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Homicide, Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal 

A homicide defendant, who killed one and injured another, accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein.

Hahqwon Beale, 25, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict, and armed carjacking, for his involvement in a carjacking and shooting incident. 

The shooting, which killed 43-year-old George Johnson, and injured another individual occurred on May 7, 2018, on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NE.

Hours later, a pizza delivery man was carjacked and robbed of more than 300 dollars at gunpoint on the 400 block of Farragut Street, NW. 

In October of 2022, DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee granted the defendant’s motion to sever the two incidents from one another, citing that, although the incidents occurred the same day, they were not directly after one another. 

On Feb. 15, a jury convicted Beale of armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection to the carjacking incident. 

On April 23, Beale’s attorney, Julie Swaney, informed the court that the prosecution had extended a plea offer to resolve the murder incident, and Beale accepted it.  

The deal required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in connection to the murder incident. Through the plea offer, parties agreed to a 21-to-25 years of imprisonment, and will request for the carjacking charges to run concurrently.

He is also waiving his right to appeal the carjacking incident conviction.  

According to the prosecution, they would have proved, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Beale was guilty by connecting him to the evidence collected at the scene. 

Parties are slated to return July 26 for sentencing. 

Help Us Continue to Equip You with Criminal Justice Facts in 2024

Our city’s homicide number says it all – 50 more murders this year than at the same time last year. 

But why? What is happening beyond the headlines? Other media focuses on click-bait content, “if it bleeds it leads,” but that does little to keep us informed.  And, good luck getting information from the city or the courts. 

This is where D.C. Witness steps in to fill the information gap, exposing the statistics behind violent crime in the nation’s capital and humanizing those statistics with the heartbreaking stories from the city’s murderous gun crime culture. 

It’s old-fashioned, but we do that with just the facts. Not opinion. 

This year we added the DC Victim Notification System, which sends direct updates on cases without the frustrating, and usually unsuccessful, search for information. It would seem something the city should do. But it doesn’t. So we did. 

We are committed to being your source for violent crime information in DC, so you can understand what’s going on in your community and hold Mayor Bowser, the new police chief and our courts accountable.  

Since we don’t pepper every post with requests for funding, nor take advertisements, we are asking for your generosity as the year winds down to help us continue keeping the information flowing into 2024. 

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Infographic: A Closer Look at DC Homicides and Violence Interruption Programs

The infographic shows homicides in DC over a two-year span beginning from June 11, 2019-June 11, 2021. There was about a 16% increase in homicides during that period.

The first graphic includes homicides by DC neighborhood, and how those homicides compare to violence interrupter locations.

The second graphic also indicates the sites of the violence interrupter programs that are run out of the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), noting homicides in the city by year.

2021 Homicides Outpacing Previous Year, Data Shows

DC’s homicide count for 2020 was higher than it was in 2018, 2017 or 2016, according to D.C. Witness data. But so far, the homicide count for 2021 has outpaced the number of homicides reported at this same time last year.

Video by Andrea Keckley

Eyewitness Testifies About Marijuana ‘Pop-up’ 2021 Georgetown Murder 

In a continuing co-defendant trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 22, an eyewitness testified about a homicide at his marijuana pop-up store in Georgetown.

Michael Sanders, 32, and Darnell Resper, 33, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, attempt to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Youness Zarouaki, 30, on Feb. 18, 2021 at the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW.

The prosecution called an eyewitness who explained that he had been friends with Zarouaki since 2014. The eyewitness said Zarouaki travelled to Virginia from California to visit him. 

The day of Zarouaki’s death, both the eyewitness and Zarouaki travelled together to the witness’ pop-up, in the witness’ silver Mercedes. 

According to the witness, the shop, which was run out of a home, often had cash on the living room table and large amounts of stored marijuana. The witness also explained he often wore designer clothing and expensive jewelry.

The witness testified that the pop-up had few customers until a man in a surgical mask arrived and asked if they accepted credit. When the witness said that the shop did not, the masked man said he would go to an ATM and return later.

The witness said the masked man then returned with a black handgun and shouted “give me the weed.” According to the witness, he saw Zarouaki move to give the gunman marijuana, before he heard shots fired, and fled the scene.

