Shooting Defendant’s Family Claims Arson Retaliation

The stepdaughter of a shooting defendant testified on Nov. 13 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that members of the victim’s family attempted to set her apartment building on fire two days after the shooting.

David Pena, 49, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges are in connection to Pena’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Maurice Robinson on the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE, on June 12, 2023.

Lawyers for David Pena, Dana Page and Gail Engmann, called his stepdaughter to testify about the brawl that led to Robinson’s death as well as an attempted arson at Pena’s apartment building two days after the fight, which Page and Engmann allege was committed by Robinson’s family.

The witness testified to being home the day that her stepsister, Pena’s daughter, got into a fight with a former friend. She said that the family of the other girl came to their apartment complex and goaded her stepsister into a fight.

“They came to our house and people came to our door and they started banging,” she said.

The witness described a chaotic scene as she went out to retrieve her younger siblings and bring them inside, away from the conflict.

“People were fighting and people were trying to stop the fight as well,” she said. “There were kids that were getting maced and they [Robinson’s family] proceeded to jump her.”

The witness also said that when she tried to intervene and break things up, a man grabbed onto something in his waistband and told her to back off.

“I guess I thought it was a gun,” she said.

During their questioning, prosecutors pointed out that she had not said anything about someone flashing a gun at her until this month despite being interviewed by the police several times. It was not clear during her testimony if the man in question was Robinson.

Page also asked the witness about an attempted arson that took place at the witness’ apartment building two days after the shooting. Prior to his arrest, Pena had also lived in the building, along with some of the witnesses’ family.

The witness said that at around 2 a.m. she heard what sounded like water splashing outside her apartment.

“People came and they poured gasoline around the building,” she said. The witness testified that she saw one person’s face and recognized her as the lady who allegedly maced her young siblings on the day of the brawl. When asked how she could recognize her, the witness said that she was wearing the same shoes at the brawl and the arson.

Prosecutors challenged the witness’ version of events and played the 911 call she made the night of the arson. During the call, the witness said that she did not know and could not identify any of the people committing the arson.

In response to prosecutors’ questioning, the witness described it as a “frantic call.”

Jurors also heard testimony from the lead detective in this case.

The detective interviewed the mother of Pena’s biological daughter, who identified Pena as the shooter, according to the detective.

However, the detective said that no weapon was found in the apartment where Pena lived.

In fact, no murder weapon has been recovered in this case and ballistic evidence was not recovered from the scene of the shooting, according to the detective.

Judge Dayson denied a motion from the defense to discuss the prosecution’s failure to investigate the arson incident in front of the jury.

“This is where the trial within the trial really becomes an issue for me,” Dayson said.

Dayson did, though, allow the defense to reopen cross-examination an earlier witness, Robinson’s mother. Based on testimony from Pena’s stepdaughter, Robinson’s mother allegedly maced children during the brawl and participated in the arson incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 17.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to indictment charges during his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 14.

Rodney Whiting, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, 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 for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Feb. 14 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE.

According to court records, Whiting was actually indicted on Nov. 12. During the hearing, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Additionally, defense attorney Matthew Davies requested evidence from the prosecution that would potentially be exculpatory.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 17 to discuss evidence and set a trial date.

Questionable Urine Samples Jeopardize Parole Status for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe considered sending a former stabbing defendant back to jail on Nov. 12, after she submitted drug tests inconsistent with human urine.

On June 9, Sharae Hicks, 52, pleaded guilty to simple assault and attempted felony violation of the bail reform act for her involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of 12th Street, NW on July 29, 2024.

The stabbing occurred after a night of drinking and smoking in the victim’s apartment when Hicks and the victim allegedly struggled over a knife. During her sentencing on June 9, Hicks told the court that she grabbed the knife in self-defense after the victim refused to stop messing with her and touching her face, according to earlier reporting from DC Witness and court documents.

On June 9, Judge Pipe imposed a suspended sentence for the charges and two years of probation, opting not to send her to prison.

During the Nov. 12 hearing, though, Judge Pipe nearly decided to revoke Hick’s probation status for her non-compliance in drug testing and for failing to show up to court on time. Hicks arrived hours late to her morning probation hearing.

