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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

Detective’s Conduct Questioned Week Before Homicide Trial

In a motions hearing March 10 before DC Superior Court Neal Kravitz, the former lead detective in a homicide case revealed information about his previously undisclosed conduct problems.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023. 

The defense asked the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer about an investigation in which he was “supposed to get a one day suspension,” but the sanction was reduced to an educational course. The June 25, 2024 incident stemmed from the detective handing over a cell phone to an officer who was the main subject of the investigation. 

The defense also questioned the detective about an incident that occurred in March 2022. 

According to the defense, an individual filed a complaint against the detective for alleged harassment and mishandling of property in March 2022.

Even though the detective said he was exonerated of harassment, he was instructed on how to avoid mishandling of property. 

When asked if the detective mishandled a cell phone, before it was searched by MPD, the detective agreed.

According to the defense, the investigation concluded that the detective violated several general orders and a departmental policy concerning sexual harassment while on duty. As a result, MPD proposed termination, but the detective requested a hearing. 

At the hearing, he entered into a last chance agreement and was required to transfer his assignment. 

The detective admitted that the agreement is still in place. He also said that he could face “possible termination” in the event of another “adverse action.”

Ultimately, the detective was transferred from the homicide division and “stripped” of his title as a lead detective.

After the detective’s testimony, defense counsel said they were made aware of investigations into the detective’s past conduct “last night or early this morning.” 

This late disclosure is, “so profoundly unfair to Mr. Macdeo,” according to Jessica Willis, one of his defense attorneys. She explained that this could have “been uncovered earlier and shouldn’t have been covered in the first place.” 

The prosecution agreed to find source documents and file them by the end of the night. They requested that the defense file a list of exactly what information they need the prosecution to provide.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 12.

Judge Won’t Release Stabbing Defendant After Viewing Surveillance Footage

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion to release a stabbing defendant considering a plea deal at a status hearing on March 12. 

Randy Brown, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1100 block of 7th Street, NW on Aug. 7, 2025. The victim sustained significant injuries with visible lacerations to the nose and neck. 

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz alerted the parties to an oral motion at a hearing on Jan. 23 when the defense asked for Brown’s release. 

The prosecution proffered new evidence in which they claim a Special Police Officer (SPO) identified Brown in surveillance footage near the scene.  An SPO is designated to carry a firearm and act as an officer for a specific location.

According to the prosecution, the SPO worked in the lobby of Brown’s grandmother’s apartment building. The SPO told investigators that guests had to check in with him at the front desk with identification and he recognized Brown because he would visit his grandmother two-to-three times a week. 

The prosecution added that Brown’s grandmother had also identified him in the footage. 

Brown’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued that the identification did not strengthen the prosecution’s case, saying that evidence at most placed Brown at the scene but did not prove he committed the stabbing. 

Judge Kravitz then asked the prosecution to play surveillance clips of the incident. The first clip allegedly showed the suspect attacking the victim while the second clip depicted a clearer image of the suspect near the crime scene. The suspect wore a white t-shirt with shorts and leggings underneath.

After reviewing the footage, Judge Kravitz denied the defense request for release. He said Thomas’ argument that the evidence was not strong enough to hold Brown was inaccurate. 

The parties also discussed plea negotiations. Thomas said the prosecution extended a counter-offer about two weeks ago, but his client has not yet had time to review it. 

The prosecution put on the record that if Brown were to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, they would not seek an indictment with additional charges. They would limit their sentence request to a maximum of five years of imprisonment. The prosecutor indicated the guidelines for sentencing on this charge are two-and-a-half-to-six years. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20. 

Metro Shooting Defendant Won’t Appear in Court for Fourth Straight Time

A fatal shooting defendant did not appear again for his mental observation hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 12. 

Isaiah Trotman, 34, is charged with first-degree muder with aggravating circumstances, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 27 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 13 counts of armed kidnapping for his alleged involvement in a Feb. 1, 2023 shooting at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station located on the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE. The shooting fatally injured 64-year-old Robert Cunningham and two additional victims sustained gunshot wounds.

