Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty After Video Purports to Show Him at Scene

A murder defendant in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom was arraigned on three charges and pleaded not guilty on July 9.

Antone Whitaker, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Jerome Myles on Oct. 4, 2025 on the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW. Myles was found deceased at the scene with apparent gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, CCTV video footage captured the suspect at the scene shooting the victim. Arresting officers said Whitaker allegedly matched the description of the suspect.

The court arraigned Whitaker formally reading the charges against him and his attorney, Madalyn Harvey, pleaded not guilty on his behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.

The first day of Whitaker’s trial was set for Dec. 8. 2027. The prosecution stated that they anticipate the trial to last approximately one week.

Harvey expressed her concerns regarding the language used in the prosecution’s protective order to protect those involved in the case. Judge Brandt asked the attorneys to “work it out,” and to turn over evidence as soon as possible to avoid delays in the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2027.

‘I Always Wanted to Be a Lawyer,’ Says Carjacking Defendant After His Attorney Withdraws

A carjacking defendant said he might want to represent himself after his attorney withdrew from the case before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on July 7.

Deangelo Williams, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in the unlawful and forceful seizure of a moped on the 1900 block of 9th Street, NW, on May 18.

At the hearing, Williams explained that he had compatibility issues with his attorney, Russell Hairston. Citing the impasse, Williams prompted the withdrawal, and Judge Hertzfeld granted Hairston’s motion for new counsel.

“I don’t like that he got me to waive my preliminary hearing,” said Williams. According to court records, Williams waived his right to a preliminary hearing on May 28 that would have determined if probable cause existed for the charge against him.

Judge Hertzfeld asked Williams if he had other representation in mind. Williams replied that he preferred “Holt” or “Anita Woods.”

Williams also said he might want to continue “pro se,” or represent himself.

“I always wanted to be a lawyer,” he explained.

Judge Hertzfeld will discuss Williams’ desire to represent himself at a later date and at this point she would look into appointing him new counsel.

In addition, Judge Hertzfeld explained to Williams that changing his lawyer will not change the possibility of a plea offer, and it will “blow [his] 100 day right to a speedy trial.”

Under the Sixth Amendment, Williams is protected from prolonged incarceration and must have a trial within 100 days of when charges were first filed, on May 19.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 16.

Jail Stabbing Trial Delayed to Return Key Witness from Federal Prison to DC

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel vacated a scheduled trial date for a co-defendant stabbing case to allow time for a federal prisoner to return to DC Jail on July 7.

Antoine Turner, 32 and Nathaniel Patten, 33, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for their alleged involvement in the stabbing of another inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Dec. 30, 2025.

Turner and Patten’s trial was originally scheduled for July 14, but Patten’s attorney, Ferguson Evans, told Judge Israel during the hearing that Patten had informed him of a witness that was transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP).

Ferguson alerted Judge Israel he was able to locate the witness at the BoP, but was told his transfer would not be possible before the trial date.

Prosecutors did not object to the request to delay the trial for the witness to be transferred.

Evans also asked for Patten’s release because he was currently held without bond, but was sentenced in a different case. He asked for release in the stabbing so Patten can begin his sentence at the BoP as he awaits trial.

Prosecutors disagreed, stating if the court allowed Patten to be transferred to BoP to serve his sentence it would make it difficult to ensure he was returned to DC for the stabbing trial.

Judge Israel agreed with the prosecution, and denied Patten’s motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 11.

Designer Glasses Led to Valentine’s Day Homicide Case, Says Prosecution

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt told parties she would consider their arguments for release in a homicide and robbery case about designer glasses once a detective testifies on July 8.

Charlie Laster, 23, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, attempted robbery while armed, felony murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Malon Nurse, 26, on Feb. 14, 2024 at the 1700 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

Laster was indicted by a grand jury and was arraigned on June 27 before DC Superior Court Judge Risa Berkower, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the prosecution, Nurse was picking up food and was followed by three men while re-entering the establishment. Police said that its ShotSpotter detection system identified 12 rounds of gunfire at the time of the murder.

According to the prosecution, Nurse was able to tell police officers he was shot six times before he succumbed to his injuries.

Prosecutors claimed three people in a Mercedes sedan intended to rob Nurse and take his Cartier glasses – a luxury item – not to rob the establishment. Laster was on release for an armed robbery case, which prosecutors claimed was a similar incident where three people robbed strangers to steal a luxury item.

