Defense, Detective Spar Whether Homicide Victim Had a Gun

The defense challenged the investigation in a homicide case after the lead detective revealed her decision not to pursue evidence the victim was armed before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 16.

Irv Duff Jr., 35, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, obstructing justice, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Darnell Gibson on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW, on Aug. 1, 2023. Gibson sustained three gunshot wounds to his chest and arm.

The prosecution called on three witnesses to testify about investigative, medical, and character evidence in Duff’s trial.

During cross-examination, Duff’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, challenged the reliability of a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective’s investigation.

“Whether or not [Gibson] had a gun, that is important to an investigation in regards to if Mr. Duff was defending himself,” said Gardner.

The lead detective conducted multiple interviews with witnesses before their grand jury testimony. Gardner alleged during an interview that occurred two days after the incident, Duff’s girlfriend mentioned Gibson’s gun.

The detective explained Gibson told his girlfriend he had possessed a gun, however, the detective did not investigate it because it was “irrelevant at that point.”

“Its no longer relevant because you wanted to convict Mr. Duff,” said Gardner. The detective denied Gardner’s claim, explaining that Gibson’s girlfriend did not see him with a gun on the day of the incident.

Gardner also brought up that Duff’s girlfriend, who was a key witness, lied to law enforcement and changed her story multiple times throughout the investigation.

“The first time she claimed she was scared of Mr. Duff is in that MPD interrogation room after the detectives had told her they did not believe [her] story” Gardner said.

Gardner also asked the detective about two phones found at the crime scene, Gibson’s phone and a phone from inside his house. The detective said she did not acquire search warrants for either phone.

The prosecution also called a forensic pathologist who performed Gibson’s autopsy to testify about his wounds which were found on the left side of chest, the right side of his back, and his right shoulder. All of the wound tracks were back to front.

During Gardner’s cross-examination, the witness testified that there was no way for the autopsy to determine the position of Gibson’s body when he was shot.

Duff’s girlfriend’s sister also testified that she received a call from her sister’s friend before the incident, alerting her that the witness’ sister was in danger. When the witness called her sister to order her an Uber, her sister refused to leave her apartment complex, where the incident occurred, until police arrived.

The witness also claimed that her sister added Duff to the phone call. “I didn’t think anything of it at the time,” the witness said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 17.

Analyst Says Homicide Defendant’s DNA Was Linked to Crime Scene

An analyst testified that a defendant’s DNA was likely present at the scene of a homicide in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 15.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and attempted burning of 23-year-old Makia Mosby. The incident occurred on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE. Mosby sustained burns and gunshot wounds.

The prosecution said Wells had a motive to kill Mosby because he believed she was involved in the murder of his best friend, Michael Carter. They argued Wells in retaliation committed arson “to mimic what happened to his best friend and to destroy the evidence he left in his wake.”

A DNA analyst testified that a genetic sample on a beer can in Mosby’s home likely was a match to a DNA sample from Wells. According to the analyst, the DNA on the can of beer was 100 septillion times more likely to have come from Wells than from any other unknown person. One septillion is a number with 24 zeroes behind it.

In cross-examination, the analyst told Wells’ attorney, Molly Bunke, that the analysis she performed did not determine how long the DNA had been on the can, when, or how it ended up there.

The analyst clarified with the prosecution that she only tested swabs of the beer can and did not the can itself. The witness also confirmed she does not know Wells personally.

The prosecution then called Mosby’s former classmate who appeared in a blue jumpsuit, explaining he is currently serving a sentence for drug possession with intent to distribute, as well as possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

“Like I told you,” the former classmate began and he testified that he went to elementary school with Mosby, however he had not been in any contact since. He also testified that he knew both Michael Carter and Carter’s killer, as they both watched him grow up. He admitted that they were both older and he did not consider them friends.

He also said he did not know any potential associates named by the prosecution, nor had he been in a green Cadillac with any of them. An earlier witness, another of Wells’ foster sisters, went to the scene along with a few other family members, in their mother’s green Cadillac and did not see Wells.

The classmate concluded his testimony by confirming that on the day of Mosby’s death, he was at his house with his mom, not at Mosby’s house, and did not have any connection to her murder.

Hannah Claudio, Wells’ other attorney, cross-examined the classmate by simply confirming that he had not been questioned about Mosby’s death until 2024.

