Medical Examiner Confirms Stabbing Homicide

A medical examiner testified about the extent of a homicide victim’s injuries before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 11.

Daniel Chapman, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 43-year-old Antoine Ealey. The incident occurred on July 22, 2023, on the 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

The prosecution called on the medical examiner who said Ealey sustained five external injuries, including a two inch deep, three inch wide gaping stab wound on the left shoulder.

The witness detailed that the shoulder wound had cut through several blood vessels and punctured the top of the left lung, ultimately causing the victim’s death. The autopsy located blood in the chest cavity ultiamtely determining manner of death was homicide.

A toxicologist toxicology report found PCP and K2, a synthetic cannabinoid, was in Ealey’s blood and that PCP could distort reality in a way that might cause violence but not necessarily from taking it.

Another witness who reviewed Ealy’s autopsy. testified that the second rib on Ealy’s left side was fractured due to sharp force trauma.

The witness also stated that the knife used in the stabbing would not have had serrated edges due to the lack of chipping and marks on the rib bone. The prosecution showed the knife that was allegedly used during the incident and asked the witness if a knife like this could have been used in this scenario. The witness stated that he could not rule it out.

The prosecution also showed the CCTV surveillance footage of the incident. In the video, provided by a witness from the United States Attorney’s office, an individual in a red shirt walking down an alleyway was visible. Shortly after, a group of four individuals was seen exiting an apartment building on Pennsylvania Avenue, and walking down the same alley in the same direction as the man in a red shirt. The group of individuals eventually stop at the end of the alley near a back parking lot of a car wash.

The man in red, who was also at the end of the alley, sees the group of four individuals and begins to interact with them. Eventually, the man in red comes closer to the group and an individual in a polka dot shirt begins to interact with the man in red.

After a couple of seconds of face- to-face interaction, both individuals briefly begin to kick each other’s legs. After, the man in the red walks away toward the end of the alley, the man in the polka dot shirt follows him and they both begin to fight. After a couple of seconds, the man in red runs away and out of line of the camera view.

The participants shown in the melee were not immediately identified.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 16.

Shooting Defendant Released Despite Rearrest

DC Superior Court ChiefJudge Milton Lee allowed a shooting defendant to continue probation on June 12, despite facing another charge.

Dakia Thomas, 44, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. She was originally charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm/unlawful possession of a firearm or destructive device, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These counts. stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Dec. 16, 2021, on the 33500 block of Albert Irvin Cassell Place NE. No injuries were reported.

Dakia is on a five year probation as a part of her plea deal, and, according to her parole officer, was complying with everything asked of her by the court. However, she was rearrested for simple assault for allegedly sending multiple threatening text messages.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked to keep her in jail stating that she broke her probation agreement. In an April proceeding, DC Superior Court Judge Pipe stated that she was not inclined to release Thomas, and that her two previous charges are cause for concern. When the hearing concluded, Thomas shouted, “This is bulls**t.”

However, Judge Lee stated that the two cases are unrelated and granted her release, under the condition she reports to her parole officer on June 13 and arrives at her court date for the misdemeanor.

Judge Considers Extending Probation Following Re-Arrest

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson postponed deciding on a prosecutor’s request to extend probation on June 6 after a woman convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence was re-arrested for allegedly driving without a permit.

Brianca Phillips, 28, was charged in 2022 with conspiracy, first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection to the 2021 shooting of Terrance Allen, according to court records. In 2024, Phillips entered a deal where she pleaded guilty to conspiracy in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced Phillips to 12 months probation in February 2025 under the Youth Rehabilitation Act of 1985 (YRA).

The YRA is a DC law that allows defendants who were 24 years old or younger at the time of committing a crime to have their conviction taken off from their criminal record if they comply with court orders and participate in rehabilitative programs.

After Phillips was re-arrested on charges of driving without a permit, a urine test indicated she had consumed alcohol within the past 48 hours.

Phillips’ defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, questioned the relevance of this test result, as alcohol consumption is legal. However, alcohol use violates Phillips’ probation, according to court records.

A community supervision officer (CSO) from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) told the court that, apart from this rearrest, Phillips has been compliant and involved in rehabilitation and community programs.

However, the CSO said she was standing in and could not speak for Phillips’ current CSO.

Judge Dayson remarked that extending Phillips’ probationary term may not make sense, since it ends in February 2026. She said she wants to hear the opinion of Phillips’ current CSO regarding the status of her probation before making a decision.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.

