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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

Judge Finds No ‘Red Flags’ in Murder Defendant’s Mental Competence to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman adopted a report that found no evidence a homicide defendant was mental incompetent and ruled he could handle his own defense during a hearing on May 29. 

Kyle Piunti, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a fatal hit-and-run on Jan. 3, 2024. The incident, which occurred on Highway I-295 southbound around Mile Marker 1, resulted in the death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin.

Judge Edelman reviewed forensic reports from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that deemed Piunti competent to stand trial. To stand trial, Piunti must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense. No parties objected to Piunti’s competency.

The judge also discussed motions filed by Piunti himself, noting they showed a “rational understanding” of the evidence and legal strategy. “Somebody being stubborn is not the same as somebody being incompetent,” Judge Edelman said. He concluded that he saw no “red flags” warranting further competency evaluations. 

David Akulian replaced previous attorney Howard McEachern, who Judge Edelman dismissed from the case at the hearing. While Akulian will act as an “attorney advisor,” he clarified he would not be prepared to take over as lead trial counsel with such short notice.

“Your preference is to go forward on June 29 representing yourself with an advisor,” Judge Edelman asked Piunti.

Piunti, who is held at the jail, raised concerns regarding his access to evidence after his laptop was seized at the jail. The prosecution flagged the computer after Piunti created a Proton email account to file motions online. Proton Mail is an encrypted email service.

Piunti argued he was “punished” for trying to meet the same procedural standards as an attorney. Judge Edelman said he would reach out to the jail to see if access could be restored.

The prosecution informed Judge Edelman that the paper evidence in the case is “quite significant.” Judge Edelman encouraged the prosecution to “dot every I and cross every T” to ensure the record reflects all evidence provided to the defense.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5.

Judge Releases 17-Year-Old Defendant Accused of Shooting Her Boyfriend

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman released a teen shooting defendant on June 1 after finding probable cause she shot her boyfriend.

Camila Palomino, 17, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in shooting her boyfriend on May 9 at the 300 block of 49th Street, NE. The victim sustained at least two gunshot wounds to his calf and buttocks.

Palomino is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses. 

Judge Edelman released Palomino during her preliminary hearing, but required she must stay 100 yards away from the victim, she is not allowed to speak, text, call or contact the victim directly or through a third party. The judge also declared that Palomino and the victim were romantically involved. According to court documents, their relationship began in September 2025.  

Palimono was placed in home confinement and can only go to school, work, medical appointments, meeting with her attorney, and court hearings.

Judge Edelman noted that Palomino also claimed to be a victim of domestic violence from her boyfriend who reportedly threatened her with a knife.

The judge ordered Palomino must stay out of DC unless it is for court, must not have access to a firearm, and will wear a GPS monitor. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 10.

Judge Considers Bench Warrant for Medical Examiner in Triple-Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz considered a bench warrant on June 1 ordering a medical examiner to testify in a triple-homicide trial if the analyst fails to appear in-person.

Jalonte Thompkins, 34, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of three brothers, 34-year-old James Morgan, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin, on Aug. 5, 2023 on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW. 

The prosecution planned to finish their case the present week, however, there was convern the primary medical examiner, who performed two of the three autopsies, refused to testify in-person until June 19. 

According to the general counsel on behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), the examiner was aware of a subpoena but provided several notes from their physician’s assistant. The general counsel said the notes did not state a specific medical problem, but claimed the medication would alter the “normal cognitive baseline.” 

The prosecution and defense agreed that the examiner’s testimony is essential, with prosecutors arguing that the examiner is vital to their case to show the trajectory of the bullets given the lack of video footage. 

Prosecutors said they made several attempts to contact the examiner’s physician’s assistant, including during trial, but failed. It “seems almost intentionally hard” to get information, prosecutors said.

Judge Kravitz said that it is the medical examiner’s responsibility to get the physician’s assistant to speak with the judge about the witness’ reasoning for missing court. Otherwise, the analyst must testify or face arrest.

Judge Kravitz also discussed a defense motion to show the jury evidence of the victims’ prior violent acts.

According to the defense theory of the case, argued in past hearings, the victims allegedly fired the first shots. Thompkins’ attorney, Brandi Harden, wants to show evidence the victims werre the first aggressors.

