Murder Defendant Says Transgender Women Weren’t A Target

By D.C. Witness Staff - February 7, 2019
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects |

During a murder trial, one of four defendants charged with killing a transgender woman said the group’s plans didn’t intentionally target transgender women. 

Monte Johnson and Jalonte Little are charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed and conspiracy, among other offenses, for their alleged role in the death of 22-year-old Deeniquia Dodds, also known as Gregory Dodds, on the 200 block of Division Avenue, NE in 2016. Cyheme Hall and his brother Shareem Hall are also charged in Dodds’ murder. This case is being treated as a hate crime, according to the prosecution.

Cyheme, 23, told the jury that he, Shareem, 25, Johnson and Little agreed to commit robberies. Apparently, Johnson initially suggested that the group rob an unidentified individual who allegedly had $30,000. When they couldn’t locate the individual, Cyheme said Little drove the group to look for people to rob. Cyheme said the group never discussed targeting transgender women.

According to the prosecution, the Hall brothers entered plea agreements in exchange for their testimony against Johnson, 23, and Little, 28. According to DC Courts, a plea offer has not been filed as of Feb . 7.

According to the prosecution’s theory, Johnson, Little and the Hall brothers were involved in a series of robberies targeting transgender women. The prosecution said Little was the driver and that Johnson and the Hall brothers committed the robberies. Cyheme corroborated the theory. Cyheme also told jurors that Johnson shot Dodds.

During cross examination, the defense pointed out inconsistencies in Cyheme’s testimony. Cyheme testified that he tackled one of the victims during one of the robberies and that he was armed during Dodds’ robbery. Johnson’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, said Cyheme never mentioned either detail during his grand jury testimony.

Irving also pointed out that the Hall brothers were housed in the same jail cell for nearly five months. He said the brothers are currently housed in the same unit and are able to communicate daily. According to Irving, Cyheme changed his testimony in order to align his story with his brother’s. 

Cyheme denied the accusation.

The trial is scheduled to continue on Feb. 7.

Thamar Bailey contributed to this article.