-Old’s Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe said the prosecution’s delayed forensic testing results did not provide grounds to dismiss an armed carjacking case at a July 14 hearing. That in spite of what the defense claimed the judge had promised to do given the impending trial.

Kurt Downs, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred at the 2700 block of Marrion Barry Avenue, SE on March 8.

Downs is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the hearing, the court addressed Downs’ rights under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). The IPA is a law that allows defendants to independently request testing of crime scene evidence. Downs’ attorney, Gemma Stevens, established that she had not yet received the results of the prosecution’s forensic testing.

Stevens reminded Judge Pipe of a previous conversation she claimed they had in which the judge said that if results were not received by July 14, the court would grant a defense motion to dismiss the case. Judge Pipe, however, said she did not recall this conversation, and stated that dismissal would not be an appropriate action at the hearing.

Despite this, Judge Pipe expressed concern that delayed results may negatively impact the prosecutors’ case. They now expect the results by Aug. 24, which she noted was close to the Sept. 30 trial date.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 11.

‘It’s a Lie,’ Says Homicide Defendant of Guilty Plea, but Judge Won’t Withdraw it

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea on July 10.

Michael Garrett, 70, pleaded guilty on March 19 to second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the blunt force trauma death of 71-year-old Sylvia Matthews. The incident occurred at Matthews’ home on the unit block of Elmira Street, SW, on Dec. 3, 2021. Mathews’ succumbed to her injuries on Dec. 4, 2021.

In exchange for his guilty plea, the prosecution dismissed the pending charges of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, first-degree burglary, first-degree attempted burglary, two counts of destruction of property $1,000 or more, and destruction of property less than $1,000. Parties agreed to 21-to-26 years of imprisonment, subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.

At his scheduled sentencing on May 29, Garrett said that he wanted to withdraw the plea.

Three pillars are considered when a defendant motions to withdraw a guilty plea: whether the defendant has asserted legal innocence, the length of time between the guilty plea and the desire to withdraw, and whether the attorney was competent throughout the case.

On June 10, Garrett’s attorney, Wole Falodun, filed a motion to withdraw the guilty plea. According to court documents, Falodun claimed Garrett’s innocence was the basis for his withdrawal. Falodun explained in the motion that in his client’s alleged involvement in Mathews’ death he was acting to “disengage contact” with the victim and did not intend “to kill [Matthews] or cause serious bodily injury.”

“All this stuff is mind boggling… it’s a lie,” said Garrett in court about the prosecution’s theory of the case.

Garrett explained that in the two months between the acceptance of the plea deal and his sentencing he came to realize the time in prison asked for in the plea deal is “the rest of [his] natural life.” Garrett said he also took issue with the wording of the plea agreement. Specifically, the “deliberate intent” aspect of the charge.

“There was no deliberate intent, there was no weapon, there was no malice,” Garrett asserted.

When Judge Kravitz asked Garrett about a cane covered in Matthews’ blood found next to her, Garrett said there was no cane. He said if there was one it was “moved by the police department or the prosecution or whatever.”

Throughout the hearing, Garrett claimed that he was involved in a romantic relationship with Matthews and just wanted Judge Kravitz to “understand [his] frame of mind.”

Judge Kravitz asked Garrett why he took the plea offer. Garrett claimed Falodun “strenuously encouraged” him to accept it.

“It is a very weak assertion,” said Judge Kravitz.

The judge explained that a defense attorney should advise on these decisions in their client’s best interest, but the client has the final decision.

“Everything that the defendant has stated is so factually inconsistent with the evidence in this case,” said the prosecutor.

The prosecution explained that they had surveillance evidence from Mathews’ home and body-worn camera footage of the incident that they claim directly contradicts Garrett’s claim of innocence. They also consulted a blood splatter expert that concluded the injuries Mathews sustained were consistent with blunt force trauma from an object.

In addition, the prosecution said that Garrett reportedly has had an “obsession” with Mathews since the 1980s. They also referenced an “absolutely atrocious” assault Garrett allegedly committed against Mathews in the 1990s.

“I would relish the opportunity to try this case, it’s not an appropriate reason,” said the prosecutor.

Judge Kravitz denied Garrett’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea, emphasizing that Garrett’s claim of legal innocence is discredited by surveillance videos of the incident and a history of prior threats against the victim. The judge also said it appeared to him Garrett’s desire to withdraw the plea “was voiced out of anger when he learned that so many of Ms. Mathews’ friends were planning to speak at his sentencing.”

