Four-Year-Old Tells Police of Mother’s Murder in a Confrontation

A detective testified regarding his involvement in the investigation of a domestic violence homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 24.

Josiah Garrison, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his wife, 25-year-old Taeje Butler, on April 9 inside their apartment on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who assisted with the investigation. He testified that officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting.

Body-worn camera footage shows that when officers arrived, Garrison, who was still in the apartment, opened the door for them. “Is anyone shot in there,” an officer could be heard asking Garrison as he got on the ground to be taken into custody. “Yes,” Garrison said.

In the same video, an officer asked Garrison where the gun was, to which Garrison allegedly replied “I panicked, sir, and threw it in the dumpster.” Surveillance footage captured Garrison allegedly taking the gun to the dumpster in a white trash bag, moments after the shooting. Garrison also told officers his five children were in the apartment.

According to the detective, Butler sustained a gunshot to the left side of the neck, which exited through the top right of her head and killed her instantly. An affidavit authored by the detective, and adopted as part of his testimony, stated that Garrison’s four-year-old child told MPD officers “Daddy had been playing scary movie games… daddy went to the closet, and got the gun and then boom.”

The document also stated the four-year old said Garrison allegedly put the gun to Butler’s neck, pushed the trigger and went boom.

However, Christen Phillips, Garrison’s attorney, argued “a four-year-old is not capable of understanding the whole picture, and providing a cohesive story.” She insisted that Garrison’s claim that the gun was fired during a struggle made the most sense due to Butler’s injuries.

In an interview with MPD, Garrison told the detective that Butler had been having mental health issues in the months leading up to her death. According to Garrison, “she was FD12,” which is an involuntary hospitalization for individuals who are believed to be a risk to themselves and others.

During the interview, Garrison stated that on the day of the incident, Butler had accused him of infidelity, and told him “I’ll take you and that b**** out.” He also told the detective Butler went to the closet where they keep their “protection,” provoking a struggle over the gun during which it was fired.

According to Phillips, the gunshot was “not the type of shot anyone makes when they want to kill someone,” insisting that evidence corroborates Garrison’s claim that the gun was fired during a struggle due to the angle in which the bullet struck Butler.

She also argued that Butler’s “erratic behavior makes a struggle where the gun was fired very possible,” adding it was “entirely understandable that [Garrison] would be in full blown panic mode.”

Phillips argued his recollection was accurate, citing past incidents for which MPD had to respond to Garrison and Butler’s home ostensibly due to her mental illness. According to Phillips, on March 8, MPD responded to their residence after Garrison called for help due to Butler being “aggressive, violent, and confrontational.”

According to Phillips, Butler was taken to an involuntary hospitalization because officers believed she was responding to hallucinations, explaining officers witnessed her attempting to speak to people who were not at the apartment.

In body-worn camera footage of the incident, Garrison was heard telling officers he couldn’t work because he was afraid for his children’s well-being.

Phillips also claimed that on March 16, officers responded again to the residence for a “family disturbance,” during which Garrison was given the phone number for the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to seek treatment for Butler.

Prosecutors questioned the detective’s knowledge regarding a Prince George’s County case in 2018, in which Garrison was allegedly arrested for assaulting his father.

Phillips urged Judge Edelman to not find probable cause, arguing there was no evidence that Garrison intended to kill or acted with disregard for Butler’s well-being during the incident.

However, the prosecution insisted Garrison acted in “reckless disregard,” despite knowing of her mental illnesses. The prosecution claimed Garrison told officers on March 8 that Butler did not have access to firearms in the home, despite the gun being in the closet.

Prosecutors also insisted the gun couldn’t have been fired during a struggle because the medical examiner stated there was no stippling on the gunshot injury, which means the gun was fired from at least three feet away.

Due to time constraints, Judge Edelman was unable to make a ruling on probable cause and detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 29.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 23.

Tyriq Williams, 34, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Terry Clark on Jan. 7, 2023, on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE.