An officer from the United States Marshals Service (USMS) told Judge Ryan that Trotman had been brought to the courthouse for his hearing but refused to enter the building.

The hearing marked the fourth consecutive hearing since Feb. 12 that Trotman was absent for, according to court records. 

On March 9, the court received a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report analyzing Trotman’s mental competency. Judge Ryan and the prosecution asked for more time to review the document.

To stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer argue the case.

Defense attorney Ashley Prather Guzman said that Trotman was hospitalized in February for a life-threatening disease. After placement into a medical unit at the DC Jail, Trotman’s medication was changed. Guzman said she was hopeful that Trotman’s mental and physical health will improve as a result.

Judge Ryan described the case as an “on-going issue that [he’s] trying to get to the bottom of.”

Parties will reconvene on April 3 for another mental observation hearing.

Obstruction Defendant Rejects Plea in Murder Case in Lieu of Trial

A defendant accused of obstructing justice in a murder case rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 12.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstructing justice for allegedly attempting to influence two witnesses in a murder case.

Carter’s case was severed on Feb. 20 from Robert Carpenter, 37, who is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson on May 7, 2024 on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE.

The prosecution extended a deal that would have required Carter to plead guilty to one count of obstruction of justice. Carter would’ve been allowed on release until her sentencing and the prosecution also would’ve agreed to a non-guideline sentence.

After Carter rejected the plea deal, parties began jury selection.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 16 for opening arguments.

Judge Denies Fifth Motion to Continue Trial in Homicide Case 

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s fifth motion to delay trial on March 13. 

Samuel Mack, 59, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Erica Ward on Dec. 30, 2020 on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE. 

During the hearing, parties discussed the defense motion to continue the trial, scheduled for Oct. 19, citing scheduling issues. 

According to Judge Park, Molly Bunke, Mack’s attorney, was recently appointed to the case after his previous attorney left the Public Defender Service (PDS) earlier this year. However, he argued the case was not on a list that PDS provided the judges for trials that would have to be delayed due to the old attorney’s exit from the office. 

The prosecution objected to the request, stating this would be the fifth continuance of the trial for a case entering it’s sixth year. 

“It does seem there is a problem here, just with the lack of staffing,” Judge Park stated. He advised Bunke to go back to her supervisors and see if another PDS attorney can take over the case. If not, he stated, he would be looking to assign an attorney from the Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association (SCTLA) that backs up the PDS.

Bunke argued it would be unfair to Mack that due to circumstances that are out of his control, he’d lose the counsel he has built a close relationship with, highlighting that the second-chair, Erin Griffard, has been on the case for a while. 

“I’m not blaming you, and I’m not really blaming [PDS] for the staffing issues,” Judge Park stated, denying the motion. 

Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.

Judge Delays Shooting Defendant’s Preliminary Hearing to Allow for Plea Discussion 

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann delayed a shooting defendant’s preliminary hearing on March 12, to give the defense additional time to review a plea agreement.

Vernell Holliday, 34, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW on March 7. No injuries were reported. 

According to court documents, Holliday allegedly fired a gun inside an apartment breaking through the neighboring unit’s wall where two children were present. The resident reported he discovered a bullet hole and drywall debris in his living room. Investigators traced the gunshot to a location where they allegedly found Holliday with a crossbody satchel containing a firearm and drugs. 

Holliday’s defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, requested additional time to discuss the plea offer that was extended by the prosecution. Plea terms were not discussed during the hearing. 

Judge Herrmann granted her request and allowed a continuance in the hearing. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 18.

Prosecutors Plan to Rescind ‘Last Chance’ Plea for Indecisive Stabbing Suspect

Prosecutors said they would rescind a plea offer for a stabbing suspect after he failed to decide on the deal at the fourth consecutive hearing on the matter before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 11.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a stabbing. The incident occurred on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE.

Bridges’ attorney, Molly Bunke, was not present at the hearing. Judge Kravitz told him that he did not have to accept the plea deal if he did not feel comfortable doing so without Bunke present. 