The witness, as well as another person in the pop-up, ran out of the house onto M Street, NW where they hid in a nearby shop until the police arrived. 

The pop-up shop owner testified that the gunman he saw was short, African American, young, and had short or no hair. The prosecution clarified that the eyewitness only saw the shooter for ten seconds before running out of the shop. 

They also played body-worn camera footage of the witness when he was patted down and handcuffed at the scene to be taken to the police station for questioning. The witness also said he believes police officers impounded his car to search for evidence.

The witness said he felt that the officer “treated me like a suspect.” 

In the cross-examination, Resper’s attorney, Jason Clark, questioned the witness about his statements to a police officer on scene. In initial questioning, the eyewitness did not disclose the pop-up shop’s existence and denied speaking about being from Virginia.

Clark asked whether the eyewitness initially told officers that he was taking a walk, visiting for a day from Virginia, or if he was headed to a 7-Eleven. The witness did not have a clear answer and said, “I will have to see that.” 

In response, Clark played body-worn camera footage from the date of the incident of the eyewitness telling officers that he was visiting a friend and taking a walk to 7-Eleven. 

The eyewitness denied Sanders’ attorney, Daniel Kovler’s assertion that he may have omitted information in his account of the shooting. Kovler then asked the witness if he had any pictures of guns on his phone and if that’s the reason he did not want to give his phone to the officer after his arrest.

The jury was shown a video from the witness’ phone from a first person point-of-view that captured a gun. The prosecution presented photos of the eyewitness’ hands compared to the hands in the gun video. The hands in the video clearly did not resemble the hands in the pictures. 

The witness said he had no knowledge of the video, but claimed they could have been “accidentally” downloaded from Instagram. Kovler contended that someone would have to click the download button, but the witness reiterated that it could still have been an accident.

The eyewitness testified that he used to own a semi-automatic Draco gun, but at the time of the incident he did not own a firearm. Judge Ryan granted the prosecution’s motion to strike the eyewitness’ mention of his gun. 

The prosecution called a forensic analyst with the Metropolitan Police Department’s(MPD) digital evidence unit. The witness explained she examined the pop-up shop owner’s phone.  

The analyst witness confirmed that there was an Instagram file downloaded on the owner’s phone which was not created by the owner himself. In Clark’s cross-examination, the witness reported that she cannot find who created the gun video or if it could even be renamed.

Finally, the prosecution asked if the phone extraction was a full or partial extraction, to which the witness replied it was a partial extraction. 

The trial is scheduled to resume on Sept. 23. 

Defense Argues Meaning of Victim’s Mother’s Statement Warrants New Trial

At a post-sentencing hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Sept. 18, parties argued about whether a victim’s mother’s statement at a homicide sentencing warrants a new trial.

David Pena, 49, was sentenced on Feb. 27 to more than 14 years in prison for fatally shooting 24 year-old Maurice Robinson on June 12, 2023, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE. A jury found him guilty on Nov. 25, 2025 of voluntary manslaughter while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction. 

According to court records, Pena’s attorney, Dana Page, filed a motion for a new trial on March 24 based on newly discovered evidence. 

At the hearing, the defense called an attorney from the Public Defender Service (PDS) for DC, who attended Pena’s sentencing as a close friend and colleague.

The witness testified that she heard Robinson’s mother say, “We should’ve killed his ass” and similar comments following the judge’s imposition of Pena’s sentence. According to the witness, she took notes on her phone when the statement was made because, as a lawyer with 13 years of experience, she believed it could be significant to the case. The witness said she also knew that Robinson’s mother was present during the shooting. 

Judge Dayson sustained objections raised by the prosecution to two questions Page asked: whether the statement was different from what the witness typically heard and whether other people in the audience reacted to the statement. 

During cross-examination, the witness agreed with the prosecutor that she knew several facts about the case, including Page’s views about Robinson’s mother. To the prosecutor’s question whether those opinions were favorable, the witness answered, “It’s complicated.” 

The prosecution also noted the witness didn’t clearly hear the second statement from Robsinson’s mother. The witness clarified that although she didn’t hear the second part, she was “quite sure” she heard the first part “verbatim.” 

