DC Police Have Yet to Arrest Suspects For 6 out of 7 May Homicides

According to D.C. Witness data, there were seven reported homicides in May, each one claiming a victim. This was more than a 50 percent decrease from the previous month when there were 15 reported homicides.

As of June 4, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified only one suspect tied to any of these crimes.

According to the MPD, 50-year-old Cadoza Simms was arrested for his alleged involvement in a bar stabbing that fatally injured Marvin Urquhart, 45, on May 2 at Wunder Garten beer garden, on the 1100 block of First Street, NE. Simms’ preliminary hearing is scheduled on Aug. 4.

MPD is also investigating the fatal beating of 35-year-old Dalonte Lamont Jackson, who was discovered unconscious on May 24 on the 3300 block of East Capitol Street, NE. Jackson succumbed to his injuries on May 29.

The remainder of the May homicides were shootings.

MPD is looking into the homicide of 30-year-old Jasmine Malone, who was found unconscious with multiple fatal gunshot wounds on May 12 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

On May 7, 18-year-old Brady Flowers Jr. was found with a gunshot wound in the Tenleytown neighborhood, on the 4500 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW. He succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Additionally, MPD continues its investigation into the homicide of 23-year-old Ashton Manigan who was found with fatal gunshot wounds inside of an apartment on May 24 on the 2700 block of Robinson Place, SE.

MPD is offering rewards for information about the unsolved cases.

Stabbing Victim Testifies Domestic Violence Suspect Warned, ‘If I Can’t Have You, Nobody Can’

The victim in a domestic violence stabbing case testified on June 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

James Callen, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant body injury while armed. These charges have an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Callen’s release for a prior matter. The charges stem from allegedly stabbing his former romantic interest on July 13, 2024 on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE.

Callen is also charged with four counts of felony contempt for allegedly violating a stay-away order by calling the victim from the jail.

In her testimony, the victim claimed that Callen stabbed her repeatedly on the evening of the offense. She testified that they were celebrating starting new jobs. An argument ensued when Callen asked her to move in with him, and when she said no, he became violent.

The victim alleged Callen then disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a large knife, and yelled, “If I can’t have you, no one can, b***h!”

The victim said she sustained major injuries from the assault. She alleged that Callen wrestled her to the floor, and slit her jugular vein–a critical set of blood vessels– and windpipe. She claimed Callen stabbed her upper left arm, and that she can no longer move her left pinkie finger as a result. The victim suffered significant scarring on her right hand from attempting to block the blade.

She finally woke up in the hospital four days after the assault given her injuries. The prosecution showed both the victim and the jury several images of her body after the assault which she explained to the court

The victim was then asked to show the jury the physical scars she sustained from the assault. The prosecution instructed her to leave the stand and illustrate the damage to the jury. She lifted her hair, revealing a long, vertical black scar on her neck.

On cross-examination, Callen’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued the victim grabbed the knife from Callen and tried to threaten him with it. The victim responded that the blade went through her hand as she was defending herself. She affirmed that she was never gripping the handle.

The victim stated that what transpired seemed “out of the blue” to her and the events escalated quickly.

Thomas also asked the victim about an incident that occurred in August 2023. The defense asked if the victim recalled a text conversation between her and Callen asking the defendant to pick her up from her home. She only recalled the defendant breaking into her home.

In redirect examination the prosecution asked the victim what she remembered from the stabbing. She said she went to hang out with Callen, and that he was “infuriated,” and “mad all over again as if this was news to him” about the victim not wanting to move in.

The victim elaborated that everything “went from zero-to-1000 real quick.” It was a disagreement, more than a fight, described the victim but the next thing she knew he came at her with a butcher knife.

After the victim left the stand, the prosecution played a 10-minute 911 call from the incident. Throughout you can hear Callen crying asking the dispatcher to “send somebody hurry up” and repeatedly saying, “She needs you.”

In the call, Callen was incoherent and non-communicative. Once help arrived, the dispatcher asked, “Sir, are you ever gonna open the building door?”

The prosecution then questioned an analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who described photos he took of the scene and evidence he collected, including the knife handle, knife blade, and a blood stained blanket.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 8.

Judge Denies Defense Mistrial Request in Co-Defendant Homicide Retrial

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson dismissed a defense request for a mistrial in a co-defendant homicide retrial on June 2.