In her absence, her probation officer informed the court that, recently, she had not been compliant with drug testing. The officer noted that she missed several tests in October and one in November, and had submitted some samples that were not consistent with human urine.

Parties reconvened later when Hicks arrived at court and her probation officer noted that though she had missed drug tests, she was in compliance with mental health services, according to court documents.

Judge Pipe allowed her to remain on release and prove her compliance until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 16.

Trial Opens in Fatal Stabbing, Shooting Case

Opening statements and witness testimony marked day one of a brutal murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 12

Julius Worthy, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and stabbing of Orlando Galloway, 36, on April 2, 2023 at the 200 block of 14th Street, SE. Also injured was Galloway’s girlfriend, who was stabbed but survived.

In opening statements, the prosecution explained the violence that had occurred in an apartment building in April. “Shot. Stabbed. Beaten,” he said, stating that Galloway had been shot eight times, stabbed five times in the neck, and beaten so extensively with a firearm that his skull caved in and a part of the gun’s frame snapped off.

The assault had was over $20, the prosecution alleged. He claimed that Worthy had returned to the apartment angry and the two men had fought. It escalated quickly into the fatal shooting and stabbing. One of the shots hit the air mattress Galloway and his girlfriend had been sleeping on. She had tried to play dead according to the prosecution, but Worthy still choked her and stabbed her repeatedly, including 16 times in the hand.

“There is only one possible verdict,” the prosecutor told the jury, confident they would find Worthy guilty on all counts. He said that the testimonies of Galloway’s girlfriend, experts, police, medical personnel, and neighbors would prove the brutality of the shooting and stabbings.

A neighbor, who had called police, had seen Worthy stabbing the woman through the open front door, the prosecution said. This second assault had occurred an hour after the initial gunshots.

The prosecution told the jury that when Worthy was arrested, he was found in an alleyway near the incident address and he was soaked in blood. He had been found and arrested the day after the shooting and stabbing occurred.

The prosecution argued Worthy not only murdered Galloway, but attacked his girlfriend with the intent to kill her.

Despite the certainty of the prosecution, defense attorney Steven Ogilvie argued that “the only possible, just verdict” is not guilty. He argued that the testimony of Galloway’s girlfriend is not credible, claiming that her story changes and does not agree with the physical evidence in the case.

He argued that she had said that Worthy had the gun and that neither she or Galloway had a weapon. But Worthy’s DNA was not found on the gun, Ogilvie argued, and both of the victims’ DNA profiles were found on the gun.

Therefore, he argued that it was impossible to reconcile the testimony and the DNA evidence. “That story is contradicted by physical, scientific evidence,” Ogilvie said. Even so, he told the jury “you decide where the doubt is” within the prosecution’s theory.

Several witnesses testified. One of Galloway’s sisters spoke about his character. Though brief, her testimony was emotional as she paused, trying to find the right words.

“He was a big gentle teddy bear, he was our protector…,” she said. “He was our everything.”

One of the responding officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about the scene and the state he found the surviving victim in. Multiple clips of his body-worn camera footage were shown in court, depicting his arrival and the subsequent canvass of the surrounding area.

In the footage, smears of blood are seen on the white door of the apartment and a window is visibly broken. Loud music and a male voice shouting indistinguishably can be heard from the unit directly above before a female voice from inside the apartment, crying for help.

When she opened the door on the footage, the surviving victim was covered in blood and had visible cuts. She was on the floor, disoriented, repeatedly telling the two officers that “he ran out the back door” and begging for help. Galloway was seen laying on his back on the floor of the kitchen.

When questioned by defense attorney Michael Bruckheim, the officer testified his first priority was to help the victim and attempt to provide medical attention before the paramedics arrived.

The officer testified that he did, however, go to the back of the apartment building, canvassing the area when directed to do so by his supervisor. He was searching for any suspects or possible evidence that may be at the rear of the building. The officer said that he did not find either.

Bruckheim asked if he had found blood at the open gate to the backyard of the apartment building. The officer said he did not, but that he was not primarily looking for blood.

While officers investigated the backyard, the upstairs neighbor in the apartment building spoke to them through his screen door. He was argumentative, the testifying officer claimed, and was “loud and obnoxious” as he asked the officers questions about what they were doing and why they were there.

