Prosecution Says Defendants ‘Hunted, Stalked, and Killed’ Victim in Broad Daylight

Jurors began deliberations after prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments in a four-year-old homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 22 and 23.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Tre’quan Nelson, 25, was severed as a defendant in this case. However, he was mentioned in evidence presented throughout the trial.

The prosecution described the incident as an “assassination” carried out with a “hailstorm of gunfire” after Gibson and Forte “hunted, stalked, and killed” King in broad daylight.

The prosecution’s repeatedly returned to footage previously shown in court of individuals identified as Gibson, Nelson, and Forte gathering outside an apartment complex, leaving in a hurry, then crossing a busy street where King was later shot. Two bullets ultimately killed King, and the prosecutors claim one hit King’s back, from Gibson’s gun, and one was fired by Nelson, who struck the victim’s head.

“Gibson was the quarterback, Forte the coach, and Nelson the wide receiver,” said prosecutors as they replayed the series of events caught on video surveillance.

The jury was reminded of eyewitness testimony and physical evidence, including Gibson allegedly discarding clothes after the shooting, and Forte allegedly retrieving a jacket referred to in court as the “bouncing red ball,” which prosecutors claim is what pinpoints the group in the surveillance footage.

They also cited Gibson’s conflicting police statements, initially claiming he didn’t know King, only to later admit he knew there was someone with the reputation as a “serial stabber” in his neighborhood.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, argued his client acted in self-defense, pointing out King’s alleged history of violence and the use of phencyclidine (PCP), citing four people whom he reportedly stabbed and who testified in court.

“Demonte Gibson had nothing else to do but defend himself and Nelson,” Gibson said. Accusing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives assigned to this case of having “tunnel vision,” Gardner claimed investigators latched onto Gibson as a suspect early on, ignoring alternative explanations.

Gardner then went over self-defense laws in DC, which don’t require someone to retreat, especially if they’re confronted by someone with a violent reputation. Thus, the prosecution failed to prove that there was no self-defense.

Gardner also attacked the credibility of an eyewitness account and questioned the motives behind calling Gibson’s mother and Forte’s sister to testify.

Forte’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, told jurors that prosecutors had failed to tie her client to any direct act of violence. Explaining to the jury, Forte didn’t possess or fire a gun, and was being accused of conspiracy simply because he was seen with friends before and after the incident.

“There was no lookout and no plan,” Ellis said, adding, “Because there was no conspiracy.”

She argued that none of the prosecution’s 35 witnesses could place Forte at the scene of the crime or provide physical evidence connecting him to the shooting.

During the prosecution’s rebuttal on April 23, they embraced the “tunnel vision” criticism, saying it was justified by what the surveillance footage revealed.

“When [the lead detective] and his squad saw the footage, it was clear,” the prosecutor said. “They were walking like men with a purpose.”

The prosecutor presented the videos again, showing the moments as Gibson allegedly reached for something in his waistband, and Nelson on the phone, looking over his shoulder.

The prosecutor said conspiracy doesn’t require a written agreement or even explicit communication, only some version of a shared plan, which she argued is demonstrated through their “concert of actions,” from meetups before and after the shooting.

No further dates were set for the matter as the jury continues deliberations.

Defense Argues Homicide Defendant’s Arrest Was Unconstitutional

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman heard arguments on a motion about a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights against illegal seizure during a hearing for a fatal shooting case on April 22.

Anthony Green, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Terence Akindo on the 2300 block of 13th Place, NE, on July 30, 2023. Akindo died from gunshot wounds to his head and chest.

At the hearing, Judge Edelman informed parties that Green refused to be searched at the courthouse and was consequently sent back to the jail.

Green’s defense attorney, Sylvia Smith, informed the court that she spoke to Green the previous day and was surprised he was not present. The defense requested Green’s presence be waived for the hearing.

The prosecution objected due to the substantive nature of the hearing and expressed concerns about creating a potential appeal issue.

Judge Edelman expressed frustration that parties were in a “place where nothing is moving forward” because Green also refused to get off the bus from the jail at the last hearing on April 18. The judge explained that he would feel more comfortable proceeding without the defendant if he received something in writing waiving his presence.

After US Marshals returned Green to the courthouse, Judge Edelman heard arguments regarding the defense motion to suppress evidence obtained as a result of an alleged illegal arrest or seizure of Green.

Green’s other defense attorney, Jessica Willis, argued that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) acted “reckless, hasty, and fast and loose with the facts” when they entered Green’s home on July 31, 2023 and unlawfully seized him. Willis alleged that MPD used the pretext of a welfare check to further their homicide investigation and take a photo of Green they needed for an identification at the police station, leading to his arrest.

Willis further argued that MPD entered unlawfully without a warrant and therefore everything that occurred after the illegal entry and seizure should be inadmissible at trial.