Alonzo Brown, 29, and Naquel Henderson, 28, are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Taylor, 22, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE on Jan. 12, 2019.

Henderson’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, argued that when a key witness for the prosecution said in front of the jury the prior day that “jail saved my life,” he made the jury aware of alleged threats against his life during in jail. The prosecution argued that by asking him to clarify what he meant by that statement, he explained jail altered the trajectory of his life for the better, thus preventing the jury from hearing potentially prejudicial testimony.

Judge Dayson dismissed Sapirstein’s motion for a mistrial because the prosecutors clarified the witness’s comment.

The prosecution and defense also debated the use of certain jail calls to the defendants in the trial. Defense attorneys for both Henderson and Brown argued that under Estelle v. Williams, which establishes that defendants may not appear before a jury wearing a jail jumpsuit, prosecutors could not show video calls from the jail because both men are clearly wearing jail attire. Parties agreed to play some of the calls but struck certain clips which Judge Dayson said lacked probative value.

A surveillance center monitoring specialist from the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) took the stand. The prosecution asked the witness how visitors and inmates use the calling service provided by a third party. The prosecution played jail phone calls of Henderson referencing two alleged associates of the Pentacle Apartments, a site linked to gang-related turf wars.

Then, they played the videos, in which Henderson is seen making hand gestures and a child sitting on the lap of an adult makes similar gestures. He tells the child, “tell mom to drive safe.”

The prosecutor then presented autopsy photos to the jury, addressing the findings of the medical examiner who performed Taylor’s autopsy and described his exit wounds. One, on the left heel, indicated that the victim was in motion, possibly running away. The examiner concluded the incident was a homicide.

Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, called Brown’s mother to the stand, who said she has not attended any of the previous hearings in the trial. Brown’s mother confirmed knowledge of a key witness and former co-defendant but said he did not stay in her home despite his testimony that he did. She said she knew him for a couple of years, but only saw him outside of her building.

The prosecution then asked Brown’s mother about another former co-defendant, and Kiersh objected. The prosecution asked if Brown’s mother would do anything for her children and she said yes. Kiersh confirmed that didn’t mean she would lie in court.

Julie Swaney, Henderson’s other attorney, then called, a cousin of Brown’s, and confirmed he also knew also the same former co-defendant. Brown’s cousin also confirmed he knew another former co-defendant.

The prosecution’s rebuttal consisted of footage of a single video visit that Brown had while he was incarcerated. In the footage, Brown can be heard saying that he loves the key witness.

The jury was then excused until closing arguments, set for the following day.

The parties are slated to reconvene on June 3.

Judge Revokes Homicide Defendant’s Release After he ‘Completely Vanished’

DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman revoked a missing homicide defendant’s release on June 3.

Jose Ramos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 58-year-old Eduardo Cruz which occurred on Jan. 25, 2022 on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The defense, Wole Falodun and Alvin Thomas, noted that when Ramos was not on his medication, he experienced a mental health breakdown, then lost his job and apartment. According to court records, Ramos was released on Dec. 19, 2023. However, after multiple notices of non-compliance and failing to appear in court, Judge Edelman ordered a bench warrant for Ramos’ arrest on May 4.

Thomas said the defense was looking for an opportunity for Ramos to find a new job on release. Judge Edelman acknowledged Ramos has been largely honest and compliant with the pretrial release requirements.

However, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), the last contact Ramos had with PSA was on April 17. In addition, Ramos’ GPS tracking device went dead on April 30, the representative commented.

Judge Edelman decided to revoke Ramos’ release. Thomas countered that Ramos had not demonstrated any dangerousness that would bar his release. Nonetheless, Judge Edelman said the “problem is that Mr. Ramos just completely vanished.”

After a request from the defense, Judge Edelman recommended Ramos be housed at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) for access to mental health treatment.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Dec. 11.

Lawyers Debate Whether Stabbing Resulted From Domestic Abuse in Trial Openings

Both the prosecution and defense presented opening arguments in a domestic violence stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 3.

James Callen 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in stabbing his former romantic partner on July 13, 2024 on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE.

All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Callen was on release for another matter.

Callen is also charged with four counts of felony contempt for allegedly violating a stay-away order by calling the victim multiple times from jail.

