Detective Identifies Shooting Suspect in Surveillance Video

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified on June 12 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro, identifying a shooting defendant appearing in multiple pieces of video and photographic displays.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 800 block of V Street, NW on March 2.

According to court documents, Reed allegedly shot a firearm several times at a sedan exiting a nearby garage. No injuries were reported.

The testifying detective was one of multiple MPD officials who responded that night, and was later assigned as lead detective on the case. At the hearing, the detective detailed his investigative process as CCTV footage and bodyworn camera of the event was presented.

“You can see multiple flashes coming out of the suspect’s hand,” the detective detailed, referring to footage of a garage during the incident. He explained that these were “muzzle flashes,” caused by bullets being fired. The detective counted three such flashes in the surveillance footage.

The officer identified a person said to be Reed across multiple CCTV videos. According to the detective, he tracked her location beginning at the Unity Lounge on 9th Street, NW, where she had an altercation with an unknown man dressed in red and was thrown out of the club. He then tracked her movements across the street and finally to the garage.

The detective’s identification was based primarily on Reed’s clothing. She was allegedly wearing a green and brown camo jacket which the detective referenced frequently.

Reed allegedly entered the garage after the shooting, where she got in and out of a vehicle.

By cross referencing CCTV footage with body worn camera footage from a responding MPD officer, the license plates of the vehicle it allegedly belonged to Reed.

During cross examination, defense attorney Sara Kopecki questioned the detective about his ability to track the suspect in the footage he obtained, citing all he had to go off of was clothing from an eyewitness who said the suspect was a male. She also stated it was hard to see who was actuallyin the video.

Kopecki also said the vehicle wasn’t tested for evidenceno forensic nor material from the scene despite the eight shell casings that were discovered. The detective said he was surprised that hadn’t happened because he ordered it. Still, no order was found in his file.

Afterward, Kopecki said that the suspect in the video never reached for a firearm or looked like they had one in their possession at any time. In the surveillance footage at Unity Lounge, the suspect was also seen getting a pat down by security in compliance with the lounge’s admission olicy, and cited that the suspect had a “calm” demeanor and that no firearms were retrieved at that time.

Bodyworn camera footage from an on scene MPD officer showed the police responding to gunshots and arresting one unknown man who they deemed a potential suspect at the time. They also stopped a motorist and two women, one of whom the detective believed was the suspect in the brown and green camo jacket who may be Reed.

The trial is slated to resume June 16.

Murder Victim’s Mother ‘Thrilled’ Suspect Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a murder defendant’s release during a detention hearing on June 6.

Gerald Thomas, 22, is charged with first and second-degree murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempted kidnapping while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home/business, for his alleged involvement in a mass and fatal-shooting of 20-year-old Dasha Cleary, on Jan. 27, 2022 on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Thomas’ attorney, Dominique Winters, told the court that she did not believe Thomas was a danger to the community and should be released. However, the prosecution disagreed based on the nature of the offense.

The prosecution said Cleary’s mother was present at the hearing and “wants to be heard” which Judge Ryan allowed. Cleary’s mother disappointed about the pace of the case and that “the timeline has been absolutely crippling.”

Judge Ryan ultimately denied Thomas’ release.

Cleary’s mother, upon finding out that Thomas was not going to be released, claimed she was “thrilled that he is now detained.”

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22 for a status hearing.

Stabbing Defendant Stays on Release

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur didn’t revoke the release of a stabbing defendant on electronic monitoring in a June 12 hearing in spite of reported infractions.

Tyra Redad, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in an altercation that resulted in a stabbing on Dec. 1, 2024 which occurred on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

Redad’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, filed a motion to allow Redad to be released on bond.

The prosecution objected and added that they canceled a plea offer for Redad after she failed to appear for drug testing more than once as ordered, tested positive for drugs and had a bench warrant for another violent offense. They argued the violations are why they retracted the offer and were against her release.

Judge Arthur asked for an explanation.