The prosecution said that Laster went to the hospital with two gunshot wounds 15 minutes after the incident. He and one other suspect allegedly fled the scene in a Mercedes sedan. Laster’s brother, who was also allegedly involved in the incident, suffered one gunshot and was left at the scene, paralyzed.

Evidence left at the scene including multiple firearms, bullet casings and the Cartier glasses were tested and were said to include Laster and his brother’s DNA on them, according to the prosecution.

Originally, the July 8 hearing was meant to be a detention hearing, during which a detective was supposed to testify, however he was unavailable for the hearing.

Parties are set to return for a detention hearing with the detective’s testimony on July 28.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to a formal reading of charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 7.

Jaheim Brown, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 20, 2024 fatal shooting of 28-year-old Christopher Robinson on the 5500 block of B Street, SE.

After being arraigned on the charges filed against him, Brown’s attorney Kevin Mosley, indicated that Brown intended to plead not guilty. No plea offer has been extended from the prosecution. However, the prosecution stated they were willing to work with Mosley to make an offer.

Based on the parties earliest availability, Judge Ryan set a trial date for January 2028.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.

Judge Grants Mistrial After Observer Interrupts Prosecutor’s Openings in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan declared a mistrial on the first day of a fatal shooting trial on July 7.

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. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams, who was killed in her home on July 19, 2022 on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

During the prosecution’s opening statements, an observer in the gallery made multiple comments heard by the jury, which resulted in Judge Ryan declaring a mistrial and having the interruptor removed from the court room.

Jones Jr. and Williams, who were cousins, shared two children together. According to court documents, Williams sustained 52 gunshot wounds.

The prosecution described how Jones Jr. allegedly shot Williams after an argument. Eight children were reportedly in the home at the time. Two of the children are scheduled to testify in the trial.

“One can only imagine the fear, the concern, the knot that forms in your throat when you are trying to hold back tears,” said the prosecution referencing the children.

The prosecution also indicated that a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) had been issued against Jones Jr. after multiple domestic violence incidents between him and Williams. According to court documents, Jones Jr. reportedly threatened to shoot Williams in the head on June 20, 2022. The previous month, on May 27, Jones Jr. allegedly kicked in the door to Williams’ apartment.

The prosecution told members of the jury Jones Jr. “emptied two guns into her, leaving eight kids at home and then fleeing to Florida.”

After the prosecution finished, Judge Ryan reminded the gallery there was no place for “public participation.” Two audible comments were overheard during the opening. Defense attorneys Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn approached Judge Ryan and mentioned their concern about how the comments impacted the jury’s perception.

After speaking with both parties, multiple jury members, and court security, Judge Ryan told the onlooker, “you’re dismissed, you need to leave, do not come back.”

The jury returned, with Judge Ryan offering apologies on behalf of the court and officially excusing the jury and declaring a mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 8 to select a new jury.

Judge Allows Prosecution Time to Indict Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted prosecutors additional time to indict a shooting case on July 8.

Hakim Johnson, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 5, 2025 at the 3000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.

Johnson was not present in court due to being in custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP). As a result, the prosecution got a time extension for the indictment which was supposed to expire on July 8, now with a new deadline on Aug. 27.

The defense requested that the prosecution, if needed to, make any other disclosures of evidence for the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 27 for indictment.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Release Until Sentencing

An armed carjacking defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on July 8 who granted him pre-sentencing release.

Zoe Jackson, 27, was originally charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in stealing a car on the 3200 block of 15th Place, SE, on March 11. Three other suspects: Kayvon Bell, 24; Cordell Rawls, 27; and Justin Ferguson, 26 were also allegedly involved.

Bell accepted a plea deal on June 23.

According to charging documents, Jackson arranged to exchange a Volkswagen EOS she had previously purchased from the victim for a Chevrolet Malibu, but when the victim withdrew his offer, Jackson and her co-defendants “jumped” him. During the encounter, the victim was tased, threatened with a handgun, and robbed of his car keys before his vehicle was taken.

Jackson accepted an offer to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license on July 8. Prosecutors will not seek indictment on further charges, step-back to jail before sentencing, or any increased penalties.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 23.