The prosecution also called a witness who knew Mosby personally but was convicted of cocaine violations in 2019, and is on probation for possession of a heroin. He is also taking medication for a recent stroke.

When asked if he was romantically involved with Mosby, he smiled and said “Yeah we was havin’ sex.” They were involved for four months, ending in August 2005, said the witness. They did not end in a fight or on bad terms, with the witness plainly stating “it just ended.”

The witness testified he did not know Carter, Carter’s killer, or another associate. He also has never been in a green Cadillac with a previously mentioned associate or Mosby’s former classmate.

While Mosby’s former lover said they were not recently close, he described her as “a good person, a lover, a friend.” The day Mosby was killed, the witness said he was with his mother for Thanksgiving, and he was not involved.

Claudio’s cross-examination established that the witness was not questioned until 2024. The prosecution then confirmed with the witness that his answers would not have changed had he been questioned in 2005.

Without the jury present, Judge Park said he was informed that someone in the courtroom gallery filmed a portion of the proceedings before leaving with the victim’s former romantic partner. However, he said none of the jurors were on camera, so the court would not address the incident further.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 16.

Judge Dismisses Stabbing Case For Failure to Indict

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno dismissed all charges against a domestic violence stabbing suspect on June 15 after the prosecution failed to meet its indictment deadline.

Carlos Blount, 47, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 31 2025, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

The victim, who said she had been in a sexual relationship with Blount, sustained stab wounds to her back and leg. The victim told police that after their relationship ended Blount allegedly harassed and threatened her on multiple occasions.

The prosecution asked Judge Salerno to grant a continuance as they waited for the result of hospital records that would contain drug testing results. Prosecutors say the drug lab is currently a “mess” and they needed more time.

Judge Salerno pointed out that prosecutors said they were waiting on hospital records at the previous hearing on April 27, and “that was two months ago.”

He asked when the indictment deadline expired and the prosecutors were not immediately sure. Eventually they clarified that it was on June 6, then Judge Salerno noted the prosecutors had missed multiple deadlines to indict Blount.

Originally the matter had been set to be a 100 day case, which means that the defendant must be indicted within 90 days and have a trial within 100 days of their arrest.

However, after prosecutors were not ready to indict during the required period, the case had been extended to a nine month deadline. The judge pointed out it was now nine days after the extended deadline and he had no reason to believe the prosecutors were close to an indictment.

As a result, Judge Salerno dismissed the case.

No further dates were set.

Judge Delays Trial Amid Concerns About Dozing Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel delayed a jury trial for a domestic violence stabbing case due to worries that, given his mental state, the suspect, may not be able to assist his own defense on June 15.

Chauncey Liverpool, 33, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing with scissors on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE, on Sept. 9, 2025. Liverpool’s girlfriend sustained injuries in her back and left arm.

Liverpool is also charged with two counts of felony contempt for attempting to contact the victim despite a judge ordering him to stay away from her.

In court, after discussions under seal, Judge Israel noted that Liverpool was having a hard time staying awake. Liverpool disputed this, exclaiming “I’m up” when his alertness was challenged.

In order to stand trial, Liverpool must be considered mentally competent, at least understanding the charges so he can work with his attorney. According to the judge, Liverpool appeared as though he was struggling to stay awake, therefore Judge Israel vacated the hearing.

She ordered a mental competency evaluation for Liverpool. The judge addressed Liverpool directly, letting him know that doctors would check on him soon.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on June 23.

Judge Delays Trial Amid Concerns About Dozing Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel delayed a jury trial for a domestic violence stabbing case due to worries that, given his mental state, the suspect may not be able to assist in his own defense on June 15.

Liverpool is also charged with two counts of felony contempt for attempting to contact the victim despite a judge ordering him to stay away and avoid any contact with her.

In court, after discussions under seal, Judge Israel noted that Liverpool was having a hard time staying awake. Liverpool attempted to rebut this, exclaiming “I’m up” when his alertness came into question.

In order to stand trial, Liverpool must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer in his defense. According to the judge, Liverpool appeared as though he was struggling to stay awake, therefore Judge Israel vacated the hearing.

Judge Israel ordered a mental competency evaluation for Liverpool to determine his ability to stand trial. The judge addressed Liverpool directly, letting him know that doctors would check on him soon.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on June 23.

Despite Witness Claims of a Confession, Jury Acquits Murder Defendant

A one-time convicted murderer was acquitted of all charges in a killing on New Year’s Eve–the very same day the defendant admitted involvement in another murder.

