‘I’m Gonna See Him One Way Or Another,’ Says Judge After Stabbing Defendant Misses Court

After a stabbing defendant refused transport to his June 10 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld warned his attorney that he could not avoid court forever.

Edward Cowser, 46, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from an incident at a gas station on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, where prosecutors allege Cowser stabbed another man in the back after the victim refused to share any more of his PCP-laced cigarette.

Anthony DiMillo, Cowser’s attorney, informed parties that his client refused transport that day.

According to Judge Hertzfeld, this was not the first time Cowser had refused transport to court in this case. She asked DiMillo to tell his client that she was “gonna see him one way or another.”

DiMillo told Judge Hertzfeld that he had gone to see Cowser the day before and asked him if he was coming to his hearing, but Cowser was noncommittal.

Judge Hertzfeld continued the hearing to June 12.

Homicide Defendant’s Foster Sister Says, He ‘Was Sitting There With No Emotion’

An ex-girlfriend and a one-time foster sister of the defendant both testified in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 16.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his foster sister, 23-year-old Makia Mosby at her home on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2005. Mosby sustained burns and gunshot wounds.

The prosecution called another one of Wells’ foster sisters, who was 15 years old at the time of the murder. Wells’ mother fostered the witness after Wells and Mosby moved out of the house.

The foster sister was close with Mosby, and thought of her like a sister, she said. She described Mosby as “very bubbly” and “protective as she spoiled her baby.”

Recalling Thanksgiving 2005, the witness explained who was at her foster mother’s house. She said that no one could get a hold of Wells the entire night, despite calling repeatedly. Three different members of their family attempted to call Wells before dinner began, she said.

The foster sister said Wells’ mother received a call that Mosby’s apartment was on fire, and that “everybody became pretty frantic, just trying to figure out what was going on.”

The witness went to the scene along with a few other family members, in their mother’s green Cadillac and did not see Wells. After the fire, she claimed the family didn’t hear from Wells for two-to-three days. When she first saw him, the family was sitting around discussing Mosby’s murder, yet, “Wells was sitting there with no emotion,” the witness claimed.

Prompted by questions from the prosecution, the foster sister also said that back in 2005, “You could tell [Wells] was really hurt” over the death of his close friend, Michael Carter, also known as Black.

In cross-examination, Wells’ attorney, Molly Bunke asked about Wells’ reported gunshot wound on his thigh. The foster sister said when she first saw Wells’ after Mosby’s murder she did not recall noticing a limp or bandage, but Wells was seated. She did notice scratches on his neck, she said. In previous testimony, she claimed that “Makia would have fought her attacker.”

During the redirect, the witness confirmed that Wells was wearing pants, and the prosecution argued it would not have been possible to identify the wounds defense was claiming.

A former girlfriend of Wells was then called by the prosecution. She and Wells dated on and off starting in high school, she said.

The prosecution asked the ex-girlfriend about a conversation she and Wells shared years prior as they were smoking in his white Cadillac. She alleged that Wells confessed to shooting Mosby, dousing her in baby oil and setting her apartment on fire.

According to the witness, Wells also told her that he put the gun in his waistband after the murder and it discharged, leaving him with an accidental gunshot wound in his thigh.

The ex-girlfriend also testified that Wells claimed the motive for killing Mosby was to avenge the murder of Carter, which he believed Mosby was involved in arranging.

In April 2013, the ex-girlfriend first recounted this story to a detective who was interviewing her for a different investigation. During the defense’s cross-examination, attorney Hannah Claudio provided medical records that showed the witness was in and out of a psychiatric hospital three times throughout the period she was speaking to detectives in 2013. One of these interviews took place an hour after she was discharged from the hospital.

Based on Claudio’s questions, the ex-girlfriend confirmed that she was undergoing manic episodes and using drugs at the time, which led her to have hallucinations. She was administratively discharged from the hospital for threatening staff, according to Claudio, which the witness confirmed.

During the redirect, the prosecutor asked the ex-girlfriend if her hallucinations in 2013 ever involved Wells’ voice or their conversation when he allegedly confessed, and she said no.

“Will you ever forget what he told you in that car?” the prosecutor asked. “No,” the ex-girlfriend said.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 17.

Case Acquitted: Defense Argues Self-Defense in Murder Trial, Saying, ‘Tragedy is Not a Murder’

Editor’s note: Juan Guerra was acquitted of all charges by a jury on June 15, 2026.