Prosecutors Accused of ‘Keeping a Joker in Their Back Pocket,’ in Jail Call Disagreement

Parties debated logistics for flagging a murder defendant’s jail calls before DC Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz on July 7 in preparation for trial.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property $1000, and tampering with physical evidence. The counts stem from her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dwayne Boyd, 31, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE on June 22, 2024.

Bonaparte’s attorneys, Roderick Thompson and Kevann Gardner, requested that prosecutors demonstrate which jail calls they would potentially admit into evidence.

While initially agreeing to the request, the prosecutor noted that they wouldn’t know which calls would be necessary until the defense’s opening statement.

“If they open on misidentification,” prosecutors said, “that’s very different than self-defense.”

The prosecution offered to flag calls after each trial day if needed, to which Thompson argued that the defense would be left with little room to prepare. He said the jail calls would act like “a joker in their back pocket” and that he has other preparation priorities.

The prosecution disagreed, arguing that both parties had access to these calls for an extended period. They said that the defense had plenty of time to sift through the calls, noting that it takes both parties just as long to listen to the calls for anything crucial.

More jail calls had been handed to the prosecution the morning of the hearing requiring review. The prosecution wants to wait until July 17 to notify Bonaparte’s attorney if they plan to admit any of the new calls.

Thompson argued that July 17 is “one business day before trial,” and requested an earlier date. Judge Kravitz agreed and gave prosecutors until July 14.

Prosecutors notified the court of their intent to bring six expert witnesses. They also addressed a witness who had claimed to previously identifying Bonaparte several times. The identifications were reportedly caught on Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) body-worn camera footage. Prosecutors offered to share the video with Judge Kravitz, saying they’d “make clips” and send them.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 20.

Judge Again Delays Juvenile Carjacker’s Sentence to Complete School

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur postponed a carjacker’s sentencing again on July 7 to allow him to complete school.

On Oct. 9, 2025, Kamari Montgomery, 17, and Fadil Compaore, 18, pleaded guilty to robbery for their involvement in a carjacking at the intersection of 12th and Newton Street, NE on May 2, 2025.

Montgomery and Compaore were both charged as adults under Title 16 which allows prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

Mongomery is currently at the Youth Services Center (YSC) in DC awaiting sentencing. His attorneys, Madhuri Swarna and Lauren Morehouse, argued that Montgomery has a supportive team helping him finish school at YSC. If he were to be transferred to another facility after sentencing, he would lose credits and would have to transition to another option.

Morehouse also said that Montgomery wants to start community service if he could be sentenced under the Youth Act while he is still in DC–a requirement he needs to complete for school, according to his defense.

Judge Arthur granted another continuance to allow Montgomery to finish school.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 18.

Road Rage Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty on all charges in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on July 7.

Marcus Reavenell, 48, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, unlawful discharge of a firearm, reckless driving, and destruction of property of less than $1000. These charges stem from Reavenell’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting following a road rage incident at the intersection of 58th and Foote St, NE on May 14, 2025. No injuries were reported.

Michael Bruckheim, Reavenell’s defense attorney, alerted the court of his client’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties also alerted they are prepared to go to trial in mid-July.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 16.

Defendant Claims Attorney Called Him ‘Stupid,’ Judge Appoints New Counsel

A stabbing defendant asked for a new attorney due to an early conflict in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on July 7.

Thomas Slaughter, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, on July 3. An individual sustained injuries to the chest.

Atiq Ahmed, Slaughter’s attorney, informed the court that when he tried to explain the prosecution’s plea offer to Slaughter, he asked for a new lawyer.

“He tryna get me to plead guilty,” said Slaughter in defense. Judge Herrmann assured Slaughter that Ahmed was only doing his job by explaining all plea offers to Slaughter, and that Slaughter had the choice of whether or not to take it.

“Him calling me stupid was doing his job then,” Slaughter stated.

When questioned about the interaction by Judge Herrmann, Ahmed admitted there was some “name-calling” and that Slaughter “was being very aggressive with [him].”

Slaughter confirmed to Judge Herrmann that he wants a new lawyer, but he pushed back when Judge Herrmann explained that the case would be inevitably postponed if he got a new lawyer, since no one would be prepared that same day. When Slaughter continued to insist, Judge Herrmann stated, “we’re not doing this.” Slaughter reaffirmed that he does want a new attorney.

Ahmed tried to inform Judge Herrmann that he explained everything to Slaughter and met with him as soon as he could.