The prosecution previously agreed the defense could tell the jury about the victims’ criminal convictions without the underlying facts. However, Harden also requested to show the jury that one of the convictions was from Martin shooting at a police officer and that Martin was also arrested for homicide, despite pleading guilty to a lesser offense.

According to Judge Kravitz, in 2013, Martin pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact in connection to a homicide. The judge elaborated that the arrest warrant for that case stated Martin allegedly drove the shooter to the incident location, lied to a witness about the shooter’s presence, and drove the shooter home after the homicide.

The prosecution contested that shooting at a police officer in the past is irrelevant to this case. They also argued that the accessory after the fact charge was not violent in nature, making it inadmissible because the law requires a victim’s prior acts to be violent to support a self-defense theory.

Judge Kravitz disagreed on both grounds, saying that Martin’s accessory after the fact conviction “shows a callousness about the use of a firearm to commit an act of violence.” He granted the defense’s motion.

The parties are slated to reconvene on June 2.

Parties Can’t Find Former Detective in 2005 Homicide

Defense attorneys and prosecutors in a 2005 homicide trial confronted their inability to locate a former detective to testify at trial during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 2.

Michael Wells, 55, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, arson, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a Nov. 24, 2005 shooting that fatally injured 23-year-old Makia Mosby on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE. 

The prosecution reported that investigators at the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) have been unable to contact the former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective despite surveillance of a known location and an attempt to learn her whereabouts from a family member.

Wells’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, said that the defense counsel has encountered similar challenges in their investigation. According to Claudio, they have attempted to deliver a subpoena both digitally and physically.

Nonetheless, parties agreed to proceed with all scheduled hearing dates.

Parties are slated to reconvene for jury selection on June 4.

Stabbing Defendant to Serve 48 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz imposed a 48 months sentence for a stabbing defendant during a hearing on May 29. 

On Feb. 6, Daniyah Dailey, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 27, 2021 on the 2200 block of 25th Place, NE. Two victims sustained injuries from the stabbing, and one of them suffered additional gunshot wounds allegedly committed by 34-year-old Tejan Bah.

Bah’s case was dismissed following his death in February 2025. 

Through the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of five-to-eight years of imprisonment, which takes into consideration the amount of time Dailey was waiting for a resolution – two-and-a-half years –due to her transfer to DC after serving a sentence in Maryland for an unrelated matter. 

During the hearing, the victim who sustained gunshot and stab wounds provided an impact statement, in which he claimed he knew Dailey leading up to the incident and she’d “change personalities with an alter ego.” 

“She was a kind young lady who would convert into a thug,” the victim continued, stating the defendants had planned a homicide, but failed because Bah’s gun jammed. 

The prosecution urged Judge Kravitz to impose an eight year sentence, arguing the incident was not spontaneous, and Dailey “made the specific decision to arm herself with a knife, stabbing the victim and slitting the throat of the other victim.” 

“This was absolutely brutal and led to catastrophic consequences for the victims,” the prosecutor continued. They further argued the defendant’s actions were “calculated decisions, and she changed [the victims’] lives forever.”

The prosecutor further argued against Dailey being sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. According to the prosecution, “she was given the opportunity to benefit from it in the past, and she failed to take advantage of the opportunity.” 

Sarah Kopecki, Dailey’s attorney, argued she should be sentenced under the YRA because she was in an abusive relationship with Bah, and didn’t have enough self esteem or confidence to live her life within her own standards. 

Kopecki further stated Dailey has told the defense team “this is not the life I want to live, I want to take control.” 

“Dailey has changed, and she does look back on these experiences as unimaginable,” Kopecki asserted. 

Janai Reed, Dailey’s other attorney, argued she has made tremendous progress since her arrest, requesting the most lenient sentence permissible through the plea deal. 

Reed highlighted Dailey’s “horrific” background, stating she experienced at least nine adverse experiences. According to Reed, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) concluded four adverse experiences could make someone dysfunctional. 

“This has been a mind boggling experience,” Dailey stated, apologizing to the victims. She told Judge Kravitz she found someone she never wants to lose – herself. 

“The person who was arrested four years ago is not the one sitting here today,” she stated, adding she regrets her actions every day. 

She pleaded with Judge Kravitz to get another chance to be a model citizen and mother to her child. 