Much of the case hinged on the testimony of a prosecution witness whom the defense claimed was untruthful. The fatal shooting trial was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman and the jury rendered its verdict on June 11.

Additional reporting of the outcome shows to what extent the defense was able to undermine a witness who claimed to hear Thomas confess to the crime.

Randolph Thomas, 43, was charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Emmanuel Durant Jr., 19, on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE.

“This was a pre-planned home invasion,” said the prosecution, “but Randolph Thomas didn’t just take keys, cash, drugs, he took a life.”

The prosecution claimed Thomas was placed at the crime scene by cell phone tower data, evidence he possessed the muder weapon before and after the incident, and multiple correlating witness descriptions. The prosecution claimed this evidence left Thomas “buried in five feet of snow of circumstantial evidence.”

Cell tower data located the defendant near incident location, claimed prosecutors. From the data, the prosecution emphasized Thomas entering the area during a two week period within 40 minutes of the homicide.

The prosecution cited the two surviving victims’ descriptions of the two perpetrators, claiming various features matched Thomas, such as big lips, height, and facial hair.

The murder weapon was alleged to be Thomas’ firearm, which witnesses testified he called “his baby.” According to court records, ballistics comparisons linked the murder weapon to the fatal shooting of Chardale Bowe on Dec. 31, 2009 on the 4800 block of North Capitol Street, NE. Thomas accepted a plea deal for his involvement in Bowe’s murder in 2014.

Pierce Suen, Thomas’ attorney, accused the prosecution’s key witness of being, “a known obstructor of justice,” reportedly selling lies to reduce his own sentence.

According to Suen, the witness’ report of Thomas’ confession to him did not match physical evidence and eyewitness accounts. For example, Suen noted the witness claimed Thomas mentioned an unaccounted for vehicle and pillow case.

The defense then claimed that if true, Thomas’ alleged confession could be corroborated by another specific witness who was not located by investigators.

Suen pointed out that many details of the witnesses’ story could have been learned from a Washington Post article about the incident and the documentary, 17 Blocks, based on Durant’s family.

He also argued the witness had incentives to lie to reduce his own murder sentence and receive financial compensation. The defense asserted that the witness “made a deal with the devil” and the prosecution “bought [the] claims.”

In their rebuttal, the prosecution argued that if the witness was fabricating testimony, he had opportunities to create a more convincing story and also would not commit perjury at risk of increasing his current sentence. The prosecution reiterated the connection of Thomas to surrounding cell towers and witness descriptions.

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

‘When You Come to Hell, I’ll be Waiting on You,’ Says Murder Victim’s Relative

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a domestic violence homicide defendant to 26 years in prison for descending to a “whole new depth of evil” on June 5.

Desmond Thurston, 48, pleaded guilty on Feb. 4 to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Patricia Johnson, 52, on Oct. 1, 2023. The incident occurred at the 4000 block of 13th Street, SE.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a prison sentence of 24-to-26 years, subject to Judge Brandt’s approval.

At the sentencing, several of Johnson’s family members spoke.

Johnson’s aunt said that she “understood Patricia’s silence” because she was also a victim of domestic violence. She characterized Johnson as a “beautiful woman” and “not a pronoun.”

The aunt told Judge Brandt that Johnson’s mother only had one daughter and Johnson was “the air [her mother] would breathe.” The aunt described that Johnson’s mother mourned until she “couldn’t take it anymore.”

Ultimately, Johnson’s aunt said there would be no closure for her family and asked for Thurston to serve the maximum sentence.

Johnson’s first cousin said the family’s “lives [are] permanently changed by Patricia’s murder.” He characterized Johnson as a “proud Washingtonian,” a hard-worker, widely “respected,” and someone who “touched many lives through both her work and kindness.”

The cousin also said that there was an official police escort for Johnson’s funeral and over 100 people in attendance, emphasizing that “Patricia mattered.”

Another cousin of Johnson read a poem she wrote in the wake of Johnson’s death. Her poem, entitled “41 butterflies,” was inspired by butterfly decorations Johnson had on the staircase in her home. Her cousin detailed the grief that Johnson’s family suffered and remembered the butterflies as “41 tiny reminders of the beauty of transformation and hope.”

“Love survives,” proclaimed Johnson’s cousin,“souls are not measured by how they leave the world, but how they touch it.” She reminded Judge Brandt that Thurston walked around the scene after he shot Johnson and disposed of a handgun. She also asked for the maxmimum sentence.

