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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. 

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

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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

Judge Finds Post-Conviction Plea Proposal Confounding

At a motions hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Jan. 23, DC Superior Court Judge Deborah J. Israel expressly told parties that the post-conviction plea offer they proposed was unusual and confounding. 

On March 11, 2025, Diamond Early, 33, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Early was involved in a shooting that injured one woman on July 31, 2023 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

The case, which was supposed to go to sentencing on July 25, 2025, has been delayed multiple times since the conviction. 

During the hearing, defense attorney Antoini Jones, in agreement with the prosecution, presented a plea agreement that would require Early plead guilty to four of her charges while the remaining four were dismissed – it is unclear which ones would be dismissed. Judge Israel stated that this plea agreement is occurring under unique circumstances, since there has already been a jury trial and guilty verdict for Early’s case.

Additionally, Judge Israel emphasized that there is not yet a solid basis of fact for the plea offer, and the parties are to work towards establishing one before the next hearing so that they can move forward with the plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20.

Stabbing, Robbery Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 21. 

Romel Sawyer, 39, was charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed and armed robbery for his involvement in a robbery-turned-stabbing that injured one individual on Aug. 1, 2025 on the 6600 block of Georgia Avenue, NW . 

During the hearing, Sawyers’ defense attorney, Kevin Roberston, alerted the court of Sawyer’s intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to his charges in exchange for the prosecution not seeking a more punitive indictment. Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to the bottom of the guidelines, and will not oppose concurrent sentences. 

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Sawyer took a knife and stabbed the victim in the back, while demanding the victim’s backpack.

Sawyer threatened the victim, stating “I’ma kill you, give me the bag.” After the attack, Sawyer and another individual walked away with the victim’s backpack, which contained cash, a cellphone, and identification documents. The prosecutor claimed that Sawyer acted voluntarily with intent and not in self-defense. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 26. 

Compliant Armed Carjacking Defendant Wants More Lenient Probation

An armed carjacking defendant asked to check in less with his probation officer during a probation show cause hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Jan. 29.

Anardo Little, 19, was sentenced on Dec. 12, 2025 to a fully suspended sentence in favor of 18 months probation for unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from his involvement in an armed carjacking at the intersection of 12th and H Streets, NE, on Oct. 14, 2024.

At a probation review hearing, Little’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, said he had been “doing great” on supervision and was compliant. Little’s officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) emphasized his compliance and said he checked in twice a week in person. 

Ellis and Little’s other attorney, Morgan Crawford, requested that Little be required to check in less frequently because they said it interfered with his education. They suggested that some check-ins could be over the phone.

Little’s CSOSA officer said that this was the first time she had heard that the frequency of his check-ins were an issue. Judge Pipe asked parties to determine a solution amongst themselves, but said she was “happy” to issue an order if needed.

No further dates were set.

Jury Acquits Homicide Defendant of Retaliation Murder

A jury acquitted a murder defendant of all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 22. 

Malik Seltzer, 30, also known as “Freak,” was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. Seltzer was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on Sept. 15, 2021. 

After closing arguments, the panel returned the same day with a verdict of “not guilty,” acquitting Seltzer of all charges.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued Seltzer had committed the murder as revenge on behalf of a friend who was allegedly stabbed by Odemns. 

The key witness, an acquaintance of Seltzer who was hanging out at the apartment Seltzer visited frequently the night of the incident, claimed Seltzer had identified Odemns as “the dude that stabbed [Seltzer’s friend].”

Seltzer allegedly mouthed “I’m gonna bag him,” before taking off with Odemns. 

However, defense lawyer, Kevann Gardner noted the witness’ pending charges and detention under a bench warrant at the time of his initial interviews as undermining his credibility.

Throughout the trial, the defense criticized the investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the prosecution’s alleged failure to deliver adequate evidence to prove Seltzer’s involvement. 