“It sounded like you did all the things you are required to do,” Judge Herrmann flatly stated.

Still, Judge Herrmann appointed Tammy Thom, who was present in the courtroom, as Slaughter’s new attorney.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 16.

Stabbing Defendant Considers Plea Deal, Denied Release

A plea deal was presented to a stabbing defendant, and his release denied, before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 6.

Alfonzo Gregory, 29, is charged with robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence-related stabbing that occurred on the 1400 Block of Bruce Place, SE, on March 30. The victim sustained a laceration on her left fingers.

Gregory was additionally charged with two counts of contempt and one count of obstruction of justice following his arrest.

The prosecution put forward a plea offer over the weekend. If accepted, Gregory would plead guilty to felony contempt and attempted robbery, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. The terms were not disclosed, but the prosecution said that these charges would be “probation eligible” based on Gregory’s criminal history.

Gregory’s defense attorney, Lucas Dansie, explained that he needed more time to review the plea offer and will answer the prosecution by July 10. Since this was Gregory’s first time hearing the plea offer, he requested more time to consult the agreement.

A trial date was initially set for July 13, but the prosecution filed a motion to extend the indictment clock and allow for a later trial date. Judge Pipe granted this motion.

Dansie also made a request that Gregory be released from custody, which was denied by Judge Pipe.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 21.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Stabbing Friend’s Friend

Defendant accepted a plea deal that reduced an assault charge to an attempted assault charge in a stabbing case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 2.

Antonio Lancaster, 43, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on the 1100 block of 6th Street, SW on March 9. The victim, a friend who is friendly with suspect’s friend, sustained one stab wound to her shoulder and two to the side of her torso.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea offer to Lancaster, allowing him to plead guilty to a lesser charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 24-to-36 months of incarceration.

The prosecution confirmed had the case gone to trial, their evidence would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Lancaster chased the victim with a knife and stabbed her three times.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 14.

Judge Releases One Co-Defendant for Prosecution’s Delay in Trial

One of two shooting co-defendants was granted release by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 2.

Tyjuan Liggins, 29, and Deontae “a.k.a. Baby D” Nolan, 18, are charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, four counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, four counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, four counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of endangerment with a firearm multiple projectiles, two counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and eight counts of destruction of property less than $1000.

Liggins is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and Nolan is facing two counts of destruction of property of $1000 or more for their alleged involvement in the same incident.

These charges stem from the pair’s alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1200 block of I Street, SE, on Jan. 11.

According to the police report, there were at least 13 shots in the parking lot area, and surveillance footage shows Liggins exchanging fire with occupants of a white Mercedes at the intersection of 12th and I Streets, SE. There were no reports of injuries in the incident.

The judge asked whether both parties were ready to proceed to trial, and the prosecution said it intended to move forward without calling a complaining witness. Nolan’s attorney, Diana Yu, argued the decision favored the prosecution because the witness was central to the case and a potential self-defense claim.

Yu asserted that the shell casings at the crime scene suggested Liggins and Nolan were shot at first by the victim, and the prosecution failed to turn over information regarding the victim’s barring notice from the location. The notice was in effect at the time, indicating the victim was unlawfully present.

“The prosecutors don’t have an excuse not to turn things over,” said Yu.

The prosecution contended they didn’t have an obligation to find and turn over the notice, citing the victim’s rolled-up windows as evidence he didn’t fire any shots. Yu countered that motive was a key issue for the jury to consider and that the victim’s testimony was relevant to establishing the reason for the crime.

Yu also claimed that she had recently received cell phone extractions of Instagram messages and didn’t have enough time to review them. She requested Nolan’s release and dismissal of the indictment due to the prosecution’s “gross negligence” in preparing for the upcoming trial.

Judge Pipe agreed that Nolan’s right to a speedy trial had been violated and allowed his release. However, she acknowledged that the prosecutors hadn’t acted in bad faith and maintained the indictment.

Liggins’ attorney, Matthew Covert, mentioned that his client isn’t held in this case but asked for his release in a different one. Covert said the overlap caused Liggins’ detention,“well over the 100-day mark,” seeking 24-hour home confinement with his mother and GPS monitoring.

The judge denied Liggins’ release because of the severity of his other charges and instructed the prosecution to review the discovery provided to the defense to avoid further delays.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 17 to discuss a new trial date.

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