Johnson’s other cousin addressed Thurston directly, telling him “When you come to hell, I’ll be waiting on you.”

The prosecutors argued that it was “strongly and clearly” a first-degree murder while armed, but the charge was reduced to second-degree murder. Johnson “did everything our system asked her to do,” concluded prosecutors.

According to prosecutors, Johnson “stood up for herself,” reached out to law enforcement for help, called police, and filed three protective orders before her murder. Prosecutors characterized the “horrible” nature of a situation in which a domestic abuser carries out their threats.

The prosecution said, prior to her murder, Johnson attempted to put her hands up to defend herself, but “her hand was not strong enough to block a bullet.”

They also noted that Johnson’s young family member was present at the scene. The prosecution said Thurston shot Johnson in front of the family member and left the scene while Johnson was “in a hallway full of blood dying.”

As a result and Thurston’s previous felony conviction for a violent drug-dealing conspiracy, the prosecutors asked for 26 years of imprisonment.

Brian McDaniel, Thurston’s attorney, clarified that Thurston “made himself available” to law enforcement by turning himself in and acknowledging his role.

McDaniel alleged there was toxicity on both sides of their relationship and asked the court to give Thurston credit for accepting responsibility. He argued that Thurston has shown remorse.

McDaniel reminded the court that, considering Thurston’s prior felony conviction, the minimum sentence for second-degree murder would be 13 years. Thurston’s sentence based on the plea deal would be “much higher” than the bottom of the guidelines, said McDaniel and asked for 24 years.

“Not a day that goes by that I don’t regret the hurt and the shame that I caused my family, Patricia[‘s] family,” Thurston said. Thurston expressed that he wished the incident “never would have happened.”

Judge Brandt addressed Johnson’s family as a “very strong, tight-knight family.” She reminded them that Johnson is still present with them, but in a “different form” and agreed with Johnson’s aunt that the sentence would not provide them closure.

Judge Brandt said that domestic violence is “about control” and Thurston’s actions presented a “whole new depth of evil” to shoot Johnson in front of a young child.

The judge sentenced Thurston to 26 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Thurston will also be required to register as a gun offender upon his release.

No further dates were set.

Victim Says Carjacking Was ‘Not Simply the Theft of a Vehicle,’ at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a carjacking defendant on June 12 to seven years in prison for an incident the victim said took away his sense of safety.

Da’Andre Pardlow, 31, pleaded guilty on March 12 to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stemmed from an incident on Sept. 13, 2024 at Fort Dupont Park, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

According to court records, Pardlow forced a man to drive to an ATM and withdraw money at gunpoint after the two met in a park for a sexual encounter.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a total seven years of imprisonment for Pardlow, subject to Judge Salerno’s approval.

The prosecutor read an impact statement to the court from the victim in which he described the traumatic incident. He told the judge how Pardlow forced him to ride naked in the passenger seat of his own car and withdraw money from an ATM machine, all while Pardlow held a gun with the handle wrapped with the victim’s own shirt.

The victim said when Pardlow later made him drive by his own house, he feared that Pardlow planned to attack him again. The victim stated that this crime was “not simply the theft of a vehicle” but rather the theft of his sense of security.

The prosecutor claimed Pardlow had extensive criminal history, and asserted seven years was a “very fair offer.”

Pardlow’s attorney, Patrick Nowak, said his client was “willing and able to accept responsibility” for the crime during the early stages of the investigation and the judge should take that under consideration when deciding to approve the plea deal.

Nowak directed the court to Pardlow’s family sitting in the courtroom gallery, whom he said had attended every one of Pardlow’s hearings.

Judge Salerno called the victim’s statement “fairly chilling” and reprimanded Pardlow for “self-destructive behavior.”

The judge said there were “reasons to accept” and “reasons to reject” the plea deal but ultimately approved it. He sentenced Pardlow to seven years for both counts to run concurrently.

Upon release, Pardlow must complete three years of supervised release and register as a gun offender in DC.

Pardlow elected not to make a statement before Judge Salerno handed down his sentence.

No further hearings are scheduled for this case.

Witness Says She Heard Fatal Shooting in a Phone Call

A witness said she heard gunshots linked to a homicide that her friend’s ex-boyfriend is accused of committing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 15.

Irv Duff, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the murder of Darnell Gibson, 26, on Aug. 1, 2023, on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW. Gibson sustained three gunshot wounds.