However, Judge Kravitz also said he is not familiar with case law regarding the credibility of a claim of legal innocence. Falodun told the judge he will file a written brief for the court to reconsider the denial. The prosecution said that if the judge is unable to rule on the defense’s filing they want the opportunity to cross-examine Garrett at a motions hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 18.

Scissors Stabbing Defendant Denied More Lenient Release

On July 14, DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ruled against removing GPS tracking of a released defendant accused of stabbing a victim with scissors amid a dispute about concert tickets.

Ian Gbadebo, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 400 block of Florida Avenue, NE on May 23. The victim sustained lacerations to his left bicep and back right shoulder.

According to court documents, the defendant and victim allegedly got into an argument over concert tickets. Gbadebo is then alleged to have left to go to the bathroom and returned with scissors. From there, the defendant reportedly attacked and stabbed the victim.

Jesse Winograd, Gbadebo’s attorney, requested more lenient release conditions for his client. Winograd argued that due to Gbadedo’s compliance with imposed conditions and his status as a college student, he should be removed from GPS monitoring for the remainder of his release.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) did not object to Winograd’s request.

However, he prosecution did, claiming the nature of the crime was “brazen” and “violent.” The prosecution also mentioned the Civil Protective Order (CPO) filed against Gbadebo by the victim’s family. This order is intended to protect the victim from any future harassment or abuse by Gbadebo.

Judge McLean denied adjustment to Gbadebo’s release conditions, noting the request was not filed in writing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 27.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Again Refuses to Appear in Court

A jail stabbing defendant refused to appear in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom again on July 10.

Cedae Hardy, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate on Oct. 12, 2025 at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The victim sustained 10 stab wounds.

According to Judge Edelman, Hardy refused to be transported from the jail to court, and his attorney, Chidi Ogolo, waived his presence. At his last hearing on April 20, Hardy also refused to appear in court.

Hardy has another case pending in United States District Court. Parties are considering a global plea deal, which would resolve both cases. The prosecution said they will have an update within the next six weeks.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Defendant With 2 Previous Domestic Violence Cases Against Victim Pleads Guilty to Her Murder

A defendant who fatally shot his former girlfriend pleaded guilty in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom on July 10.

Tyjuan Bazemore, 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Nyesha Walden-Hatcher, 27, on Feb. 2 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, NW. Walden-Hatcher sustained one gunshot wound to her head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), when Bazemore was arrested in Connecticut in March, he had pending domestic violence charges and a stay-away order from Walden-Hatcher.

Court documents state that in two 2025 domestic violence cases brought against Bazemore, Walden-Hatcher appeared to be the victim based on body-worn camera footage. Bazemore pleaded not guilty in both cases. The prosecution decided not to pursue these charges further after Bazemore’s arrest in connection to her murder.

Madalyn Harvey, Bazemore’s attorney, informed the court that her client accepted a plea offer extended by the prosecution. She said the agreement required Bazemore to plead guilty to the charge against him and determined a sentence between 16-and-20 years in prison, subject to Judge Edelman’s approval at sentencing. Prosecutors also agreed not to pursue an indictment with additional or greater charges related to the offense.

Without the plea deal, in DC the maximum penalty for second-degree murder while armed is life imprisonment, and the minimum is five years.

Judge Edelman ensured that Bazemore understood the agreement and maximum penalties, as well as the rights to a trial and to appeal that he gave up by pleading guilty. Bazemore will also need to register as a gun offender.

The prosecutor said DNA evidence, firearms evidence, and CCTV footage that placed Bazemore at the scene would have proven him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt if the case had gone to trial. Bazemore verbally confirmed that this evidence was true.

Judge Edelman also explained the 11c1c rule, which is when a plea agreement between the defense and prosecution lays out a specific sentence. It is under the judge’s discretion to accept or deny the agreement. Judge Edelman told Bazemore he’s never rejected a plea agreement.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 18 for sentencing.

Judge Orders Bench Warrant for Missing Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a bench warrant on July 14, after a stabbing defendant failed to appear for his probation show cause hearing.

Alexis Rivera, 22, was sentenced on April 14 to one year’s incarceration, all but five months suspended, followed by one year of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentence stemmed from Rivera’s involvement in an attempted robbery that led to a stabbing on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Dec. 6, 2025. The victim was stabbed with a large black kitchen knife.

According to court records, Rivera was arrested on Dec. 8, 2025, meaning his five-month sentence concluded on May 8.

However, Rivera failed to appear at the scheduled probation show cause hearing after his attorney, Matthew Rist, called multiple times attempting to reach him. According to Rist and a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Rivera was not compliant with the terms of his probation and each phone number he provided was disconnected.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant and Judge McLean so ordered.