In opening arguments, both parties acknowledged the extent and severity of the victim’s injuries, but placed the blame in different places. The prosecution focused on the “who” of the case, the defendant, Callen. While defense highlighted the “how” behind the alleged attack, a question defense attorneys claim, the prosecution cannot answer due to a lack of eyewitnesses.

The prosecution alleged Callen attacked the victim with a knife, slicing her jugular vein, and stabbing her in the chin, right hand, and armpit. They said it was the “ultimate step to control her [the victim],” and a culmination of the previous domestic violence incidents.

According to the prosecution, Callen and the victim had two prior altercations that resulted in a broken leg and black eyes for the victim in August 2023 and January 2024, respectively.

Shortly after the stabbing on June 3, Callen called 911 to report the situation, a piece of evidence that prosecutors said they will play in the trial.

The prosecutors said they also plan to elaborate on four calls Callen made to the victim from jail after the incident to support his contempt charges. Along with eight witnesses, including the victim.

During the defense’s opening, attorney Alvin Thomas told the jury to “talk about what they [the prosecution] did not show you.” Thomas argued that no one beside Callen and the victim knew the order of events, nor what happened that night.

Thomas claimed the victim grabbed the knife from Callen’s hand, causing some of her injuries.

This is “not a lovers’ dispute, not a quarrel” Thomas stated while arguing the unusual nature of the relationship between Callen and the victim, reminding the jury that both parties were married to other partners.

“No expert they [the prosecution calls] shows you knows what happened that night,” stated Thomas.

A domestic violence expert, who had no specific knowledge of the case testified for the prosecuction. The expert spoke to the jury about the general characteristics of domestic violence between romantic partners, not specifically discussing Callen and the victim.

The prosecution asked the expert to describe cycles of abuse in toxic relationships. The expert also testified from her own published research on the effect of jail calls from abusers on their victims, stating the calls are highly manipulative. The expert developed a five-stage system to classify jail calls and their impact on victims.

In cross-examination, Thomas asked if a victim had to experience all five stages of manipulation in order to be manipulated by an abuser, and if she had ever heard the jail calls between Callen and the victim. The expert said no to both questions, but mentioned this was the pattern of manipulation observed in the study.

The expert talked about the relationship between male abusers and female victims. She stated that “95 percent of domestic abuse follows these gendered roles.” However, Thomas questioned the expert whether abuse can occur between a female abuser and male victim, the expert said “it was not common.”

Thomas attempted to impeach the expert’s testimony by highlighting the witness’ lack of knowledge about the case, implying generalizations could be made about all domestic violence cases. The witness had not heard the jail calls, the 911 calls, or knew about the relationship between Callen and the victim and could only speak generally.

A DNA forensic analyst also testified, finding traces of DNA likely from both Callen, and the victim on all five items they analyzed from the crime scene–a knife handle, the outside of a bottle, the neck and cap of a bottle, and two swabs of suspected blood from a knife handle and blade.

Another defense attorney, Bryan Brookhard, argued that the analysis “does not tell you how DNA got there,” leaving gaps about the DNA sources. In response, the witness stated “[DNA analysis] addresses the question of who, not how.”

Callen’s trial is slated to resume on June 4.

Judge Finds No ‘Red Flags’ in Murder Defendant’s Mental Competence to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman adopted a report that found no evidence a homicide defendant was mental incompetent and ruled he could handle his own defense during a hearing on May 29.

Kyle Piunti, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run on Jan. 3, 2024. The incident, which occurred on Highway I-295 southbound around Mile Marker 1, resulted in the death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin.

Judge Edelman reviewed forensic reports from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that deemed Piunti competent to stand trial. To stand trial, Piunti must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense. No parties objected to Piunti’s competency.

The judge also discussed motions filed by Piunti himself, noting they showed a “rational understanding” of the evidence and legal strategy. “Somebody being stubborn is not the same as somebody being incompetent,” Judge Edelman said. He concluded that he saw no “red flags” warranting further competency evaluations.

David Akulian replaced previous attorney Howard McEachern, who Judge Edelman dismissed from the case at the hearing. While Akulian will act as an “attorney advisor,” he clarified he would not be prepared to take over as lead trial counsel with such short notice.