When asked in cross-examination, the officer clarified that more officers had arrived to keep an eye on him. The officer stated they were watching the upstairs neighbor because they were unsure if he was involved in the homicide in any way. The neighbor did calm down after speaking to the officer’s supervisors.

The officer was also present for the defendant’s arrest. He testified that Worthy was cooperative, but was shuffling around and would not make eye contact. The officer said Worthy may have been “passively resisting,” as he laid down when they were trying to handcuff him and he had to be lifted up. Bruckheim suggested that Worthy was making it easier to handcuff him by laying down, but the officer claimed it had not been.

Another officer who responded to the scene testified. He testified that, when he got to the apartment, he knocked on the door multiple times before anyone answered. The person who eventually opened the door was a woman the officer said was badly injured. He heard her weakly saying “help me.” He said he also noticed a man who appeared to be unconscious.

The officer testified he immediately called for paramedics and his supervisor. He waited to enter the apartment, and when he did, he said he saw blood “everywhere” and that the “apartment was in disarray.” He checked the man further for signs of life, and said he noticed none.

When paramedics arrived, they quickly started treating the injured woman, according to the officer. When he asked why they didn’t treat the man, the paramedics told him he was already declared dead. He said the paramedics had to cut parts of her clothing off to treat her fully.

The officer mentioned clothing that were cut off the victim. He said some pieces were recovered from the scene where paramedics cut it and the rest was recovered from the floor of the hospital room she was treated at.

The prosecution also showed body camera footage of officers arresting a suspect and collecting two items from him: a knit cap and a phone. A bandage can be seen on the suspect’s wrist, which the officer clarified was already there when they found him.

During cross examination, the officer further clarified that he was not involved in searching the apartment for evidence nor did he speak with detectives who did or who interviewed the surviving victim.

Bruckheim asked the officer if the clothing they recovered from the hospital was truly recovered from the floor, to which the officer said yes. He stated the bag they put the clothes in was a plastic bag hospital staff gave them.

The prosecution brought in another witness: a forensic scientist who investigated the scene.

He explained that forensic scientists often sketch the areas they investigate to create a clearer picture of the scene. He and his partner both drew one. The prosecution showed both.

The sketch showed the front room of the apartment in 3D. He pointed out several markers on the sketch that referenced “leftover projectiles” and strike marks where they hit.

The other sketch was from the witness’s partner showed a top-down view of the apartment and where relevant items were located.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Nov. 13.

Stabbing Defendant Won’t Come to Court, Again

A stabbing defendant’s case was delayed due to his refusal to attend court before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 14.

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

According to court documents, the stabbing victim was a CVS store employee who requested that the defendant leave after attempting to take chips and soda without paying.

At the hearing, Holman’s defense attorney, Terrance Austin, told Judge Kravitz that his client was not brought over from the jail, and was aware that he had been experiencing medical issues earlier in the week.

According to court records, Holman has failed to appear in court due to medical issues or refusal numerous times since being detained in December of 2023.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 17.

Judge Weighs Defense Request to Share Information That May Put Witness at Risk

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered prosecutors to justify why they’re not sharing information with the defense about an important witness on Nov. 7.

Randolph Thomas, 42, is charged with felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed robbery, and first-degree burglary while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Emmanuel Durant Jr. on the 200 block of Webster Street, NE, on Dec. 31, 2009. Thomas was arrested in October 2023 in connection to the murder.

During the hearing, parties discussed a motion to compel that defense attorney Pierce Suen had filed in regards to a witness. According to Suen, he had requested materials relating to the witness six months ago, and asked how he was supposed to conduct an investigation and put a case together when he had “none of the information.” He explained that he didn’t even know when the witness spoke with detectives about the incident, and said that was an example of “the bare minimum facts” that the defense was lacking.

The prosecution claimed to have provided a “significant amount” of information about the witness, but said that they could not disclose the additional materials Suen was requesting because of “witness security issues.” The prosecution argued that the trial date is set seven months out, so the defense could wait a few months for the disclosure to ensure the witness’ safety.

Judge Edelman asked Suen what type of investigation the defense would conduct if it had access to the information. Suen explained that he wanted to look into cellular communications data and also investigate any potential inconsistencies in the witness statements.