No further dates were set, parties will reconvene when US Marshals execute the warrant.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Sets 2027 Trial Date

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld set a trial date for a stabbing defendant, who pleaded not guilty to his indictment charges on July 14.

Gerald Roseby, 50, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Nov. 26, 2025 in front of Kenilworth Market, on the 1600 block Kenilworth Avenue, NE. One victim sustained injuries.

The court arraigned Roseby, reading the charges against him. His defense attorney, Derrick Page, entered a not guilty plea to the charges on Roseby’s behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested additional evidence from the prosecution.

Page said that the defense had received an initial plea offer from the prosecution but did not specify the terms and requested a trial date be set.

The prosecution asked about the status of a potential Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing concerning whether Roseby will assert his right to conduct independent forensic testing, which the judge said would be discussed at the trial readiness hearing.

Judge Hertzfeld set the trial readiness hearing for April 9, 2027, and the trial date for April 21, 2027.

‘I Should’ve Did Something Different,’ Says Stabbing Defendant at Sentencing.

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz imposed a split sentence, balancing jail time with probation, for a stabbing defendant on July 10, based on his traumatic upbringing and lengthy criminal history.

Randy Brown, 34, pleaded guilty on May 1 to aggravated assault knowingly, for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 1100 block of 7th Street, NW, on Aug. 7, 2025. The victim sustained multiple injuries to the neck.

As part of the plea, the prosecutors agreed to limit their sentence request to five years in prison.

“I should’ve did something different. I should’ve just stepped off or walked away, anything,” Brown said at sentencing.

Brown explained that an argument began over a pair of glasses that the victim reportedly stole from him. Brown claimed that the fight escalated because of “threats being thrown around.”

Brown’s attorney, Nicole McClain Walton, asked for 46 months in prison, all suspended but 30 months, followed by a period of mental health and substance abuse counseling.

“If he could, he would go back and change what happened that day,” Walton said.

Walton highlighted that Brown has accepted responsibility for what he did. She also explained that Brown admitted to a pre-sentence report writer that he was on the narcotic pain-killer, Percocet, during the incident.

“We are not talking about a random act of violence,” said Walton.

The defense argued that Brown has been conditioned to react in certain ways because of a traumatic upbringing. According to Walton, Brown experienced mental and physical abuse throughout his adolescence, spending most of childhood in and out of foster care.

The prosecution asked for five years in prison, consistent with the plea agreement, and three years supervised probation.

To support their request, the prosecution played surveillance footage of the confrontation. In the video, the victim and defendant are seen having a verbal argument and then separating. A couple minutes after the separation, Brown charged the victim and stabbed him multiple times.

“He did this while surrounded by pedestrians on a busy street in the middle of DC,” said the prosecution.

The prosecution also expressed concern about the location of the victim’s injury, highlighting the neck as an extremely vulnerable part of the body.

Judge Kravitz sentenced Brown to 60 months in prison, all but 42 months suspended, followed by two years of supervised probation. The judge emphasized the severity of the case but also the importance of treatment for Brown and explained that although there are clear mitigating circumstances present, they do not justify the attack.

Special conditions for Brown’s probation include a mental health evaluation and treatment, substance abuse treatment, and housing assistance. Brown is required to donate $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes fund.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant’s Son Says the, ‘Room Lit Up’ After He Heard Shots

The son of a homicide defendant testified as an eyewitness in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 13.

Wonell Jones Jr., 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Audora Williams, 33, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE on July 19, 2022.

Jones’ son, who was in Williams’ apartment during the incident, was called by the prosecution to testify. He said that, to him, Williams was “no one really, to be honest.” Jones’ son noted that he was 15-years-old at the time and would stay at her apartment sometimes, but only when he was with his father.

On the morning of the incident, he said he woke up in Williams’ apartment, while Jones and Williams’ son were out getting groceries.

According to the witness, when Jones returned, Williams opened the door for him. Jones’ son testified that his father walked in looking mad. Jones and Williams immediately went into Williams’ bedroom, and the witness was pretty sure the door was “slammed shut.”

Immediately after, Jones’ son told prosecutors he heard muffled screaming, arguing, and “the voices got louder.” He heard additional noises that he could not exactly remember, but said that there was “maybe some muffled hitting noises.”

After a lengthy argument, the witness heard two shots come from the bedroom, as “the room lit up.” According to his son, Jones opened the bedroom door and poked his head out. The witness said he could reportedly hear Williams screaming as Jones “went back in and fired another two shots.” His son said that when the sound of shooting died down, Jones left the apartment.