A friend of Duff’s former girlfriend claimed to have heard the entire conflict between Duff and Gibson while she was on the phone with Duff’s then girlfriend for approximately an hour. She described yelling and a loud bang.

Reportedly, the friend heard Duff tell Gibson to “go back in the house and mind [his] f***ing business.” The friend alleged that Duff told his girlfriend to go inside, grab her son, and get down before hearing five gunshots over the phone.

The friend claimed that Duff’s girlfriend felt “unsafe” before the incident occurred, so the witness called 911 preemptively.

During cross-examination, Duff’s attorney, Bernadette Armand, asserted that the friend could not call for help without an address, but text messages showed she did not receive one from the girlfriend until seven minutes after shots were fired. Armand argued the witness’ testimony was not credible because she inaccurately testified about when she called 911.

In the 911 phone call played in court, the friend stated that “somebody’s trying to hurt her” and she “didn’t know the full story.” Armand said the call sounded like the perpetrator could have been “any stranger” because the witness said no names.

“You called the police and didn’t mention anything about a shooting,” said Armand.

In grand jury testimony, the friend said she didn’t name Duff on the call because she didn’t know him. Armand highlighted that Duff had been dating his girlfriend for a month, had gone to the friend’s house, and hung out with both of them on occasion.

Armand implied that the friend wanted her testimony to help Duff’s girlfriend and asserted the lack of details in the 911 call was proof. Armand also contended in her testimony the witness was exaggerating her knowledge of the murder.

Armand asked if the witness saw Duff walking with a limp at any point, to which she confirmed that she had. Armand suggested this could have been a gunshot wound.

During additional questioning, the prosecution asked the friend about inconsistencies in the timing of the 911 call, to which she said, “there was a lot going on.”

The witness said she was repeatedly reminded of Duff’s name by his girlfriend and alleged that the incident details were described to her by the girlfriend, who also reportedly said Gibson had a gun.

The witness confirmed that she was not lying on behalf of Duff’s ex-girlfriend.

Gibson’s girlfriend also testified that she never met the other occupant of the apartment building or saw a gun in Gibson’s apartment.

Gibson’s girlfriend was staying at his apartment the night the altercation occurred but did not recognize the voice of the man he was arguing with. She reportedly thought it was going to be a “fist fight” before she heard gunshots.

When she discovered Gibson’s body after asking neighbors, she remembered his body had been moved, but didn’t remember anyone doing any chest compressions. The witness said she found Gibson face down and speculated that he was “turning around to run away when he was getting shot at.”

During cross-examination, Duff’s other attorney, Kevaan Gardner, claimed that Gibson “didn’t let [the argument] go,” and the girlfriend clarified “neither one of them let it go.” Gardner asserted that Gibson was doing most of the yelling, but the witness countered that “it was a conversation.” However, Gardner played a video of the girlfriend telling detectives Gibson did most of the talking.

Gardner established that Gibson was “rushing outside to be violent” after interacting with Duff.

Gardner argued that Duff did not point or shoot a gun at Gibson in the hallway, but the girlfriend countered that he was potentially trying to get one from his car. She also did not attempt to de-escalate the situation, saying, “I wanted [Gibson] to beat [Duff] up.”

Gardner attempted to challenge the girlfriend’s credibility that she knew Gibson did not possess a firearm, but prosecutors objected. The jury was dismissed, and Gardner asked the girlfriend questions about Instagram pictures that show Gibson with guns, which were not admitted.

When the jury returned, Gardner referenced grand jury transcripts, in which she said that it did not take much to get Gibson angry. The girlfriend clarified that it did not take much when it came to defending his family.

Gardner highlighted Gibson’s previous assault of his mother’s boyfriend, who was allegedly beating his mother, to which the girlfriend replied, “He got what he deserved.”

The girlfriend countered Gardner’s questions, saying, “I feel like you [are] trying to paint a picture and that’s not what it is.”

The girlfriend attempted to clarify the discrepancies between her grand jury testimony and statements in court, arguing that she “was under a lot of pressure, so [she] just said anything.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 16.

Two of Three Co-Defendants Waive DNA Testing in Congressional Intern Murder Case

Two out of three co-defendants waived their right to independent DNA testing in the murder of a congressional intern before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 5.