The judge agreed that the prosecution had an obligation to disclose the information under the Brady rule, which requires the prosecution to disclose possible exculpatory evidence, but claimed he was hesitant to order the disclosure because of the vagueness of the “witness security issues” cited by the prosecution.

The prosecution explained that the witness was currently in protective custody while in jail because he had been receiving threats, and claimed that if the defense began investigating, the “intensity of the threats” could increase and pose a danger to the witness.

Suen argued that there was no evidence that an investigation would actually compromise the witness’ safety, and that the prosecution’s argument that it would was “speculative.”

Judge Edelman asked if there was any information in the witness materials that would directly put the witness at risk, to which the prosecution said there may be, but that it would be easier to disclose all of the information in a few months rather than parse through it to find which information would be dangerous.

Judge Edelman noted that there was no “laboriousness exception” to Brady and that the court needed more substantial evidence that the information would threaten the witness to justify not disclosing it. He gave the prosecution three weeks to review the materials for anything that would put the witness at risk before disclosing the materials.

Parties are set to return on May 15, 2026.

Murder Defendant Gets Mental Eval For Memory Loss

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt asked a doctor to evaluate a defendant’s competency on Nov. 13 after prosecutors stated they believe the defendant suffers from memory loss.

Karlos Bibb, 25, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a car collision that resulted in the death of Jamya Williams, 20, on July 3, 2021 on the intersection of 14th and K Streets, NW.

When Judge Brandt asked about Bibb’s competency, a doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) stated she believes Bibb is struggling with “memory deficits” and suffered a traumatic brain injury. This has resulted in Bibb being unable to recall many events from the past five years.

Therefore, the doctor believed that part of the competency exam should assess Bibb’s cognitive function, through a specialized evaluation that has not been conducted.

The prosecution said some of the 8,000 jail calls Bibb made should be taken into consideration for the evaluation.

Judge Brandt ordered the prosecution to send the flagged sections of the jail calls by the end of December and asked the doctor to have her full competency report taking into consideration a detailed neuro-psychological evaluation completed by the next hearing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 30, 2026.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Requests Removal of GPS Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz requested a written motion before ruling on the defendant’s oral request to remove her GPS monitor on Nov. 14.

Meyona Rorie, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault while armed for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 20, on the 3600 block of Ames Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Rorie instructed an unknown individual to pull the trigger and shoot the victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the arm.

Judge Kravitz previously released Rorie to home confinement with GPS monitoring on Oct. 10. According to her Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer, she has since received one infraction for leaving her home to go to the grocery store without previous approval from her case manager, but has otherwise remained compliant.

At the hearing, her defense attorney Michael Lawlor was unable to appear, and Matthew Davies stood in as the defense. Davies told Judge Kravitz that he wished to discuss the removal of Rorie’s GPS monitor.

Judge Kravitz requested that Lawlor file a written motion, given that stand-in prosecution and defense counsel were present at the hearing.

Rorie was assured by Judge Kravitz that he would rule soon after the motion was filed, but said he was not prepared to make a ruling at that time. Rorie was visibly upset about the judge’s decision to delay his ruling.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13, 2026.

Judge Grants Request for Full Mental Competency Examination Despite Possible Malingering

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted the defense’s request for a full mental competency examination of a shooting defendant during a Nov. 12 hearing.

Roasu Johnson, 35, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, carrying a pistol without license outside of a home or business, unlawful discarding a firearm or ammunition, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 900 block of Kennedy Street, NW, on Aug. 6, 2025.

The first three charges are enhanced because they were allegedly committed during release for a separate crime, which can result in additional years of incarceration.

During the hearing, defense attorney Alvin Thomas requested a full mental evaluation of Johnson to determine whether he is competent to stand trial. The initial report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) indicated that a full exam would be necessary but also explained that there is possible “malingering,” or that Johnson is feigning illness.

Johnson also brought a mental health report from the DC Jail to show the court, supporting his argument for a full examination.

Judge McLean granted the full examination request but required Thomas to explain his specific concerns about Johnson’s mental state to DBH.

At the end of the hearing, Thomas requested that Johnson receive treatment at Saint Elizabeths Hospital. Judge McLean denied this request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.