Bridges was represented by stand-in defense attorney, Theodore Shaw.  

The prosecution said this was a “last chance plea offer,” which they plan to rescind, because Bridges hasn’t declined or accepted or decline it on the record. 

At three previous hearings, Bridges initially accepted the deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, but each time he stopped to discuss the decision further with Bunke.

Beyond the plea, Bridges said that he is requesting “immediate release.” When the judge denied the request, he asked if he would be released if he accepted the plea deal. 

Judge Kravitz explained that he was “not prepared to reconsider release” at this time. He did, however, reassure Bridges that he would consider a release plan with an “open mind” at a later date.

Ultimately, parties decided to set another status hearing to discuss how they would like to move forward. Prosecutors explained that if Bridges did not take the plea offer, they were prepared to set trial dates. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Guilty Plea in Sexual Encounter Turned Armed Carjacking

A carjacking defendant, who after a sexual encounter threatened to shoot the victim in the head if he did not comply with a robbery, accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on March 12. 

Da’Andre Pardlow, 31, was originally charged with carjacking while armed, kidnapping while armed, and robbery while armed for his involvement in a carjacking. The incident occurred on Sept. 13, 2024 at Fort Dupont Park, SE. 

In court, Pardlow accepted a plea agreement that required him to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and register as a gun offender. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to not seek indictment and drop all other charges. 

Through the deal, parties agreed 84 months in confinement and three years of supervised release as appropriate for the charges against Pardlow. Judge Salerno will review the sentencing recommendation. Should Salerno reject it, Pardlow can rescind his guilty plea. 

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Pardlow knowingly, voluntarily, and without legal justification by force and violence stole a motor vehicle. The prosecution said Pardlow put a gun to the victim’s head and threatened to shoot him if he did not comply.

According to court documents, the victim and Pardlow reportedly met in the park for a sexual encounter. Pardlow threatened to shoot the victim while forcing him to surrender his phone. Then, he forced the victim into the passenger seat of his car, at which point Pardlow drove the vehicle to a bank, and withdrew money from the victim’s account.
Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on May 29.

Judge Continues Motions Hearing for Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz continued a pretrial motions hearing for a murder case on March 10.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023. 

The hearing opened with Judge Kravitz’s ruling on the defense’s motion to preclude a witness’ testimony.  

The prosecutors wanted to call Emerson’s parents to testify before the jurors about Emerson’s life and his background as a teacher and a wrestling coach. However, the defense argued that testimony from both parents on the victim’s character would be duplicative and unnecessary. 

Judge Kravitz said it was unfair to have two grieving parents on the witness stand, creating prejudice towards the defense. 

The judge partially granted the motion, stating he would not let the father testify, because his would be duplicative to the mother’s testimony. Instead, Judge Kravitz would allow prosecutors to ask the mother questions that they would have asked the father. 

According to court documents, security footage shows Macedo and Emerson allegedly walking together towards a park bench. Macedo is seen taking Emerson’s bookbag before returning it. Emerson then texted a family member he was being robbed at gunpoint. Macedo reportedly tried to snatch something else from Emerson, which resulted in Emerson tackling Macedo to the ground. It was at this point that Macedo allegedly shot Emerson in the abdomen before witnesses saw him flee the scene. 

Judge Kravitz also brought up the prosecution’s motion to preclude the argument for self-defense, which was filed on Feb. 20, 2026. 

Prosecutors stated that if the incident is brought to the jurors attention as an armed robbery turned murder, then Macedo’s defense attorneys, Jessica Willis and Rachel Cicurel, could not argue self-defense. 

Judge Kravitz denied the motion to preclude self-defense out of concern for prejudice towards the defense.

Willis and Cicurel filed a motion to exclude asking potential jurors questions about their arrest records on Feb. 21, 2026. 

Willis objected to the questioning of being arrested or being a witness to an arrest because it is racially charged. She said that in D.C. Black people are more likely to answer “yes” to the question than Caucasions. She said she believed that it ultimately leads to the prosecution being able to strike more Black people out of jury selection.