Prior to the witness’ testimony, Judge Dayson said “Timeliness is very essential,” and noted Page filed the motion after the 14-day post-trial deadline.

Page argued that the 14-day deadline would have been “impossible” in this situation because the evidence didn’t exist before the trial. Page also argued that the failure to submit the motion on time was due to excusable neglect as she was out of the jurisdiction for 13 days, but tried her best to file the motion within 11 days after her return. 

The prosecution raised that Page had co-counsel in the case and is also part of PDS, an organization with a well-funded appellate division and many attorneys. They asserted others could have filed the evidence for Page while she was out of the country. 

Page responded, “There is no reason. I thought about it. I worked on it. I am the lead in this case. It’s my case. There is no explanation,” for why someone else didn’t file the motion.

Regarding a new trial, Page argued that the “obvious, clear, plain meaning” of the statement, “We should’ve killed him,” is “We should’ve killed him when we could. We should’ve killed him when we had the chance.” Page claimed that the statement demonstrates motive and means, and corroborates Pena’s testimony that he saw Robinson reach for his waistband and heard someone say “Blow his ass up,” which is why he feared imminent bodily injury or death. 

Page asserted that a fair trial requires that the jury hear the statement “because it is a statement directly relevant to what we know ended up becoming the only problem for the jury.” In trial, Pena claimed self-defense. 

The prosecution responded that “should’ve” is not the same as “could’ve,” because Pena didn’t see a gun, only a reach, which does not support the defense’s argument that Robinson might’ve been armed. Although Robinson and his mother may have had the opportunity to harm Pena, as they were both present at the scene, the prosecution asserted that there was no evidence that Pena saw a gun. i

According to prosecutors, there was no reason for guns when the incident began as a one-on-one fight between two 18-year-old girls, who were best friends until a week prior. The prosecution added that the six shots Pena fired demonstrated excessive force. 

The prosecution contended that the evidence did not meet all of the factors of the five-prong test: that the evidence is discovered after trial, is not cumulative or discrediting of existing evidence, is relevant to the case’s core issue, will likely produce an acquittal at a new trial, and the discovery is not due to a lack of due diligence. 

The prosecution argued that the evidence is cumulative because Robinson’s mother already had an unfavorable opinion of Pena, and the statement is irrelevant because it isn’t corroborative of any of the other evidence. Moreover, they argued the probability of producing an acquittal is non-existent because the evidence would be considered hearsay if not directly delivered through Robinson’s mother. 

The prosecution emphasized that words from Robinson’s mother on their own are not enough to warrant a new trial, and “reasonable doubt” is a high burden for the defense to overturn a jury verdict. 

Judge Dayson summarized the defense argued that “should’ve” means “opportunity and the means to do so” and the prosecution argued that Robinson’s mother spoke in the “heat of passion” and the statement wasn’t specific enough to indicate the means and opportunities. Although the judge understood both arguments, she believed that both parties asked her to “read a comma phrase” missing in the statement. 

Judge Dayson stated she would consider the motion and issue a written ruling in 30 days. No further dates were set.

Judge Releases Stabbing Defendant After Late Evidence Disclosure From Prosecutors

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld released a domestic stabbing defendant after the prosecution’s late disclosure of evidence delayed his trial on Sept. 21.

Otis Ransom, 51, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal stabbing of a victim at the 1200 block of 3rd Street, NE on Dec. 13, 2025. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds that required hospitalization.

The parties agreed to reschedule Ransom’s trial, but disagreed whether he should remain detained. 

Prosecutors alleged that Ransom “stabbed the victim seven times” and argued he would pose a serious threat to the community if released.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed, citing “grave concern” about the potential risk. Despite this, she ultimately ordered his release to home confinement with GPS monitoring due to the length of his detention.

Ransom has been held at the DC Jail since December 2025. “I’m going to have to release him today,” Judge Hertzfeld said.

The trial delay stemmed from the discovery of additional evidence when a new prosecutor took over the case on Sept. 1. The material was sent to defense attorney John Harvey in the weeks after the new prosecutor’s appointment, but after the original Aug. 21 discovery deadline.

Harvey said he was unaware that the information wassent prior to the trial readiness hearing on Sept. 11, when the defense asserted they were prepared for trial.