“Your preference is to go forward on June 29 representing yourself with an advisor,” Judge Edelman asked Piunti.

Piunti, who is held at the jail, raised concerns regarding his access to evidence after his laptop was seized at the jail. The prosecution flagged the computer after Piunti created a Proton email account to file motions online. Proton Mail is an encrypted email service.

Piunti argued he was “punished” for trying to meet the same procedural standards as an attorney. Judge Edelman said he would reach out to the jail to see if access could be restored.

The prosecution informed Judge Edelman that the paper evidence in the case is “quite significant.” Judge Edelman encouraged the prosecution to “dot every I and cross every T” to ensure the record reflects all evidence provided to the defense.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5.

Judge Releases 17-Year-Old Defendant Accused of Shooting Her Boyfriend

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman released a teen shooting defendant on June 1 after finding probable cause she shot her boyfriend.

Camila Palomino, 17, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in shooting her boyfriend on May 9 at the 300 block of 49th Street, NE. The victim sustained at least two gunshot wounds to his calf and buttocks.

Palomino is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

Judge Edelman released Palomino during her preliminary hearing, but required she must stay 100 yards away from the victim, she is not allowed to speak, text, call or contact the victim directly or through a third party. The judge also declared that Palomino and the victim were romantically involved. According to court documents, their relationship began in September 2025.

Palimono was placed in home confinement and can only go to school, work, medical appointments, meeting with her attorney, and court hearings.

Judge Edelman noted that Palomino also claimed to be a victim of domestic violence from her boyfriend who reportedly threatened her with a knife.

The judge ordered Palomino must stay out of DC unless it is for court, must not have access to a firearm, and will wear a GPS monitor.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 10.

Judge Considers Bench Warrant for Medical Examiner in Triple-Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz considered a bench warrant on June 1 ordering a medical examiner to testify in a triple-homicide trial if the analyst fails to appear in-person.

Jalonte Thompkins, 34, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of three brothers, 34-year-old James Morgan, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin, on Aug. 5, 2023 on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW.

The prosecution planned to finish their case the present week, however, there was convern the primary medical examiner, who performed two of the three autopsies, refused to testify in-person until June 19.

According to the general counsel on behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), the examiner was aware of a subpoena but provided several notes from their physician’s assistant. The general counsel said the notes did not state a specific medical problem, but claimed the medication would alter the “normal cognitive baseline.”

The prosecution and defense agreed that the examiner’s testimony is essential, with prosecutors arguing that the examiner is vital to their case to show the trajectory of the bullets given the lack of video footage.

Prosecutors said they made several attempts to contact the examiner’s physician’s assistant, including during trial, but failed. It “seems almost intentionally hard” to get information, prosecutors said.

Judge Kravitz said that it is the medical examiner’s responsibility to get the physician’s assistant to speak with the judge about the witness’ reasoning for missing court. Otherwise, the analyst must testify or face arrest.

Judge Kravitz also discussed a defense motion to show the jury evidence of the victims’ prior violent acts.

According to the defense theory of the case, argued in past hearings, the victims allegedly fired the first shots. Thompkins’ attorney, Brandi Harden, wants to show evidence the victims werre the first aggressors.

The prosecution previously agreed the defense could tell the jury about the victims’ criminal convictions without the underlying facts. However, Harden also requested to show the jury that one of the convictions was from Martin shooting at a police officer and that Martin was also arrested for homicide, despite pleading guilty to a lesser offense.

According to Judge Kravitz, in 2013, Martin pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact in connection to a homicide. The judge elaborated that the arrest warrant for that case stated Martin allegedly drove the shooter to the incident location, lied to a witness about the shooter’s presence, and drove the shooter home after the homicide.

The prosecution contested that shooting at a police officer in the past is irrelevant to this case. They also argued that the accessory after the fact charge was not violent in nature, making it inadmissible because the law requires a victim’s prior acts to be violent to support a self-defense theory.

Judge Kravitz disagreed on both grounds, saying that Martin’s accessory after the fact conviction “shows a callousness about the use of a firearm to commit an act of violence.” He granted the defense’s motion.

The parties are slated to reconvene on June 2.

