‘Everything We Know About Brain Science,’ Explains Shooting, Defense Asserts at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a defendant on Aug. 14 to suspended prison time, in favor of two years probation, for a shooting committed when he was a juvenile.

Cedric Brockington, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business on June 10. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 10, 2022, on the 1200 block of 5th Street, NW. Brockington fired four shots at the victim, who sustained one gunshot wound to his arm.

Brockington was originally charged with assault with intent to murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and carrying a dangerous weapon. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges.

In the agreement, parties agreed that Brockington would receive five years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and two years for carrying a pistol without a license, to run concurrently, and with all suspended but time he already served.

At sentencing, Judge Ryan accepted the agreement negotiated by the parties. Brockington was also sentenced to two years of probation and will have to register as a gun offender.

Judge Ryan supported his decision with Brockington’s spotless record on release in this case, as well as his demonstrated maturity and growth since the crime. He sentenced Brockington under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which mandates Brockington complete 90 hours of community service.

In DC, the YRA allows defendants who committed an offense while under the age of 25 to have their convictions sealed if they complete certain requirements while giving judges more latitude in sentencing.

Judge Ryan explained that part of his consideration for application of the YRA is trauma a young defendant might have endured.

Christen Philips, Brockington’s attorney, detailed Brockington’s supportive family, and his childhood playing music and attending church.

However, Judge Ryan said general violence in the community could lead to trauma. Philips explained the social environment that she said provided necessary context to the incident.

Based on Brockington’s childhood, “This offense seems widely out of character,” Philips said.

In her conversations with Brockington, Philips explained, he never provided an excuse. The context that led to the shooting, she said, was “the peer environment.”

“Mr. Brockington is the first to admit that he was looking for that acceptance in the wrong place,” Philips said. When he got to high school, he sought out peers also interested in music, but struggled to find a group. Instead, he befriended groups involved in “a neighborhood beef,” detailed Philips.

Judge Ryan and Philips also noted that Brockington smoked marijuana daily prior to the offense, which they highlighted could impair judgement.

Philips contended that “Everything we know about brain science” and “fitting-in mentality” explained the shooting. “This really isn’t him,” she asserted.

The case had the potential to derail Brockington’s life, Philips said. Instead, he turned inward and to support systems.

“Some people that are young,” Philips added, “do have serious lapses in judgement.”

Brockington read a statement during his sentencing. He said he felt “deep remorse” towards the victim, the victim’s family, and his own family.

Judge Ryan said he received letters in support of Brockington from his mother, father, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, a second uncle who’s a pastor, and the founder of an organization he volunteers with.

In addition, Judge Ryan noted that Brockington had a supportive childhood and his family has had few interactions with the criminal justice system, which he said is unique in his courtroom.

While incarcerated, Brockington completed high school and is now earning a certification through a welding academy. Philips also highlighted that he received a job offer.

According to the pre-sentence report provided by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Brockington had no positive drug tests or missed appointments during his pre-trial release period.

Philips requested that Brockington only serve one year of probation, as that would allow him five years total under supervision for this case and would be “more than sufficient.”

Judge Ryan said would review the sentence after one year, if Brockington’s record is still clean.

The prosecutor requested the court stay within the sentencing suggestions in the plea agreement and said there were no victim impact statements.

Judge Ryan spoke directly to Brockington and implored him to remember what led to the shooting, his time in jail, and the court proceedings.

“You don’t ever want to be in that situation again,” Judge Ryan said. “Good luck.”

There are no further hearings scheduled in this case.

Jury Convicts Defendant of Manslaughter for Kitchen Knives Stabbing

A jury convicted Vanessa Bonaparte for her involvement in the death of Dwayne Boyd in DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz’s courtroom on Aug. 17.

Bonaparte, 34, was initially charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for her involvement in the fatal stabbing of Boyd, 31 that occurred on June 22, 2024 on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE. Boyd sustained two stab wounds to his chest.

In addition, Bonaparte was charged with misdemeanor destruction of property for her alleged damage to a window at the scene.

