Armed Carjacking Victim Testifies

The victim of an armed carjacking incident testified before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on July 2.

Antoine Lee Johnson, 35, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on July 22, 2024 on the 3330 block of 6th St, SE.

The victim testified that he was awakened in his car around 3 a. m. by an individual pointing a gun at his head through the window and telling him to get out.

Prosecuting attorneys played CCTV footage from the parking lot where the incident occurred that showed a person circling the victim’s car, opening the trunk, and standing beside the driver’s side window. The video shows the victim eventually exiting the vehicle, and the suspect in the footage entering and driving off with the trunk still open.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Craig Ricard, questioned the victim about why the incident seemed to take place so slowly, noting that he didn’t appear to be exiting his car in a hurry.

“I was still a little shocked over the situation, then humiliated,” said the victim.

The victim’s daughter was able to track his phone which was left inside the vehicle aiding the prosecution in connecting the route of the stolen vehicle to the location where Johnson was eventually arrested.

Meanwhile, a detective from Seat Pleasant, Maryland testified about his initial encounter with the suspect vehicle and the car chase that lasted more than 30 minutes before the suspect eventually stopped, allegedly attempted to flee, and was tackled by police officers.

The detective testified that he never lost sight of the vehicle, but didn’t see any firearms being discarded. Ricard then argued there was ever a gun during the carjacking.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) did not conduct any interviews at the crime scene besides with the victim, and while DNA evidence was taken from the vehicle, none of it was used as evidence due to officers having made an arrest of a suspect matching the description provided by the victim.

Ricard pressed both officers about the clothing the suspect who was arrested was wearing, drawing attention to his blue jeans. The victim had previously testified that the suspect was wearing all black when his vehicle was stolen.

Ricard also highlighted that the surveillance footage was blurry, and looked to jurors as he reminded them that the footage cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the carjacker was holding a firearm, reminding them no firearm was ever recovered.

Prosecutors responded that in the surveillance footage from the parking lot, there is a shadow being reflected onto the vehicle from showing the suspect was holding the gun in his right hand. They added that the witness testimony remained consistent, and that he had no reason to lie about whether or not the carjacker was armed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 3.

Judge Denies Release For Suspect in Brother’s Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied release for a defendant accused of stabbing his brother in a hearing on July 2.

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

Defense attorney Darryl Daniels requested Judge Pipe release Yeager based on his minimal criminal history.

The prosecution opposed Yeager’s release stating that he knowingly stabbed his brother who was close to dying. They added that the victim was suffering from extreme blood loss, had an oxygen mask, and was unconscious when emergency services arrived at the scene.

The prosecution also pointed to a prior simple assault case in 2018, in which Yeager had attacked his brother. They cited this as an example of Yeager’s being a significant threat to both the brother and the community.

In response, Daniels asked for home confinement and GPS monitoring. He claimed that Yeager accidentally stabbed his brother after a dispute due to the brother selling drugs at Yeager’s home. He also mentioned that if Yeager was released he would stay at another family member’s home.

Judge Pipe stated that even if this was an accident, the victim almost died. She referred to court documents allegedly showing that Yeager proceeded to punch his brother in the head, drag him down the stairs, and throw him out of the house. Judge Pipe stated “he could have done a lot of things before resorting to violence” and denied the defense’s request for release under home confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 28.

‘This Is Not A Joke,’ Says Victim’s Mother at Murder Defendant’s Sentencing

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 11 years with five years of supervised release by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 2, with the the shooting victim’s mother present for the hearing.

On April 4, Antwain Ulmer, 20, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Charles Sullivan, 30, on July 9, 2023, on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of ten-to-16 years of imprisonment.

The prosecution believed that there was a motive and aggravating circumstances behind the attack and requested Ulmer receive 16 years in prison for the incident, while his defense attorney, Frances D’Antuono argued that Ulmer acted in fear and suggested 10 years as appropriate punishment.

Sullivan’s mother gave a victim impact statement demanding justice for her son, and to see Ulmer get the maximum time in prison. “He needs to be sent where the big boys are,” she stated.

She also wanted to raise awareness about the need to break the cycle of violence, which, according to her, starts early in life.

“This is not a joke. This is not a game,” Sullivan insisted.

Ulmer also spoke at the sentencing apologizing to the victim’s mother.

“I’m sorry, I know how it feels to lose someone close to you. I know you can’t get him back and I wish things could have gone differently,” he said.