Thomas claimed that Redad was in Maryland at the time and had no transportation to meet the requirements, but she understood she could no longer violate her pretrial conditions.

Judge Arthur confirmed that Redad had in fact tested positive for marijuana use in December, however he acknowledged that she remained compliant with her stay-away order prior to her detention.

Ultimately, Judge Arthur granted Redad’s request to remain on release with electronic monitoring.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 24.

Judge Won’t Suppress Witness Identification in Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifier Di Toro denied a shooting defendant’s motion to suppress identification evidence following a detective’s testimony in a hearing on June 9.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 2, 2024, on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported.

The lead detective testified he spoke with an eyewitness who saw the shooting from home and yelled to police about the incident through his window. Officers later found spent rounds at the scene.

On cross-examination, defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, pointed out that only one photograph was used to identify the suspect as the defendant. However, neither of the individuals in the frame can be identified clearly, according to Kopecki. Thus, the evidentiary photo was seriously flawed and unreliable, she argued.

The prosecution pointed out that since Reed was determined to be a suspect within an hour there was limited time for analysis, extensive photography, or gathering additional information.

Judge Di Toro noted that having only one photo present raises the potential for misidentification. However, under the high-stress circumstances of the moment she felt the evidence was admissible.

The judge also commented that the eyewitness demonstrated careful attention to detail and provided a description of the defendant.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 10.

Judge Weighs Dismissing Charges Against Mentally Incompetent Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean stated on June 12 she will decide if charges should be dismissed against a stabbing defendant who’s been declared mentally incompetent during a July hearing.

Dwayne Waller, 74, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 18, 2022 on the 400 Block of H Street, NW.

According to court documents, Waller was involved in a verbal dispute with the victim before allegedly chasing and stabbing him with a kitchen knife.

After his arrest in September of 2022, Waller was found to be mentally incompetent on four separate occasions from November 2022 to April 2023.

In the spring of 2024, Waller’s defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Waller due to chronic incompetency, citing that medical providers at the Department of Behavioral Health had found Waller incompetent and with “no substantial probability that he will attain competence.” DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian denied that motion.

In a June 12 hearing, Waller’s defense attorney, Anthony Smith, stated his intention to file a second motion to dismiss, this time in front of Judge McLean.

Parties are slated to reconvene at the motion hearing on July 14.

Homicide Defendant’s Case Delayed For Court’s Non-Compliance With Disability Act

US Marshals alerted DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur that a homicide defendant was unable to show up for his June 4 hearing due to a broken wheelchair ramp in the courthouse.

Desmond Barr Jr., 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than $1000, for his alleged involvement in the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. The incident occurred on July 13, 2024 on the 3600 block of F Street, SE.

Barr is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.

According to court documents, Farmer’s body was found in Fort Dupont Park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Shatia Penn, 25, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property, for her alleged involvement in stabbing Farmer.

Their hearing was rescheduled due to the court’s wheelchair ramp being out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Barr is confined to a wheelchair.

ADA compliant means a space, either private or public, needs to be designed as to be accessible to people with disabilities so that they can access and utilize benefits without discrimination or impediments. Physical spaces need to include features such as ramps, or accessible doorways and bathrooms.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene July 7.

Judge Revokes Stabbing Defendant’s Probation, Pending Re-Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean has agreed to give a stabbing defendant’s attorney the chance to present a possible treatment plan to amend past probation violations in a hearing on June 11.

Gregory Edmonds, 34, was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration, suspended, and two years probation for assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his involvement in the stabbing of his father on July 4, 2023, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE.

The proceeding was held to consider re-sentencing. Meanwhile, Edmonds’ probation is revoked.

Due to ongoing battles with mental health and substance usage, as well as requests from his father, Edmonds faced no jail time. His sentence was instead focused on recovery.

In light of Edmonds’ mental health crises during his probation, and multiple violations, the prosecution and defense agreed that a re-sentencing was necessary.

Defense attorney Lauren Morehouse advocated for a referral to a mental health provider to continue the treatment he began pre-trial.