The parties are scheduled to reconvene Feb. 13.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 8th Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Ashleigh Hale, alleged to be involved in a shooting incident on Dec. 28 on the 400 block of 8th Street, SE. The altercation began inside an establishment and escalated when Hale allegedly struck the victim with a pistol and later discharged the weapon, causing property damage. Hale was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Judge Releases Carjacking Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release to home confinement on Jan. 21. 

Manuel Alvarado, 42, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1500 block of 7th Street, SE, on April 26, 2023. 

According to court documents, the victim was driving his car when he spotted a man in the middle of the street rolling on the ground, seemingly unwell. The victim exited the car to offer help when the suspect jumped into the driver’s seat and drove the car away. 

During the hearing, Judge Israel granted the defendant’s request for release to home confinement and ordered him to participate in a substance abuse disorder assessment. 

Alvarado’s attorney, Quiana Harris, alerted the court of the defendant’s previous lack of housing that led to his noncompliance. As such, Judge Israel granted the defense’s request that Alvarado be placed at a family member’s house.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20. 

Judge Allows Some Firearms Testimony in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that some but not all testimony from a firearms’ expert would be admissible in a murder trial at a motions hearing on Jan. 22.

Dion Lee, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact. The counts stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Pamela Thomas, on Feb. 9, 2022 on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE.

At the request of Lee’s defense attorneys, Molly Bunke and Patrick Nowak, as well as Dunbar’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, Judge Park evaluated the qualifications of an expert witness the prosecution plans to call during their trial. Parties previously heard testimony from the specialist on Jan. 16, but Judge Park delayed his ruling and ultimately determined that the witness could testify, not about physics, but as a firearms expert.

Judge Park allowed the expert’s claim that a bullet’s speed could drastically decrease when it travels through a solid object, stating that it is a, “matter of basic physics.” In addition, the judge sanctioned the expert’s statement that when a bullet hits a hard surface, it could fragment, and injure someone. 

Judge Park was skeptical that after a bullet exits an object, it could drop, instead of continuing its path. In addition, the judge did not agree with the expert’s claim that a fragmented bullet could cause a fatal injury. Judge Park said that those claims were not supported by research and based more on the expert’s experience and a set of assumptions. Therefore, he ruled they would not be admissible during his testimony at trial.

After a request from Weletz, Dunbar was removed from home confinement and Judge Park imposed a curfew instead. There was no opposition from the prosecution on this matter.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 30.

Shooting Co-Defendants Request Modified Release Conditions

Shooting co-defendants asked DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park to change their release conditions during a hearing on Jan. 23.

Gerald Jones-Hall, 25, and Jonah Harris, 49, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that resulted from an attempted robbery on July 10, 2023 on the 1300 block of Good Hope Road, SE. Two victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, Jones-Hall’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh asked to end his curfew and remove hisGPS because she said the restrictions interfered with his job. Judge Park denied the request due to what he described as the defendant’s “spotty” record, but he extended Jones-Hall’s curfew to accommodate his work schedule.

The prosecution asked for confirmation of Jones-Hall’s work hours and Judge Park asked for verification at the next  hearing.

Similarly, Harris’ attorney, Christen Philips, asked for Harris’ GPS to be removed and his curfew canceled due to his compliance with his release conditions. The prosecution did not object and Judge Park granted the request to end Harris’ curfew due to reports of high compliance, but required him to continue wearing the GPS tracker. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Defendant Who Fatally Shot Service Dog Receives Fully Suspended Sentence


DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe suspended imprisonment for a defendant who shot a dog, during a sentencing on Jan. 23.

On Oct. 3, 2025, Durojaiye Mawuli, 56, pleaded guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home/business, and destruction of property less than $1000 for his involvement in a shooting on the 1500 block of 17th street, SE on Nov. 24, 2024. 

According to court documents, the victim was walking his service dogs when a black dog began attacking his dogs without provocation. Mawuli, identified as the owner of the black dog, attempted to break up the dog fight, to no avail, before discharging a firearm at one of the victim’s dogs, killing it. 