When Judge Kravitz questioned her about her relationship with Bah, she stated “well, it was crazy.” She further stated Bah was 11 years older than her and was abusive. 

“I went through a lot with him,” Dailey told Judge Kravitz. 

Judge Kravitz argued a six-and-a-half year sentence was appropriate in this case, and would get the two-and-a-half years reduced, totaling 48 months. 

Judge Kravitz stated there were some mitigating factors to her level of culpability based on her “unequal and possibly abusive” relationship. 

Judge Kravitz further sentenced Dailey under the YRA, stating the most significant factors for him were “her age, the involvement of a significantly older and abusive partner in life and in crime, and what appears to me to be not a particularly advanced appreciation of the risks of her conduct.” 

She will be required to participate in the Life Connections Program in the Bureau of Prisons (BoP), which Kopecki stated helps inmates develop self-reliance skills, and the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP).

“I wish you all the best,” Judge Kravitz told Dailey. 

No further dates were set. 

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release Following Mistrial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s request for release pending a retrial during a hearing on May 29. 

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

On May 4, a jury convicted Macedo of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, but were unable to reach an unanimous verdict for all other charges. The prosecution alerted the court on May 29 that they plan to re-try the case on Jan. 4. 

During the hearing, parties discussed Jessica Willis, Macedo’s attorney’s, request for release pending re-trial. 

Through a motion filed on May 22, Willis requested Macedo be released to live with his mom and daughter. She further argued “the outcome of the trial indicated that the jury overwhelmingly credited Mr. Macedo’s testimony and doubted the strength of the government’s evidence.” 

She further contended Macedo showed increased maturity during his incarceration, and provided a release plan that would facilitate connecting him with resources in the community. 

In contrast, Emerson’s mother urged Judge Kravitz to consider Macedo’s documented violence and criminal history when deciding on release. She insisted he refuses to stay away from guns, store them safely, and comply with supervision requirements, which she asserted are meant to protect the public but have failed. 

She further stated he had treatment opportunities, warnings, interventions, and the benefit of advocacy during his prior release on probation which was revoked six months before Emerson’s shooting. She stated probation officers requested the revocation. “Had that request been granted, our son might still be alive today,” Emerson’s mom stated. 

“How much danger has to exist before it’s taken seriously,” she questioned. 

“It’s obviously a case that could go either way,” Judge Kravitz stated regarding the re-trial. 

“It is profound that the majority of the jury believed the government could not meet its burden,” Willis said, highlighting the nine-to-two split for acquittal of felony murder. 

Judge Kravitz highlighted Macedo’s history, stating it was complex, but did not completely define Macedo. However, Judge Kravitz stated Macedo “has not proved himself to be reliable in the community, or to be able to conform his conduct to what the law requires.”

“This incident itself occurred while he was on probation in other cases,” Judge Kravitz continued, stating no combination of conditions could guarantee the community’s safety, and denied the request. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 11. 

Stabbing Defendant Deemed Mentally Competent 

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz alerted parties in a stabbing case that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found the defendant mentally competent during a hearing on May 29. 

Corey Bridges, 34, 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 on June 7, 2025 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to their neck and bled severely.

During the hearing, parties discussed the DBH report that stated Bridges is competent to stand trial. The prosecution agreed with the finding.  To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his attorney.

Molly Bunke, Bridges’ attorney, told Judge Kravitz she needed time to review the findings with Theodore Shaw, Bridges’ other attorney who was absent. 

She further requested that Bridges continue to be held at St. Elizabeths Hospital, claiming it is obvious it has been beneficial to the defendant. 

Judge Kravitz agreed to order Bridges to remain at Saint Elizabeths until the next hearing, but stated he cannot guarantee he’ll be able to continue there if the defense agrees with the findings. 

Parties are slated to reconvene June 18. 

Prosecutors Say Dismissed Murder Case, ‘Can’t Go Through,’ Without Missing Video Evidence

The prosecution dismissed a homicide case after five days of a jury trial because of missing evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 1.

Joshua Allen, 36, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The charges stemmed from Allen’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson and injuries to a surviving victim on June 11, 2021 on 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

In addition, Allen was charged with four counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly contacting a witness and reportedly asking the individual to provide false testimony.