Metro Bus Stabbing Defendant Denied Release, Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release following his waiving a preliminary hearing of the evidence against him on June 9.

Daniel Williams, 42, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on May 27 at the Minnesota Avenue Metro bus station on the 4100 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Williams and the victim exchanged heated words on board the bus prior to the incident.

Darryl Daniels, Williams’ attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and presented arguments for Williams’ release. According to Daniels, Williams has stable housing and a job, lack of criminal history, and is the sole provider for his two children. The defense also mentioned that the victim had been “disrespectful” to the driver of the bus, which offended Williams.

The prosecution provided arguments for holding Williams, mentioning the unprovoked nature of the attack and the seriousness of the victim’s injuries, which included a punctured lung.

Citing the seriousness of the offense, Judge Herrmenn denied Williams release.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 2.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Metro bus Stabbing

A defendant in a stabbing case accepted a plea deal while DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied him release on June 11.

Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 43, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on a DC Metro bus at the intersection of the 5400 Block of Georgia Avenue, NW and Jefferson Street, NW on July 21, 2024. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, alerted Judge Hertzfeld of his intent to accept a deal extended by prosecutors. The agreement required Olowofoyeku to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the parties agreed to a sentencing within the guidelines in keeping with the defendant’s criminal history score which takes into account past offenses.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant struck the victim in the thigh, arm, and hand, resulting in injuries requiring stitches. The victim and defendant were strangers before the altercation.

Following his guilty plea, McLaurin asked Judge Hertzfeld to consider release or transfer to the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) to help Olowofoyeku’s declining health.

McLaurin claimed that Olowofoyeku had pain in his mouth that was causing sinus issues and that he had vertigo, which had caused dizziness and lightheadedness. Additionally, he is recovering from substance abuse, and the jail has not treatment program.

The defense also brought up Olowofoyeku’s parents’ declining health and his responsibility to take care of them.

However, the prosecution disagreed, stating that the “evidence of the defendant’s dangerousness is clear,” given the severity of the defendant’s current charges.

With the prosecution citing previous misdemeanors in which the defendant had acted violently and aggressively, the judge ultimately denied release and said she would consider the jail transfer.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 4.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Denies Release in Near Fatal Shooting

After hearing arguments and evidence in the case against a man accused of shooting his roommate, DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson, who was standing in for Judge Todd Edelman, found probable cause to move forward with the case and detain the defendant pre-trial on June 6.

Ke’Shaun Farmer, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for allegedly shooting and paralyzing his friend after an altercation in their apartment on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, on Feb. 18, 2025.

Defense attorney Bernadette Armand called an investigator who works for her to the witness stand, who testified to speaking with another investigator who interviewed the victim in the hospital after the incident. He said he was told the victim was lucid, playing a video game, and in a good mood during the interview.

According to the witness, the victim told the other investigator that the shooting occurred after Farmer and the victim got in an argument over an accusation by Farmer’s girlfriend that the victim stole marijuana from Farmer.

After an alleged “tussle,” the witness said, Farmer walked a few feet to the couch and produced a handgun.

“You’re not doing anything with that,” the victim reported saying to Farmer, before Farmer allegedly shot him.

Farmer and his girlfriend then allegedly fled the scene, the witness said he was told by the other investigator.

Armand argued Farmer acted in self-defense and cited the victim’s 2024 guilty plea to second-degree assault in Maryland. Armand showed the witness the statement of facts from that conviction, which said the victim had been drinking before the assault.

During cross-examination, the prosecutor questioned the witness’ connection to the other investigator and knowledge of his interviewing practices. The witness testified that he previously had a phone conversation with the other investigator for networking but did not know much else about how he operated.

The prosecutor noted that neither the witness nor the court had a signed or verified copy of the victim’s statement to the other investigator. The witness’ testimony was based only on his conversation with the other investigator.

The prosecutor confirmed with the witness that he did not know certain details, such as how far the couch was from the men at the time of the argument, or whether or not the victim lunged at the defendant prior to being shot.

The prosecutor also asked the witness if he knew whether or not the victim was on any medication that could alter his state of mind during the interview, to which the witness responded that he did not know for certain. He reiterated that the other investigator told him the victim seemed lucid at the time.

The prosecution argued that there was no basis for a claim of self-defense. He said Farmer showed intent to kill by walking to get the gun and shooting the victim in the chest.

