Judge Releases Murder Defendant to Supervision Program

By D.C. Witness Staff - December 5, 2018
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

After waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, a defendant charged with first-degree murder charge while armed was released under the high intensity supervision program (HISP).

Victor Carvajal was allegedly involved with the shooting of 21-year-old Michael Francis “Mickey” Taylor on the 600 block of Farragut Street, NW in 2008. According to an obituary, Taylor, who was Hispanic, was supposed to attend Towson University that fall.

Michael Francis “Mickey” Taylor

Mason Binion and Joshua Massaquoi are also charged with first-degree murder while armed in connection to Taylor’s death. 

The Metropolitan Police Department arrested Carvajal, 32, on Oct. 31, more than ten years after the homicide occurred. A press release said Binion, 31, was arrested and charged for the murder on Jan. 24. Massaquoi, 31, was arrested on Nov. 23, 2015.

The prosecution told the judge that there are plans to join all of the defendants’ cases. 

According to court documents, Taylor’s death stems from a botched drug deal. A witness told police that Taylor helped “broker a deal” between a drug dealer and a group of individuals, including Binion, Carvajal and Massaquoi. The witness said the group gave Taylor between $3,000 and $4,000 for marijuana. Apparently, the dealer took the money but never provided the marijuana.

After Binion was arrested, he told police he supplied the gun and set up the murder. However, Massaquoi told police Binion shot Taylor. Massaquoi also told police Carvajal hit Taylor in the head with a rock, the documents said.

During the hearing, D.C. Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff said, based on Carvajal’s minimal criminal history, that he’s eligible for HISP. Apparently, Carvajal has a 2007 marijuana possession conviction in Prince George’s County.

Per the terms of his release, Carvajal will be placed on GPS monitoring, maintain a curfew and report for drug testing.

Carvajal and Binion are scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 25, 2019.

Massaquoi is scheduled for a status hearing on Feb. 12, 2019.