Judge Severs Mom and Son Co-Defendants in Murder Case

A homicide defendant will now have a separate trial date from her son after DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a motion to sever during a Nov. 7 hearing.

Violet Davenport, 55, and her son, William Davenport, 33, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW, on May 14, 2021.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt notified the court that Violet’s attorneys, Carrie Weletz and Camille Wagner, filed a motion to sever her case from her son’s. The prosecution had no opposition and Judge Brandt granted the motion.

The court will decide Violet’s trial date during a March hearing after her son’s trial is complete. Wagner argued that Violet’s case will develop after her son’s trial and that it would be best to wait to schedule a trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

‘I Am No Monster,’ Says Defendant Sentenced to 27 Years For Killing of Elderly Man

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Bryant sentenced a defendant in a homicide case to 27 years in prison on Nov. 7 after a jury found him guilty in 2024.

Ky’Lee Palmer, 26, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that killed Barron Goodwin, 60, on the 800 block of 51st Street SE, on Feb. 12, 2020.

Each charge has been enhanced because the offense was committed on pre-trial release for another crime, meaning that additional incarceration could be added to the sentence.

According to the prosecution, Goodwin was shot in the back of the head while sleeping on his couch after Palmer directed a “hand selected” shooter to aim at his house. Seven to nine bullets struck Goodwin’s residence in a day-time driveby.

Goodwin’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law delivered a joint victim impact statement for the court. They shared that Goodwin was an older brother figure that was a source of love and wisdom.

Goodwin’s sister-in-law explained that the family was forced to move out of the house because of the immense effect his death has had on them.

“He was killed in a place that was supposed to be safe, that was a place of family gathering,” Goodwin’s sister-in-law said. “We live in fear. We were robbed of peace.”

The prosecution advocated for 28 years and eight months, with 25 of those years being for the homicide charge and accompanying possession charge.

The prosecution argued the motivation for the homicide was a fight at a restaurant between Goodwin’s niece, who was romantically involved with Palmer. An hour before the shooting, Palmer took the niece’s phone and stranded her at the restaurant, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution explained that domestic violence was a patterned behavior of the defendant. According to the prosecution, Palmer gave Goodwin’s niece a black eye and shoved her over a railing before spraying her with mace.

The prosecution also alleged that Palmer was romantically involved with another victim of domestic abuse at the same time. As a result, the victim tried to committ suicide by jumping out of an eight story building. She survived the suicide attempt and testified against Palmer during the trial.

The prosecution highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime, explaining that Palmer had one hour after the fight to plan the shooting. He “scoped out his house,” “circled the block,” and came back to the area of Goodwin’s house to light the stolen vehicle involved on fire, endangering those in nearby buildings.

The prosecution argued that the sentencing for the homicide, destruction of property, and pre-trial enhancements should run consecutively to account for the reckless and dangerous behavior that put multiple lives in danger.

Defense attorney David Akulian argued that Palmer should be sentenced to 16 years of incarceration, with 14 of those being for the homicide charges. Akulian explained that Palmer never used a firearm himself, emphasizing that he was found guilty for a crime similar to aiding and abetting.

Akulian also explained to the court that, while the crime was committed during pre-trial release of a domestic violence incident, that case was ultimately dismissed.

Akulian mainly focused on the immense character change he has witnessed in Palmer. Palmer has completed more than 50 courses in the DC Jail and is incredibly remorseful for the loss that the Goodwin family has experienced, according to Akulian.

Palmer delivered a heartfelt statement before the court while also maintaining his innocence. He explained that he comes from a background filled with violence and difficult circumstances.

“There was a lot of domestic violence in my life and it rubbed off on me,” Palmer said.

Palmer apologized for the heartache the incident has caused and shared his empathy, having lost two of his brothers to senseless violence.

“I know that kind of pain. It is not something that I want to cause.”

Palmer argued that the incident did not come from a place of anger or revenge. He articulated his love and appreciation for Goodwin’s niece, sharing that she was someone who came to him during a difficult time in his life.

Palmer worked six-to-seven days a week to provide for his son. He has a strong community of family that has supported him throughout his trial. He shared that he did not invite his family to his sentencing.

“I don’t want to see my mom lose a third son. It’s not something I want her to witness,” Palmer said.