Parties Can’t Find Former Detective in 2005 Homicide

Defense attorneys and prosecutors in a 2005 homicide trial confronted their inability to locate a former detective to testify at trial during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 2.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, arson, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a Nov. 24, 2005 shooting that fatally injured 23-year-old Makia Mosby on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

The prosecution reported that investigators at the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) have been unable to contact the former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective despite surveillance of a known location and an attempt to learn her whereabouts from a family member.

Wells’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, said that the defense counsel has encountered similar challenges in their investigation. According to Claudio, they have attempted to deliver a subpoena both digitally and physically.

Nonetheless, parties agreed to proceed with all scheduled hearing dates.

Parties are slated to reconvene for jury selection on June 4.

Stabbing Defendant to Serve 48 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz imposed a 48 months sentence for a stabbing defendant during a hearing on May 29.

On Feb. 6, Daniyah Dailey, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 27, 2021 on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. Two victims sustained injuries from the stabbing, and one of them suffered additional gunshot wounds allegedly committed by 34-year-old Tejan Bah.

Bah’s case was dismissed following his death in February 2025.

Through the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of five-to-eight years of imprisonment, which takes into consideration the amount of time Dailey was waiting for a resolution – two-and-a-half years –due to her transfer to DC after serving a sentence in Maryland for an unrelated matter.

During the hearing, the victim who sustained gunshot and stab wounds provided an impact statement, in which he claimed he knew Dailey leading up to the incident and she’d “change personalities with an alter ego.”

“She was a kind young lady who would convert into a thug,” the victim continued, stating the defendants had planned a homicide, but failed because Bah’s gun jammed.

The prosecution urged Judge Kravitz to impose an eight year sentence, arguing the incident was not spontaneous, and Dailey “made the specific decision to arm herself with a knife, stabbing the victim and slitting the throat of the other victim.”

“This was absolutely brutal and led to catastrophic consequences for the victims,” the prosecutor continued. They further argued the defendant’s actions were “calculated decisions, and she changed [the victims’] lives forever.”

The prosecutor further argued against Dailey being sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. According to the prosecution, “she was given the opportunity to benefit from it in the past, and she failed to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Sarah Kopecki, Dailey’s attorney, argued she should be sentenced under the YRA because she was in an abusive relationship with Bah, and didn’t have enough self esteem or confidence to live her life within her own standards.

Kopecki further stated Dailey has told the defense team “this is not the life I want to live, I want to take control.”

“Dailey has changed, and she does look back on these experiences as unimaginable,” Kopecki asserted.

Janai Reed, Dailey’s other attorney, argued she has made tremendous progress since her arrest, requesting the most lenient sentence permissible through the plea deal.

Reed highlighted Dailey’s “horrific” background, stating she experienced at least nine adverse experiences. According to Reed, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) concluded four adverse experiences could make someone dysfunctional.

“This has been a mind boggling experience,” Dailey stated, apologizing to the victims. She told Judge Kravitz she found someone she never wants to lose – herself.

“The person who was arrested four years ago is not the one sitting here today,” she stated, adding she regrets her actions every day.

She pleaded with Judge Kravitz to get another chance to be a model citizen and mother to her child.

When Judge Kravitz questioned her about her relationship with Bah, she stated “well, it was crazy.” She further stated Bah was 11 years older than her and was abusive.

“I went through a lot with him,” Dailey told Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz argued a six-and-a-half year sentence was appropriate in this case, and would get the two-and-a-half years reduced, totaling 48 months.

Judge Kravitz stated there were some mitigating factors to her level of culpability based on her “unequal and possibly abusive” relationship.

Judge Kravitz further sentenced Dailey under the YRA, stating the most significant factors for him were “her age, the involvement of a significantly older and abusive partner in life and in crime, and what appears to me to be not a particularly advanced appreciation of the risks of her conduct.”

She will be required to participate in the Life Connections Program in the Bureau of Prisons (BoP), which Kopecki stated helps inmates develop self-reliance skills, and the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP).

“I wish you all the best,” Judge Kravitz told Dailey.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release Following Mistrial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s request for release pending a retrial during a hearing on May 29.

Jaime Macedo, 25, is charged with felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson on July 5, 2023 on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE.

On May 4, a jury convicted Macedo of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, but were unable to reach an unanimous verdict for all other charges. The prosecution alerted the court on May 29 that they plan to re-try the case on Jan. 4.