Naqwan Lucas, 19, his brother Jailen Lucas, 18, and Kelvin Thomas, 17, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting, four counts of assault to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jackym on June 30, 2025 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. Tarpinian-Jackym sustained a shot to his leg, hand, and two to his torso.

Jailen and Thomas are charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

Jailen, represented by Terrence Austin, and Thomas, represented by Kevann Gardner, waived their right under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to independently test DNA evidence in their cases.

Naqwan, represented by Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, decided to submit an order for evidence to be delivered for testing on June 12.

The defendants confirmed that they were aware that testing could reveal information in their case that may not work in their favor, and a decision to not test on their own may not be able to be changed later on.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 28.

Carjacking Defendant Won’t Attend Third Straight Mental Observation Hearing

Rasheed Jenkins missed another mental competency hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 5 after refusing transport from Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric patients to the courthouse.

Jenkins, 28, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from an incident on Jan. 31, 2022 on the 5700 block of Eads Street NE, in which prosecutors allege Jenkins carjacked a Kia at gunpoint.

According to court records, the hearing was the third consecutive time since Feb. 27 that Jenkins refused transportation to the courthouse for his mental observation hearing.

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

Jenkins has now missed eight total hearings due to refusing transport in this case, court records indicate.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 17.

Murder Defendant Wants Unreleased Evidence, Rejects Plea Offer

A homicide suspect’s attorney rejected a plea deal from prosecutors and requested evidence withheld by the prosecution in his case on June 5 in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom.

Tyquan Jennings, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Vonte Martin on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE, on Aug. 19, 2024. Martin sustained three shots and an additional victim sustained a gunshot wound to the right shin.

In a prior hearing on May 15, Jennings’ attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, asked for more time to review the plea deal. The deal the prosecution offered would have required Jennings to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while all remaining charges would be dismissed.

After Jennings rejected the deal, parties scheduled his trial for April 5, 2027.

In addition to the plea deal rejection, parties also discussed certain grand jury transcripts that Mensah said the prosecution was unwilling to share with the defense.

Judge Park asked the prosecution to file their argument for not sharing these transcripts by Oct. 2. The defense will write and submit their response two weeks later before parties reconvene for Judge Park’s ruling as to whether these documents must be turned over to the defense.

Similarly, Mensah also asked the judge to order the prosecution to disclose the identities of certain witnesses in accordance with statutory requirements that require the prosecution to share evidence that might favor the defendant.

Mensah said the defense previously demonstrated that these witnesses may qualify as favorable to Jennings. The prosecution argued that Jennings knows all of the witnesses and can provide this information to the defense. The prosecution said they were hesitant however to disclose these names to the public as they feared it might threaten witnesses’ safety.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 23.

Sentence Suspended for Shooting Defendant, Allowed to Return to Virginia Farm

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a shooting defendant on June 12 to unsupervised probation, allowing him to return to a farm in Virginia.

Jory Sydnor, 26, pleaded guilty on April 8 to carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charge stemmed from his involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of Trinidad Avenue, NE on April 10, 2025. Sydnor’s ex-step-father sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

Judge Pipe cited the mitigating factors in the case including that the shooting occurred after Sydnor learned that his ex-step-father was allegedly harming his mother and juvenile sister.

The prosecution also acknowledged that Sydnor was “struggling with mental health and substance abuse” at the time of the offense.

The prosecution requested Sydnor receive inpatient psychological support and three years of supervised probation.

Judge Pipe was concerned that supervised probation would require Sydnor to stay in DC, which Andrew Ain, Sydnor’s attorney, emphasized that was against Sydnor’s wishes. Ain explained that Sydnor simply “wants to go back to the farm” where he previously lived in Virginia.

Ain outlined a flow chart of the criminal justice system and argued, in his view, that more severe punishment leads to more restrictions and expectations which become more opportunities for defendants to reoffend. “That flow chart is particularly maladaptive for him,” said Ain

“I don’t see him as a danger to the community,” Judge Pipe expressed before handing down her sentencing decision.

Sydnor was given a fully suspended 10 month sentence and one year of unsupervised probation, during which he is not permitted to possess a firearm. Additionally he will need to register as a gun offender in DC for the next two years. If he fails to meet any of these conditions Judge Pipe can require him to serve the 10 month sentence.

No further dates were set.

Judge Maintains Release for Homicide Defendant With Jail Health Struggles

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz maintained his prior decision to release a homicide defendant due to his deteriorating health in jail during a pretrial hearing on June 5.