Parties argued about the victim’s cause of death, the defendant’s motivations, and the evidence found at the incident scene in closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee on June 10.

Juan Guerra, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of his friend, Peter Miller III, 32, who died from blunt force trauma on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

Prosecutors argued that Guerra strangled “his best friend” after an argument over a dice game. Guerra’s attorney, Kevin Mosely, painted a different picture, arguing that Guerra was acting in self-defense.

Following Guerra’s testimony the day before, the prosecution’s closing argument began with a 20-second timer. As the prosecutor stood before the jury, blank-faced, the courtroom was silent. When the timer expired, the prosecutor argued that 20 seconds was a third of the time it took for Guerra to strangle Miller.

All three experts called by the prosecution backed up this conclusion, they argued. Walking through each expert’s testimony and how it reinforced the conclusion that Miller was strangled, the prosecutor said, “When all these puzzle pieces are put together, the whole puzzle is clear. Peter Miller was strangled.”

The prosecutor explained a charge of second-degree murder does not require premeditation. “We know for sure there was a physical altercation,” the prosecutor said. Why it happened, “doesn’t matter.”

The case put on by Guerra’s attorneys was the prosecution’s next target. Guerra previously testified that Miller waved a gun at him. He told the jury that he feared for his life and attempted to take the gun away, which resulted in Miller’s death. The prosecutor said that Guerra’s words are “not some kind of special automatic truth.” They reminded the jury that when the police arrived at the scene of the incident, Guerra never mentioned a gun.

Guerra’s “story doesn’t make sense,” according to the prosecutor. A mutual friend of Guerra and Miller’s testified that Miller was very conscientious with his gun. He would always keep the magazine and the gun separate, the prosecutor argued, meaning there would be no reason for Guerra to fear for his life. When the gun was collected from the scene, there was no magazine in it or fingerprints that recognizably belonged to Guerra, said the prosecutor.

The prosecutor told the jury that if they do not believe that the evidence proved second-degree murder, they could find Guerra guilty of voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. “Find him guilty,” the prosecutor said.

In the defense closing, Mosley reminded the jury that Guerra “has been carrying the weight of his best friend’s death on his shoulders.” Mosley argued that Guerra’s actions were consistent with self-defense – protecting himself while a gun was being pointed at his head.

Mosley walked through Miller’s injuries, including blunt force trauma to the face, top and side of the head, neck, and left arm. He refuted the prosecution’s claim that all three medical expert testimonies agreed on strangulation.

“Mr. Guerra didn’t strangle his friend for 62 seconds; just the idea of that alone is preposterous,” said Mosley.

Two doctors’ results suggested strangulation, but didn’t reach a definitive conclusion. Taking “the constellation of all the injuries” into context, blunt force trauma to the neck as the cause of death couldn’t be ruled out. The ambiguous order in which the injuries occurred and the lack of strangulation symptoms supported Mosley’s contention of a desperate, rapid fight over the gun.

Mosley disagreed with the prosecution’s attempts to exclude the gun as a factor in the case. He noted that a magazine was found in the living room where the altercation occurred, along with two bullet cartridges. For Mosley, that served as proof of a physical dispute, not strangulation. Mosley asserted that the gun was found in a different room from the altercation because Guerra put it there to diffuse the situation.

The defense also highlighted Guerra’s remorse for Miller’s death. Mosley challenged the notion that his client was of “no help” during the incident. He participated in the 911 call, remained on the scene, reached out to Miller’s family, and “felt a wave of emotions.” Mosley emphasized that Guerra regretted lying to the police at the scene of the crime and wasn’t the best version of himself, but that does not make Guerra guilty.

“Tragedy is not a murder,” said Mosley.

A second prosecutor rebutted that if Guerra was to be believed, then all three experts would have been wrong or Miller would have defied medical science. When referring to the defense’s argument about the expert testimony, the prosecutor said, “You can’t just nitpick what’s good for your story.”

The defense’s theory about the gun was also subject to debate, as the prosecutors asked the jury to consider why no identifiable DNA of Guerra’s was found on the gun. “I’d imagine your hands are all over it,” they said.

“The law does not recognize strangling someone to death as self-defense,” the prosecutor said as they asked the jury to remain fair and impartial and consider all of the evidence. An enlarged photo of Miller as a baby was displayed as the prosecutor emphasized the life that was lost.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Stabbing Defendant ‘Doing Wonderful’ on Probation

A stabbing defendant’s probation was extended one month in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on June 18.