After some three days of deliberations, the jury found Bonaparte not guilty of first-degree murder, the lesser-included offense of second-degree murder, and destruction of property. The jury, however, convicted Bonaparte of the lesser-included offense of voluntary manslaughter while armed.

In the trial that started on July 28, the prosecution painted Bonaparte as a woman scorned after Boyd reportedly chose another romantic partner over her. They claimed Bonaparte showed up at the apartment where Boyd and his romantic partner resided at the time, and shattered the windows to enter after the couple would not let her in through the door.

As Boyd and his romantic partner attempted to leave, prosecutors alleged Bonaparte stabbed Boyd with two kitchen knives.

Bonaparte’s attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Roderick Thompson, argued their client went to the scene to retrieve her laptop. According to the defense, Bonaparte acted in self-defense after Boyd reportedly assaulted her and held her by the throat.

Both Bonaparte and Boyd’s then-romantic partner testified in the trial.

Bonaparte is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 13.

‘This is a Colossal Mess,’ Judge Says of Withheld Evidence in 7-Year-Old Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan determined that the prosecution’s alleged failure to share evidence with the defense would further delay a trial for a 2019 homicide at a hearing on Aug. 14.

Terrance Barnes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 57-year-old Barry Holmes that occurred on April 17, 2019, on the 5100 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Holmes sustained one gunshot wound to his chest that caused damage to his heart, stomach, bowel, and spleen.

Barnes’ trial was set to begin on Aug. 17, but Judge Ryan delayed jury selection to have the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the case and the former prosecutor testify about the evidence. The current prosecutor voiced his intention to file a written opposition over the weekend to his colleague testifying.

The case was originally scheduled for trial in May 2023. However, it was delayed multiple times due to a series of motions filed by both parties and debates about evidence.

The material in question at the hearing was a 17-page single-spaced investigative report from a private firm hired by Holmes’ employer for workplace compensation and insurance purposes.

Because of the report, the defense filed a motion to dismiss the case on Aug. 7. Nathaniel Mensah, Barnes’ defense attorney, alleged that the prosecution violated Brady v. Maryland (1963) and the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

According to Mensah’s motion, the report detailed crucial information in the case, including “prior altercations involving [Holmes], previously undisclosed witnesses with information bearing on potential alternative suspects, and information that another witness had lied to law enforcement.”

“It looks exactly like a defense attorney’s dream report,” Judge Ryan said in court.

Mensah said the prosecution failed to disclose the document until July 30, 18 days before the scheduled trial.

Judge Ryan determined that late disclosure was a Brady violation. In Brady, the Supreme Court determined that under the Fifth Amendment, the prosecution is obligated to turn over any exculpatory evidence that may prove the defendant’s innocence to the defense.

Judge Ryan criticized the prosecution for refusing to admit that this was a Brady violation. “This is a bad situation for the [prosecution],” he said. “You don’t want me to find bad faith, but you’re not helping the matter by not saying that the thing is what it obviously is.”

Mensah contended that the late disclosure didn’t give the defense enough time to properly review it and reach out to the witnesses before the trial.

The parties debated when the prosecution discovered the report, which was completed on July 3, 2019. According to the prosecution, the report was shared with the former prosecutor by the lead MPD detective on the case, who received it from the private firm on Sept. 21, 2020.

The former prosecutor never followed up with MPD about the report or its contents, according to the current prosecutor. Mensah said the former prosecutor recently testified in another case about a similar issue. When Barnes’ case neared trial previously, that prosecutor also faced allegations of not disclosing grand jury testimony, Mensah added.

The current prosecutor repeatedly contended that he found out about the report on July 30 and promptly shared it with the defense. However, Mensah pointed out that the document had a note with the prosecutor’s name dated June 18, indicating he downloaded it then.

Mensah agreed with Judge Ryan, asserting that the court needed to hear the testimony of the lead MPD detective and former prosecutor.

“The gravity of the failure in this instance is hard for me to gauge right now,” Judge Ryan said. “This is a colossal mess.”

There are several other pending motions in the case that have yet to to be considered.

“I was so happy to pick a jury and get back into trial,” Judge Ryan said. “This isn’t happening anytime soon.”

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 17.