The prosecution requested a review of the defendant’s health condition. Judge Kravitz said he wouldn’t conduct an independent review, as long as the defendant remains compliant with the conditions of his release, but said the prosecution could file a motion.

Dione Dorn, 43, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jaydon Parson. The incident occurred on Feb. 18, 2025, on the 700 block of H Street, NE. Parson sustained five gunshot wounds, including three to his head.

Dorn attended the hearing remotely because of a dialysis appointment. Defense attorney Megan Allburn said he is ineligible for a kidney transplant and will require dialysis for the rest of his life. Based on her observations, Allburn said he is still suffers poor health, and uses a wheelchair.

A tentative trial date was set for Aug. 21, 2028, due to scheduling conflicts between the judge, prosecution, Allburn, and the defendant, who has limited availability because of dialysis appointments three times a week. Parties agreed to revise the trial date if an earlier time becomes available.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Case Acquitted: Homicide Defendant Testifies That Victim Was ‘Like a Brother’ to Him

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

Before DC Superior Court Judge Milton C. Lee Jr. on June 9, a homicide defendant took the stand as the defense’s first witness.

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

Guerra’s attorney, Diana Yu, highlighted the extensive relationship between Guerra and Miller dating back to middle school, and up to their time living together in 2021.

Guerra testified Miller “was like a brother to me,” and described him as an “inspiration.”

During their time at college, Guerra said he got mugged, stabbed, and maced, resulting in a hand injury. After the incident, Guerra claimed, Miller helped in his rehabilitation, causing Miller to flunk out of school.

In 2019 the two moved to an apartment at the DC Wharf where they started a business, and created a friend group who loved to “socialize and party,” said Guerra.

Yu also asked Guerra about the night of Miller’s death and had the defendant demonstrate the altercation on his other attorney, Kevin Mosley. Guerra claimed he and Miller were arguing before Miller pulled out a gun, pointing it at Guerra’s head.

“It was like he was picking a spot to shoot me at,” said Guerra.

Guerra then showed how he lunged forward, causing his forearm to slam into Miller’s neck, smashing Miller’s head into a concrete pillar. They then stumbled to the ground with the gun falling out of Miller’s hand. “I wasn’t trying to hurt [Miller], I was just trying to take the gun from him,” Guerra said.

Yu then presented text messages between the defendant and a witness sent seconds after the altercation, explaining, “man come get him,” “I just beat tf out of him,” “we got in an argument,” “he pulled his gun on me cocked it and put it to my head,” “I beat the sh*t out him, get him out of here.”

The text presented by Yu was a point of contention between the prosecution and defense.

Judge Lee said he was “disturbed” and “disappointed” with the last-minute motion presented by the defense in an attempt to get these texts labeled as inadmissible hearsay, an out-of-court statement that can be presented to validate evidence. The defense sent the motion to the court at 10:27 p. m. the night before. Judge Lee asked the defense if this was “intentional,” stating the defense is not “giving the [prosecution] a fair opportunity.”

“It is not the way we should be practicing law in the superior court,” said Judge Lee.

Despite his frustration with the timing of the filing, Judge Lee determined the texts were admissible. The messages were intended to show Guerra’s actions to find help for Miller after the altercation, the judge determined.

During cross-examination, the prosecutor asked Guerra why he did not call 911 once Miller ended up on the floor. Guerra said he did not believe Miller was seriously injured at the time, and he believed his friend would wake up.

During the incident, prosecutors alleged Guerra picked up the gun Miller had dropped and placed it in Miller’s bathroom, not wanting the gun to be immediately accessible.

The prosecution questioned the order of events after the altercation, pointing out irregularities in the defense’s story. In his testimony, prosecutors noted Guerra said he sent a text to the witness first. However, in defense opening arguments, Yu claimed Guerra placed the gun in the bathroom first.

The prosecution contested that while opening arguments do not count as evidence, the order of events presented by the defense was different from what Guerra had testified.

When police arrived at the scene, Guerra initially told them that Miller had been stumbling drunk and had hit the concrete pillar in the apartment, even suggesting that Miller could be overdosing. Guerra told the prosecutor that he regretted lying to the police after the incident and that at the time he had hoped “it would all go away if Pete was okay.”

Guerra reiterated that his actions came from a place of fear rather than malice.

“I lied because I was scared,” Guerra said.

Guerra’s trial is slated to resume on June 10.

Search