At the hearing, which was scheduled as the sixth day of Allen’s jury trial, Judge Park confirmed that he “received a communication” the night before from the prosecution indicating their intent to dismiss the charges. A supervisor from the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) explained that a video of the shooting from an “other angle” was missing and they “can’t go through with” the case. 

Judge Park asked the USAO official which charges should be dropped to which he responded all. “All?” Judge Park asked, and the supervisor clarified it was all charges.

Judge Park granted the USAO’s request to dismiss all 12 charges against Allen with prejudice, meaning the prosecutors are unable to refile the charges. 

The judge indicated that he would dismiss the jurors and no further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Including Uncharged Offenses

A multi-shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 28. 

Maliq Campbell, 23, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault, for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on June 10, 2023 on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. All charges had an aggravating factor of being committed during release. 

Campbell also had an arrest warrant, but was not charged, for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on Oct. 4, 2023 on the 500 block of 49th Place, SE. 

During the hearing, Campbell’s attorney, Camille Wagner, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal for two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in the shooting case, as well as a dismissal of a domestic violence case and two remaining bench warrants for unrelated incidents. 

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of five years for each charge, which would run concurrently, and five years of supervised release. 

Had the case gone to trial, prosecutors claimed they would’ve proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Campbell, while being in a car with the victim on June 10, 2023, fought over the victim’s car keys and shot at them multiple times, with the victim sustaining a graze wound. 

Prosecutors also stated that, had the bench warrant incident gone to trial they would’ve proven that Campbell fired at an individual on a bicycle multiple times, striking him twice on the wrist. They asserted Campbell acted voluntarily and without legal justification in both incidents. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 30. 

Fatal Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on May 29.

Kareem Thomas, 37, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jakele Allen on Oct. 21, 2024 on the 800 block of Kentucky Avenue, SE. Allen died from a gunshot wound to his chest.

The court formally arraigned Thomas reading the charges against him. Quiana Harris, Thomas’ attorney, entered into a not guilty plea on his behalf, asserted his rights to a speedy trial, and requested evidence in the case.  

Harris indicated that she was recently appointed to the case and asked for time to file a motion for Thomas’ release. The prosecutor, also recently appointed, and Judge Park had no objections to Harris’ request for time.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 14.

Key Witness Says He Accepted a Plea to Testify in Former Co-Defendants Homicide Trial

A key witness who previously took a plea deal to second-degree murder testified in a trial involving his former co-defendants on May 26 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson. 

Alonzo Brown, 29, and Naquel Henderson, 28, are charged with one count of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Michael Taylor and injuries to two other victims on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. Taylor sustained one shot to the back of his head, one to his thigh, and another to his left heel.

The key witness and former co-defendant who testified after accepting a plea, told the jury that he was charged with first-degree murder for his involvement in Taylor’s death and was arrested in Virginia in February 2019. The witness said he resolved the matter by pleading guilty to second-degree murder while armed and conspiracy to commit murder, for which he was sentenced in June 2025 to 11 years in prison with four suspended since he already served seven. 

The key witness testified that his plea agreement required he cooperate with the prosecution and testify truthfully, and that in exchange prosecutors agreed not to pursue firearms or other upgraded charges. The witness confirmed that a breach of the agreement, including dishonesty amounting to perjury, could result in his facing the charges resolved in the plea.

Given time constraints, prosecutors will continue questioning the key witness and the defense will cross-examine him during the next day of trial.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified on direct examination that he conducted a search warrant in January 2019 at Brown’s apartment. After Brown’s arrest, the detective said police looked for clothing and items matching photographs from the investigation. 

The detective testified that he recovered an empty shoebox from a closet, and that the box matched the shoes an individual alleged to be Brown wore in a still image taken from surveillance footage of the apartment complex lobby on the day of the shooting. The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) photographed, packaged the items, and took the box for further investigation, said the detective. 

On cross-examination, Brown’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, emphasized that the shoes were a common style and that an empty shoebox of that brand was not unusual. Kiersh further confirmed that the detective could not determine the shoes in the photograph were the same pair as those associated with the box.

A MPD sergeant testified hat he was on duty patrolling the area near the scene of the shooting on Jan. 23, 2019. There he encountered Brown, whom he recognized from a bulletin identifying him as wanted on an active arrest warrant. The sergeant testified that his body-worn camera captured the encounter and that Brown ran from officers after they attempted to arrest him, before he was ultimately taken into custody and his phone was seized. 