“There are clear gaps you could drive a truck through in a case that is very important,” the prosecutor said. He characterized the shooting as an “unfortunate byproduct” of poor decision-making by Farmer.

Armand rebutted these claims by showing video from Farmer’s police interview. While on camera, Farmer had a nine-minute phone call with the victim, who said he would support Farmer despite the shooting. Other video footage from the interview room showed Farmer cooperating with police to locate the gun.

Armand argued that Farmer felt remorse afterward for having used force against his friend, but at the time of the shooting, the victim was angry and Farmer felt threatened.

The prosecutor introduced into evidence several photos of Farmer with firearms, including the one allegedly used in the shooting. Some of the photos depicted handguns with extended magazines, which are illegal in the District of Columbia.

The prosecutor argued that Farmer’s possession of illegal firearms and his casual way of handling them in the photos contradicted his previous statements that he owned those guns for protection.

Armand argued that the photos in question were taken from a music video and the guns were props.

Judge Dayson ruled that the prosecution presented clear and convincing evidence that Farmer had intent to kill when he shot the victim. She based her ruling on the placement of the shot and the lack of evidence for a theory of self-defense.

Armand requested Farmer be released to home confinement, citing his compliance with orders to appear in court.

Judge Dayson denied the request, saying the prosecution’s evidence showed Farmer would be a danger to the community if released.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22 in front of Judge Edelman.

Judge Allows Murder Defendant to Work

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson modified release conditions for Alfred Paulino-Del Rosario in a June 6 hearing, granting him the ability to work.

Paulino-Del Rosario, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged role in the shooting death of 21-year-old Jhonatan Guzman Hernandez on the 2400 block of 15th Street, NW, on Dec. 30, 2022.

According to court records, Paulino-Del Rosario was granted supervised release on January 22, 2025, meaning he was placed on 24-hour home confinement with electronic monitoring.

Defense attorney Molly Bunke requested that the court modify the conditions of his release to allow him to work as long as he returns home under a curfew. She argued that Paulino-Del Rosario has been compliant in the two years since the incident and therefore is not a danger to the community if released from strict home confinement.

Judge Dayson partially granted the request, giving Paulino-Del Rosario permission to work after he provides a verified work schedule. She declined to set a regular curfew.

Meanwhile, the prosecution told the court they are in communication with several labs about testing DNA evidence but are facing difficulty completing the testing in time for the Oct. 5 deadline to indict Paulino-Del Rosario.

Bunke asked for more time to speak with her client and forensic team regarding DNA evidence, saying that she was not prepared to discuss the matter since she did not know it would be part of the hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Sept. 19.

Murder Defendant Won’t Be Retried, Released After Acquittal

The prosecution in a homicide announced they would not be pursuing a retrial and formally moved to dismiss the case against acquitted defendant Myrol Hickson before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 11.

Hickson, 36, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, 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 the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Maurice Frazier on Oct. 28, 2022. The incident occurred in an apartment building on the 900 block of Bellevue Street, SE.

On June 10, the jury returned a not guilty verdict for the first-degree murder charge, and the lesser charge of second-degree murder. However, Judge Brandt ordered a mistrial due to the jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict for other charges.

At the latest hearing, Judge Brandt granted the prosecution’s request to dismiss the remaining charges, and said she would sign a release order, ordering Hickson be released from the DC Jail as soon as possible.

Moments after the case was dismissed, Hickson grew visibly emotional, embracing his attorneys, Matthew Besman and Dana Page. Judge Brandt concluded the proceedings with a farewell, wishing Hickson good luck as he steps into the next chapter of his life.

No further dates were set.

Judge Won’t Remove GPS Monitor After Stabbing Suspect Fails Drug Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a request to remove electronic monitoring for Starleash Clyburn on June 5 after she reportedly failed another drug test.

Clyburn was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing that occurred on Monday, March 24, 2025, at approximately 10:10 AM on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE,

Defense Attorney Karen L. Minor argued to modify Clyburn’s probation to reduce constant monitoring. The prosecution disagreed claiming that Clyburn had failed drug testing conducted during her probation.

Clyburn previously received multiple notices of probabtion non-compliance. The prosecution said she was purposely avoiding drug testing.

The defense said Clyburn is now complying with drug tests. However, multiple controlled substances were reportedly found present in Clyburn’s system after testing including amphetamines and synthetic drugs including K2, a lab-made marijuana.