Williams pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges and waiving enhancement papers.

The prosecution stated that if this case had gone to trial, they would’ve proven that Williams shot Clark once in the head at 7:23 p. m. Clark was pronounced dead on scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 9.

Gun Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Sean Sharps, 22, is 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 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct., 19, 2024 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE and injured one person.

According to court documents, there was an argument between Sharps and the victim in a McDonald’s in bright daylight. Sharps allegedly pistol whipped the victim in the head.

The victim of the pistol whip shot at Sharps, but did not strike him.

During the hearing, Adam Harris, Sharps’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the waiver, finding Sharps made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Harris requested the court consider Sharps’ release, citing a limited criminal history, strong ties to the community and a job to return to.

The prosecution argued that Sharps failed to appear for a past misdemeanor charge, and there is video evidence of this incident. The prosecution asked that Sharps continue to be held in this case.

Judge Glover determined Sharps should continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Probable Cause Found in Stabbing Case, Defendant Ordered Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover determined probable cause was met in a stabbing case during a hearing on April 22.

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 23, 2025 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified to the nature of the incident, citing alleged identification of Gregory by the victim on scene directly following the stabbing. The detective testified that the victim and Gregory knew each other, and lived in the same building at one point.

The victim was later presented with a confirmation photo in the hospital, and definitively identified Gregory as his alleged assailant. Additionally, the detective testified that a visible confrontation between Gregory and the victim appeared on surveillance footage.

The prosecution argued that there was no dispute of facts in the evidence presented, but Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, argued that the prosecution did not meet the standards for probable cause.

Judge Glover ultimately determined that probable cause had been established.

McLaurin requested Gregory’s release, on the grounds that he serves as a full-time caretaker for his mother, and he has health issues that aren’t being treated in the DC jail.

The prosecution argued that Gregory has a history of violent crimes, and committed the alleged offense while on pre-trial release for another crime. Judge Glover ruled that the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on April 24.

Santos Duarte, 25, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5, 2024 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. One victim, the owner of the restaurant, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

The prosecution extended an offer to Santos requiring him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Sentences for the first two and last two counts would run concurrently, with the time served not exceeding 15 years. The prosecution agreed they would waive enhancements to the charges. Additionally, Santos would have to register as a gun offender and contribute to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Santos accepted the plea offer, with his attorney, Camille Wagner, requesting more time for sentencing to allow time for a Youth Act Study to be completed. Under the law a defendant’s record would be sealed if he completed the terms of his punishment successfully.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Asserts Innocence

A shooting defendant rejected the prosecution’s plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 24.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 10, 2024, on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

Through the offer, Wise would plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for no enhancements on these charges.

Additionally, Wise’s other charges would be dismissed, except for the homicide case he is currently under investigation for.

Wise rejected the plea offer, declaring, “I feel as if only a guilty person would accept a plea.”

After rejecting the plea and setting a trial date, Wise’s attorney, Janai Reed, asked to speak to him privately.

Reed wanted to confirm that Wise is receiving his medication while at the DC Jail, as “he seemed scattered.”

Judge Brandt agreed with Reed’s assessment, stating that he seemed different than the last time she saw him. However, Wise asserted that he was taking his medication.

Reed requested an assessment of her client’s mental state, with Judge Brandt agreeing it was necessary before further proceedings.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Hold Will Continue

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Marquise Carter, 28, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 25, 2024, on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW that injured two people.

According to court documents, the victims and witnesses were driving when they were shot at by an unknown individual.

During the hearing, Stephen LoGerfo, Carter’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the waiver, finding Carter made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

LoGerfo requested the court consider Carter’s release, arguing he is the full time caretaker for his six children. The prosecution asked that Carter continue to be held in this case, citing the violent nature of the offense, and that the safety of the community could not be guaranteed if he were to be released.

Judge Glover determined Carter should continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.

Ex-Girlfriend Testifies About Seeing Homicide Suspect Night of the Shooting

An ex-girlfriend and former coworker testified for the prosecution in a homicide trial in front of D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 23.