Morehouse stated that, after progress in restoring his mental competency, Edmonds himself has realized that “release without a plan for treatment does not make sense for him.”

Judge McLean noted that treatment cannot be guaranteed until re-sentencing unless there’s agreement about the defense’s plan for rehabilitation. For now, Judge McLean revoked Edwards’ probation.

Resentencing is scheduled for July 11.

Prosecutors Say Ex-Girlfriend’s Stolen Car Report Links Her to Triple Homicide, Mass Shooting

An ex-girlfriend of a triple homicide defendant is said to be involved in an ongoing murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 9th. She allegedly made a stolen rental car report linked to the crime just days after the event.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the defendants already listed discard evidence and avoid arrests.

Toyia Johnson, Dubose’s ex-lover, became a central figure in the case when, two days after the triple homicide, she showed up at a rental car company in Falls Church, VA, to report a vehicle stolen, according to the lead detective’s testimony.

The detective further testified that the car she referenced as stolen matched the one seen on surveillance footage the night of the homicides and was later found burned. Prosecutors allege that Johnson may have tried to help cover up Dubose’s involvement.

On June 11, before the jury entered the courtroom, there was a dispute over a jail call in which Dubose allegedly referenced Johnson, saying, “Shawty calling me… about the wheels. I can’t talk to you the way I want to.” Prosecutors argued this suggested guilty knowledge.

Johnson’s attorney, David Akulian, said the phrase was slang and cannot be compared to “the Queen’s English.” Judge Kravitz ultimately decided to exclude the call from evidence.

Shortly after, the lead detective on the case was questioned about his involvement in the arrests of the defendants.

He testified that on September 6, police arrived at the rental car company in Falls Church to investigate the homicide further. While there, they encountered Johnson, who told officers she wanted to report a vehicle as stolen. Investigators say the rental manager turned over a spare set of keys to the vehicle.

According to the detective, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was told there was a GPS tracker attached to the car.

Police subpoenaed the GPS data and reviewed Johnson’s phone records as well as 911 calls and footage of the Fourth District police station in case Johnson had visited recently asking for assistance. .

According to law enforcement, there was no indication that Johnson filed a police report regarding the stolen car prior to visiting the rental agency, raising questions about her intent. Johnson was arrested on Oct. 19, 2021, after Erwin Dubose and co-defendant Kamar Queen.

During the investigation, authorities collected more than 30 call logs and interviewed several ex-girlfriends connected to the suspects. Johnson-Lee’s ex-girlfriend initially denied recognizing anyone in video footage, but once the video was slowed down repeatedly, she said one individual resembled her ex-boyfriend.

Police also seized phones and conducted home searches where they found clothing that allegedly matched what suspects were wearing in surveillance footage.

On cross-examination, Thompson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, questioned the MPD detective about his preliminary investigations citing that Thompson was not initially a person of interest in the case in September 2021.

In focus was MPD’s identification of suspects in surveillance footage from the 400 block of Galloway Street, NE at 5:07 p.m., a few hours before the shooting, and at about 7:45 p.m. immediately after the shooting. The fourth suspect in the footage was initially identified as a different individual, not Thompson, and was only later reidentified as Thompson in the 5:07 p.m. footage. No identification was made for the suspect in the later footage due to a mask.

The reidentification occurred after the same identifying officer was shown surveillance, without a time stamp, from the 800 block of Oglethorpe Street, NW where she identified a person in the footage as the initial suspect in the Galloway footage. The detective on stand testified that this Oglethorpe Street footage was taken around the same time as the first Galloway Street footage and that the initial suspect was also identified in the Oglethorpe Street footage by his godmother.

Weller used this identification confusion to question the MPD detective on measures taken in the investigation of the initial suspect, Thompson. The detective stated that evidence was obtained within three-to-four days of the initial identification that indicated the initial suspect was not present in the Galloway Street footage. In this time, no steps were taken to pursue investigation of that suspect, according to the detective.