During the hearing, parties discussed Jessica Willis, Macedo’s attorney’s, request for release pending re-trial.

Through a motion filed on May 22, Willis requested Macedo be released to live with his mom and daughter. She further argued “the outcome of the trial indicated that the jury overwhelmingly credited Mr. Macedo’s testimony and doubted the strength of the government’s evidence.”

She further contended Macedo showed increased maturity during his incarceration, and provided a release plan that would facilitate connecting him with resources in the community.

In contrast, Emerson’s mother urged Judge Kravitz to consider Macedo’s documented violence and criminal history when deciding on release. She insisted he refuses to stay away from guns, store them safely, and comply with supervision requirements, which she asserted are meant to protect the public but have failed.

She further stated he had treatment opportunities, warnings, interventions, and the benefit of advocacy during his prior release on probation which was revoked six months before Emerson’s shooting. She stated probation officers requested the revocation. “Had that request been granted, our son might still be alive today,” Emerson’s mom stated.

“How much danger has to exist before it’s taken seriously,” she questioned.

“It’s obviously a case that could go either way,” Judge Kravitz stated regarding the re-trial.

“It is profound that the majority of the jury believed the government could not meet its burden,” Willis said, highlighting the nine-to-two split for acquittal of felony murder.

Judge Kravitz highlighted Macedo’s history, stating it was complex, but did not completely define Macedo. However, Judge Kravitz stated Macedo “has not proved himself to be reliable in the community, or to be able to conform his conduct to what the law requires.”

“This incident itself occurred while he was on probation in other cases,” Judge Kravitz continued, stating no combination of conditions could guarantee the community’s safety, and denied the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11.

Stabbing Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz alerted parties in a stabbing case that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found the defendant mentally competent during a hearing on May 29.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to their neck and bled severely.

During the hearing, parties discussed the DBH report that stated Bridges is competent to stand trial. The prosecution agreed with the finding. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.

Molly Bunke, Bridges’ attorney, told Judge Kravitz she needed time to review the findings with Theodore Shaw, Bridges’ other attorney who was absent.

She further requested that Bridges continue to be held at St. Elizabeths Hospital, claiming it is obvious it has been beneficial to the defendant.

Judge Kravitz agreed to order Bridges to remain at Saint Elizabeths until the next hearing, but stated he cannot guarantee he’ll be able to continue there if the defense agrees with the findings.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 18.

Prosecutors Say Dismissed Murder Case, ‘Can’t Go Through,’ Without Missing Video Evidence

The prosecution dismissed a homicide case after five days of a jury trial because of missing evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 1.

Joshua Allen, 36, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The charges stemmed from Allen’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson and injuries to a surviving victim on June 11, 2021 on 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

In addition, Allen was charged with four counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly contacting a witness and reportedly asking the individual to provide false testimony.

At the hearing, which was scheduled as the sixth day of Allen’s jury trial, Judge Park confirmed that he “received a communication” the night before from the prosecution indicating their intent to dismiss the charges. A supervisor from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) explained that a video of the shooting from an “other angle” was missing and they “can’t go through with” the case.

Judge Park asked the USAO official which charges should be dropped to which he responded all. “All?” Judge Park asked, and the supervisor clarified it was all charges.

Judge Park granted the USAO’s request to dismiss all 12 charges against Allen with prejudice, meaning the prosecutors are unable to refile the charges.

The judge indicated that he would dismiss the jurors and no further dates were set.

Defense Tells Key Homicide Witness, ‘It Doesn’t Matter How Long Ago it Was, it Was a Lie’

The defense claimed that a key witness in a homicide case lied under oath and in prior interactions with law enforcement officers in trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 1.

Alonzo Brown, 29, and Naquel Henderson, 28, are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Michael Taylor, 22, on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE on Jan. 12, 2019.

A key witness, previously sentenced for his involvement in Taylor’s homicide, accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to testify against Brown and Henderson, his former co-defendants.

In court, the prosecution asked the key witness to identify individuals in relevant photos and describe the days leading up to Taylor’s death, and after suspects were arrested.

The prosecutors showed the jury a screenshot from a FaceTime call between the witness and an individual he identified as Brown holding a firearm. The prosecution also had the witness identify Brown in another image, which portrayed him squatting over two firearms.