The new prosecutor was “deeply concerned” about the defense’s lack of access to discovery materials.

Judge Hertzfeld expressed frustration with the previous prosecutors handling of Ransom’s case, but clarified that she assigns “no due diligence [issues] at all to these [current] prosecutors.” 

Regardless of the circumstances, Judge Hertzfeld emphasized that the prosecution is responsible for providing the defense with all relevant evidence in a timely manner. 

“I don’t care if it’s by a carrier pigeon,” quipped the judge.

To allow the defense time to review all the evidence, Judge Hertzfeld rescheduled Ransom’s trial to begin on Jan. 13, 2027. 

Parties are slated to reconvene for a trial readiness hearing on Jan. 5, 2027.

Defendant Pleads Guilty and Sentenced for Stabbing Boyfriend

A domestic violence stabbing defendant pleaded guilty and DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced her only to time served only on Sept. 21.

Patricia Barron, 64, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in an incident on July 13, when she stabbed her boyfriend in the head after an argument at the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

At the hearing, Barron accepted a deal from prosecutors and pleaded guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon, rather than proceeding to trial. Sworn in under oath, Barron affirmed to Judge Arthur that she pleaded guilty and knowingly, willingly, and without coercion.

In exchange for Barron’s guilty plea, prosecutors dismissed the initial charge against her and agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Judge Arthur informed Barron the maximum penalty for simple assault is 180 days in jail and for possession of a prohibited weapon is one year in prison. However, the judge noted that Barron’s sentence remains at the court’s discretion.

The prosecution said if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that an argument between Barron and the victim escalated into Barron striking the victim in the head with a knife. Barron confirmed that the account of the incident was true.

Then, parties proceeded to Barron’s sentencing. The prosecutor requested that Barron serve the maximum time for both charges. 

Barron’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, requested that Barron receive only the time she’s already served.

Judge Arthur sentenced Barron to time served only but required she pay a total $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. The judge said his sentence was based on his knowledge of the case and implied the situation between Barron and the victim was complicated.

No further dates were set.

Mail Clerk Says, ‘I Don’t Remember The Package’ Defense Claims Has Key Evidence

A mail clerk for the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) testified about handling mail the defense claims contained missing evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 18.

Eric Latney, 30, and James Crossland, 30, are charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in two drive-by shootings that occurred approximately 10 seconds apart, on the 200 block of 56th Street, NE and the 5600 block of Blaine Street, NE on July 8, 2021. An individual sustained four gunshot wounds.

Latney’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, and Crossland’s attorney, Hannah Claudio, filed motions to dismiss the cases because they claimed that several key pieces of evidence, including DNA evidence, was lost.

In opposition to the motion, the prosecution brought a mail clerk at the USAO to the stand. 

The mail clerk explained that she receives sent mail, physically enters the mail into a log, and delivers the time to USAO inboxes. 

The prosecution displayed a photo of a mail log that showed a single entry of a piece of mail received that prosecutors implied was the missing evidence. The log listed the state the mail came from, its tracking number, and the attorney it was addressed to. The witness claimed she delivered the mail to the addressee’s department.

Judge Kravitz asked the mail clerk if there was any documentation that she delivered the package. She said there was not. “I am confident that I delivered it,” she said, “but I don’t remember the package.”

The witness noted that the mail room has never received any items labeled “evidence” while she worked there. 

Crossland’s attorney, Henry Druschel, cross-examined the witness and asked about her training. She said that almost all of it was verbal and that she is not familiar with written policies. 

According to the mail clerk, she uses a list of which attorneys work in which departments to determine where to deliver all the mail. However, she said that this list is only updated once every couple of years.

The witness clarified that after she delivers mail to a prosecutor’s department, she does not know how departments sort and process the mail. She added that mail does not go directly to attorneys, but to their office managers.

When hard drives are mailed to the office, the mail clerk said that she typically notifies the attorney in an email. The mail clerk didn’t remember if the mail that prosecutors asked about was a hard drive, or if she sent an email to an attorney about it.

Lotze also cross-examined the mail clerk asked if she had any training for handling evidence, special procedures, or packages that “required notification to the defense.” The mail clerk said she was not trained on those procedures. 

