‘I Remember a Pistol Being Put Up to My Head,’ Says Cajacking Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur heard testimony from the victim in a carjacking trial on April 22.

Miquel Beasley, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on March 22, 2024 on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.

The prosecution called the victim to testify who said he intended to purchase marijuana from Beasley.

The victim recalled Beasley arriving in an Audi with another individual the victim didn’t recognize. The victim said Beasley broke the front passenger door handle entering the car. The victim said “I remember a pistol being put up to my head,” and he heard Beasley say, “I don’t want to kill you.”

According to the victim, the gun was pointed to the right side of his head towards the back and it touched him. He described the gun as a “black Luger.”

The victim said he exited the car, and the Audi drove off with Beasley following behind driving the victim’s car. The victim then called 911.

The prosecutor played the 911 call for the jury in which the victim identified his voice. In the call, the victim repeated “I’ve just been carjacked.” He said “a friend pulled a gun and said get the f*** out the car.” The victim described his car in the call as a 1983 Toyota Camry with handicapped stickers.

The victim told the operator he would go to a nearby fire station and testified that he spoke with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers there. He gave the MPD officers Beasley’s phone number. At a later date, the victim said he identified Beasley as the carjacker to two detectives.

In the cross-examination, Antoini Jones, Beasley’s attorney, asked the victim if he told the MPD officers the gun was pointed at his neck. The victim said he did not because that was not true. However after reviewing video footage provided by Jones, the victim said he didn’t recall saying it was pointed at his neck but he may have gestured to his neck when describing the event.

Jones told the victim in the conversation with MPD officers he described the gun as a nine millimeter. The victim said he didn’t remember that, so Jones read from the grand jury transcript where the victim said it was not a nine millimeter and he was a “gun enthusiast, being in the military and all.”

The victim on the stand said “it was a gun,” “I wouldn’t know [if it was a nine millemeter] when it was pointed at my head.”

According to Jones, the victim told MPD officers that he planned to meet with Beasley to loan him some money, but in his testimony he said it was to buy marijuana. Jones asked “was it your intent to loan [Beasley] money?” When the victim answered no, Jones said “so you lied to the police,” and the victim responded “I can’t recall.”

Jones confirmed that the victim told MPD officers and the jury that his car was a 1983 Camry. However, according to Jones, the car was a 1999 Camry. The victim said “ I gave them the information I did when I was under duress.”

The victim told Jones he knew Beasley for no more than two months before the incident. Jones noted that the victim told police it was three months, and asked, “you just said you were certain two months, now maybe three? Which is right?” The victim responded “I really don’t know. It’s been a long time.”

As a result of time constraints, the rest of the victim’s testimony was postponed.

Prosecutors called an expert witness, a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to testify who is a member of the Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST). The prosecution asked the expert about the historical cell site analysis report he created for the case. They showed a map of cell towers a Verizon number pigged off of on the night of the offense.

The expert testified that the call records showed the number pinging off of a tower in Hillcrest Heights at 2:46 p. m. before pinging off a tower that would’ve likely provided coverage to the incident location 14 minutes later. He testified that the time between locations was indicative of someone driving and making phone calls.

The expert also testified that at 3:28 p. m., the same number pinged off a tower that would’ve likely provided coverage to the location where the carjacked vehicle was recovered.

During cross-examination, Jones asked the expert questions about the accuracy of cell site analysis. The expert explained that while cell phones are typically within the range he provided on the map, this is not always the case. He testified it was possible that a phone could be outside of the range.

The expert testified that he believes his analysis placed the owner of the phone in a vehicle during that time period. When asked to clarify, the expert asserted that the person could have been on a bicycle.

He also explained that he could not track if the phone was transferred to a person who is not the subscriber. He does know that there was one subscriber associated with that phone number.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Judge Sentences Homicide Co-Defendants to Nine Years Each

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced two homicide co-defendants to nine years each in prison on April 24.

Jerome Dukes, 35, and Justin Borum, 36, pleaded guilty on Feb. 9 to voluntary manslaughter while armed for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones at the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, SE on Feb. 21, 2023. Two additional individuals sustained injuries.

At the hearing, prosecutors said this case was complicated, as there were other individuals besides the defendants who were firing at Jones.

Jones’ mother was present at court, but the prosecutor spoke on her behalf. Jones’ mother said she misses her son everyday but has forgiven the defendants for their actions. She asked Judge Park to accept a sentencing agreement reached by the prosecution and defense, which set a maximum of nine years of imprisonment for each defendant.

Borum’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, requested that Judge Park accept this agreement as well. He said that his client has strong family support and has children. LoGerfo also asked the court to make a prior gun-related charge run concurrently to this sentence.