Judge Kravitz explained that due to Ulmer’s age as well as his willingness to participate in court programs that he will be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which provides an opportunity for youth to have their conviction sealed after the defendant satisfies the conditions of the sentence.

“There’s real humanity there behind his shyness,” Judge Kravitz explained. “He shares the same dreams and hopes as people his age.”

Therefore, Judge Kravitz decided to sentence Ulmer to 132 months and five years of supervised release for voluntary manslaughter while armed, and 18 months and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon. The sentences will run concurrently, and the two years Ulmer has already spent incarcerated also counts toward the sentence.

No further dates have been set.

Shooting Defendant Denied Release Pending Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied release for a shooting defendant on July 1.

Marcus Martin, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024, where one person was injured.

In the hearing, the prosecution’s motion to delay the trial was granted, and Judge Brandt vacated the original trial dates set for July.

Martin’s defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, highlighted that it may be a while before Martin’s trial, which was rescheduled for December 8 and requested his release with strict conditions like home confinement.

Judge Brandt stated that it was premature to talk about potential release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on September 18 at 9:30am.

Trial Begins for Shooting Outside of Night Club

Opening arguments and witness testimony opening arguments in a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 1. The violence apparently arose from a domestic dispute.

Vann Allen, 36, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on 1400 block of New York Ave NE on Nov. 11, 2023.

The prosecution claimed after a night out with friends and family, the victim got into an argument between his girlfriend and ex-girlfriend, who he ran into at Throw Social night club. The victim was trying to intervene when Allen allegedly closed in on the victim, who was unarmed. Allen allegedly shot him once in the stomach and “calmly walked away”.

They concluded their opening statements by urging the jury to find the defendant guilty as DNA evidence, clothing and witness testimonies will ultimately prove Allen’s guilt.

“‘You can get any n*****’…these were the words that Vann Allen heard,” Sellano Simmons, Allen’s attorney, told the jury. Simmons argued that the victim was yelling to Allen in the moments leading up to the shooting. Allen did not know the victim, and was trying to leave, said Simmons.

Throughout his opening arguments, Simmons did not deny that Allen shot the victim. He did argue that the prosecution did not give a full account which included the victim’s fighting words with Allen.

Simmons stated that, “The incident happened very fast” and Allen was “scared for his own life, scared for his safety, he reacted.”

When Allen was located by police, he immediately identified himself and did not resist arrest.

Simmons urged the jury to presume Allen was acting in self defense. At the end of his argument, Simmons asked the jury to remember that Allen just “wanted to go home”.

The prosecution called the lead detective of the case, who revealed that he never personally interviewed the victim and was not present when Allen was located. Additionally, the crime scene was not fully secured for several minutes due to crowds and getting medical attention for the victim.

The witness identified the exact location of the crime on a map. He also positively identified Allen in court as the person said to be the suspect that was arrested the night of the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Simple Assault, Robbery

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel during a hearing on July 1.

Terrence Stanley, 38, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a carjacking and stabbing of one victim on March 11, 2025 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was a case manager for a mental health facility from which Stanley sought help. Stanley entered the victim’s car to travel to the facility, then cut the victim’s neck with a knife, and he fled the car.

During the hearing, Stanley’s defense attorney, Lauren Morehouse, informed Judge Israel that Stanley accepted an offer extended by the prosecution and pleaded guilty to simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, and robbery. In return, the prosecution will dismiss any greater and remaining charges and request that Stanley serve concurrent sentences for the offenses.

Sentencing is delayed until Stanley completes a substance abuse program.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Nov. 21.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Jailhouse Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause to send the charges against a stabbing defendant to a grand jury during a preliminary hearing on June 27.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on March 28.

Rashid Shabazz, 35, is charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly hiding the shank used in the incident.

Shabazz was not present during the preliminary hearing.

According to court documents, Gabriel allegedly used a sharp piece of metal wrapped with gauze, commonly known as a shank, to stab the victim multiple times. The incident was captured on jail surveillance camera footage.

During the preliminary hearing, Gabriel appeared with his defense attorney, Anthony DiMillo, but informed the court he had submitted a handwritten motion to represent himself, asserting his attorney is ineffective.

Judge Raymond chose not to rule on Gabriel’s request, referring the decision to the judge who would be assigned to Gabriel following the preliminary hearing.