“We would want to know,” Judge Kravitz replied, denying  the defense’s motion.

The prosecution also filed another motion for a toxicology report on Emerson. 

Cicurel and Willis objected, stating that there are a lot of unknowns and that they didn’t have adequate time to ask questions to fully understand the report. Cicurel stated that problem prejudices the defense.

The prosecution stated that a toxicology report was not novel testimony and an investigation into the report could be done with a simple conversation with the toxicologist. 

They said that they would help the defense get in touch with the toxicologist and push back his testimony until the end of the trial to give the defense more time to figure out the report. 

Judge Kravitz granted the prosecution’s motion without prejudice. 

Cicurel and Willis also presented a motion to sever mention of Macedo’s prior convictions from the charges in the current trial. They stated that it would be unfair to their client if the jury knew about his prior felon in possession conviction. However, the judge said that if Macedo were called to testify, the jury would need to know about the prior conviction anyway. 

Judge Kravitz granted the defense’s motion in part, agreeing to sever the prior conviction, with the stipulation that if Macedo was called to testify, he would tell the jury about it. 

Parties also discussed a motion filed by the defense to dismiss evidence allegedly destroyed by  the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to the motion, “the government intentionally and deliberately failed to preserve material.” 

A former lead detective on the case was questioned about his decision to not classify Emerson’s tablet as evidence. 

According to the detective, the glare from the tablet was seen in video footage. This footage took place one minute and 22 seconds before Emerson’s mother received a text message from her son that he was being robbed at gunpoint.

Judge Kravitz did not rule on the motion to dismiss the evidence during the hearing. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 12 to resume motions.

Jury Delivers Mixed Verdict in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

A jury delivered a mixed verdict in a non-fatal shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 11.

Derrick Gladden, 55, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his involvement in a shooting on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on April 15, 2024. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

Following less than two days of deliberations, jurors found Gladden not guilty of assault with intent to kill while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The jury found Gladden guilty of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Following the verdict, defense attorney Alvin Thomas asked the court to release Gladden to home confinement pending sentencing.  Thomas noted that Gladden spent approximately one year incarcerated for this case and wanted to spend time with his mother.

The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the convictions and Gladden’s prior criminal history raised concerns about community safety.

Judge Brandt denied the request, stating that the statute governing the firearm offense presumes detention after conviction. She said Thomas could file a written motion for release if they wished to revisit the issue.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 15.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Request to Dismiss His Attorney

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a stabbing defendant’s motion to dismiss his defense attorney on March 11. 

Rubin Holman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Oct. 4, 2022 on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

Judge Kravitz said it was “good” that Holman was present in court today. For at least 12 hearings since the case was opened in December 2023, Holman refused to appear or was classified as a medical scratch, according to court records. 

Holman’s attorney, Terrence Austin, informed the court that Holman wished to dismiss him as his defense counsel. Austin said he spoke to his client again, and Holman still wished to proceed with new counsel.

After a conversation with Holman and Austin that was put under seal, Judge Kravitz informed parties that he was not compelled to grant Holman’s motion for new counsel. However, the judge said that there is a possibility that the case could be transferred to another attorney within the Public Defender’s Service (PDS). 

Judge Kravitz denied the motion without prejudice, meaning that Austin could refile the motion at a later date. 

The judge told Holman that it was in his best interest to “cooperate” and attend his next court date. Holman is currently held at DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer and trial dates were set in a felony status conference on March 11 before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Derrick Carter, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year. These charges stem from Carter’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1400 block of Canal Street, SW on Dec. 2, 2025. One shot was fired at the victim.

Carter rejected the plea offer extended by the prosecutor, which would require that he plead guilty to robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, prosecutors would have dismissed any greater and remaining charges and agreed to limit their sentencing request to the bottom of the applicable guidelines.

The prosecutor stated that the plea offer would be revoked, but that “didn’t matter” since Carter rejected the plea.

Additionally, Carter’s attorney, Emma Mlyniec, alerted the court that she planned to file a motion regarding the prosecutor’s alleged failure to preserve surveillance footage, and that there was still outstanding evidence she had not received.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 13.