First-Degree Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Trial Set for 2027

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer and parties scheduled a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Aug. 14.

Javonte Robinson, 28, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Kalil Brown on June 2, 2025 on the 1200 block of Raum Street, NE. Brown sustained three gunshot wounds to his back and one to his neck.

Carrie Weletz, Robinson’s attorney, alerted parties that her client rejected a plea offer from prosecutors.

According to Weletz, the plea deal would have required Robinson to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, prosecutors would have dismissed the first-degree murder charge and not pursued an indictment with additional charges.

After Robinson rejected the offer, Judge Ryan scheduled his trial for April 5, 2027.

The prosecution said they anticipate their case will take four-to-five days.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 17 to discuss the the prosecution’s DNA evidence testing.

‘I Want to Be Held Accountable For What I Did,’ Says Defendant Pleading to Manslaughter

A homicide defendant accepted a new plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 14, after he told parties he couldn’t accept the original deal in June.

Emmanuel Lewis, 36, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and tampering with physical evidence. These charges stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Kwame Keith on the 1500 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE, on Oct. 30, 2023.

Lewis had pleaded guilty on May 15 to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges. Parties had agreed that Lewis would serve 15 years in prison, subject to Judge Edelman’s approval.The agreement specified that Lewis’ actions were intentional and not in self-defense.

According to Judge Edelman, Lewis suggested in a pre-sentence report filed on June 22 that his actions were in self-defense. In the report, he alleged that Keith had a “machine gun” which Lewis believed that Keith would use in an altercation. Judge Edelman suggested the parties figure the discrepancies out.

During the hearing on Aug. 14, Lewis’ attorney, Russell Hairston, and prosecutors alerted Judge Edelman they had reached a new agreement, which required Lewis to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed again to a sentence of 15 years.

The prosecutor read a letter written by Keith’s dad, which stated his loss was immeasurable, and deemed Keith a person “with dreams, memories and a future.”

“A sentence cannot bring Kwame back,” Keith’s dad wrote, adding he hopes “[Keith] is remembered for the way he lived and the way he loved others.”

The prosecution and Hairston requested Judge Edelman accept the new deal, with Hairston also requesting Lewis be required to get transitional housing and vocational training.

Furthermore, Hairston read a letter written by Lewis to the court, in which he stated he “made a bad decision by taking someone’s life.”

“I want to be held accountable for what I did,” the letter read.

Judge Edelman described this as a “brutal and violent crime,” stating that the loss was felt deeply by Keith’s loved ones.

He sentenced Lewis to 15 years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. Judge Edelman also ordered Lewis undergo substance abuse and mental health assessments, and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Funds.

No further dates were set.

‘Robert Lowe Has Given Us A Life Sentence,’ Victim’s Father States at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a homicide defendant to 21 years of imprisonment on Aug. 14.

Robert Lowe, 42, was convicted on May 6 of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old Kenneth Goins on April 27, 2024 on the 1300 block of U Street, NW.

“Kenny was not just my son, he was my heart… he is so very missed,” Goins mother told Judge Edelman at sentencing, asking him to impose the maximum sentence allowed in the guidelines of 12-to-24 years.

“The holidays are not the same. They’re a reminder that my only child is not here,” she stated.

Goins’ dad told Judge Edelman he stood before him as a father “whose heart has literally been torn apart.” He stated he, his wife, and all of Goins’ loved ones are heartbroken by his loss every day.

Goins’ dad discussed the difficulty he endured when he had to “delete” Goins as his beneficiary, stating “Robert Lowe had already deleted my son from the world and my family.”

He highlighted “the constant ache of missing my son in ordinary moments… grief and tears don’t ask permission before overflowing you.”

“God spared me the agony of losing my child on my birthday,” Goins’ father continued, stating “one hour after my birthday ended, my child was murdered.”

“My world shattered,” Goins’ dad said, recalling the information he later found out about the incident. “He [Lowe] slurred my son’s manhood by killing him,” after calling Goins the n-word.

“He made sure [the slur] was one of the last words Kenny heard,” the dad insisted.