The court heard testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who reviewed surveillance cameral footage of the incident. According to the detective, the footaged showed Gabriel approaching the victim and initiating the stabbing with a sharp object, continuing the assault as the victim fled, and later passing the weapon to Shabazz.

The victim was hospitalized briefly for multiple stab and slash wounds, the detective said.

DiMillo challenged the prosecution’s case, arguing there was no direct witness to the stabbing, the severity of the injury remains unclear, and the weapon was not recovered from Gabriel.

The defense suggested the video might have shown another individual who resembled Gabriel.

The prosecution countered that correctional officers clearly identified Gabriel on video, the victim’s injuries were serious enough to require hospital treatment, and the weapon seen in the video matched one recovered from Shabazz’s cell.

Judge Raymond concluded that probable cause existed for both charges, citing the clarity of the surveillance footage, the severity of the injuries and the nature of the weapon used,

“Mr. Gabriel’s criminal history is rather stunning,” Judge Raymond remarked during her ruling. She said his alleged actions had “made the prison a more dangerous place.”

Judge Raymond also criticized the defense’s attempt to minimize the severity of the injury, stating that an injury that requires hospitalization is a significant bodily injury.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 8.

‘I Just Want to Talk to my Kids,’ Says Domestic Assault Defendant

A domestic assault defendant requested visitation with her 10 children during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 26.

Sunshine Bangura, 37, is charged with first-degree cruelty to children and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic assault incident on June 21 on the unit block of Todd Place, NE.

According to court documents, Bangura allegedly assaulted her 15-year-old daughter in their home after the two got into an argument. The daughter reportedly told Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers that Bangura punched her in the face, kicked her stomach, and cut her with a knife above her left eyebrow and on her wrist.

“I just want to talk to my kids,” said Bangura during the hearing.

Judge Brandt listened as Bangura listed her 10 children, the youngest of which is only 11-months-old.

“Goodness, woman, you are worn out,” said Judge Brandt.

Bangura’s defense attorney, Atiq Ahmed, asked for more time to review a plea offer extended by the prosecution, and also requested a competency evaluation for Bangura.

According to court documents, the father said in an interview with MPD detectives that he had noticed recent mental health shifts in Bangura, such as depressive behavior and yelling. The father said, after he tried to stop the altercation, he asked Bangura what happened, and she gave no response.

According to Judge Brandt, the only stay-away order in place for Bangura applies solely to her 15-year-old. Judge Brandt confirmed that Bangura is freely able to speak with her other children.

Judge Brandt suggested that Bangura coordinate a visit with the father, who is currently caring for the children.

Ahmed said Bangura was worried about her infant. Judge Brandt extended sympathy but said the issue was outside her jurisdiction and should be addressed with the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA).

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 1 .

‘This Is a Bizarre Situation,’ Judge Responds to Medical Dispute At Arraignment

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard conflicting claims about a homicide defendant’s medical condition during an arraignment on June 27.

Tommy Whack, 35, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and robbery for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam, 53. The incident occurred on April 5, 2024, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

During the hearing, Kevin O’Sullivan, Whack’s attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz that his client was pleading not guilty to his charges.

According to a representative from the Department of Corrections (DoC), Whack was hospitalized from April 24-to-29 for injuries.

According to O’Sullivan, these injuries have continued to cause persistent symptoms. O’Sullivan requested a follow-up neurology appointment, as well as accommodations in jail, including a wheel chair, a shower chair, and ongoing physical therapy.

Whack alleged in court that the DoC seized and shredded his discharge recommendations.

A DoC representative denied this, stating that all records are stored as external attachments in the medical records. The representative also argued a follow-up appointment was unnecessary, citing medical notes that Whack could bear weight and had been observed playing in a basketball game.

Whack countered that his neurologist recommended he see a specialist for nerve damage. He told the court his facility is not wheelchair accessible and that he cannot shower, attend appointments, or leave his cell.

After hearing the conflicting accounts, Judge Kravitz appeared baffled.

“This is a bizarre situation. I don’t really know what’s happening,” he said, and told Whack, “They say they saw you play basketball.”

Judge Kravitz instructed the DoC to arrange a neurology appointment. He denied requests from O’Sullivan to release Whack to home confinement or transfer him to another jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Fatal Stabbing

A defendant pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 27 for his alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing.

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

Johnson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, alerted Judge Brandt to his intention to plead not guilty. She asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Tor o accepted a shooting defendant’s guilty plea on June 27.