Borum spoke directly in court and apologized to Jones’ mother.

Dukes’ attorney, Brandi Harden, also requested that Judge Park accept the agreement. She said her client expresses his remorse and wanted the opportunity to get back to his family.

Dukes apologized to Jones’ mother and acknowledged that his apology “is not going to bring him [Jones] back.”

Judge Park accepted the agreement based on the facts of the case, guilty pleas, and remorse shown by the defendants. Dukes and Borum were sentenced to nine years of imprisonment and five years of supervised release.

Judge Park denied LoGerfo’s request to run a separate charge concurrently with this sentence because it happened at a different time and place and was unrelated to the current case.

Harden objected to Judge Park’s recommendation of drug treatment upon release. She argued that there was no evidence that Dukes struggled with drugs.

“Prison is too hard,” Harden said. “Please don’t put him under these conditions that will make him fail.”

The prosecutor did not object.

Harden also took issue with Dukes paying a $100 fine to the victim’s family in three years. He will have to pay from his prison wages, which is a small amount.

Judge Park removed Dukes’ drug recommendation from the supervised release guidelines, since he has tested negative for drugs in the past. He did not, however, remove the fine because it is a statutory requirement under the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Act (VVCA).

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Enters Timely Plea in Knifepoint, Robbery Case

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal eight days after the offense before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 23.

Eustasio Valdes, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and robbery while armed for his involvement in a stabbing on the 1200 block of 49th Place, NE on April 15. The victim suffered a laceration to the abdomen.

According to court documents, Valdes approached the victim and pressed a knife up to the abdomen. Valdes reached into the victim’s pocket, grabbed a phone, and fled down an alley. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Valdes in the alley with the stolen phone and a foldable knife in his possession.

At the hearing, Valdes’ attorney, Joseph Molina pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange the prosecution agreed not to seek further charges, limit their sentencing request allocution at the bottom of the guidelines, and request the sentences run concurrently.

According to Judge Pipe, the maximum penalty for attempted robbery is three years confinement and for possession of a prohibited weapon is one year.

After finding Valdes understood his rights and what he was giving up for this plea deal, Judge Pipe accepted Valdes’ decision. She found Valdes entered this plea knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily.

The prosecutor said, if the case went to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Valdes did possess a knife and attempted to steal a phone from the victim. These actions had no legal justification.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 10.

Defense Accuses Prosecution of Playing, ‘Hide And Seek,’ With Carjacking Evidence

Defense argued for a motion to dismiss a carjacking case before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 20.

Dylan Boney, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and possession of a prohibited weapon. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW on June 29, 2025.

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

Boney’s attorney, Patrick Nowak, asked Judge Arthur for a motion to dismiss the case because the prosecution failed to disclose relevant evidence in a timely manner. Nowak accused the prosecutors of playing a ‘hide and seek game” with evidence.

Nowak claimed prosecutors did not disclose information about a key eyewitness. Apparently, given the delay Nowak said the witness was unable to recall the incident as accurately. Nowak also noted the prosecution has repeatedly missed procedurql deadlines , and had already received “significant warnings” from Judge Arthur.

Nowak argued the delays had a significant effect on Boney, who has endured six months of incarceration and still faces charges awaiting trial.

According to the prosecutors, the witness left the scene of the carjacking without providing his contact information. In addition, they said they didn’t obtain the witness’ identity until October 2025, after a thorough investigation.

Despite this information, parties agreed prosecutors still didn’t give the witness information to the defense until January.

According to the prosecution, when they contacted the witness in November 2025, he requested an attorney represent him in reltion to the incident. Prosecutors claimed that because the witness retained an attorney, it would be unethical to speak with him directly, as the law requires attorneys to speak only with opposing counsel.

Additionally, the prosecutors said the witness declined to talk to police and attorneys involved with the case. This includes Nowak, who reached out to the witness in March seeking information but the witness declined.

However, prosecutors admitted speaking to the witness on the phone. Judge Arthur expressed displeasure that it took weeks for the prosecution to disclose it, stating it “could have been helpful to the defense.”

Nowak insisted that the prosecution should have disclosed more of the evidence regarding the witness and his identity. In addition, how the proscution’s assertion that speaking to the witness was unethicalea a “stupid point.”

Judge Arthur did not rule on the motiom to dismiss, but asked if Nowak would be open to alternative penalties. Nowak insisted that dismissal is the only just action, but would be open to alternatives.

For a separate motion, Judge Arthur denied Nowak’s request to exclude a witness with expertise in GPS monitoring.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 29.