The prosecution called a detective from the MPD homicide unit who said he received an email the day after the incident with a written summary of an anonymous tip received by the MPD Command Information Center (CIC).

The email said that the caller was scared of the man who committed the shooting and alleged that he lived illegally on the 1300 block of Adams Street, NE with a pregnant woman. The caller said he also lived there.

The tipster refused to give her name but agreed to speak with a detective and left a callback number. The detective said he interviewed the source on July 31.

Prosecutors played clips from the detective’s interviews at the police department with the CIC caller and another individual she was in a romantic relationship with, who also alleged that he witnessed the shooting.

The detective said that while he conducted the interviews, other MPD detectives went to the address the caller provided. In the interview room, the detective said he received photos of Green and the pregnant female from the other detectives which he showed to the CIC tipster and she subsequently identified them both.

In her interview with the detective, the tipster also admitted that she did not see Akindo get shot but allegedly knew Green was the shooter because she had seen him with a gun before.

The man, who the detective subsequently interviewed, alleged that he saw Green put a black ski mask on and witnessed the shooting himself. He also identified a person said to be Green in a photo the detective showed him.

Time constraints prohibited the detective from finishing his testimony and the judge from ruling on the motion.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 28.

Loud Music Beef Turns Into a Shooting

A shooting defendant claimed he was acting in self-defense during opening statements on April 22, before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2024 and two individuals suffered from gunshot wounds.

The prosecution claimed that Wells was hanging out with a friend on a shared balcony when one of the neighbors asked them to turn down their music.

According to the prosecution, Wells started yelling at the neighbor, threatening her. The neighbor’s son came outside to defend his mother. That’s when Wells pulled out a gun and pointed it at them, claimed the prosecutor. The neighbor lunged at Wells, attempting to wrestle the gun away.

The prosecution says that’s when Wells fired six shots, two of which allegedly hit the neighbor’s son in the abdomen and one that struck the neighbor’s brother in the neck. The neighbor called 911 as Wells is said to have escaped through a vertical crawlspace, smashing a window into the apartment below.

The prosecution told the jury that during the trial, they will hear testimony from the victims as well as from the downstairs neighbors, whose apartment was breached during Wells’ escape. They also said the jury would hear a recording of Wells saying saying he “boasts that he got them.”

Brandon Burrell, Wells’ attorney, told the jury, “Wells was fighting for his life.” He stated that the neighbors misidentified Wells and were under the impression that he was someone with whom they had an existing issue. Burrell said, “they were looking for trouble and they found it.”

According to Burrell, the neighbor and her son approached Wells armed and pinned him down. The neighbor directed her son to shoot Wells, according to Burrell, which prompted Wells to grab the gun from the neighbor.

“Every person has the right to defend themselves,” said Burrell, as he told the jury that Wells only shot in self-defense. Burrell ended his statements stating, “it will be illuminated what happened in that room.”

The prosecution called a forensic DNA analyst who tested two firearms and six cartridge casings linked to this case.

According to the witness, both of the firearms very likely had traces of Wells’ DNA on them, but one had a significantly stronger result than the other. The neighbor and her son’s DNA were not present in the samples.

The witness stated that there was insufficient DNA evidence found on all six cartridge casings, so no conclusion could be drawn from the remnants.

The prosecution also called a patrol officer who explained he responded to the scene after a neighbor alerted him of the shooting in the street.

The officer’s body-worn camera footage showed him entering the apartment and finding one victim on the ground, holding his abdomen, complaining he was shot.

The officer spoke to the victim’s mother, who directed him to the adjoining apartment, saying that someone was fleeing the scene. The officer stated he entered the apartment and found it in disarray.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 23.

document: MPD Arrests Man for Three Separate Stabbings

April 9, 2025

(Washington, DC) – The Metropolitan Police Department announces the arrest of a man who was wanted in three separate stabbings in the Sixth District.

On Friday, February 21, 2025, at approximately 3:59 am, the victim was waiting at the bus stop at the corner of 18th Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE. The suspect swung a machete at the victim, cutting them. The suspect fled the scene. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wound.

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, at approximately 8:12 am, the suspect approached the victim at the corner of 19th Street and Minnesota Avenue, SE. The suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times. The suspect fled the scene. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wounds.

On Saturday, March 26, 2025, at approximately 7:17 pm, the suspect and the victim were involved in an argument in the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE. The argument escalated when the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim. The suspect fled the scene. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening wound.

The detectives’ investigation determined that 36-year-old James Gregory of no fixed address was the suspect in all three stabbings. A D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant was obtained for his arrest. He was located in the custody of Prince George’s County. Gregory was extradited on April 9, 2025, to Washington, DC, where he was charged with three counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

April 10, 2025

(Washington, DC) – The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting in Southeast.