After review, Judge Di Toro rejected the motion to take minor off of electronic monitoring. Her concerns about Clyburn’s failed drug tests were a determining factor. She suggested that rehabilitation may be a better next step, in light of the circumstances.

Clyburn is set for another hearing on June 30, where she will be able to make another appeal.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A defendant in a shooting case waived his right to independent DNA evidence testing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 11.

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. These charges stem from Shelton’s alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one person and took place on Nov. 9, 2020 on the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Shelton waived his rights under the Innocence Protection Act after the prosecution put into the record that they had performed DNA testing on physical evidence, including a black face covering, found at the incident location.

Both parties will meet next week under a different judge for an evidentiary hearing to review the defense’s motion that body cam footage was allegedly mishandled by the prosecution.

The case is set to start trial on June 23, but will be certified to a different judge due to a scheduling conflict with Judge Park.

Judge Weighs Carjacker’s Youth Versus Needed Punishment in Sentencing

DC Superior Court Chief Judge Milton C. Lee struck a balance between punishment and rehabilitation in passing sentence on June 6 for a young carjacking defendant who agreed to plead guilty.

Mikhail Ashby, 18, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 21, 2024, at a parking lot on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Prior to his sentence, defense attorney Lisbeth Sapirstein said that Ashby should be considered under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) as a result of no prior criminal activity. The YRA effectively seals a defendant’s record if he completes his sentence successfully.

She argued that the mandatory minimum of seven years for an unarmed carjacking should be reduced to three years, arguing this was more than enough time for a teen who was aware of his mistake.

Judge Lee challenged Sapirstein in this, citing an incident in Dec. 2024, where Ashby had been found sleeping with a loaded pistol, as evidence of wider criminal intent.

Ashby’s mother, sister and grandfather had come to see him at his sentence. Sapirstein told the judge that Ashby’s family was distraught and that they had been relying on him as a caretaker.

“Your honour can see his mom with tears in her eyes,” she said.

The prosecution highlighted Ashby’s active involvement in the incident and potential danger to the DC community. They played a surveillance video of the incident for the judge, showing Ashby and two others in masks pulling up to the vehicle and getting in the victim’s car.

Ashby later got out of the car as it was pulling away to rifle through the victim’s pockets.

“Mr. Ashby was not a hanger on,” said the prosecution.

The prosecutor conceded that Ashby committed no prior offences and pleaded guilty on the grounds oat the earliest point. They asked for the court to consider either the mandatory minimum of seven years or a sentence at the top of the lower end of the guidelines for the incident, whichever was higher.

When asked if he wanted to speak, Ashby produced a written statement expressing regret for his actions and hope that he could use education to learn a trade, either as an electrician or mechanic and put the incident behind him.

“I would like to rehabilitate myself in society. I want to be a successful young man,” he said.

Judge Lee said he was disappointed that Ashby found himself in the situation and sympathised with the pain his family was going through. He was wary of the damage that a long sentence might do for Ashby’s life at such a young age and said he wanted him to make a success of himself. However he was clear that he did not condone Ashby’s actions and that he needed to face the punishment.

“You will either meet it or you won’t,” said Lee, referring to the challenges Ashby now faced in improving his circumstances both in his time in prison and for the rest of his life.

He sentenced Ashby to 84 months prison time for the armed carjacking and 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, suspending the execution of all but 40 months on both. As the charges were running concurrently this was a total of just over 3 years.

He also gave Ashby an additional three years supervised probation and required a contribution of $100 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund for each offense.

Ashby waved to his family as he left the court house following sentencing, with Sapirstein sharing in the family’s relief on the reduced sentence.

‘You’re on a Thin Line,’ Judge Warns Defendant Violating Probation

DC Superior Court Chief Judge Milton Lee admonished a defendant he must comply with all probation requirements during a hearing on June 12.

In June of 2023, Be’Shon Tyler, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 8, 2023 on the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW. In November of 2023, Tyler was sentenced to 24 months, with 12 months suspended.

According to court documents, Tyler shot at his children’s mother.

Tyler failed to appear at a probation show cause hearing on June 9, triggering a bench warrant.

During the hearing, his probation officer noted that the defendant has missed six domestic violence orientation classes. Tyler has also only completed eight out of his 90 hours of community service, with those eight hours being completed in March.