Defense Challenges Police Search While Defendant is in Bed

Defense asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to suppress evidence after police interrogated a shooting defendant in bed on April 20.

Christopher Warren, 43, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1800 block of Q Street SE, on Aug. 20, 2024. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his right arm with bone fractures to his shoulder and the right side of his neck.

During the hearing, parties discussed motions to suppress evidence that the defense believes was obtained illegally and in violation of Warren’s Fourth and Fifth Amendments which protect against unwarranted seizures and self-incrimination.

Warren’s attorney, Emma Mlyniec, stated the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) obtained a rifle, magazines, and other key pieces of evidence from Warren’s bedroom without a warrant or the homeowner’s consent. Mlyniec also claimed the evidence was illegally seized and was used to justify a separate warrant to collect more evidence.

Mlyniec stated that this request only gave police permission to talk to Warren, not to enter his residence. According to Mlyniec, upon entering his room and waking up Warren, they interrogated him without reading him his Miranda rights, and noticed ammunitions magazines in plain view in the bedroom, which they claimed as evidence in the investigation.

Later that day, Mlyniec stated an MPD detective re-entered Warren’s room to retrieve his inhaler when he noticed a rifle in Warren’s closet.

Mlyniec argued that the rifle, magazines, and other pieces of evidence collected within Warren’s bedroom should be suppressed because they were taken without a warrant, and that any information Warren gave MPD while in his bedroom should be suppressed since he was not read his Miranda rights while in police custody.

Prosecutors claimed that MPD was given permission to enter Warren’s bedroom by his mother. According to the prosecution, police asked Warren’s mother if they could “go back there and talk with him,” a request she approved.

Judge Arthur will rule on the motion when parties reconvene on May 5.

Homicide Defendant Enters Guilty Plea in a ‘Long-Standing’ Case

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 24.

Charles Lewis, 35, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating of 55-year-old Mark Carter at the 600 block of Southern Avenue, SE on Oct. 10, 2022. Carter succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 15, 2022.

Brandi Harden, Lewis’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder. The parties agreed to a sentencing range of 12-to-15 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release.

The prosecution said had the case gone to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that on Oct. 10, 2022, Lewis beat Carter with the intent to seriously injure him. Carter sustained fractures to his face, skull, and spine.

Harden requested Judge Edelman ratify Lewis’ decision by asking him directly if he is sure about accepting the plea. She noted the “long-standing” nature of the case may affect his judgement. Judge Edelman asked Lewis to verify his intent for a second time, then he knowingly and voluntarily accepted the plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 2 for sentencing.

Judge Rules Shooting Defendant Must Continue Probation, Anger Management Classes

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson wouldn’t terminate the probation of a non-fatal shooting defendant on April 23.

Javonee Jackson, 26, accepted a sealed plea agreement in March 2025 for her involvement in the shooting of her baby’s father on May 10, 2023 at the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. She was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, among nine other charges. The terms of the plea are not accessible.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) confirmed that Jackson has been compliant with the terms of her probation, and recommended that her show cause be discharged.

Jackson’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested that Jackson’s probation be terminated. Currently, her probation is scheduled to end in December 2026.

The PSA representative stated that Jackson is currently on bed rest due to her pregnancy, and is temporarily unable to attend her anger management and grief counseling classes. Judge Dayson ruled against Thomas’ request due to the fact that Jackson has not yet completed her mandatory classes.

No further dates have been set at this point.

Judge Won’t Release Shooting Defendant Despite Recanting Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel denied a bond review motion for a shooting defendant in a hearing on April 22.

Paris Wilkerson, 37, 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 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Dec. 1, 2025. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Wilkerson’s attorney, Adam Harris, stated he filed the motion requesting Wilkerson’s release to home confinement due to the victim’s recanting her statements against him.

According to Harris, the victim told him she regretted calling the police about Wilkerson and wanted to take her statements back. Harris said she told the same thing to the prosecutor and a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating the case.

The prosecution opposed Wilkerson’s release due to a firearm found in Wilkerson’s apartment, allegedly under his mattress on a separate occasion.

Judge Israel said she was concerned about releasing Wilkerson to his apartment because of his criminal history with firearms, citing a conviction in 2016.

Wilkerson’s girlfriend offered her apartment to fulfill Wilkerson’s home confinement, but Judge Israel denied her offer because she is not the lease holder.

As a result, Judge Israel denied the bond motion, but stated she was willing to consider home confinement if Harris filed a new motion with new information.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 9.

Judge Revokes Probation For Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe revoked probation for a shooting defendant after he was arrested in a new case in a hearing on April 22.