Parties chose not to make arguments regarding the motion to dismiss, opting to reopen discussion for potential plea deals instead. If Latney and Crossland do not take a plea deal, Judge Kravitz will hear arguments on the motion.

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 23.

Defendant Gets Probation for Carjacking in Domestic Dispute

At a sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Sept. 22, both the prosecution and defense highlighted a carjacking defendant’s acceptance of responsibility. 

Leepoy Kelly, 34, pleaded guilty on July 16 to unauthorized use of a vehicle and simple assault. The charges stem from his involvement in the carjacking of his then-girlfriend on June 7, at a Shell gas station, at the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE. 

The prosecution and defense both asked for a sentence of suspended time in favor of probation. The prosecutor pointed out that Kelly took full responsibility for his actions and should be commended for that. 

Kelly’s attorney, Teresa Kleiman, agreed that Kelly feels genuine remorse. She highlighted that due to the relationship between the defendant and the victim, this is not a typical case. According to court documents, Kelly and the victim have known each other for ten years and have an eight-year-old daughter.

According to the defense, the incident began as an argument between the two while pumping gas, after which Kelly drove off in the vehicle. When his then-girlfriend called the police, she knew he would only have gone to one of their parents’ houses. 

Kleiman mentioned that Kelly might benefit from counseling. She said when thinking about life events introspectively, he is very insightful when it comes to conflicts. 

When asked if he would like to speak, Kelly told Judge Hertzfeld, “I take full accountability for what I did, I apologize to my family and my girlfriend’s family,” adding “I feel embarrassed, it will never happen again.”

Judge Hertzfeld told Kelly she would suspend his sentence if he agreed to follow supervised probation while taking anger management courses and regular drug tests. The judge also imposed a stay-away order between Kelly and the victim for all contact except co-parenting during his probation. 

Kleiman said Kelly would live with his father under the guidelines of going back to work, staying off drugs, and allowing his father to foster a relationship with his daughter. 

Judge Hertzfeld did not impose mental health treatment, but told Kelly he could pursue that on his own.

Kelly was sentenced to 14 months in prison for unauthorized use of a vehicle and 180 days for simple assault, with the entire sentence suspended in favor of one year of probation. He was also ordered to pay $150 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. 

No further dates were set.

Defendant Sentenced For Shooting ‘on the Same Block in Which His Son Lives’

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a defendant who fired shots into a crowd on his son’s block to 24 months in prison on Sept. 21. 

Darius Brown, 24, pleaded guilty on July 9 to aggravated assault knowingly and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a shooting on April 24 on the 200 block of W Street, NW. The victim sustained a shot to his hand.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Brown to 34 months in prison for aggravated assault, with all but 24 months suspended, and 366 days for carrying a pistol without a license, with all but 365 days suspended. The sentences will run concurrently, followed by one year of probation. Brown must register as a gun offender upon his release. 

In court, prosecutors played surveillance videos of Brown firing toward a crowd of more than 10 people. The video showed one shot that struck the victim, while another hit a propane tank on the porch of a residence. 

The prosecution requested 34 months in prison for aggravated assault and 12 months for carrying a pistol without a license, to be served concurrently.

According to the prosecution, Brown went to the incident location to pick up his son, who lived there with his grandmother. “He’s firing a gun on the same block in which his son lives,” the prosecutor said.

Judge Hertzfeld described this as “an absolutely horrible fact to learn.” 

Brown apologized to the victim and to his son’s grandmother. “I was scared that day, but that is not an excuse,” Brown said, “Give me a chance… to show you I am better than what I did that day.”

Judge Hertzfeld said it was “a miracle that one of those people isn’t dead,” and it was only because Brown was a “bad shot.”

Brown’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested his client receive time served only, and argued that Brown acted out of fear. Thomas asserted this was Brown’s first conviction and showed the court photos of Brown with his family. 

“I don’t believe he’ll be back in court,” Thomas said.

Thomas also requested that Brown receive a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows sentencing flexibility for defendants who commit offenses under the age of 25 and the potential to have their conviction sealed upon successful completion of requirements. 