During the prosecution’s recommendation for sentencing, the prosecutor said Mawuli “created this situation and made it worse by having a gun he shouldn’t have.” 

Mawuli’s defense attorney, Erica Arensman, remarked that this was an extremely sad situation. She reiterated from her sentencing proposal letter that Mawuli was terrified for his dog and made a choice he deeply regretted. He has since reflected deeply on the situation and accepted responsibility, according to Arensman. 

“This one moment, this bad choice,” Arensman said, “is not a reflection of his actions going forward.” Additionally, “he is not a violent person. He is deeply regretful, and he is going to have to live with this for the rest of his life.” 

Arensman also emphasized that Mawuli is a full-time caretaker for his partner and works full-time to provide for his family. Mawuli is already in touch with mental health services and will work to get better, Arensman claimed. 

While sentencing Mawuli, Judge Pipe said, “This is an extremely tragic situation.” She sentenced him to 12 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business and unlawful discharge of a firearm, as well as 180 days for destruction of property under $1000 and possession of an unregistered firearm. The sentences will run concurrently, with all time suspended. 

Mawuli must comply with drug testing and treatment as recommended by the Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and register as a gun offender. 

No further court dates were set. 

Triple-Murder Defendant in Car Crash Complains of Ailments, Remains Jailed

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s motion to dismiss or release  on Jan. 23, as she advocated for medical attention. 

Nakita Walker, 46, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a car accident on March 15, 2023 that killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on Rock Creek Parkway. 

Judge Kravitz asked Walker if she wanted the prosecution to conduct further DNA testing on the driver’s side airbags and other objects in the car. 

Under the the Innocence Protection Act (IPA), a defendant has the right to re-test evidence for DNA. Walker waived that right. 

Judge Kravitz denied the defense’s motion to dismiss, filed by defense attorney, Albert Amissah. In the motion, Amissah claimed that the prosecution destroyed the urine and blood samples obtained from Walker at the time of her arrest, arguing the action violated Walker’s right to due process.  

Amissah further argued there was bad faith in the destruction of evidence because the blood-alcohol levels in the samples are so pivotal to this case. He said that officers, paramedics, and pedestrians said that Walker did not appear impaired.  

Judge Kravitz ruled that the urine and blood samples were not destroyed in bad faith and were part of the standard retention procedure, denying the motion to dismiss the indictment. 

The judge also denied the defense’s request for release because of Walker’s failure to comply with probation in the past, long history of DUI charges, and the incredibly serious and dangerous charges in the current case.

Amissah said that Walker has not received physical therapy in jail and has significant injuries sustained during the incident that need medical attention. 

Judge Kravitz asked Amissah to email him specifics of the issues that are ailing Walker. 

Walker said that a doctor recently looked at her injuries and put in an order for therapy but hasn’t seen a physical therapist yet. She said that she is in a lot of pain and can barely walk due to a broken upper leg and other bones damaged from the car accident. Walker has been contacting the American Disability Association (ADA) for help but they have not answered. 

Again, Judge Kravitz said that he cannot email the Department of Corrections (DOC) without a detailed list of issues. He said that this is not a proper basis for release. 

Amissah alerted the court of Walker’s intent to reject a plea offer from the prosecution, though the terms were not discussed in court. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 20.

Defendant Requests New Counsel After Judge Finally Deems Him Mentally Competent

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz deemed a defendant mentally competent to stand trial on Jan. 23 after receiving a conclusive report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). 

Mario Kirksey, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE on Feb. 28, 2024. One individual sustained injuries during the incident. 

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz alerted the parties of the report from DBH which deemed Kirksey competent to stand trial, ending a five month-long debate on Kirksey’s competency.  In order to stand trial a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and help his attorney.

His defense attorney, Terrence Austin, said that Kirksey asked for a replacement attorney. Austin said that Kirksey felt Austin had ulterior motives and lied to him. The defendant also told Austin that he wanted a lawyer outside of the Public Defender Service (PDS). 

Kirksey spoke directly to Judge Kravitz saying nobody acknowledges his concerns and he is being forced into a guilty situation when he’s innocent.