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 11:20 p.m., Seventh District officers responded to the 3500 block of 22nd Street, SE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male, unconscious and not breathing, suffering gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and after all lifesaving measures failed, the victim was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as 29-year-old Jamal Kingsberry of Temple Hills, MD.

Anyone who has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for each homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

Witnesses Testify About Lengthy Blood Trail in Homicide Trial

Prosecutors called multiple witnesses who testified about a blood trail at the crime scene during a fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 21.

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.

The prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Canine Unit who testified that he responded to the scene on the night of the incident. Prosecutors played footage from the detective’s body-worn camera of a police dog tracking the blood spatters, which the detective said went around the block and into a parking garage.

Three forensic scientists from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) also testified that they collected suspected blood samples and took photos of the crime scene on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2022.

According to court documents, the blood trail led north on 33rd Street, away from the victim’s body, turned right on N Street, and ended in front of a building on the 3200 block of N Street.

Court documents described an additional blood trail in the courtyard of Eaton Court near a smoke shop, and down a set of stairs that led to the crime scene. A blood trail was also observed in the parking garage on the ground level of the courtyard.

Prosecutors also called an eyewitness, an employee of Good Stuff Eatery on M Street at the time, who testified that she was closing the business’ patio area when she saw Boothe walk by the restaurant and stand on a corner of M Street. She did not know the victim’s name but said she recognized him as a previous customer.

She testified that moments later she heard a gunshot, turned around, witnessed Boothe fall into the street, and a person walking away on 33rd Street. The witness added that she did not see the shooter’s face but that he was a male wearing a black jacket.

“I was in shock,” said the witness.

The prosecution called another witness, a friend of Reynolds and Boothe, who frequently visited the smoke shop where they both worked. The day of the incident, the witness spent time at the shop. “We were just hanging out, it was a normal day,” she said.

According to the witness, a verbal exchange occurred between Reynolds and Boothe inside the shop that escalated into a physical altercation. She explained that she attempted to diffuse the situation before leaving because the fight upset her.

When the witness returned, Reynolds and Boothe were gone, but she noticed small amounts of blood in the doorway and a shattered countertop. The witness said she and the other individuals in the shop collectively cleaned it, left together, and did not hear the shooting.

The trial is scheduled to resume on April 22.

‘I Handed Her the Food and I Never Saw Her Again,’ Surviving Gunshot Victim Testifies About Neighbor’s Death

A six co-defendant homicide, mass shooting trial continued before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 21.

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 gave one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee has two more counts on the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also additionally charged with 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 and Dubose faces 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 get rid of the evidence and avoiding arrest for the crime.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on one of the surviving victims who lives on Longfellow Street, and shared that he had just grilled salmon and given a plate to a female neighbor, Dyson, whom he referred to as “Netta”

“I handed her the food, and I never saw her again,” he recalled of her murder.

According to the witness, he heard what he thought were gunshots, saw everyone ducking down and he took cover following their lead. He testified he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg, and spent the night in the hospital.

This witness was subpoenaed to testify for the grand jury, did not respond, and was arrested and held for seven days. According to the witness, that resulted in losing his job–something the defense mentioned in their cross examination to raise doubt about the organizational approach and efficiency of the prosecution.

Multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers testified about their experiences after arriving at the scene and handling the injuries and scattered evidence along Longfellow Street. The prosecution called a former sergeant, who stated that the scene was “extremely challenging” to manage.

During the cross examination, defense attorneys Michael Bruckheim, Peter Fayne, and Brian McDaniel raised doubt about the integrity of the investigation, mentioning the number of civilians that walked through the large crime scene seemingly uncontrolled. The defense claimed MPD failed to properly create a perimeter around the scene.

The prosecution also called three MPD officers to share their narratives of the crime scene and responses to victims’ injuries. One officer testified he treated a victim’s right leg with a gunshot wound, applying a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. Another officer testified to his role of blocking off the crime scene in an effort to ensure no bystanders entered or exited. The final MPD officer was from a K-9 unit, and he testified he located different pieces of evidence after the shooting.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene April 22.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Fatal Shooting

April 10, 2025

(Washington, DC) – The Metropolitan Police Department announces the arrest of a suspect involved in a fatal shooting in Southeast.

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at approximately 2:25 p.m., Seventh District officers responded to the 3500 block of 6th Street, Southeast, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female, unconscious and not breathing, suffering gunshot wounds. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene, and after all lifesaving measures failed, the victim was pronounced dead.

The decedent has been identified as a 25-year-old Taeje Butler of Southeast, DC.

Seventh District officers arrested the suspect on the scene without incident. As a result of the detectives’ investigation, 25-year-old Josiah Garrison of Southeast, DC, was charged with Second Degree Murder While Armed. The investigation revealed the offense was domestic in nature.