Queen’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, shifted questioning to focus on Queen’s arrest on Oct. 13, 2021 and proceeding search warrants related to the shooting noting that none of the searched locations were connected to Queen.

The detective testified that he made efforts to find an address for Queen, having visited the address indicated in the defendant’s biographical information at the time of arrest. The detective, however, was unable to corroborate that Queen actually lived at the address. As such, no search was conducted.

McDaniel also noted that of the two phones belonging to Queen that were seized upon arrest, only one of the two numbers was subjected to cell-site analysis.

Upon re-direct, the detective pointed to the lack of activity on record for this second number between Aug. 3 and Sept. 6, 2021, this including the date of the incident on Sept. 4, 2021, as reason for the exclusion. He clarified that without cell activity, no location data would have been available for the phone regardless.

The prosecution advanced cell site analysis noting numerous results for what was identified as Rezene’s number in and around the area of the 400 block of Galloway Street, NE in the evening of Sept. 5, 2021, the day following the shooting, as well as many results for the number on the day of the shooting.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 16.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Second-Degree Murder

Kyle Piunti pleaded not guilty in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 13.

Piunti, 36, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a vehicular accident that led to the death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin, on Jan. 3 on I-295 southbound.

During the hearing, the prosecution formally read a four-count indictment against Piunti, including one count of second-degree murder while armed and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The defense requested a trial date be set, and the prosecution noted that they expect the trial to take less than two weeks.

Judge Edelman scheduled the trial to begin on May 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m, with an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) and status hearing to determine if Piunti wants to waive or exercise his right to DNA testing. The proceeding is set for July 11.

Defense Challenges Police Response to a Shooting

A responding officer testified he ran towards “multiple semi-automatic gunshots,” but the defense challenged the effectiveness of the police response. The exchange came during a shooting trial on June 11, before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW on March 2, 2024. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting, where they located evidence including cartridge casings inside a parking garage on Florida Avenue.

Prosecutors presented body-worn camera (BWC) footage from a responding officer, who said he began sprinting towards the scene after hearing multiple gunshots.

The officer said he stopped to check on bystanders in the area to make sure they had not been injured. He testified he came across Reed at the scene but did not stop her, seeing no signs she was injured or carrying a weapon.

Instead, he continued investigating the area for injured parties or signs of a shooter.

Sara Kopecki, Reed’s attorney, attempted to impeach to officer’s testimony citing several alleged disciplinary actions against him in 2023, 2024 and 2025 for use of force and improper use of a camera–to which he had little opportunity to respond.

The prosecution also called on another officer who stopped Reed later that night after a call to look for a suspect wearing a green jacket. The officer verified it was Reed who he saw that night when asked to identify her in court.

Kopecki challenged the officer with a barrage of questions suggesting he could have been preoccupied during the investigation.

“Did you frisk yourself,” she asked? There was amusement in the courtroom when the officer said he couldn’t recall.

In fact, Kopecki told Judge Di Toro that she would like to use the officer as a defense witness and the judge complied.

The prosecution brought in another officer, who works in forensics, to report that the empty shells at the scene were likely tied to the gun at the center of the case which they’ve linked to Reed.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 12.

Release Conditions Continue for Carjacking Defendant in Plea Negotiations

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a carjacking defendant’s request to moderate his release conditions while plea negotiations continue at a June 11 hearing.

Dale Benjamin, 37, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 4400 block of Bennington Road, SE, on Sept. 15, 2024.

Benjamin’s attorney, Marnitta King, argued that his current release under GPS tracking and home confinement, is preventing the defendant from maintaining employment and growing his relationship with his children who live in Maryland, while he is in DC.

King highlighted no violations for his client, and stated there’s a correctional facility that wants to hire Benjamin.

The prosecution agreed that Benjamin was maintaining compliance. However, they argued it isn’t enough to warrant a release due to the severity of the defendant’s charges.

The prosecution also cited past offenses suggesting the defendant is a danger to the community.

King argued that the defendant’s past crimes are irrelevant to this case since they occured when he was a juvenile.