He requested Judge Edelman impose the maximum sentence, “without malice, bitterness or vengeance.” He argued Lowe sent him and his wife “into our golden years without the strength, companionship and support,” of their only son, and has shown no remorse.

“Robert Lowe has given us a life sentence… He unreasonably and unfairly killed my son,” Goins’ dad stated.

Prosecutors read several statements from loved ones, including Goins’ nine-year-old daughter, who wrote her life had forever changed, and “no one can replace him.”

According to the prosecution, the “senseless crime” happened with “no excuse for it. No reason or explanation.” They requested the maximum sentence, stating bystanders could’ve been hurt or killed.

However, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Lowe’s attorney, disagreed. “This verdict devastated me,” she said, adding that Lowe maintains his innocence. According to Sapirstein, Lowe himself lost a son to gun violence while he was incarcerated pending trial.

“He cannot undo that Mr. Goins has died,” Sapirstein insisted, adding “he maintains he was caught in this fight.”

“Remorse requires somebody to say they did it… You can’t have remorse when you maintain you didn’t do it,” Sapirstein continued. “Mr. Goins is dead, and Mr. Lowe can’t undo that.” She requested Judge Edelman impose a sentence on the lower end of the guidelines.

“I feel their pain,” Lowe told Judge Edelman, highlighting “I lost my son, an African American son, to gun violence.”

“Even though I didn’t do it, I felt their pain,” Lowe said, adding “I’m not guilty.”

“The type of person I am is not the type of person you make me out to be,” Lowe continued, insinuating he, a white man, can’t be racist because he has three mixed children.

“I can’t have remorse for something I didn’t do,” Lowe insisted. “I pray for y’all every night… I pray for Kenny to look over me every night.”

Judge Edelman stated this was “a pretty odd case,” adding he “know[s] virtually nothing as to why this happened.”

Judge Edelman recalled the evidence from the trial, which he stated demonstrated Lowe approached Goins at a bar as he sat with friends, and assaulted him from behind before fleeing the scene. Judge Edelman argued there’s “nothing close to a doubt” that Lowe committed the shooting, as he was clearly the instigator and aggressor.

“He’s responsible for this senseless act,” Judge Edelman proclaimed, adding “over a whole lot of nothing. Mr. Goins really didn’t need to die this way.”

Judge Edelman imposed a 252 month sentence for murder, 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 12 months for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, which will run concurrently, totaling 21 years.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Cousin, Husband and Autistic Child

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 14, in connection to the shooting of his cousin.

Ervontae Lee, 19, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in a shooting on June 10 on the 600 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Wole Falodun, Lee’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of his intent to accept a plea, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges and not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 108 months, with all but 60 suspended.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Lee, who was being dropped off at home by his cousin, her husband and their four-year-old non-verbal autistic child, shot at them multiple times. The defendant was arrested the same day, and a gun was recovered from his home.

Parties agreed Lee committed the crime knowingly and voluntarily. They are slated to reconvene Oct. 16 for sentencing.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Fatal Arson Spree in Northeast DC

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Aug. 14 in connection to a deadly arson spree.

D’Aundrey Scott, 32, was originally charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of arson for his involvement in setting several buildings and people on fire on May 13, 2020. Darryl Finney, 62, died on May 15, 2020, as a result of Scott setting him on fire on the 900 block of H Street, NE.

Scott was also charged in connection to the burning of another victim who survived on the 1300 block of H Street, NE, and setting two buildings on fire on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE.

During the hearing, Jesse Winograd, Scott’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of his intent to accept a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, arson, and destruction of property, in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 15-to-34 years of imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven that Scott approached Finney, who was sleeping on the sidewalk, and ignited a flammable object, throwing it onto Finney before splashing more flammable liquid on him. He succumbed to his injuries two days later at a hospital.

Judge Edelman found a factual basis for the charges and stated Scott accepted guilt knowingly and voluntarily, despite him previously seeking evaluations for a possible insanity defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 23 for sentencing.

Defense Requests Mental Competency Screening for Defendant Accused of Killing Mother of 2-Year-Old

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a defense request for a preliminary mental competency screening for a fatal shooting defendant on Aug. 12.