Ranje Reynolds, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

Reynolds’s ex-girlfriend testified he called her the night of the shooting and agreed to pick him up in Georgetown despite heavy traffic and a large police presence.

When Reynolds got in her car, she noticed that his finger appeared to be broken and was bleeding. After he refused to go to the hospital, she took him back to her apartment and tended to his injury. At some point that night she learned Boothe had been killed.

She also testified about a trip she took to Jamaica a few months later where she saw Reynolds. She testified about “wanting clarity from [Reynolds] about what happened to Tarek.” When she asked about Boothe’s death, Reynolds allegedly brushed her off. Eventually she told Reynolds about the ongoing investigation into Boothe’s death which she said apparently surprised him.

One of Reynolds’s former coworker’s, also a close friend, testified about Reynolds’ reaction the night of Boothe’s death.

He called Reynolds on Instagram and initially did not get a response. Shortly after, Reynolds called him back and the witness described hearing sirens in the background of the phone call before it ended quickly.

After that brief conversation, he was not able to get into contact with Reynolds again. He said that it was unusual not to be in communication since he was used to talking to Reynolds on a daily basis.

Additionally, crime analysts testified about evaluating blood evidence recovered at the scene. They could likely exclude Booth’s DNA from the samples but say with “very strong statistical support” that Reynolds was the almost certainly the contributor.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Case Acquitted: Prosecution Says Love Triangle Is Behind a Shooting

Editor’s Note: Tyshay Moore was acquitted of all charges by a jury on May 2, 2025.

The lawyer for a shooting defendant claimed she could be wrongfully convicted during opening statements on April 23, before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Tyshay Moore, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and simple assault for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 10, 2023, on the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. One victim suffered gunshot wounds to the face and abdomen.

During openings, the prosecution stated that this was a case about jealousy and relationships. What started as an argument with an ex-partner escalated into a shooting in one of the busiest places in DC.

The prosecution laid out the relationships among the main parties for the jury, referring to them as a “love triangle.” The victim dated and had a child with Javonee Jackson, who was a co-defendant. She accepted a plea deal and was severed from the case. Their relationship ended in 2020. In 2021, the same woman began dating Moore. Their relationship ended in 2023, prior to the incident.

The prosecution claims that on the night of the incident, Jackson went to 7th Street to find the victim and talk to him about their son. They began arguing, escalating the situation, walking out into the street. Moore saw this and decided to “take matters into her own hands.”

According to the prosecution, Moore didn’t like that her ex-partner was still “tied up” with the victim. The prosecution claims Moore punched the victim then took out a gun and shot him in the face and abdomen, leaving him to die.

The prosecution stated that both the victim and Jackson will be testifying in the case.

Varsha Govindaraju, Moore’s attorney, told the jury, “If they actually care about what happened to him [the victim], they would find the person who did this. The person who shot the victim is still out there.”

Govindaraju stated that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on the word of the victim who couldn’t see the shooter. According to Govindaraju, the victim told police he “doesn’t know who shot him.” She also said that the victim has allegedly lied multiple times in criminal cases.

Govindaraju stated that the identification of Moore by the victim’s ex partner is baseless, as she was facing “decades and decades and decades” in prison, so she was pressured into taking a plea deal to avoid jail. Govindaraju told the jury, “the story she will be telling is a story to save herself.”

Govindaraju said there is no DNA, no fingerprints, and no footage from before or after the incident to link Moore to the crime. She ended by stating, “Moore didn’t punch the victim, didn’t shoot the victim, and the [prosecution] didn’t care to find out who did.”

The prosecution called Jackson to testify. She stated she had gone to 7th Street that night because it was her son’s birthday and the victim was “not being a father.” Surveillance footage showed her begin to kick a person identified as the victim before two hooded individuals punched him.

She testified that one of the individuals was a mutual friend of hers and Moore, and the other was Moore herself. She stated she could tell it was Moore even though she was wearing a white mask because she recognized her eyes and voice.