Lakeesha Taylor, 52, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced on Jan. 28, 2025 to 24 months in prison with all but six suspended, followed by one year of probation for her involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1000 block of H Street, NE on March 2, 2024.

At the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) joined virtually. She commended Taylor for “doing wonderful” following her probation orders.

The probation was extended for Taylor to complete her anger management requirements. Her probation will expire on Aug. 20.

‘Can I Get One Chance?’ Pleads Mass Shooting Defendant Asking Judge for Release

A man accused of a mass shooting pleaded with DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to release him during a hearing on June 12.

Rennwel Mantock, 31, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 18 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the April 26, 2024 mass shooting that left six injured on the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave, NW outside of the Decades DC night club.

Mantock asked Judge Kravitz for a second of his time during the hearing. He said that he has grown tired of seeing people come in and out of jail, since he has been there for more than two years.

According to court records, Mantock has been incarcerated since his arrest on April 27, 2024.

“I just wanna know, sir, can I get one chance?” Mantock grew emotional as he spoke to Judge Kravitz.

Mantock said that he works and has done “every program there is” in jail. He also claimed he used to work fueling planes at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and had “thousands of lives in [his] hands, every day.”

“I know it’s a long wait,” Judge Kravitz said. He said proceedings were delayed due to an issue with Mantock’s former counsel.

Mantock’s defense team has filed requests for release in the past, and Judge Kravitz said he would consider another. Mantock’s current attorney, Christen Romero Philips, said she would file one by June 20 for prosecutors to review before the next hearing.

The jury trial is set to begin on May 17, 2027. According to Philips, the prosecution sent a new plea offer on June 11. The conditions were not disclosed in court.

Parties are sent to reconvene on July 10.

Judge Continues Release for Homicide Defendant Who Severed Ankle Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz maintained the release conditions for a homicide defendant on June 12 after she removed her GPS ankle monitor and violated her home confinement requirement.

Shawnta Aiken, 52, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of her boyfriend, Richard Walker, 56, on the 3000 block of P Street, SE, on Nov. 2, 2025.

During the pretrial hearing, defense attorney Dominique Winters provided context to Aiken’s release violations laid out in four reports since May 6 from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). According to Judge Kravitz, it alleged that Aiken cut off her ankle monitor and left her home twice.

Aiken was released on May 1 to 24-hour home confinement at her mother’s house. Judge Kravitz granted release after Winters explained in that hearing that Aiken sustained years of domestic abuse from Walker.

Judge Kravitz decided to leave Aiken’s release conditions unchanged after a PSA representative said that there is “marginal compliance,” and that there have been no violations since May 19.

“I will not be as understanding if this happens again,” Judge Kravitz said.

According to Winters, Aiken removed her ankle monitor after a bath caused it to malfunction and she grew worried about electrocution.

Winters then claimed that Aiken left home to go to an AutoZone and to retrieve her belongings from a storage unit that were going to be auctioned off. Winters also said that the time since Aiken’s release was “not the smoothest transition,” since Winters was on leave for part of it, and so was Aiken’s case manager from the Public Defender Service’s Office of Rehabilitation and Development.

Winters said that Aiken was reminded that services and appointments will be set up for her. “Since we’ve conveyed that to her, we haven’t had any issues,” Winters said. Winters argued that Aiken was not intentionally defiant of her release conditions–she was just anxious about her appointments and treatment plan. Mental health and drug rehabilitation services were put in place, Winters said.

The prosecution filed a motion to revoke Aiken’s bond, which Winters said was inaccurate. She said the motion incorrectly stated that Aiken removed her GPS device within 24 hours of her release. According to Winters, Aiken removed her monitor multiple days after her release.

During the hearing, the prosecution argued that the defense was caught up in the details and asked the court to look at the bigger picture of Aiken’s alleged crime.

According to the prosecutor, who was standing in for the assigned attorney, the \indictment against Aiken is expected to be ready by the end of July.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 31.

‘She Was Like a Sister to Me,’ Says Defendant Accused of Killing Foster Sister

A homicide detective investigating a 20-year-old homicide testified about interviewing a defendant about his foster sister’s death before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 17.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his foster sister, 23-year-old Makia Mosby, at her home on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, 2005. Mosby sustained burns and gunshot wounds.