‘God Used Him to Protect Me,’ Victim Says of Carjacker Sentenced to 29 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld re-opened the 29 year sentence of a carjacking defendant after hearing the victim say the suspect was actually her defender on March 9. 

Jerome Israel, 22 pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and two counts of unarmed carjacking in Aug. 2025.  He was initially charged with conspiracy, six counts of armed carjacking, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and one count of unauthorized use of a vehicle for his involvement in a carjacking at the intersection of 7th and D Street, SE on Aug. 29, 2022. 

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Israel on March 3, but the victim was not able to give an impact statement since there was confusion about the time of the proceeding and she arrived too late.

“I have forgiven him,” the victim said, asking the judge to show mercy on the defendant. 

In her story, the victim told the court how Israel potentially saved a carjacking from turning into a homicide. “Despite what happened, I see the defendant as a protector” and “God, used him to protect me,” she said after describing how Israel stepped between her and the armed perpetrator when she was struggling to unlock and hand over her phone. 

“Looking at you now, you were not the one pointing the gun at me,” the victim said. “Thank you for protecting me.”

Israel also read an apology letter for what he did and the people he hurt. He said he regrets his action and understands he cannot undo it. 

Judge Hertzfeld re-opened sentencing to consider the victim’s impact statement and Israel’s letter. She will also consider re-sentencing under DC’s Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which gives judges more flexibility about the terms of confinement and expunges the record of the defendant if he satisfies the legal requirements.

Sentencing is scheduled to continue on April 9. 

Carjacking Defendant Rejects Second Plea Offer

A carjacking defendant facing multiple charges in five incidents rejected another plea offer before DC Superior Court Judith Pipe on March 11. 

Kwesi Pyne, 20, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, armed carjacking, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without license, possession of unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, five counts of robbery while armed, first-degree theft, second-degree theft, destruction of property less than $1,000, unlawful entry of a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and misdemeanor receiving stolen property for his alleged involvement in multiple carjackings. 

Pyne is accused in the following incidents: 

  • Armed carjacking at the 900 block of Randolph Street, NW on Oct. 30, 2023
  • Assault with intent to rob at the 3100 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW Feb. 7, 2024
  • Armed robbery at the 3600 block of 16 Street, NW on Feb. 7, 2024
  • Theft from auto with gun stolen on Feb. 10, 2024
  • Armed robbery at the 3200 block of Mount Pleasant Street, NW on Feb. 12, 2024

According to the prosecution, if Pyne pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, lesser charges of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, robbery while armed, and carrying a pistol without license, they would drop all remaining charges. The prosecution would also drop a separate case and not seek further indictments. 

Pyne rejected the offer. He also rejected a plea offer on April 23, 2025. 

Pyne’s attorney Bryan Bookhard noted he filed a motion on Sept. 22, 2025 to separate some of the charges for disposition in different trials. 

Judge Pipe responded they will discuss the motion at the next hearing, which is scheduled for March 27. 

Judge Delays Stabbing Defendant’s Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld appointed a new defense attorney for a stabbing defendant awaiting sentencing during a hearing on March 11.

Tara Bellinger, 40, pleaded guilty on March 5 to assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor assault on law enforcement for her involvement in a stabbing on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW on Feb. 10. 

During the hearing, Bellinger informed Judge Hertzfeld that her uncle recently passed away and she has been going through a hard time. 

“My head isn’t in this space,” Bellinger said. She explained she was unable to visit him before he passed away due to her incarceration. 

According to Bellinger’s attorney, Louis Kamara, his motion to withdraw filed on May 12, since their relationship was deteriorating causing a breakdown in communication.

Judge Hertzfeld asked Kamara to transfer his case materials to the new appointed attorney. 

As a result of the new developments Judge Herzfeld paused Bellinger’s sentencing. 

“It sounds like you are going through a lot so let’s schedule for next week,” Judge Hertzfeld said. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 18 for Bellinger to receive new counsel.