Sean Sharps, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that took place on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Oct. 19, 2024. The victim sustained pistol whip injuries to the head and witnesses reported the sound of gunshots.

Sharps accepted a deal on June 10, 2025 in which he pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the incident. On Aug. 29, 2025, Sharps was sentenced to a three year suspended sentence in favor of one year’s probation.

During the hearing, Sharps accepted a plea deal for an unrelated case in which he was charged with assault with significant bodily injury. Judge Pipe stated that Sharps was on probation for the shooting incident when he was charged with the new case. She said she will take that into consideration when sentencing. She revoked Sharps’ probation for the shooting case and scheduled a sentencing date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 26.

Defense Seeks to Exclude GPS Expert in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard testimony from an expert witness, who the defense in a fatal shooting case seeks to exclude, during a motions hearing on April 21.

D’Andre Montgomery, 20, is charged with conspiracy, felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 16, 2023 shooting that fatally injured 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE.

Montgomery’s co-defendant, Eric Sheffield, 21, faces the same charges as Montgomery for his alleged involvement in the same incident and Kevin Hider, 20, is also charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Montgomery’s attorney, Sylvia Smith, filed a number of motions in advance of the trial, including a Daubert motion which seeks to exclude the testimony of a GPS technology expert on various technical grounds. DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson was originally assigned the case and continues to evaluate many of the motions.

Before Judge Ryan, prosecutors called the expert, vice president of Sentinel Offender Services, the company that manufactured the GPS monitor worn by Montgomery at the time of the incident. The vice president testified that the GPS technology is 98 percent accurate within the accuracy range. Accuracy is determined by comparing the “actual location” to the “location reported.”

On cross-examination, Smith questioned the vice president on the source of the 98 percent figure. The vice president testified that this is an estimate based on his experience and “various unpublished studies,” adding that the 98 percent figure is not published.

The witness also testified about a March 2026 report testing the accuracy of the GPS technology in the ankle monitors that his company manufactures. In order to conduct the test, he placed two ankle monitors in an open field during “optimal conditions.” He concluded that both monitors fell within the accuracy range provided by the chipset, or electronic components, in the monitor. Smith questioned the expert’s methodology and the technology’s lack of third-party review.

The vice president also testified that he is familiar with the process to determine accuracy but is not aware of “specific algorithms” that are used to determine the accuracy range. The chipset is manufactured by a different company that has not shared their “secret formula” with the public.

In addition to Smith’s Daubert motion, Judge Ryan also reviewed three other motions filed by the defense including one regarding the use of body worn camera and autopsy photos by the prosecution. Another motion pertained to whether statements in an evidence document will be admissible during trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 22 for Judge Ryan to rule on the motions.

Judge Finds Homicide Defendant Back in Compliance With Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park determined a homicide defendant was back in compliance with pre-trial release conditions on April 21.

Steven Washington, 26, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol outside a home or business, and attempt to commit robbery while armed. These charges stem from Washington’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Nurudeen Thomas on the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW on July 21, 2020. Thomas sustained a gunshot wound to his thigh.

During the hearing, an officer from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) confirmed that Washington was back in compliance with the terms of his release, stating Washington had reported for his check-in via telephone on April 20.

The prosecution reviewed the PSA report and requested that the show cause order should remain to monitor compliance for 30 days. There was no objection from Washington’s attorney, Veronice Holt.

Judge Park accepted the terms and permitted Washington to attend future hearings remotely, as long as he remains in compliance with the terms of his release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Homicide Defendant ‘Suffering’ in Jail While Attorneys Discuss New Trial Date

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied defense’s motion to withdraw as counsel, and cautioned a homicide defendant to not make a rash decision regarding his trial date on April 21.

Deonte Spicer, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tyvez Monroe, 27, at the L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, SW on Dec. 26, 2023. Monroe sustained a gunshot to the head.

During the hearing, Spicer’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, filed a motion to withdraw from the case. Judge Park stated if Dorsey withdrew, it would be the sixth attorney that has pulled out of Spicer’s case.

The prosecution said they were ready for the trial scheduled on July 6 and if Judge Park rescheduled it, they would not be able to commit to another date in 2026.

Dorsey, Spicer, and Judge Park spoke privately before Judge Park denied the defense’s motion without prejudice, meaning Dorsey can refile at a later date. Dorsey then indicated that his client wished to assert his rights under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA), allowing defendants to independently test DNA evidence before trial.

The prosecution stated that they needed to go through correspondence regarding the IPA hearing with the previous defense council, but had no objection. Judge Park granted the defense’s request and stated he would look into appointing a second chair defense attorney to the case.