On cross-examination, Kiersh noted that Brown was cooperative for the first several seconds of the encounter and was not initially doing anything wrong before officers moved to arrest him, resulting in the chase. Kiersh also confirmed with the sergeant that there was audio accompanying the video, where the sergeant’s partner threatened to shoot Brown if he didn’t stop running.

The owner of a remote video surveillance company testified on direct examination that his company provided motion-activated camera service to the Pentacles apartment complex where the shooting occurred, since 2017, that the cameras were not configured to record audio, and that footage was automatically recorded over after 30 days. The witness explained that police could request footage for specific dates and times, that he provided the requested clips, and that he had no involvement in the investigation.

On cross-examination, Kiersh questioned the distance between the buildings captured on the footage and why no audio had been requested, and the witness stated that the complex’s management, as the client, had not requested audio. The prosecution clarified which buildings the footage was pulled from and the approximate distances between them.

The trial is set to resume on May 27.

Judge Orders Full Psychiatric Exam for Fatal Beating Defendant at Mental Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz transferred a homicide defendant to a psychiatric hospital on May 28 for additional observations about his mental competency.

Lavaughn Barnes, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating and dismembering of Abdulio Arias-Lopez on Nov. 4, 2022 on the 1300 block of Kearny Street, NE.

At the last hearing on May 22, at the request of the defense, Judge Kravitz ordered a preliminary competency evaluation for Barnes. To stand trial, Barnes must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his own defense.

At the hearing, Judge Kravitz said the report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed on May 27 said they needed further evaluation to determine Barnes’ competency. DBH recommended a full evaluation on an out-patient basis, which Judge Kravitz presumed meant at the DC Jail.

Hannah Claudio, Barnes’ attorney, asked for her client’s transfer to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for the evaluation. Claudio said Barnes has a complex mental illness and well documented intellectual disabilities. 

In the first evaluation, DBH spoke with Barnes virtually and most of his answers were “I don’t know,” said Claudio. For more detailed observations, Claudio argued DBH needed to see him in person because they would not draw conclusions from evaluations at the jail. The DBH report did not list reasons why an in-patient report is not necessary, added Claudio.

The prosecutor had no objection to Claudio’s request.

Judge Kravitz said he was convinced Barnes should be at Saint Elizabeths for the evaluation because of the defendant’s significant depression and DBH’s suggestion that the full examination required more observations. 

As a result, Judge Kravitz ordered a full mental competency evaluation for Barnes and his transfer to Saint Elizabeths.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on July 10.

Witnesses Can’t Identify Shooter in 17-Year-Old Homicide Trial

Two key witnesses testified they did not recognize a defendant as the shooter during a trial for a 2009 homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on May 28. 

Randolph Thomas, 43, is charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, first-degree burglary while armed, robbery while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on Dec. 31, 2009, on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE.

The trial continued as the prosecution called family members, former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, and forensic experts to testify about the home invasion and shooting that left Durant dead nearly 17 years ago. 

At the start of the hearing, parties discussed a potential witness with a prior conviction for obstruction of justice. The prosecution argued that if the defense attacked the witness’ character for truthfulness, they should be permitted to reveal he lied to a grand jury reportedly to protect Thomas. 

Judge Edelman ruled that the prosecution could respond with this information under the doctrine of curative admissibility to show bias if the witness’ credibility was questioned.

The prosecution resumed its case by calling Durant’s brother to continue his testimony, focusing on the context of his initial statements to investigators. During direct examination, he clarified that when he told detectives in 2009 he would recognize the masked perpetrators, he did not necessarily mean he could do so 17 years later. 

Thomas’ attorney Pierce Suen, highlighted the witness’ inability to identify Thomas in court. Suen elaborated that the eyewitness had been asked to look around the courtroom the previous day of trial and did not recognize Thomas as one of the shooters. The eyewitness confirmed he did not see either of the two people who were in the house that night present in the room. 

Durant’s sister also testified, describing the “tussle” and “pop noise” she heard from her upstairs bedroom. She said that Durant ran up the stairs and pushed her back, yelling for her to get out of the house because someone was trying to rob them. The prosecution played a recording of her 911 call, where she could be heard screaming for help and stating, “He told me to get my son out of the house.”