The prosecution called a cold case homicide detective who took over the lead in Mosby’s case in 2024. Footage from Wells’ arrest was presented to the jury from his initial interview in 2024. During the interview, Wells seemed confused when he claimed to have no knowledge of how or when Mosby was killed, only knowing that it happened.

“She was like a sister to me,” Wells explains to the detective in the video. Shortly after stating that he would “never put his hands on a woman” and that is “not [his] ‘M-O.’”

The interview went on as the detective told Wells that police were given enough information to identify his alleged involvement in the case. He asked Wells if he noticed the comparison between the death of Michael Carter, also know as Black, and Mosby’s death. Both Carter and Mosby died from gunshot wounds in the same location and were burned afterwards.

Wells responded in the video that he was not aware of any similarities but recalled Carter’s death.

The prosecution then played audio clips from Wells’ grand jury testimony where he confirmed that his memory of Carter’s death is accurate and that Mosby was shot in the head and set on fire, the same way that Carter was.

In the audio, Wells then addressed how Carter’s killer attempted to sell Wells a “.45” and Wells was sure it belonged to Carter. Wells said in his grand jury testimony that he did not buy the gun but claimed Carter’s killer said, “I killed Black” before he walked away.

After questioning Wells’ ex-girlfriend in an unrelated case, the detective said she told him she had information about two other cases, one being Mosby’s–a revelation that reopened the case.

According to the detective, the ex-girlfriend claimed that Wells killed Mosby because she was allegedly involved in the murder of Carter.

The detective reiterated that the information from the ex-girlfriend originated from Wells after his alleged confession to her in his car.

Wells’ ex-girlfriend was also aware of the two casings which were at the scene of the crime, information that would not be public knowledge, said the detective. The prosecution presented a press release about Mosby’s murder that did not mention the bullet casings and the detective clarified the police would not release that information.

In the cross-examination, Wells’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, highlighted gaps within the 2005 investigation. She emphasized a lack of documentation and evidence provided by the initial lead detective.

Claudio claimed the witness is “essentially inheriting another detective’s evidence.” She addressed the detective saying, “You could be missing evidence you didn’t even know existed.”

The detective acknowledged Claudio’s claims, confirming that most documents he received in the file were from family members. According to Claudio, the documents didn’t have case notes which include observations, initial witness statements, and other information to aid officers in drafting official reports.

Claudio emphasized that in the 2005 investigation, interviews were not recorded despite equipment being available. The witness stated, “Most times we don’t record interviews unless it’s a defendant.”

The defense then referenced call records provided in the case file. A phone number was searched by the initial investigator, but no case notes on the number’s relevance were provided according to Claudio. When asked by the defense if the number could belong to Wells, the witness stated, “I don’t know whose number that is, I can’t say.”

Claudio also referenced interviews the witness conducted with Wells’ ex-girlfriend. She stated after multiple interviews in 2013, the detective didn’t interview the ex-girlfriend again until 2023.

In the redirect, the prosecution claimed that the detective attempted to contact the ex-girlfriend after 2013. According to the detective, after multiple attempts to schedule an interview, the ex-girlfriend reportedly became frustrated and declined to be contacted again.

The prosecution also stated that the original lead detective retired prior to the cold-case detective attempts to contact her.

Wells’ sister’s ex-boyfriend was also called to testify by the prosecution. The witness stated that he was on controlled substances around the time of the incident and therefore, he doesn’t remember much. When asked by the prosecution if the witness report mentioned his substance use and memory gap, the witness stated, “I keep telling y’all I don’t remember none of this.”

The prosecution also called on a friend of Mosby’s that dated her on and off in the early 2000s. When asked if he knew the witness that testified about Wells’ confession he stated, “I don’t even know who that is.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 22.

Judge Won’t Release Defendant Accused of Shooting at Girlfriend

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ruled that a domestic violence shooting defendant would be held at the jail and required to stay-away from the victims after waiving his preliminary hearing on June 10.

Manuel Thomas, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on May 13 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. No injuries were reported but Thomas allegedly fired one shot at his ex-girlfriend and another victim.

According to court documents, Thomas allegedly shot the living room wall after his ex-girlfriend reportedly told him that she wanted to end their relationship.

Thomas’ attorney, Charles Haskell, alerted parties that his client wanted to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of evidence that would determine if probable cause existed in his case. Haskell then asked for Thomas’ release. He said that Thomas would live with his mom and work during release at Safeway and a hotel.