Judge Dayson said the jury should not consider statements about Brown’s involvement with the key witness in making judgments about Henderson.

Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, and Henderson’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, both cross-examined the key witness and identified apparently contradictory statements in with his prior testimonies.

Sapirstein asked the key witness about his relationship with prosecutors and the plea agreement. She confirmed with the key witness that his sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder were 12-to-24 years but prosecutors asked for a below-guideline sentence of 11 years, which the witness received. Sapirstein also confirmed with the witness that the prosecutors in Brown and Henderson’s trial are the same prosecutors handling the outcome of his plea agreement.

Sapirstein questioned the witness’ character, asking about his relationship to a gun found in his cousin’s home in 2018. Sapirstein confirmed that, when confronted by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about the gun, he denied knowing about it.

Sapirstein emphasized that the key witness also told police, “I know what to say to get around people’s minds.” The witness did not make a direct response when Sapirstein asked if he wanted to evade the gun charge and “dump it” on his cousin.

The former co-conspirator also claimed that “jail saved [his] life,” which Sapirstein called into question during cross examination. She brought up multiple instances in which the witness tested positive for substances, including opiates, cocaine, fentanyl, and amphetamines while he was on probation.

Upon release, Sapirstein confirmed that the witness violated the terms of the MPD protection program by disclosing his location to others and having unauthorized contact with friends and family. She also asserted that his child’s mother filed a protective order against him because he allegedly sent her a photo of a gun and what she believed to be a threatening message.

Kiersh also claimed that the key witness’ “memory was most likely fogged because [he was] high” when Taylor was shot. To this, the witness responded, “probably, yes.” The key witness elaborated that his memory was hazy because the incident occurred over seven years ago.

Kiersh asserted that “it doesn’t matter how long ago it was, it was a lie,” referring to previous testimony from the witness, when he claimed not to recognize anyone in the building on the day of the incident. In a more recent statement, Kiersh said the witness indicated that he recognized individuals including Taylor and Brown in the apartment building during the shooting.

Kiersh pointed out that the key witness originally claimed he spent two days in Emporia, Virginia after the incident. However, he later indicated that he left the next morning to return to the Pentacle Apartments.

Additionally, Sapirstein noted that the witness previously stated that the Northeast neighborhood is “not one he hangs in,” and he “comes from Southeast.” Sapirstein clarified that this was not true, and that because his cousins reside in Northeast, DC, the witness has spent significant time in that area.

In re-direct, the prosecution confirmed the witness that he would not risk his safety, friends, and family to tell a lie on the stand.

After the jury left, Kiersh said the defense filed for a mistrial citing the perception of fear as evidence. The prosecution attempted to clarify the key witness’ earlier testimony that “jail saved [his] life” by asking if the witness feared retaliation for his involvement in the murder of Taylor. He attempted to connect the witness’s earlier statements he was in fear; however, the judge would not allow the testimony due to a precedent banning fear as evidence and denied the mistrial motion.

The prosecution clarified that the statement was regarding the witness’s life trajectory, not threats from the defendants or their associates.

The prosecution also called before the jury an MPD investigator who patrolled DC’s fifth district and identified a person said to be Henderson both in-person and via photo.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 2.

Mary Hutchinson, Zachary Cohen, Chloe Hokenson, Hannah Huisman, and Josh Nagy-Koechlin

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Including Uncharged Offenses

A multi-shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 28.

Maliq Campbell, 23, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault, for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on June 10, 2023 on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. All charges had an aggravating factor of being committed during release.

Campbell also had an arrest warrant, but was not charged, for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on Oct. 4, 2023 on the 500 block of 49th Place, SE.

During the hearing, Campbell’s attorney, Camille Wagner, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal for two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in the shooting case, as well as a dismissal of a domestic violence case and two remaining bench warrants for unrelated incidents.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of five years for each charge, which would run concurrently, and five years of supervised release.

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors claimed they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Campbell, while being in a car with the victim on June 10, 2023, fought over the victim’s car keys and shot at them multiple times, with the victim sustaining a graze wound.

Prosecutors also stated that, had the bench warrant incident gone to trial they would’ve proven that Campbell fired at an individual on a bicycle multiple times, striking him twice on the wrist. They asserted Campbell acted voluntarily and without legal justification in both incidents.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30.

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