Judge Brandt sentenced Palmer to 27 years in prison, recognizing the seriousness of the charges Palmer was convicted of. She confirmed that Palmer received additional sentencing because the crime was committed while Palmer was on release for another crime. She also cited his 1.5 criminal score that placed him at the top of sentencing guidelines.

“What led up to this event and after was calculated. There is no other adjective that does this justice,” Brandt said.

Judge Brandt shared her gratitude for Goodwin’s family sharing their love for Goodwin.

“I appreciate you coming here. It’s a brave thing to do,” Brandt said. “I have memories of seeing the pictures of him from trial. It’s a shame you had to share him with me in that way.”

Judge Brandt also recognized Akulian for the 112 page sentencing memorandum he compiled that shared letters from Palmer and his family.

“I am going to accept your apology on behalf of the people of DC,” Brandt said.

Judge Brandt explained that she factored in Palmer’s dedication to rehabilitation in her sentencing. She commemorated the strong grades that Palmer received, demonstrating strong retention of the information.

“You are the first person in a long time to do more than just sit in the DC Jail. You turned a dreary situation into a positive one,” Brandt said. “I was struck and impressed that you have been taking anger management classes, contentious relationships classes, and domestic abuse classes.”

Judge Brandt recommended that Palmer be placed in a prison that supported his culinary interests developed in the DC Jail. She hoped that Palmer would consider a career in the culinary arts after serving his sentence.

“You should get credit for the transformation you’ve been on,” Brandt said. “I see a future for you. Don’t let that time drag you down.”

Judge Brandt left Palmer with a final message, sharing that she was moved by the statement he delivered to the court, particularly when he said, “I am no monster, no killer.”

“I heard what you said today about you not being a monster,” Brandt said. “Even though I gave you a long sentence, I don’t see that when I look at you. I see a young man who has been locked up for a while. I see a young man who probably regrets what happened.”

Judge Brandt urged Palmer to stay in contact with his family while he serves his sentence.

“Don’t block your family out of your life, you need your family, everyone needs their family,” Brandt said. “Do good things in the memory of Mr. Goodwin. He would probably tell you the same things I am telling you because that’s the kind of gentle, caring soul he was.”

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Testifies He Shot to Protect Himself, His Children During Trial

A defendant testified he acted in self-defense at trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson on Nov. 12.

David Pena, 49, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. The charges are in connection to Pena’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24, on June 12, 2023 at the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Defense attorney Dana Page called Pena to the stand.

Pena stated that on the morning of the incident, he was out shopping with his wife, looking for teething rings for his granddaughter. After he returned, he stopped home, made a quick run to the local liquor store, then came back and began making dinner for his kids.

It was then that Pena’s eldest daughter alerted him to a group gathering outside of their apartment unit, which included some of Pena’s children. He stated that he didn’t know what the group of people wanted, but that they were yelling.

Pena eventually found out that this group gathered because they were looking to fight one of his daughters. His daughter then started moving to go outside and meet the group.

“I yelled to her, ‘no’, because I didn’t want her to fight,” Pena stated. When they started fighting, Pena testified, he made his way outside. “Everything happened so fast,” he said.

He testified to seeing his younger children get maced by a member of the group, and saw his daughter engaging in a fight with others. He stated he had difficulty deciding who to help, but eventually began trying to get his daughter to safety, as she had been knocked to the ground.

As he was helping his daughter, Pena testified, he was knocked to the ground multiple times by someone in the group, although he didn’t know who. As he tried to leave the fight, he thought he heard someone shout “Blow his ass up,” and subsequently reach for their waistband.

It was at this point that Pena testified to pulling his own gun, a .38 caliber revolver, from his waistband and firing six shots in the direction of who he thought was going to fire at him.

When asked by Page why Pena thought someone reaching for their waistband had a gun, Pena responded that “[he] lives around 30th Street, [and] no one comes around there without a weapon… where I live, people get in gun fights at noon”.

After he fired his weapon, Pena stated that he grabbed all of his children, and ushered them inside. “I was the last one inside, making sure all my kids got in okay,” Pena said.

He described seeing all of his kids run into the bathroom to wash the mace out of their eyes when they got back to their apartment. Pena stated he removed his shirt, and set his gun on the bed. Eventually, he heard sirens and ran to the back stairwell.