Cameron McMillian, 35, was originally charged with aggravated assault while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW, on Jan. 22.

According to court documents, McMillian was arguing with the victim and an associate. When the victim turned away, McMillian hit them with a handgun, which discharged, striking the victim in the right shoulder.

McMillian pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in exchange for all other charges being dismissed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 28.

Defendant’s Charge Changed to Murder after Victim’s Death

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park that they were updating a defendant’s charge from aggravated assault to murder on June 27, following the victim’s death on April 28 at George Washington University Hospital.

Walter Parker, 48, is charged with first-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 77-year-old Bernard Williams on April 23 on the 400 block of M Street, SE.

According to court documents, Parker appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance at the time of the incident.

Parker’s attorney, Howard McEachern, indicated that Parker is scheduled for a competency evaluation.

Judge Park postponed Parker’s preliminary hearing until after the competency issue is resolved.

The prosecution stated that a plea offer is in process and will be presented at a future date. They also voiced their willingness to extend the plea deadline to allow time for the competency evaluation to be completed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to 2 Shootings

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno accepted a plea agreement encompassing two shootings on June 16.

Alexander Evans, 40, was originally charged with carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a domestic shooting on Dec. 9, 2024, on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE. No injuries were reported.

Evans was also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on Jan. 13 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, during the Dec. 9 shooting, Evans shot into the air 12 times in an attempt to frighten his partner.

On Jan. 13, according to court documents, Evans shot an individual on the hand.

Evans’ attorney, Sellano Simmons, alerted Judge Salerno that his client was accepting a deal extended by the prosecution. Evans agreed to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury, endangerment with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to indictment Evans on greater charges.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22.

Shooting Defendant Claims Innocence For Curfew Violations

A shooting defendant accused of repeated curfew violations told DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe he was locked out of his residence in a show cause hearing on June 30.

On May 5, Dayquan Henderson, 23, pleaded guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and misdemeanor possession of an unregistered firearm for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE, on May 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) ordered Henderson to appear before Judge Pipe due to allegations of multiple release violations, including his GPS not being charged as required.

Henderson’s defense attorney, Daniel Kovler, stated that Henderson had moved since accepting his plea and is now living with his mother. He mentioned that an additional key was never created for the residence, which caused Henderson to have to wait for his mother to return home from work before he could enter the apartment.

According to the prosecution, PSA notified Henderson that his GPS monitor had lost power on June 24. Kovler stated that Henderson did not receive the alert and remained unaware until June 27 when Kovler informed him of the issue.

Upon notification, Henderson immediately fixed it. PSA allegedly found that the device’s charger had stopped working.

Judge Pipe discharged the show cause, and reminded Henderson he must comply with all release conditions.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 25.

Motions Arguments Continue in 5-Year-Old Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson heard testimony from two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers during a motions hearing in a shooting case on June 26.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 9, 2020, on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

An MPD detective concluded his testimony from a previous hearing about his investigation of the shooting. The witness was previously the lead detective in Shelton’s case.

The detective said he reviewed surveillance camera footage of the suspect fleeing the scene after the incident and visited nearby residences in search of footage tracking the suspect’s whereabouts. He said MPD would have saved any footage used in the case.

The detective told the court he was unable to find witnesses in the case. He decided to close the case on Dec. 30, 2020, since progress was not being made and prosecutors refused to file charges against Shelton.

Prosecutors also called a former MPD patrol officer to testify. The witness stated she used to patrol the Le Droit Park neighborhood, where Shelton was a resident.

The officer said she had several personal interactions with Shelton during her time as a patrol officer, including a traffic stop and two separate arrests in 2018 and 2019 for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. At the traffic stop, she said she noticed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle along with a firearm located under Shelton’s seat and another in a book bag between his legs.

The officer said she identified Shelton in court in 2024. She also identified him in a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) flyer created by the lead detective to help the public identify the suspect in this case.

Shelton’s defense attorneys, Emily Suffrin and Emma Mlyniec, stated that a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) report of the shooting suspect described him as a middle-aged black man wearing a puffy jacket. CAD reports are used to record information from 911 calls and communicate it to police. Suffrin and Mlyniec argued Shelton could not have been the suspect because he was too young.

Suffrin and Mlyniec said the prosecution lost evidence, including body-worn camera footage and 911 audio recordings, between when the incident occurred and when the case was filed against Shelton.

Judge Dayson granted the defense an extension to gather the evidence they claim was lost.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 2.

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