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request, stating, “When I look at a balance of factors… all of those weigh against a Youth Act sentence.” Judge Hertzfeld asserted that the YRA is meant for “youthful indiscretion,” and noted Brown’s prior arrests for gun possession and misconduct while in jail. 

However, Judge Hertzfeld said Brown could be reconsidered for the YRA if he successfully completes probation.  

No further dates were set.

Defense Wants to Suppress Interrogation Video in Murder Case

At a motions hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 21, the defense argued a homicide defendant was illegally questioned after invoking his right to remain silent.   

Dwayne Fountain, 46, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business with a prior felony conviction, and possession of a prohibited weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in beating 47-year old Marcus Carey with a bat on May 4, 2023, on the 3500 block of Hayes Street, NE. Carey succumbed to his injuries on May 5, 2023.

According to the defense motion filed on Aug. 21, the issue happened on June 30, 2023, when Fountain was arrested and transported to the homicide branch for questioning.

Fountain’s attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that his client invoked his right to remain silent twice during the recorded interrogation, telling detectives “I don’t want to answer that question” and later “I don’t want to talk about that.” Tulley asserted the entire recording should be suppressed. 

Prosecutors countered that Fountain’s unwillingness was limited to specific questions about surveillance footage investigators said they had obtained, not an invocation of his rights altogether. They noted that he continued to answer questions on other topics, including his whereabouts and relationship to Carey, before requesting a lawyer. 

Both sides agreed to rely on a transcript of the interview for the motion arguments. Tulley argued the aforementioned two statements were a clear invocation of Fountain’s right to remain silent under DC Court of Appeals Burno v. US (2008). 

Judge Kravitz questioned Tulley’s interpretation, and asked whether Fountain meant to invoke silence broadly, or simply declined to discuss the murder itself. 

Tulley argued Fountain’s invocation of silence was a response to the improperly broad interrogation. He cited the US Court of Appeals case US v. Rought (2021), and argued investigators cannot continue to ask about the topic raised, or any related subject they should reasonably expect might elicit an incriminating response related to it. 

The detective repeatedly invited Fountain to explain “what happened,” Tulley argued. In addition, the detective referenced a camera, leaving the store, and walking around with a bat, which all related to Carey’s homicide.

Judge Kravitz revisited an earlier defense argument about detectives telling Fountain the case “involves your friend,” in reference to Carey, before telling him he had died.

Tulley described the phrasing as a deliberate tactic to prompt Fountain to talk before he understood the situation, violating the same standard from Rought. Prosecutors argued the phrase only provided Fountain context, and that he was read his Miranda rights before learning who the “friend” was.

Prosecutors asked the court to consider all of Fountain’s statements in context. They said he willingly answered questions at first, grew hesitant once detectives brought up surveillance footage, and only asked for a lawyer the second time the footage came up. They argued that unwillingness to talk about one topic is not the same as invoking the right to remain silent. 

Judge Kravitz disputed prosecutors’ interpretation, noting that the surveillance footage appeared to be the one subject Fountain was willing to discuss.

Prosecutors maintained that the word “that” in Fountain’s statements was ambiguous in terms of what he was willing to discuss and left room for different interpretations of what he meant. Tulley disagreed, reiterating that the ambiguity stemmed from the detective’s questions, and asked the court to suppress the full interrogation video. 

Judge Kravitz said he needed time to collect his thoughts and review the arguments before making a formal ruling. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 23.

Defendant Accused of Stabbing Corrections Officer Will Represent Himself  

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed a defendant accused of stabbing a correctional officer the right to represent himself with standby counsel on Sept. 18.  

Ovid Gabriel, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault on a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful introduction of contraband into penal institution for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a correctional officer at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Aug. 3, 2025.

Before the hearing, Gabriel’s attorneys filed a motion to withdraw from the case. Defense attorney Kevin Irving told Judge Ryan that Gabriel refused legal assistance from himself and his co-counsel, Cynthia Rollins. Gabriel disputed Irving’s claim and said his attorneys refused to file motions he had requested. 

Judge Ryan interrupted and said there was a “clear and factual dispute” about the effectiveness of Gabriel’s legal representation. The defense attorneys, Gabriel, and Judge Ryan had a conversation under seal for approximately 17 minutes. 