The prosecution disagreed because of Thomas’ criminal record, including previous firearm, domestic violence, and marijuana possession offenses. According to the prosecution, Thomas was arrested for possessing a different firearm during the same incident.

Judge Raymond denied Thomas’ release because of the seriousness of the offense and his prior record. The judge also ordered Thomas to stay-away from both victims.

Thomas is scheduled for a felony status conference on July 20 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Defense Challenges Mental Competency Finding For Fatal Stabbing Defendant

A defense attorney in DC Superior Court Neal Kravitz’s courtroom said she intends to challenge an evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found a stabbing defendant mentally competent to stand trial.

Leon Bryant, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Jonathan Simmons-Miller on the 700 block of V Street, NW on July 30, 2025. Simmons-Miller died from one stab wound to his abdomen.

In a separate case, Bryant is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that stemmed from an attempted robbery on Sept. 8, 2025 on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE. The victim sustained a superficial puncture.

Bryant’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, said an expert for the defense evaluated Bryant on June 5 and determined him not competent. The expert will have a report in about a month, Philips said.

To stand trial, Bryant must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

A contested competency hearing was scheduled for July 17, and the defense said their expert will be ready to testify.

Bryant is currently at Saint Elizabeths Hospital on psychiatric hold.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 15 to resume Bryant’s preliminary hearing for the murder case.

Defense Claims Defendant, Victim Have ‘Forgiven Each Other’ in Domestic Stabbing Case

A defense attorney emphasized the continued relationship between defendant April Gatewood and the victim during his argument for his client’s release before DC Superior Court Judge Jenifer Di Toro on June 17.

Gatewood, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on May 29 on the 2200 Block of H Street, NE. The victim, her fiance, sustained a laceration on his chin.

Anthony Cade, Gatewood’s attorney, mentioned that the couple still plan to get married and that the victim “wants her home” and that the two have “forgiven each other.”

Cade also told Judge Di Toro that Gatewood has been offered a job that begins on July 1. Gatewood has spent three weeks in jail and she “would not jeopardize losing her community” if she was released, said Cade.

“Three weeks might as well be an eternity to someone not accustomed to the jail environment,” Cade said.

The prosecution said they needed more time to determine their response to Cade’s request. Judge Di Toro gave them until June 22 to file the response in writing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 7.

Judge Grants Defense More Time, Non-Fatal Shooter’s Sentencing Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed a defense attorney two more months to prepare for sentencing a shooting case defendant on June 12.

Marcus Martin, 29, pleaded guilty on Jan. 29 to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that left one individual injured on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

At Martin’s scheduled sentencing, his attorney, Quo Judkins, notified Judge Brandt that she was unable to prepare fully because of complications in her schedule. The prosecution did not object to the request to reschedule.

Additionally, Martin offered documents to the court containing several completed course certifications while being detained.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Sept. 11.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Co-Defendant Fatal Beating, Release Status at Issue

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz found probable cause two suspects committed murder and denied the release of one in a co-defendant case during a preliminary hearing June 16.

Alphonso Walker, 39, and Rico Barnes, 37, are charged with first-degree murder while armed for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating and strangulation of 40-year-old Syed Hussain on Feb. 11, on the 1400 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NW.

Barnes’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, indicated that Barnes would waive his preliminary hearing in order to continue considering a pre-preliminary plea offer extended to both defendants. If accepted, each would plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed in exchange for a sentence between 30-to-35 years and for the prosecution to not indict on any other related charges.

For Barnes, prosecutors also agreed to not indict on unrelated charges from a Feb. 13 incident.

Walker declined the plea offer and elected to proceed with his preliminary hearing.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective on the case who testified she recovered surveillance video from the crime scene and nearby businesses. The footage depicts two suspects allegedly following Hussain to his apartment building, luring him outside, beating him, and coercing him to bring them back into the building.

Approximately an hour later, the suspects are pictured leaving the victim’s residence with a bike and other items belonging to Hussain.

The detective said that Walker was wearing a GPS tracking device at the time of the offense. On examination of the device’s data, the detective alleged that Walker’s movements aligned with those of the suspects.

On cross-examination, Walker’s attorney Kevin O’Sullivan, pointed out an apparent discrepancy in Walker’s GPS data showing that he allegedly was not at the offense location the entire time the suspects were. Instead, it depicts him at the street behind the offense location.

Further, the detective testified that clothing worn by the suspects appeared to resemble what Walker was reportedly seen wearing the day after Hussain’s murder. The detective said this was recorded on surveillance video recorded by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) that monitors defendant compliance with release conditions.

