Judge Finds Probable Cause for Three Suspects in Drug-Related Homicide

By Hypatia Fitzsimons [former] - October 11, 2023
Burglary | Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Oct. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause that Raymond Mathis, Deandre Sams, and Keshawn Lavender were the perpetrators in a 2023 homicide case. 

Lavender, 22, Sams, 27, and Mathis, 36, are charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller on Sept. 5 in an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the three defendants attempted to rob drugs and money from those in the apartment. The plan went awry, leading to a shooting that injured five and killed Miller. All three defendants were shot. 

The lead detective testified surveillance footage showed the defendants entering the apartment complex after the tenants gave them access. In addition, the detective testified about finding large plastic bags filled with what appeared to be marijuana and as well scales inside the apartment suggesting a potential drug deal. 

According to the detective, the MPD found the three defendants at Children’s National Hospital with gunshot wounds. Mathis is under GPS monitoring; the system was alerted when he arrived.

In response, all three defense attorneys argued there are inconsistencies in accounts of the incident.

According to the detective, one of the victims claimed he resided in California even though it appears he lived in the apartment. In addition, the landlord is investigating whether the lease was fraudulent.

Judge Epstein concluded there is “at least probable cause this started as a robbery” and there is “no reason to think the dealers initiated” the shooting. All three defendants will be held until their trial.

A status hearing will be held on Dec. 1.