Footage showed the victim running away into the street while Jackson appears to follow, still verbally harassing him, before an individual, later identified as Moore, allegedly took out her gun and shot him.

The witness testified she heard the gunshots and turned around to see the victim on the ground. She told the court, “part of me wanted to stay and part of me wanted to go” but stated, “If I stayed there would be an issue.” The footage showed her fleeing the scene.

The witness stated, “he’s like my best friend,” referring to the victim. She began to cry, stating “we go through a lot but we get through it.”

The witness stated that Moore and the victim had a “hatred relationship.” When Moore and the witness were together, Moore had problems with letting the victim see his son, who was under Jackson’s care.

The witness told the court that on the morning of the incident, she had called Moore to come watch her son because she was going to be taken away by the police after an altercation with her neighbor. According to the witness, when Moore arrived she had a gun.

According to the prosecution, Jackson was arrested on May 11, 2024, but wouldn’t cooperate with the detectives. In court, she stated she “wasn’t really trying to talk” at the time. She said, “situations like this people call it snitching, it’s a safety issue, people die when they snitch.”

Jackson was unable to conclude her testimony, and is scheduled to continue April 24..

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to the stand. The officer testified that she responded to the scene and found someone bleeding from the face, screaming “help me.” Body worn camera footage shows her render aid, holding his face as she requested more medical attention.

The prosecution called an off-duty police officer from Missouri who was in town on a work trip for national police week. The officer testified to seeing multiple individuals having a heated argument in the street. After about ten seconds, he heard five-to-six gunshots and proceeded to dive for cover behind a vehicle.

The officer said that he identified the shooter and started chasing them but lost sight, so he proceeded to render aid to the victim.

The officer testified that he waited on the scene until emergency personnel arrived. He told the officers that arrived that he believed the shooter was a young black man with dreadlocks.

Parties are slated to reconvene 4.24

Restaurant Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

A stabbing defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 22.

Ricky Camacho, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred in a restaurant on March 31, 2025 on the 1100 block of F Street, NW.

According to court documents, Camacho allegedly entered the establishment and swung a wet floor sign at the victim before exiting. He returned soon after and reportedly stabbed the victim in the hand.

During the hearing, Henry Escoto, Camacho’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover agreed, finding Camacho made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

The prosecution asked that Camacho continue to be held in this case, citing evidence that he allegedly committed the offense while on pre-trial release for another case. Additionally, the prosecution said Camacho has failed to appear in two past cases and has limited ties to the DC area.

Judge Glover determined Camacho should remain held. Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Stabbing, Cruelty to Children Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A stabbing defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 23.

Laverne Wright, 64, is charged with cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in the stabbing of her nine-year-old grandson on April 2 on the 5200 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to court documents, Wright and her grandson got into an argument that “turned physical.” Wright allegedly pushed her grandson while holding glass in her hands after he threatened her with a hammer.

The victim suffered deep lacerations to his leg and arm, according to court documents.

Wright’s attorney, Adam Harris, alerted Judge Edelman of Wright’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing. Parties are working on negotiating a plea deal, though it is unclear what it could entail.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 2.

Prosecutors Say Witness Lied to Cover Up a Homicide

In spite of defense concerns that her testimony is unreliable, the prosecutor said,“It’s as clear as the elephant in the room” that a woman lied to protect her lover in a homicide case.

The issue was debated before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan in an April 24 pre-trial hearing for Robert Carpenter, 36. He’s 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 felony conviction within one year.

The counts are in relation to a shooting last May 7 that claimed the life of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson in an apartment on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, the victim died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. Initially, a woman at the residence told police she shot the victim during an argument over the whereabouts of their son.

However, she later reversed herself and claimed she lied about the incident in order to cover up for Carpenter, her current lover–and that she coached two witnesses to the shooting to do the same. During the hearing, questions were raised about the woman’s mental competency.