After his father left, the witness said he entered Williams’ bedroom as the smoke alarm was going off. Through the smoke, he recognized his father’s gun on the bed and Williams lying face down on the ground.

As a result of time constraints, Jones’ son’s testimony will resume the next day of trial.

A responding officer to the scene testified that Williams was breathing when the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived. While playing the video of her body-worn camera, she said, there were bullet “casings all around” Williams. According to court documents, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) arrived minutes after MPD and found no signs of life.

When questioned by Jones’ lawyer, Megan Allburn, the officer confirmed she was the first to enter the room where Williams’ body was found. The officer confirmed the bed sheets were disorganized and trash was on the ground.

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) investigator answered questions about the guns, bullets, and bullet casings found at the scene of the incident.

Jones’ attorney, Steven Kiersh, asked why the investigator moved pieces of evidence. The investigator responded they “always move evidence,” after they have documented it.

According to the investigator, he followed DFS procedures during the entire investigation, “move[ing] from the least evasive to most invasive” investigative methods. The investigator confirmed he was not sure if anything was moved before he arrived.

Kiersh continued to question the evidence, asking the witness where bullet casings are expected to land after a gun is fired. The investigator replied that casings typically emerge towards the right of the gun and travel a few feet.

Pointing to photos of the incident scene, Kiersh asked how that conclusion lines up with the evidence. The investigator told Kiersh casings land based on “a lot of variables” and to guess where they would land would be “making a lot of assumptions.”

The investigator identified two handguns on the floor of the bedroom where Williams was found. According to the investigator, the gun slides were locked and to the rear. He said, this could “happen if the mag is emptied.” If the magazines were full, the guns would hold 27 rounds.

Prosecutors also brought a firearm and toolmark specialist to the stand to explain the tests and analysis he conducted on the firearms, bullets, and bullet casings that were collected as evidence.

The specialist explained that he examined the ballistic evidence for marks left behind as a result of the firearm being used. He said as a part of his tests, he fired each handgun in order to have bullets and casings to compare to those found at the crime scene.

Photos of these comparisons were shown in court. The specialist determined “source identification,” meaning that based on the markings left on the bullets and casings, the evidence was closely matched to the guns found at the scene of the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene to resume the trial on July 14.

Judge Sends Carjacking Defendant to Mental Hospital to Restore Competency

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered a carjacking defendant to self-report to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for mental competency restoration on July 13.

Demetrius Johnson, 27, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE, on Nov. 4, 2025.

At a hearing on May 12, Johnson was found mentally incompetent to stand trial following an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). To stand trial, Johnson must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

At the hearing, Johnson, who is on pre-trial release, appeared in court and parties discussed the DBH report that prosecutors had reviewed but Johnson’s attorney, Russell Hairston, had not. Both parties approached the bench to discuss the report’s contents under seal, which Hairston said indicated Johnson is now receiving his medication differently. The prosecution stated that it was unclear what prompted the change and if the new method would make a difference in his competency.

Judge Di Toro provided time for the defense to review the report requesting Johnson be hospitalized at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for competency restoration efforts.

Judge Di Toro said she wants to make sure that they are pursuing the safest way to restore Johnson’s competency. The judge gave Johnson until five p. m. on July 14 to self-report to the hospital. Judge Di Toro did not order Johnson’s treatment to be either in-patient or out-patient and explained it will be determined by the hospital.

Judge Di Toro allowed Saint Elizabeths 30 days to determine if Johnson’s competency can be restored. Most defendants eventually have their mental competence restored through treatment, according to a psychiatrist who has done extensive work for the DBH.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Gun Possession in Shooting Incident

A defendant pleaded guilty to possession charges that stemmed from a shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 13.

Da’John Blunt, 25, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 12 on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court records, police responded to the location after a report of gunshots. Omar James, 22, pleaded guilty on June 17 to charges that stemmed from firing the shots in the incident. James is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 18.

Instead of going to trial, Blunt decided to accept a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges and dismiss an unrelated possession case against Blunt.

Prosecutors explained that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proved beyond reasonable doubt that Blunt struck the victim with a firearm in the head and possessed a firearm without a license all with a prior conviction.

Judge Di Toro informed Blunt that the maximum penalty for assault with a dangerous weapon is up to 10 years of imprisonment. She also stated that the maximum penalty for unlawful possession of a firearm is up to 10 years of imprisonment.

Judge Di Toro found Blunt entered into the agreement knowingly and voluntarily and advised that Blunt would have to register as a gun offender.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 14 for Blunt’s sentencing.

Search