On cross-examination the detective confirmed that DNA evidence, fingerprints, cell phone tracking, and witness identification could not tie Walker to the offense.

O’Sullivan noted that Walker was arrested twice after the offense date for small thefts, including fare evasion and stealing food. He argued Walker would not have committed these offenses if he possessed the items the suspects were said to steal.

The prosecution said that it is irrelevant if the defendants are “bad businessmen” and that if he was struggling for money, there would have been “no reason for [Walker] to be at these nice condo buildings,” where the murder occurred.

O’Sullivan claimed that a key witness included in the arrest warrant was not credible given the person’s mental health challenges. The prosecution elected to exclude all evidence and identifications associated with this witness for purposes of the preliminary hearing.

O’Sullivan asked the detective what the importance of a thorough investigation is and whether she was aware that this could cause an innocent person to be wrongfully convicted. Despite objections from the prosecution, Judge Kravitz allowed the questioning on the basis that the prosecution is “asking to detain someone for two years.”

Judge Kravitz asked, “Why can’t his lawyer ask this?”

O’Sullivan argued that the “whole issue here is identity,” and that the GPS data is not sufficient to identify Walker as one of the suspects and to find probable cause.

However, Judge Kravitz ultimately found probable cause and ruled to hold Walker.

Meanwhile, Barnes remains in jail. A hearing to determine his release status is scheduled for June 17.

Both parties will reconvene on Aug 28.

Judge Commends Youth Act Defendant For Probation Success in Gun Case

Court officials agree that a defendant charged with a possession offense is on track to benefit from the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 9.

Tyrhez Williams, 25, was sentenced on June 17, 2025 to one year of probation for carrying a pistol without a license in connection to an incident that occurred on July 8, 2024 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.

Court documents state that Williams was arrested by Air Force Security Forces for possession of a firearm on a federal military installation. A witness also reported a non-fatal shooting nearby on the same date, but prosecutors never attributed the shots to Williams.

At the probation show cause hearing, Williams’ attorney, William Howell, argued that his client has demonstrated remarkable growth and progress and he successfully maintained employment while on probation.

Howell recommended that probation be extended three months on account of the personal progress Williams demonstrated. Judge Di Toro agreed to this extension, implementing the YRA option.

The YRA is a law that gives sentencing flexibility for offenders under the age of 25 at the time of the crime. The defendants also receive the opportunity to have their convictions sealed following successful completion of requirements.

Considering the growth Williams displayed, both the defense and Judge Di Toro exhibited confidence in the results the YRA would have on his rehabilitation.

The judge was impressed with how Williams discharged his responsibilities while also suffering from an undisclosed personal loss. Of note, he maintained employment throughout probation despite a job loss. Following his layoff, Williams decided to start his own business.

Williams’ new probationary end date is set as Sept. 9, however the Judge mentioned this will function as a “control date,” speculating he will likely finish his probation sooner.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges in Bus Stabbing

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty on all counts during a felony arraignment held before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on June 10.

Troy Ivy, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on April 14 on a Metrobus at the intersection of H and 2nd Streets, NE. The victim sustained an injury to his left upper shoulder.

The court formally arraigned Ivy reading the charges against him. Craig Ricard, Ivy’s attorney, entered into a plea of not guilty on his behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested all evidence in the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 6.

Judge Says Stabbing Defendant Made ‘Major Improvement’ in Probation Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean commended a stabbing defendant’s improvement with the terms of his probation on June 10.

Marshal Baxster, 39, was sentenced on March 14, 2025 to 18 months of probation for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 29, 2024 on the 3000 block of R street NW. The victim sustained a deep laceration to his wrist.

As part of Baxter’s probation he is required to complete treatment at a rehabilitation services center, mental health and substance use assessments, cognitive therapy, and verifiable employment.

At a hearing on April 9, parties discussed Baxter’s occasional non-compliance with his GPS monitoring.

Baxster’s probation officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) told the court that he was in contact with Baxster and noted that he was running late to the hearing. Baxster’s presence was waived by his attorney Shawn Sukumar.

Without objection from the prosecutors, Judge McLean discharged the show cause action against Baxster as he has made “major improvement” in probation compliance.

Judge McLean said Baxster will remain on GPS monitoring for 60 days and then have the opportunity for it to be removed if he has no new violation reports for non-compliance.

Parties are not scheduled to reconvene.

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