Judge Holds 6 Defendants During Initial Hearings Over the Weekend

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 7, 2020
Featured | Homicides | Suspects |

A DC Superior Court Judge held six defendants and released 21 during initial hearings on Dec. 5. 

Tyra Anderson is charged with felony murder and first-degree cruelty to children in one case in addition to being a fugitive from justice in another case. Anderson, 27, allegedly hit and threw her 11-month-old child, Makenzie, against a nightstand on Feb. 6 on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE. The child was taken to the hospital, where she later died from non-accidental head trauma. 

Anderson’s attorney, Pierce Suen, requested she be released on GPS monitoring, arguing that there are conditions in which the defendant can be released without being a danger to the community. 

The prosecution said the defendant also has a warrant status in a separate case in Virginia, two convictions for assault and prison breach. 

Judge Errol Arthur held Anderson in the felony murder and first-degree child cruelty case but released her in the fugitive case. Anderson will be held at DC jail until her next hearing on Dec. 24. 

Among those held is Cotey Wynn, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed. According to court documents, on the evening of Feb. 17, 2017,  Wynn, 39, allegedly shot Eric Wright on the 900 block of 12th Street, NW. Wright, 53, was transported to the hospital, where he later died from a gunshot wound to the chest. 

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was able to identify Wynn as their suspect three years later after a witness came forward who was able to identify the defendant from video footage. 

Suen asked the judge not to find probable cause based on the fact that it was a single identification. 

“Considering how long it has taken for witness four to make a disclosure and identification is not credible, and you should not hold him,” Suen said.

Judge Arthur denied his request and held Wynn without bail. Wynn’s next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

A defendant is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, kidnapping and threat to kidnap or injure a person. Defense attorney Gregg Baron spoke on behalf of the defendant, requesting that he be released due to the fact that the victim recants their original testimony. 

The prosecution rebutted Baron’s argument, saying there are text messages and a second witness account that corroborate everything in the original affidavit. The prosecution also requested that the defendant be held due to the seriousness of the crime.

Judge Arthur found probable cause and granted the prosecution’s request to hold the defendant until his next hearing on Dec. 24. 

Kemoni Shakir Ware is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for allegedly carrying around a firearm at the McKinley Technology High School in Northeast, DC on the evening of Dec. 4. The prosecution requested that Ware, 21, be detained since he has a prior firearm conviction.

Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request to hold Ware without bail. His  next hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

Judge Arthur also held Devon Anderson, who is charged with first-degree burglary while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 

According to court documents, on the morning of Dec. 5, MPD arrived at the 1300 block of Vermont Avenue, NW after receiving a call from a victim asking for help. Upon arrival, MPD officers allegedly saw Anderson, 33, drop an item and flee from the scene. Officers chased Anderson and were eventually able to apprehend him. 

Anderson will be held at DC Jail until his next hearing on Dec. 24.

The judge also held Anthrone Cabos, who is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. 

On June 28, Cabos, 23, allegedly shot and wounded a victim on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE. The victim was taken to the hospital, where they received treatment for their injuries. Cabos is being held at DC jail until his next hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 24. 

Four defendants with domestic violence-related misdemeanors were released. All four defendants were issued stay-away orders from the victims and places of the alleged incidents. The defendants were also ordered to return to court on May 10, 2021.

Judge Arthur released eight additional defendants charged with misdemeanors. Some of those charges include GPS tampering, simple assault, destruction of property, attempted threats to do bodily harm, second-degree theft, a probation violation and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon. All eight defendants were issued stay-away orders from victims or places of the alleged incidents and required to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). They are all scheduled to appear in court on May 10, 2021. 

Five defendants with felony charges were released. Some of those charges are failure to register as a sex offender, possession of a controlled substance, GPS tampering and burglary. The defendants are required to report to PSA.

Judge Arthur released two defendants charged with being fugitives from the states of Maryland and Virginia. The defendants had outstanding bench warrants and were released on the condition that they resolve the warrant with the demanding jurisdiction. 

One defendant charged with a DUI was released. They are ordered to return to court May 10, 2021.

, Judge Arthur released a defendant who was brought to court on a bench warrant for failing to appear at his hearing.

Five defendants had their charges dropped by the prosecution. 

Emily Pengelly wrote this article.