After a break, Irving spoke about two different instances, on Sept. 1 when Irving “left abruptly,” and on Sept. 11 when Gabriel said their meeting was not productive. 

The courtroom clerk then swore Gabriel in, and Judge Ryan read his Faretta rights. In Faretta v. California (1975), the US Supreme Court established a defendant’s constitutional right to voluntarily and intelligently waive legal counsel and represent themself. 

Gabriel affirmed he understood the significance of his request. “I know I am at a severe disadvantage,” stated Gabriel, in regards to his legal education compared to Irving and Rollins. Gabriel continued, “It speaks volumes that I feel more comfortable representing myself.” 

Judge Ryan told Gabriel he would “reluctantly grant your request to represent yourself.” 

While Gabriel represent’s himself, Judge Ryan granted his request for a new attorney as standby counsel to assist him. However, until a new attorney is appointed, Irving agreed to remain on the case. 

Gabriel then asked the prosecution if a pending plea agreement is still available, and they agreed to keep the offer open until the next hearing. The details of the plea offer were not discussed in court. 

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 23.

Stabbing Defendant Transferred From Psychiatric Hospital to Jail After Behavioral Incidents

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) request to transfer a stabbing defendant back to the DC Jail from a mental hospital on Sept. 18. 

Corey Bridges, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to the neck and bled severely.

US Marshals informed parties that Bridges refused to attend his hearing.

According to court records, Judge Kravitz ordered Bridges’ transfer from the DC Jail to Saint Elizabeths Hospital on April 30, where he has been held since. 

The DBH wrote a letter to the court that detailed Bridges’ involvement in nine behavioral incidents at the hospital since Aug. 11. The letter said Bridges affected both staff and patients and requested his transfer back to DC Jail for safety concerns.

Bridges’ defense attorney, Laura Rose, mentioned that he has been off his usual medication since arriving at Saint Elizabeths, and some of his outbursts may be related.

Judge Kravitz agreed, but reasoned that Bridges’ dangerous behavior was putting staff and other patients at risk. As a result, Judge Kravitz granted the DBH’s request, but allowed the defense to motion for reconsideration.

The prosecution also mentioned they would revoke a plea deal at the next hearing, but did not mention any terms.

The parties are slated to reconvene for a status hearing on Nov. 11.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Stabbing Leaving 1 Dead, 3 Injured

A fatal stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Sept. 18.

Shawn Conway, 50, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business with a prior felony conviction. These charges stem from the defendant’s alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Jermaine Foster, 34, at the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW on Sept. 13, 2025. Three surviving victims also sustained injuries.

At his arraignment, the courtroom clerk read Conway’s charges. 

Conway’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, entered into a not guilty plea on her client’s behalf, requested evidence in the case, and asserted his right to a speedy trial. Harvey specifically requested that the prosecution provide witness statements of Foster’s reported misconduct and the video of the altercation.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20 for a status hearing.

Defense Claims Homicide Defendant No-Show is, ‘Very Difficult to Work With’

A fatal shooting defendant wants to represent himself but was absent at another hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Sept. 22. 

Deonte Spicer, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of greater than a year, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges derive from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tyvez Monroe on Dec. 26, 2023. 

The incident occurred at a bus stop outside of L’Efant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW, where Monroe was killed by a gunshot wound to the temple of his head. 

At the most recent hearing, an ascertainment of counsel, Spicer was not present for medical reasons. According to court records, Spicer was also a medical scratch and absent from his last two scheduled hearings on Sept. 4 and 14. Spicer last appeared in court on July 8.

Judge Park questioned Spicer’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, and asked if there were any updates with Spicer’s medical conditions and refusal to attend court.

Dorsey reported no changes but said, “He is difficult to work with,” and, “He wants to represent himself.”

Judge Park expressed the importance of Spicer attending court if he wants to represent himself, to comply with the process.

“He is not fit to represent himself,” Judge Park said. 

Judge Park signed an order reiterating the importance of Spicer’s court presence. The order now awaits Spicer, and Dorsey reassured the judge of its delivery by Sept. 26.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 28. 

Judge Disagrees With Evidence of ‘Conscious Disregard,’ Rejects Homicide Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz asked parties to revise a plea deal in a fatal shooting case at a hearing on Sept. 18. 