Judge Kravitz reminded the defense that Kirksey requested different counsel in August of 2025, but then decided to keep Austin. He also told the defendant that he should have a lawyer that he feels is fighting for him, and recommended that he accept a lawyer within PDS because they have many capable individuals to take on his case. 

Judge Kravitz asked Austin how long he would need to find a new lawyer for Kirksey. Austin estimated about a week. 

Kirksey asked Judge Kravitz if Austin had demanded a speedy trial. The judge said that he was sure that Austin did so. 

The prosecutor said that he wants to share new evidence and reopen a plea offer to the incoming attorney. The terms of the deal were not discussed in court. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Judge Weighs Release For Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz requested additional time to review a defendant’s request to be released on Jan. 23.

Randy Brown, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 13 on the 1100 block of 7th Street, NW. One victim sustained injuries to the neck during the incident. 

Brown’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, took over the case after Nicole Walton left on maternity leave. Thomas told Judge Kravitz that Brown would like to speak to the court. The judge advised Brown to speak strictly about the motion for release and not about the case. 

Brown first thanked the judge for his time and letting him speak. He said that he followed all probation and house arrest rules in the past,has family support at home and they have been to all of his hearings. He requested the court give him a chance because his “background is messed up, but it ain’t too messed up.” 

Judge Kravitz asked the prosecution about how strong the identification evidence was. 

The prosecutor said they allegedly confirmed the suspect vehicle and clothing from surveillance footage was linked to Brown. 

Judge Kravitz told parties he needed additional time to make a ruling on release. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13. 

Defendant Considers Plea Deal for East Capitol Street Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed a shooting defendant additional time to consider a plea deal during a hearing on Jan. 23. 

Marcus Martin, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on Jan. 11, 2024, on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex.

At the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Brandt they had extended two plea offers, which would require Martin to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, or plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Prosecutors said that if either plea is accepted, they would dismiss the remaining counts and not pursue additional sentencing beyond the plea terms. If no deal is reached, the case will be set for a jury trial on Feb. 23, 2026.

Court records indicate that on Jan. 24, 2025,  Martin rejected an offer that would have him plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in the case and requested a sentence at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines. 

Quo Judkins, Martin’s attorney, requested additional time to review the offers with her client. 

Martin must decide if he’ll accept the offer by Jan. 29, 2026, when the court has scheduled a status hearing to determine whether the case will resolve or proceed toward trial.

Judge Deems Carjacking Defendant Mentally Incompetent, Orders Restoration

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered that a carjacking defendant undergo restoration after being deemed mentally incompetent on Jan. 22. 

Demetrius Johnson, 27, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Nov. 4, 2025 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE. 

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly pepper sprayed the victim and fought them before getting into the victim’s vehicle and driving away. The victim suffered minor injuries. Johnson did not know the victim.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro alerted the parties of a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which deemed Johnson incompetent. Judge Di Toro ordered he undergo restoration.  In order to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer defend the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27. 

Shooting Defendant Granted Psychiatric Treatment While Considering Plea Deal  

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe allowed bed-to-bed treatment for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Jan. 23. Bed-to-bed treatment refers to a seamless, direct transfer of a patient from one inpatient facility to another. Depending on the circumstance it can be legally required.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of Trinidad Ave, NE on April 10, 2025. Sydnor’s ex-step-father sustained injuries during the incident. 

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Pipe that Sydnor had previously missed two scheduled treatments at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW). Sydnor was asked to give any necessary information to his case manager and go straight to PIW to get started on residential treatment.  

Andrew Ain, Sydnor’s attorney, said that drug treatment and mental health services would help the defendant get a “better understanding of the case” and the plea deal. He agreed with PSA’s request for bed-to-bed treatment. 

If Sydnor were to accept deal, which was mentioned at a previous hearing on Oct. 8, 2025, he would plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and receive bed-to-bed treatment instead of imprisonment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Jan. 28.