Hakeem Jones, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Jamillah Gales on the 600 block of Kenyon Street, NW on April 21. Gales suffered from two gunshot wounds to her back.

According to court records, Gales had a two-year-old son that she left at a friend’s house prior to her death.

Jones’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, requested a preliminary mental competency screening. To stand trial, Jones must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

Judge Kravitz granted Claudio’s request and delayed Jones’ preliminary hearing until parties receive the evaluation and report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 17 for a mental observation hearing.

Judge Says Legal Traffic Stop Led to Homicide Defendant’s Arrest

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ruled that a traffic stop that led to the arrest of a fatal shooting defendant was conducted legally during a motions hearing on Aug. 7

Joshua Franklin, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

Franklin’s charges all face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed on his release for a prior offense.

Judge Edelman denied two defense motions to suppress physical evidence and to suppress tangible evidence and statements. The evidence stemmed from a traffic stop in which officers arrested Franklin and seized his cell phone. The defense disputed the legality of the search warrant, traffic stop, and cell phone seizure.

Judge Edelman recounted the testimony of the officers before ruling on the legality of a traffic stop that led to Franklin’s arrest. He said they conducted a traffic stop of a distinctive Monster Energy branded car that they recognized from the Be On the Lookout (BOLO) flyer in connection with a homicide. The BOLO reportedly told officers to stop Franklin, seize his devices, and contact detectives. After stopping Franklin, officers arrested him upon finding that his license was suspended.

According to the testimony of a detective, the BOLO was justified by evidence the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) collected that allegedly connected Franklin to Session’s homicide. There was a reported fight between the two after Session allegedly assaulted Franklin’s daughter and Franklin’s former partner earlier that day. MPD also learned that Session allegedly messaged a relative of his and said Franklin’s daughter told him she planned to call Franklin about the assault.

The judge also highlighted that officers found some evidence linked to Franklin at the crime scene, in addition to messages between Franklin and his daughter. In the messages, Franklin’s daughter told him that Session allegedly reported Franklin and “his people” were at the homicide scene.

The detective testified that they learned Franklin drove a vehicle with a distinctive Monster Energy logo.

Judge Edelman ruled that given “totality” of pieces of information, officers had “reasonable articulable suspicion” for their arrest. The judge cited Franklin’s daughter’s alleged effort to delete cell phone messages. The judge noted that, although officers did not have probable cause to seize Franklin’s phone, they only seized the phone after Franklin advised officers the phone was his and saw him unlock the phone.

In addition, the defense’s motion to exclude the testimony of an FBI agent was partly suppressed,

Judge Edelman said the FBI agent’s testimony, which will explain the use of cell phone location data, should have limitations. Limitations and requirements include explaining assumptions on methodology of location tracking and depiction of the service area of the cell phone.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 23 for a trial readiness hearing.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Second Homicide Case Against Him

A defendant pleaded not guilty to charges in the second homicide case against him at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Aug. 13.

Rodney Whiting, 20, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm. The charges stem from Whiting’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Jan. 25, 2025 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE. Pratt suffered two gunshot wounds to his back.

In a separate case filed on July 29, Whiting is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of ammunition, and first-degree theft. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Sean Crawford on April 4, 2024 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. Crawford succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 19, 2025.

The courtroom clerk formally arraigned Whiting on the new charges he faces. Matthew Davies, Whiting’s attorney, entered into a plea of not guilty on his behalf, requested evidence in the case, and asserted his rights to a speedy trial.

According to the prosecutor, they completed substantial testing in the newly filed case that includes DNA and fingerprint evidence.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing in both of Whiting’s cases on Dec. 11.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty on Trial’s First Day

A fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea offer that carries an eight-to-12 year prison sentence instead of proceeding to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Aug. 10.

Kevin Singletary, 48, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

Singletary’s trial was scheduled to begin but, at the hearing, Singletary pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. Under the plea deal, Singletary is subject to be sentenced between eight-and-12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, pending Judge Dayson’s approval. Singletary will also be required to register as a gun offender.