Document: Police Arrest Second Suspect in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a second suspect in connection with a shooting on March 29 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW.

A teenage male was found with serious injuries and transported to a hospital.

On April 23, 17-year-old Ka’raun Foster was arrested and charged as an adult with Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun).

A 15-year-old male was previously arrested on April 21 for the same charge.

Document: Police Seek Suspect in Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a stabbing incident that occurred on April 22 in the 500 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

The victim, an adult male, was found conscious with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital.

Surveillance footage captured the suspect, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in an Unarmed Carjacking

Nov. 26, 2024, MPD Searching for Suspects in an Unarmed Carjacking (Washington, DC) – The Metropolitan Police Department is asking for the community’s assistance in locating two suspects involved in an unarmed carjacking that occurred in Northwest. On Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, at approximately 11:17 p.m., two suspects approached the victim while in the 1900 block of 14th Street, NW. The victim stated the suspects attacked him, stole his property and vehicle before fleeing the scene. The victim was not injured during the incident. The suspects were captured by surveillance cameras and can be seen in photos and video surveillance footage.

Anyone who can identify these suspects or has knowledge of this incident should take no action but call police at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $1,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for a violent crime committed in the District of Columbia.

Document: Police Investigate Homicide at Knox Place

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on April 22 on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Dar’Juan McRoy, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. The case remains under investigation.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Crash on 295

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on April 22 on the northbound lanes of DC-295 near the Pennsylvania Avenue exit.

The victim, identified as 47-year-old Edward Pearson of Southeast, DC, was struck by a red 2005 Chrysler Sebring and subsequently by a 2013 Toyota Avalon after exiting a 2017 GMC Sierra to secure a loose truck bed cover.

Both drivers involved remained at the scene, and the Chrysler’s occupants were treated for minor injuries.

Murder Defendant Accused of Tampering and Abetting Rejects Plea Offer

A defendant accused of tampering with evidence and assisting in a homicide rejected a plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 18.

Nichelle Thomas is facing 16 charges, including accessory after the fact second-degree murder while armed, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, three counts of misdemeanor credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, threat to injure a person, and four counts of obstruction of justice. These charges stem from her alleged involvement in the murder of 42-year-old Anthony Jordan. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE, on Aug. 4, 2023.

Thomas’ boyfriend, Lewis Jones, is allegedly the person who stabbed Jordan and has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon, six counts of tampering with physical evidence, and obstructing justice.

Thomas’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, announced her decision to reject the prosecution’s plea offer in that Thomas would plead guilty to accessory after the fact of second-degree murder, one count of obstruction of justice, one count of simple assault, and one count of sexual abuse misdemeanor. In exchange, the prosecution would consolidate the other felony concurrent cases against her and dismiss the 17 other pending charges against her, including misdemeanors and a felony count.

Jones’ attorney, David Knight, stated that Jones was requesting new counsel.

However, after a conversation with all parties that occurred under seal, Knight and Jones stated they would continue to work together.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 13.

Carjacking Defendant’s Motion to Overturn Conviction Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a carjacking defendant’s motion to overturn his conviction based on ineffective representation on April 18.

Marquise Lucas, 26, was convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, unarmed carjacking, and three counts of armed robbery with an imitation pistol, for his involvement in an incident that occurred on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW on Feb. 12, 2015. He appeared remotely from a federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) facility.

According to court documents, Lucas was engaged in a robbery and carjacking of a BMW at a gas station. The stolen vehicle was pursued by officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) before it collided with another vehicle and those involved were detained.

Lucas was sentenced to 14 years of incarceration in December 2015.

Lucas filed a motion to vacate his conviction on Dec. 3, 2023. He alleged that his Public Defender Service (PDS) trial counsel, Michael Carter, is related to one of the victims in the 2015 carjacking and was, therefore, ineffective in representing him.

Lucas’ current attorney, Andrew Ain, argued, in addition, Lucas’ prior defense team failed to order a timely psychological evaluation, despite his documented history of mental health struggles.

Ain called on a former junior counsel lawyer, leshaah Murphy, who defended Lucas, to testify. Murphy explained that had she been aware of Lucas’ previous suicide attempts earlier, she would have sought an evaluation sooner. She only learned of the issue a few months before sentencing, which, she argued, left insufficient for an accurate assessment.

Ain asserted this oversight in documentation constituted ineffective representation, as critical information was present in Lucas’ mental health records but overlooked by his previous attorneys. Furthermore, Ain stated that the absence of a psychological evaluation at sentencing disadvantaged the court.

Judge Kravitz, however, found that Lucas’ former counsel’s performance was not deficient. He acknowledged that although the defense’s actions were “imperfect,” they requested a psychological evaluation and worked with the resources they had.

No further dates have been set for this matter.