Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty and Request Trial

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

Donate Now


Co-defendants in a homicide case pleaded not guilty Feb. 28 and requested a jury trial.

James Mayfield and Robert Moses are charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly shooting Jamahri Sydnor in the head on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE, on Aug. 10, 2017. Sydnor, 17, was found inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries on Aug. 12, 2017.

Moses and Mayfield are also charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed in a drive-by or random shooting offenses committed during release, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed committed during release, assault with the intent to kills where the victim was especially vulnerable due to age or mental or physical infirmity, drive-by or random shooting, aggravated assault with grave risk while armed, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.

According to court documents, Mayfield, 17, and Moses, 19, injured two others; one unknown victim suffered from a gunshot wound, and the other suffered from cuts to the face, hands, and leg from shattered glass in the car, which was caused by the gunfire. 

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled a status hearing on March 27 to further discuss these matters and ultimately schedule a trial date for the future.

Philip McDaniel has also been charged with assault with the intent to kill in the murder. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing. His next hearing, with will be a status hearing is slated to occur on July 30.

Noa Donvan wrote this article.

Follow this case