According to Tyler’s defense attorney, Peter Cooper, and his probation officer, it is absolutely necessary that Tyler finishes the rest of his community service hours in order to successfully complete his probation.
The probation officer did commend Tyler for getting his first identification card and actively searching for employment with a case manager. According to the officer, Tyler has maintained regular contact with his probation officer and has tested negative for drugs.

The prosecution concurred that Tyler be given one more chance to turn his situation around but that Tyler has been on notice since February.
The prosecution and Judge Lee warned Tyler he will face revocation if he fails to comply with probation orders.
“You’re on a thin line,” Judge Lee warned the defendant, later addressing him saying “you’re too old to be acting like this.” Judge Lee told Tyler to get himself back together and keep his word –– or else there will be severe consequences.

The next probation show cause hearing has been scheduled for July 28.

Shooting Defendant Considers Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park presided over a status hearing as a shooting defendant was offered a plea deal on June 12.

Derrick Gladden, 54, 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, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on April 15, 2024 on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. The victim sustained one gunshot wound to his upper chest.

According to court documents, Gladden allegedly confronted a neighbor about money he was owed and said, “You going to give me my money,” then allegedly shot the victim, and fled.

During the hearing, the prosecution offered a plea deal noting that if Gladden were to plead guilty to possession of a firearm and assault with intent to kill, they would drop all remaining charges and enhancements, which could otherwise result in a mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in prison.

Following the offer, Gladden conferred privately with his attorney, Alvin Thomas. Thomas requested additional time for Gladden to consider the proposed plea deal which Judge Park and the prosecution granted.

Parties are set to reconvene June 24.

Woman Accepts Plea Deal in Grandson’s Stabbing

At a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman, a stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on June 11.

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

During the hearing, Adam Harris, Wright’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of her intent to accept a deal, which required her to plead guilty to attempted second-degree cruelty to children and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties did not agree to a sentencing range, but through the deal, prosecutors prohibit Wright from withdrawing her guilty plea after a sentence has been imposed, despite its length.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 2.

rideshare carjacking defendant aquitted.

A carjacking defendant has been aquitted of all charges by a jury after she detailed her account of the incident during the trial on June 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Taya Johnson, 26, was charged with armed carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, destruction of property over $1,000 and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Jan. 16 at the intersection of 14th and V Streets, SE.

Johnson claimed she was protecting herself from a driver who was menacing her and her children.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly took control of a rideshare driver’s vehicle after an altercation during which the driver tried to remove her from the car while her one and three-year old children were still inside the vehicle.

During her testimony, Johnson stated that after finishing work as a bus attendant, she ordered an Empower rideshare to pick up her son from daycare. She described how the vehicle that arrived looked different from the one displayed in the company’s app, and when she approached, the driver questioned her identity and initially kept the door locked. Once inside, Johnson said, the driver asked her to get off the phone. After an argument, the driver exited the car and allegedly attempted to pull her out.

Johnson stated she locked the doors and pulled out a knife to slash the car’s tires, claiming she feared for her safety and that the driver would leave with her children still in the car. As Johnson tried to slash the car’s tires, the driver started recording the scene with his phone and the video was presented as evidence by the prosecution.

Johnson alleged the driver swung at her which wasn’t captured on the mobile phone video. The video also recorded the driver’s calling her a menace to society.

She testified police arrived with guns drawn and ordered Johnson to show her hands. She didn’t show them right away as she was concerned for the safety of her children and held onto them.

The prosecution focused on Johnson’s possession of a knife that resembled a firearm, questioning her about whether she used the knife because it looked like a gun, or used it in ways that imitated how a person would handle a gun.

In closing statements, the prosecution emphasized inconsistencies between Johnson’s testimony and the video footage presented, and argued that her actions were motivated by anger rather than self-defense. They asked that the jury find Johnson guilty on all counts.

Defense attorney Andrew Clarke claimed the driver escalated the situation from the start and that the driver may have started recording because he was on probation and feared legal trouble. The defense said Johnson acted in self-defense when the driver attempted to pull her from the car and strike her.

Clarke argued that much of the driver’s testimony was either fabricated or illogical. Specifically he said that if Johnson really did have a gun, as the driver claimed, why would he take a swing at the Johnson and try to grab her keys rather than trying to get away. It also made no sense, according to Clarke, that the driver would start yelling about a gun only after he got a better look at the weapon which was, in fact, a knife.

The jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts.

Johnson had previously plead guilty to assault on a police officer during the same incident but that was not part of this trial.

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