According to the prosecution, Singletary, carrying a firearm, approached Hazel who was sitting in the driver seat of a car before fatally shooting him. Hazel was provided with medical aid at the scene and pronounced dead at a hospital from a gunshot wound. At the time of the shooting, Hazel was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a .45 caliber gun.

A prosecutor said that Singletary wanted to protect his former romantic partner from a potential confrontation with Hazel. The prosecution argued that Singletary’s actions did not match the level of threat Hazel posed.

Judge Dayson expected to hear victim’s impact statements but prosecutors told her that Hazel’s family declined to speak to the court. The prosecution told Dayson that Hazel’s family does not approve of the plea offer.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Dec. 11.

There Was ‘No Reasonable Justification’ for Fatal Shooting Says Judge Sentencing Defendant to 18-and-a-Half Years

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a fatal shooting defendant to 18-and-a-half years in prison on Aug. 7.

Jakiem Miller, 28, pleaded guilty on May 6 to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Avon Perkins on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW on Dec. 17, 2022. Perkins sustained seven gunshot wounds and a nearby bystander also sustained a shot in the buttocks.

At sentencing, the prosecution claimed that the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) miscalculated Miller’s sentencing guidelines. As a result, Judge Edelman adjusted the range of sentencing from 102-to-192 months for the manslaughter charge to 114-to-204 months and from 24-to-66 months for the assault charge to 30-to-72 months.

The prosecution asked for Miller to be sentenced to 17 years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter charge and six years for the assault charge. The prosecutor supported his request by emphasizing the seriousness of the offense, saying that Miller intentionally shot at Perkins nine times on a “busy street” and shot another civilian in the process.

According to the prosecution, Miller also tried to obstruct justice by convincing his grandmother to change her testimony. In addition, they said the pre-sentence report writer found that Miller didn’t appear to show empathy.

Miller’s attorney, Megan Allburn, said that the pre-sentence writer mischaracterized Miller’s feelings and asked for the low-end of the sentencing range.

“Acknowledgement of remorse could not be stronger today,” said Allburn.

Allburn said that Miller was in “survival mode” his whole life, which affected his split-second decisions.

“This incident did not happen in slow motion,” said Allburn. According to Allburn, Miller did not initially approach Perkins, and “everything changed” when Perkins punched Miller.

Miller said he “deeply apologize[s]” to both victims, apologized to Perkins’ family and the “innocent bystander.”

“I got to live with this for the rest of my life,” said Miller.

The bystander who was shot said that she still had “stress and trauma” from the incident four years later. At the time of the shooting, the victim said she was in college and “saw a man die in the street in front of me” and lived in “constant fear” of gun violence.

“In one devastating moment, my son was gone forever,” said Perkins’ father.

Perkins’ father said he wished he could tell his son to avoid DC and asked the court to impose the maximum sentence allowed. He said that “no sentence imposed by the court will bring my son back,” but there should be accountability for Miller’s actions.

Perkins’ sister recounted searching hospitals to find her brother on the day of his murder and said she “refused” to go to DC after his death. Before Miller accepted a plea deal, he had a mistrial. Perkins’ sister said the trial was “one of the hardest weeks of our lives.”

“Every delay forced my family to relive our grief again,” said Perkins’ sister.

Judge Edelman described the shooting as a “violent, reckless, terrifying offense.” The judge acknowledged that “Mr. Perkins initiated [the] offense” but said if they had only engaged in a fist fight, Miller might not have faced charges.

“[There was] no reasonable justification for what happened next,” said Judge Edelman.

Judge Edelman said Miller had a “somewhat substantial prior criminal record” but that he expressed remorse by pleading guilty and avoided disciplinary infractions during his pre-trial incarceration. He said that Miller’s charges were reduced in pleading guilty to manslaughter instead of murder, bt didn’t think the bottom of the sentencing range was appropriate.

Judge Edelman sentenced Miller to 18-and-a-half years total in prison. Miller was sentenced to 15-and-a-half years in prison for the voluntary manslaughter charge and three years in prison for the assault charge, to be served consecutively. Miller’s prison sentence will be followed by five years of supervised release.

As part of release, Judge Edelman said Miller will have to take a mental health assessment and register as a gun offender.