In Suen’s cross-examination, Durant’s sister admitted she never actually saw the individuals who committed the robbery or the shooting. She further testified that while Thomas looked familiar when she saw him on a small computer screen during previous online proceedings, seeing him in person left her uncertain. “I’m not sure now,” she said when asked if the defendant was the man she had seen.

A crime scene supervisor from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified regarding the evidence collected outside the residence. The prosecution presented evidence of a blood trail leading away from the scene which the supervisor documented from the house to the 200 block of Hawaii Avenue, NE. At the end of the trail, the supervisor said he recovered a pair of blue jeans that were covered in dry, flaky blood and contained a $5 bill. 

On cross-examination, the supervisor noted that the scene was quiet when he arrived around 2 a. m. He confirmed to Suen that he did not enter the residence on the night of the incident because the police were still awaiting a search warrant.

A former MPD officer, who was the first to arrive on the scene at 12:45 a. m., testified about finding Durant. He followed the blood trail to an alley behind the 200 block of Webster Street, NE, where he found Durant leaning against a trash can with a gunshot wound.

During cross-examination, Suen used the officer’s 2009 notes to show that a witness had described one suspect as six feet tall with a thin build. The officer noted he could not remember the specific details of the report, asking, “Do you think I would memorize something that I haven’t seen since 2009?”

A second former MPD officer testified about her role in preserving the crime scene and documented descriptions for two suspects. According to the officer’s notes, the first suspect was 5 feet 7 inches tall and 160 pounds with a medium complexion and short hair, wearing slim-fit clothes. The second suspect was 6 feet tall and 160-to-170 pounds with a thin build and was seen with a black handgun. 

She was later instructed by detectives to drive family members to the homicide branch without telling them that Durant had died. 

Suen pointed out during cross-examination that the officer’s notes identified the first suspect as the one who fired the shot. The report also mentioned the use of a handgun with a red laser. Like the previous officer, she stated she did not have the decades-old report memorized.

A former mobile crime officer from MPD testified regarding the ballistics and physical evidence recovered inside the Durant home after a search warrant was executed. He identified a .40 caliber shell casing found in the kitchen hallway and a bullet strike on the floor near a sofa. He also photographed a round hole in a wall near a mini-fridge and a stuffed Garfield cat where he recovered another bullet.

On cross-examination, the officer admitted to Suen that MPD technicians in 2009 were generally not trained to collect DNA from cartridge casings. Suen highlighted the lack of DNA evidence as the officer confirmed that he used a pen or pencil to scoop evidence into bags rather than more contemporary preservation methods.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for trial on June 2.

Judge Grants Homicide Defendant Home Confinement For Severe Medical Problems

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park released a homicide defendant to home confinement on May 21 after finding that the Department of Corrections (DOC) could not provide adequate care for his medical needs.

Desmond Barr, 25, 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 greater than one year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Ambria Farmer on July 13, 2024 on the 3300 block of Fort Dupont Drive, SE. Farmer sustained three gunshot wounds to her chest, face, and back. 

All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Barr was on release for a prior offense.

During the hearing, Barr’s physician discussed a release plan and provided updates on his condition. According to the physician, Barr arrived at the hospital with an acute kidney issue, a urinary tract infection requiring medication, and a severe, penetrating pressure sore, all of which had resolved since his hospitalization. The physician said that Barr’s rehabilitation required special treatment and equipment, and that his condition before the hospital showed he had not been well cared for at the DC Jail. 

The prosecution argued that Barr should remain in custody, contending the required care could be provided in the jail. They claimed that Barr, despite using a wheelchair, was clearly mobile, pointing to allegations that he reportedly attended a pool party after the homicide which showed a lack of concern. Barr was also accused of violence inside the courthouse, noted the prosecutor. 

The prosecution further argued that significant DNA evidence allegedly tied Barr to the shooting and that he was not compliant with his previous release conditions, given that he allegedly committed Farmer’s murder while on release in another matter.

Barr’s attorney, Dominique Winters, contended that Barr was violation free while on house arrest for an unrelated case, which supported his release in this case. 