Jaime Macedo, 25, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maxwell Emerson, 25, on The Catholic University of America campus, at the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE, on July 5, 2023. Emerson sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

After Macedo’s trial, on May 4, a jury found him guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year, but could not reach a unanimous verdict on the four remaining charges. 

At the hearing, Macedo was prepared to accept an offer from prosecutors and plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, with a 12-to-15 year prison sentence. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the three other charges. 

The prosecution read the proffer of facts and claimed the evidence at trial would have proved that Macedo had a firearm in his pocket without the safety on. After Macedo asked Emerson for money and instilled fear in him, said prosecutors, Emerson tackled Macedo. 

According to prosecutors, Macedo engaged in the fight, his handgun fired, and Emerson died. The prosecution presented the offense as voluntary because there was no legal justification for Macedo’s actions and he acted with a “conscious disregard” for the risk of significant bodily injury.

In response to the prosecution’s proffer, Macedo’s attorney, Jessica Willis, argued that Emerson tackled Macedo out of frustration, which caused the gun to fire and kill Emerson. Willis said that Macedo did not intentionally fire the gun, though the prosecution would argue otherwise.

Judge Kravitz raised concerns with the prosecution’s classification of Macedo’s “conscious disregard.” The judge asked Macedo to define his understanding of conscious disregard, to which Macedo said, “I knew it was unsafe, I knew it was dangerous.” 

In addition, Judge Kravitz also questioned if self-defense could be argued in this case. The judge informed the parties that, given his concerns, he would not accept the current plea deal,

The parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 25, to discuss a revised agreement.

Defendant Considers Plea Deal in 2025 Homicide Case

A homicide defendant said he is considering a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Sept. 21.

Mercury Ford, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and carrying a pistol without license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Tequila Parker on May 27, 2025 at the 2300 block of Pitts Place, SE.

According to court documents, Parker died from two gunshot wounds to her back and thigh, which was captured on surveillance cameras.

At the hearing, Ford’s attorney, Ylandrea Drummond, said her client is considering the prosecution’s plea offer, which would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would agree to a sentence between 12-and-24 years in prison and dismiss all other charges.

Drummond said that issues with receiving evidence from prosecutors slowed Ford’s decision on whether he will accept or reject the plea deal. The prosecutor revoked the plea for the record, but said they planned to reintroduce the deal at the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 19, 2027.

Judge Allows Robbery Defendant to Work Awaiting Sentencing in Rapper Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a defense motion to modify release conditions for a robbery defendant while he awaits sentencing on Sept. 21. 

Darryl Little, 32, pleaded guilty on July 22 to robbery for his involvement in an offense on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SW.

Little was formerly charged with first-degree murder while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Albert Smith Jr., 21, an up and coming Tennessee rap artist, on the same date.

Two of the five defendants in the case accepted plea deals in August. The charges stemmed from their involvement in Smith’s fatal shooting , and the robbery and assault of three additional victims.

At the hearing, Judge Park granted the defense’s motion to modify Little’s release conditions from 24-hour home confinement to a curfew from 10 p.m.-to -6 a.m. 

According to Little’s attorney, Wole Falodun, Little was offered a position delivering packages for Amazon. Falodun argued Little’s home confinement prohibited him from doing the job.

Falodun said Little requested permission from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to leave his home to obtain necessary documentation, namely, a driver’s licence, and was denied. 

A representative from PSA was present at the hearing and could not provide Judge Park with an explanation about why Little was unable to obtain a driver’s license. 

A curfew requirement would also not be feasible, Falodun argued, since the Amazon position could have evening or night shifts. 

The prosecution expressed no objections to the removal of Little’s home confinement order, but insisted he remain under GPS monitoring with an established curfew that reflected his hours of employment. 

Judge Park removed Little’s 24-hour home confinement but maintained a his curfew. In addition, Judge Park specified that Little must inform PSA of his schedule.

The judge granted PSA discretion as to how best to modify Little’s curfew to accommodate his work schedule. Absent any changes from PSA, Little was ordered to comply with a 10 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew. 

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for Little’s sentencing on Nov. 5.