Judge Park suggested vacating the original trial date in July, offering to reschedule for March 29, 2027. Spicer objected, claiming he no longer needs the independent DNA test, and would rather have his trial in July.

“I’m the one in jail suffering and y’all are picking dates like I’m not in jail,” Spicer said.

Judge Park reminded Spicer that the July trial was no longer an option and a co-counsel would not be prepared for the March trial date. Spicer then inquired about one of his previous defense attorneys, Marnitta King, stating that she was involved in the case from the start.

Judge Park replied that King was temporarily suspended from the practice of law, and would not be able to contribute to his defense. Judge Park cautioned Spicer about making an impulsive decision, urging him to discuss the matter with Dorsey.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Judge Says Fatal Stabbing Defendant Has ‘Peculiar’ Mental Health Situation

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan said he plans to release a murder defendant to a halfway house given concerns about her mental status on April 23.

Anna Hyman, 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 63-year-old Robert Dent who sustained 55 sharp force injuries. The incident occurred on July 26, 2025 in an apartment complex at the unit block of Galveston Street, SW while Hyman’s two children were in the apartment.

According to court documents, Hyman claimed the victim was trying to rape her and she suffered lacerations to her hands and arms.

A report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed on Sept. 9, 2025 shows Hyman has a history of paranoia and potential delusional thinking. However, the report said social work documentation from Sept. 6, 2025 described Hyman as “stable and absent of any symptoms of psychosis, mood disturbance, or behavioral management concerns.”

The report found Hyman mentally competent to stand to trial, meaning she understands the charges against her and can assist her attorney in her defense.

Judge Ryan noted his “concerns about Hyman” regarding her “peculiar” health situation. He thinks the best course of action is sending her to a new, all women’s halfway house that will require the “significant restrictions on liberty” he plans to place on Hyman.

The prosecution asked to be heard, and Judge Ryan said they would discuss the matter further at the arraignment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for arraignment on April 28.

Judge Sets Trial Date For Homicide of Special Police Officer

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park set a trial date for a homicide defendant, a separate trial from his brother and co-defendant, on April 23.

Jayden Bracey, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed, three 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 death of Special Police Officer, 42-year-old Angela Washington. The incident occurred on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE on Sept. 21, 2021. Washington died from one gunshot wound to her head.

His brother Jadohn Bracey, 26, is also charged in the case. Judge Park granted severance for the brothers to have separate trials on Feb. 17.

Prosecutors said surveillance footage captured a man matching Jadohn’s description in a black mask and distinctive attire allegedly shooting Washington. His associate, whom prosecutors argue is Jayden, was also wearing a mask but wore no recognizable clothing.

Judge Park scheduled Jayden’s trial to begin on Sept. 27, 2027. Jadohn’s trial is scheduled to begin on April 12, 2027.

Parties for Jayden are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 1.

‘I Just Wish it Didn’t Happen,’ Says Middle-Aged Assault Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a stabbing defendant in his late fifties to probation only in an assault case on April 17.

Rayton Carry, 58, was originally charged with aggravated knowingly assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon while armed for his involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 12, 2022 on the 900 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

At the hearing, Carry pleaded guilty to simple assault in exchange for dismissal of the other charges. The prosecution also agreed to limit their sentencing request to a fully suspended sentence except for time already served. Judge Hertzfeld accepted the agreement and proceeded directly to disposition.

According to court records, the victim initially reported a stab wound in the butt, but prosecutors never determined a weapon for the offense and the related charge was dismissed in the deal.

According to prosecutors, the victim went to Carry’s home, where an argument began regarding his being there. The dispute turned physical, causing the victim to fall to the ground and into the street, where Carry continued to assault him. Prosecutors argued Carry used excessive force and had no legal justification for his actions.

Carry’s attorney, Brandon Burrell, said this incident was a case of “imperfect self-defense.” Burrell claimed the victim was a trespasser on Carry’s property and was told earlier in the day to not come back to Carry’s house.

Burrell highlighted Carry’s compliance with his pre-trial release, his stable job, and his limited criminal history. He agreed with the sentence proposed by the prosecution but asked for the probation to be unsupervised because he is confident Carry won’t re-offend.

When asked by Judge Hertzfeld whether he had anything to say, Carry replied, “I just wish it didn’t happen.”

Judge Hertzfeld said other than previous minor traffic violations, this incident is an “aberration” for Carry. She noted that someone of Carry’s age rarely makes their first contact with the criminal justice system this late in their life.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Carry to a suspended sentence of 180 days and six months of unsupervised probation. She noted that he is on unsupervised probation because he was unsupervised on pre-trial release and had no issues.

No further dates were set.