There are no further hearings scheduled in Miller’s case.

Judge Denies Release for Double-Homicide Defendant Evading Bench Warrant for Five Months

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied the release of a double-homicide defendant on Aug. 13, in part because of he avoidd a bench warrant for five months when he was last on release.

Amarii Fontanelle, 23, is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Davonte Berkley and 19-year-old Reginald Cooper Jr., on Oct. 17, 2022 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

Fontanelle’s co-defendant, 23-year-old Jahi Rapp, faces the same charges for his alleged involvement in the same incident, but is currently on release.

At a hearing on July 31, Judge Ryan pushed back the co-defendants trial from Sept. 3 to Feb. 1, 2027, due to the unavailability of the medical examiner. She was set to testify about the autopsies she performed on both victims. Fontanelle and Rapp’s trial had already been delayed prior so the prosecution could complete more DNA testing.

Because of the delay, Fontanelle’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, filed a motion asking for Fontanelle to be released from the DC Jail.

Mosley said Fontanelle has already been at the jail for 17 months for this case. “Any time spent at the DC Jail, in my view, is a large [amount of] time,” Mosley said.

Mosley, alongside a representative from the DC Public Defender Service Office of Rehabilitation and Development, argued that Fontanelle would succeed if he was released into the community because of his growth in jail.

According to Mosley, Fontanelle has taken advantage of the services provided in jail, through various programs, earning his GED, and taking college courses.

“He’s not the same young man who was arrested years ago,” Mosley said.

Mosley also detailed Fontanelle’s traumatic childhood, including when he witnessed his mother’s murder, and well as the efforts Fontanelle has recently undertaken to improve his mental health.

The prosecution opposed Fontanelle’s release due to his non-compliance during a prior release period for this case.

During Fontanelle’s release, from August 2024 to June 2025, he cut off his ankle monitor and was completely non-compliant with his release conditions, according to court officials.

A bench warrant for his arrest was issued in January 2025. According to Mosley, Fontanelle was “on the run,” and out of communication with his attorneys and the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) for five months.

The prosecution argued no set of release conditions would ensure both community safety and Fontanelle’s return to court.

The prosecution also read a letter from one of the victim’s mothers. She was present virtually at the hearing, but, according to the prosecution, didn’t think she would be able to make the statement herself.

“We’ve already suffered and are still suffering,” the mother wrote on behalf of her family.

The mother asked that Fontanelle stay at the DC Jail due to his past violations, and the fear his release would instill in her family.

Judge Ryan commended Fontanelle’s success in jail chronicled by the defense, but ultimately agreed with the prosecution.

After the bench warrant was issued, in the five months Fontanelle evaded arrest, Judge Ryan also noted that the court could not know his actions and whether he was a danger to the community then.

The judge said the allegations in the case are serious and the evidence against Fontanelle is strong. He said it was problematic that Fontanelle was released unde strict conditions, yet was completely non-compliant.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 8, 2027, for a trial readiness hearing.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 4 Charges, Judge Commends ‘Good Work’ on Release

A homicide defendant who is on release pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on Aug. 13 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Martell West, 24, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana while armed.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Treyvon Wilson, 19, on Nov. 19, 2023, at the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE. Wilson was shot in the torso and died at the scene.

When he was arrested on Nov. 3, 2025, West was charged with second-degree murder while armed. A grand jury later found probable cause for first-degree murder and the additional charges against West.

Shawn Sukumar, West’s attorney, waived a formal reading of the charges and entered a plea of not guilty on West’s behalf.

Judge Ryan scheduled the trial for Feb. 7, 2028. The prosecution said they expect their case to take two weeks. Sukumar said the defense case will likely take two days.

The prosecution said evidence testing is complete in this case. According to the prosecution, the evidence includes shell casings, an unfired projectile, a fired projectile, one-to-two bags of marijuana, West’s suspected vehicle, as well as evidence collected from Wilson’s body.

West was released by Judge Ryan on Feb. 26 with electronic GPS monitoring. Since then, there have been no reports of non-compliance.

Judge Ryan told West to “Keep up the good work.”

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 2.

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