David Knight, Carpenter’s attorney, said the woman’s statements were “hearsay,” because the defense won’t be able to cross-examine the woman in court. She’s been charged with obstruction of justice, according to the prosecutor. However, he said, if she were mentally competent she would have been charged with murder.

Thus, said Knight, the case becomes a “mini-trial” about the woman’s changing narrative.

The prosecutor argued the woman’s statements to police were ultimately valid because they were self-incriminating. “Why the heck would someone admit to killing someone?” he asked. “If we excuse [the woman] we almost take away the very heart of this case.”

Judge Ryan warned the prosecution to “tread lightly” on the woman’s statements made in police custody because they’re “kind of a minefield.” Further, the judge chided the prosecutor for being dismissive of defense arguments.

“To ignore defense concerns is imprudent,” said the judge. The prosecutor apologized and said that was not his intent.

The trial is scheduled to begin on April 28.

Document: Police Arrest 17 Year Old for Shooting on Call Place

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 17-year-old Travis Thomas, who was charged as an adult with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) following a shooting incident on April 20 in the 5300 block of Call Place, SE.

The victim, a 16-year-old male, was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Eyewitnesses Describe Mass Shooting, One Calls It, ‘An Explosion of Gunshots’

Eyewitnesses confirmed they heard multiple shots fired and saw a black sedan with several suspects driving away from the scene of a murder and mass shooting. The proceeding took place before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 22.

William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each have nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each have one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee has two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee each have an additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and evading arrest in connection with the case.

Prosecutors called on an eyewitness who resides a block away from the shooting scene, on the 5000 block of 7th Street, NW.

As events transpired, the witness testified, he was eating dinner with his wife before hearing “an explosion of gunshots” and “physically ducking down.”

According to the witness, the gunfire was so close that he “thought it was in the backyard.”

He made his way to the back window, where he saw two men running toward a parked car that “seemed to be waiting.” The car sped off north on 7th Street, the witness stated.

The witness told the jury he “could not tell if they were carrying anything.”

The prosecution also called on witness’ wife who lives in their shared house next to the location of the shooting. She confirmed she heard ten-to-15 shots fired and called 911 immediately after. From her window, she testified, she saw a black sedan drive away. The sedan, she said, had a Virginia license plate, and the driver was wearing a blue surgical mask.

The prosecution called an Information Technology (IT) team lead from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify about surveillance footage captured of the shooting.

They played clips from the date and time of the incident capturing a black sedan pulling up to the scene of the shooting. In the video, a group of four men wearing hoods is seen going to a residence and firing multiple rapid shots. The men ran back to the car, before driving away. The witness confirmed the clips accurately reflected the footage she recovered.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Judge Won’t Stop Shooting Witness From Testifying

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a jury trial in a shooting to allow time to discuss the prosecution’s motion to suppress testimony from a defense witness on April 21.

Tyshay Moore, 27 and Javonee Jackson, 25, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and simple assault for their alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on May 10, 2023, on the 700 Block of 7th Street, NW.

Court documents state that the victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds to the face and torso. After the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived at the scene, one of the witnesses stated that a female fired multiple shots at the victim after a verbal altercation. Multiple other witnesses state they saw a group of individuals in an alley and then moments later, shots were fired.

The prosecution on April 21 requested a delay in the trial in order to determine if one of the defense witnesses, the victim, was properly entered within the 14-day notice period. Additionally, the prosecution asked the Court of Appeals for a “stay” or delay in the case.

Tyshay Moore’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaruju and Hannah Claudio, argued they did alert the prosecution that had many opportunities during the lead up to trial to file the motion and chose not to. The defense, also stated delaying this trial even further would be detrimental to Moore, as they have already made travel arrangements for their expert witnesses.

Judge Dayson agreed with the defense and denied the motion to keep the witness off the stand. However, she ordered that the defense not call their witness until after the Court of Appeals reaches a decision.

The parties decided to proceed with jury selection and began scheduling their opening statements.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 22.

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