Pena also admitted that he drank a half-gallon of Long Island iced tea in the stairwell. When asked why by Page, Pena stated he was “confused, hurt, [and] scared”.

On cross examination, the prosecution emphasized numerous times that Pena had been previously convicted of illegal firearm possession charges, and did not possess the firearm Pena used in this shooting legally. Pena affirmed that this was true.

Prosecutors asked Pena to demonstrate to the group how he physically put bullet casings into his gun. “You put one, then two, then three, four, five, six in,” they stated, with Pena agreeing. He also confirmed that following the shooting, he put his weapon on his bed, and it later disappeared – indicating that one of his children had taken the weapon.

When asked who had taken the weapon, Pena responded, “if I knew who had taken the gun, they wouldn’t have the gun”.

Pena was asked to confirm that he was an alcoholic and had been drinking in the “days leading up to the incident,” according to prosecutors. Pena said that while he is an alcoholic, he denied drinking the day before the incident.

Prosecutors also questioned Pena on his actions amidst the fight his daughter was in. “You weren’t trying to stop the fight?,” they asked. “I physically couldn’t stop everyone at once,” Pena responded.

Prosecutors claimed that Pena could have left the scene, instead of staying involved in the escalating fight. “You physically couldn’t leave the scene?,” they asked.

“I physically could not leave my children alone, no, ” Pena responded.

When asked how long Pena had to think about the incident and his story, Pena responded that “[his] story has been the same since day one”.

Prosecutors pressed about where he got the gun that was used in this incident. Pena admitted to purchasing the gun from an individual who sold drugs on 30th Street, but refused to name him when asked by the prosecutor.

The prosecutors also questioned Pena over the dangerous nature of 30th Street, prompting Pena to say “no one comes by 30th Street to fight without a weapon.” They questioned if “that day, you were one of those dangerous people”? Pena replied, “No, I wasn’t.”

On redirect, Page emphasized that Pena was trying to protect his daughter on the day of the incident. Pena recalled shooting five times because he “was scared,” adding that Robinson was coming toward him.

When Page asked what he was telling the jury, Pena replied, “My truth.”

Midway through the trial, Judge Dayson received a note from a juror who shared she was no longer able to keep an open mind about the case. After speaking privately with her, Judge Dayson confirmed that she had already made up her mind and could no longer devote sufficient attention to the case. Both parties agreed to excusing her from the trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Defendant in Fatal Stabbing Gets Mental Competency Screening

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted the defense a competency screening to determine if a defendant in a homicide case is mentally fit to stand trial during a Nov. 7 hearing.

Kevin Johnson, 39, is charged with felony murder while armed, first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonio Woody on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE, on Oct. 6, 2024.

According to court documents, Woody sustained five sharp force wounds after being stabbed while he was sitting in a wheelchair outside of a Department of Human Services’ shelter.

During the hearing, defense attorney Elizabeth Weller’s motion for Johnson to undergo a competency screening was granted without objection from the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a shooting on Oct. 24 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, Northwest. An adult male was found with a gunshot wound and transported to a hospital, surviving the incident. Surveillance footage of the suspects is available for viewing.

Judge Orders New Mental Evaluation After Defense Reveals Additional Records

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a new mental competency evaluation on Nov. 13 for a defendant after defense counsel revealed he had medical issues that evaluators did not use to complete the previous evaluation.

Kevin Andrade,34, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill for allegedly stabbing six people with a knife on April 3, 2025 on the 1700 block of Montello Avenue, NE.

Defense attorney for Andrade, Steven Kiersch, disagreed with the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) finding that Andrade was mentally competent and requested an independent competency assessment with an independent expert.

Kiersch revealed that he has two binders that are “substantial in size” of Andrade’s medical records that DBH evaluators did not have when they conducted Andrade’s initial competency evaluation.

Judge Brandt asked Kiersch to send those medical records to the prosecution and DBH, to which he agreed. Additionally, Judge Brandt ordered DBH to complete another evaluation that takes into account the medical records the defense will send.

To stand trial, a defendant must comprehend the charges and help his lawyer defend the case.

The parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 16, 2026.