Judge Hertzfeld denied Benjamin’s release, stating that he needs employment verification to lift the curfew and meanwhile the GPS box will stay on.

Parties are to resume on July 15.

Shooting Defendant Wants Release to Attend Daughter’s Graduation

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe accepted a non-fatal shooting defendant’s request for a confinement exception to see his daughter’s graduation during a hearing on June 12.

Demarco Young, 32, is charged with endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 21,on the 1600 block of Galen Street, SE.

Young’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, filed a motion to end Young’s home confinement with GPS monitoring. According to Thomas, Young has been compliant with all conditions, except for a ten minute period in May.

He “wants to go to his daughter’s graduation,” said Thomas, arguing that his client should be allowed to see his daughter finish high school. The prosecution had no objection to the exception.

Judge Pipe disagreed with ending the current confinement status but did agree to make an exception to allow Young to attend the graduation.

According to the parties, they’re in the final stages of plea negotiations.

They are set to reconvene June 16.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant Denied Release, Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release in a hearing on June 9, following the defendant’s waiving a preliminary hearing.

Manuel Yeager, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on June 3 on the 2000 block of Q Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim was Yeager’s brother, with whom the defendant lived. The two brothers allegedly engaged in a heated argument, leading Yeager to attack the victim with a knife.

Darryl Daniels, Yeager’s attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and argued in favor of Yeager’s release, citing his lack of criminal history in the last seven years and the complicated domestic nature of the incident.

The prosecution was opposed, focusing on the seriousness of the victim’s injuries and the defendant’s history of altercations with the victim. The prosecution also provided images of the victim’s injuries showing excessive bleeding and detailed how emergency responders used an oxygen mask and tournaquet to save the victim’s life.

Citing the seriousness of the victim’s injuries, Judge Herrmann denied Yeager release.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 2.

GPS Tracking Lifted for Murder Suspect, Bench Warrant For Missing Co-Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the defense’s request on June 12 to lift GPS tracking of one co-defendant, while the other remains subject to a bench warrant.

Jahi Rapp, 21, and Amarii Fontanelle, 22, are charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Davonte Berkley, 19, and Reginald Cooper, Jr., 19, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022.

According to court documents, surveillance footage displays shots being fired from an individual identified as Fontanelle, who then fled the scene. Four other individuals, including one identified as Rapp, are seen fleeing the apartment building. All five allegedly fled in the suspect vehicle.

Jesse Winograd, Rapp’s attorney, requested that his requirement for GPS tracking be lifted, stating that Rapp has been compliant for more than a year. The prosecution raised objections.

However, after testimony from a pretrial supervisor indicated Rapp’s compliance, Judge Ryan agreed to lift the GPS tracking monitor.

Fontanelle failed to appears and is being sought under a bench warrant.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 19.

Carjacker Accepts Plea Deal, Held For Sentencing

A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on June 9.

Vincent Atchison, 58, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking for his involvement for an incident that occurred on Feb. 3 on the 3800 block of Davis Place, NW.

During his hearing, Atchison’s attorney, Howard McEachern, alerted Judge Israel he intended to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution, which required Atchison to plead guilty to robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to limit their sentencing request to the bottom of the sentencing guidelines based on his criminal history.

McEachern requested Atchison be released pending sentencing with mandatory weekly drug testing. He argued that Atchison’s last conviction was 18 years ago and was largely fueled by substance abuse. Further, McEachern mentioned that Atchison’s mother had health issues that Atchison’s could support if released.

The prosecution objected and argued that Atchison approached the victim from behind, throwing her to the ground before taking her keys and taking off with her vehicle. The prosecution emphasized that the elderly victim was especially vulnerable and such force is extremely dangerous for an elderly person.

When McEachern provided the address where Atchison would live the prosecution alerted Judge Israel that it was extremely close to the victim.

Judge Israel ultimately stated that she did not believe Atchison was a flight risk but that there was insufficient evidence to prove that Atchison was not a risk to the community, subsequently denying McEachern’s request for release.

Parties are set to reconvene on August 22.

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