Winters argued that Barr was receiving a standard of care at a rehabilitation facility that could not be duplicated in a correctional setting. Even though the DOC was present at previous hearings, they still failed to provide adequate care, said Winters.

When asked by Judge Park, the DOC health care provider stated that the jail did not have the proper facilities to manage Barr’s treatment.

Winters said that Barr was a victim of stalking and abuse, contending that Farmer reportedly ignored court orders intended to keep them apart. She argued that Barr made every attempt possible to avoid contact with Farmer, including blocking her on social media, and that the only reason the two came into contact was that Farmer allegedly deceived him about her identity in order to reach him.

Judge Park found that the evidence in the case was strong and weighed in favor of holding Barr, but noted it was undisputed that Barr had experienced medical emergencies while at the jail and required treatment that the DOC could not provide. 

As a result, Judge Park ordered Barr released to 24-hour home confinement with conditions including GPS monitoring, no firearms, no vehicle, and stay-away orders. The judge made an exception to confinement for verified medical appointments but not for legal matters, which were to be conducted at the residence or over Zoom. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Judge Imposes Partially Suspended Sentence in Shooting, Robbery Gone Wrong  

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan imposed a partially suspended sentence for a defendant on May 27, despite a victim succumbing to his injuries three years after the shooting. 

On Nov. 3, 2025, Nataniel Arce-Washington, 31, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the shooting of two individuals on Oct. 9, 2023 on the 1200 block of Queen Street, NE. 

Malcolm Robinson died from injuries related to the shooting incident on Feb. 21. Arce-Washington was not further charged in relation to the death.

The prosecutor read a letter written by Robinson’s mom, in which she stated “nothing can fully encapsulate the struggle” their family endured. She recalled Robinson being paralyzed from the neck down, and having to be on a ventilator for a sometime after the shooting. She stated he experienced “two-and-a-half years of relentless suffering,” adding he was unable to carry his youngest child, who was born after the shooting. 

“He lost his battle,” the letter read, stating it was a “direct result of the actions taken by the defendant.” The mother’s letter continued, “I’m sorry that a sequence of events shattered lives on both ends.” 

“I hope you find the mercy my son was not granted that day,” Robinson’s mom wrote. 

Prosecutors requested the maximum sentence, which was 60 months for aggravated assault and 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license. They highlighted Robinson’s injuries, and the other victim’s, who they claimed was shot twice in the gut. 

They argued there is no way to know exactly what happened leading up to the shooting, despite both parties agreeing evidence showed the victims attempting to rob Arce-Washington, who the prosecution claims was a drug dealer, and pistol whipping him. 

“As they’re pistol-whipping him, why wouldn’t he shoot them?” Judge Ryan asked, stating the victim’s actions did not excuse Arce-Washington firing at them 10 times. 

“Drugs and guns are an inherently dangerous mix,” the prosecutor asserted, arguing that Arce-Washington put himself in a position that enabled violence. 

David Benowitz, Arce-Washington’s attorney, asked for a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines, arguing Arce-Washington’s actions began as self-defense, but ended in an overreaction. 

However, he highlighted the prosecution’s failure to question the surviving victim, who he claimed had outstanding warrants at the time of the shooting. According to Benowitz, the victims both had court orders that prohibited them from being in the neighborhood where the incident occurred. 

“[Arce-Washington] overreacted. That’s why he accepted guilt. He feels bad about it,” Benowitz asserted. 

“I don’t know who brought the gun. That’s what it comes down to,” Judge Ryan said, stating he had a difficult time determining a sentence.. He stated the court’s goal is “punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation,” stating the former two are most important when an individual is significantly harmed. 

He highlighted Arce-Washington needing to defend himself from two people who tried to rob him, but raised concern with his firing 10 rounds in a densely populated area. “He hit both of them, and one ultimately suffered quite grievously.”

“[Arce-Washington] did nothing to bring the robbery on himself, but reacted wrongly by going after them,” Judge Ryan stated. 

Arce-Washington was issued a 24 month sentence for aggravated assault and 10 months for carrying a pistol without a license, both counts suspended for all but six months. He will be required to serve two years of supervised probation, get a full time job, and be evaluated for mental health and substance abuse issues. 

“I truly don’t know what happened that day,” Judge Ryan asserted as Marshals took Arce-Washington into custody. 

No further dates were set.