Judge Informs Shooting Defendant About Importance of Compliance

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DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park told a shooting defendant that he needs to remain compliant with the terms of his release after he was late to curfew multiple times during a hearing on March 26.

Alonzo Brown, 28, and Naquel Henderson, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Michael Taylor and the shooting of two other victims on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Park of a few curfew violations by Brown.

Judge Park told Brown that he would not face consequences for being late a few times because it was less than five minutes each time and the only action of non-compliance, but if it continued or he is non-compliant in other ways, they will have to rediscuss.

The parties discussed the need to move forward with the case because it is an old case and discussed possible trial dates. The prosecution anticipates the trial to last three weeks, with over 140 pieces of evidence and about 35 witnesses, including three experts.

Henderson’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, filed a motion to suppress ID in this case in 2021. Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, is filing a motion to suppress evidence found on his cellphone from a search warrant, stating the search warrant was not valid due to the timeframe and other information. Judge Park will rule on these motions at the next meeting.

Of the five suspects charged in the case, Stephon Evans, 24, pleaded guilty in April 2022, Tavist Alston, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in May 2022. Carlos Turner, 26, is scheduled for a sentencing on May 16, 2025.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.