Alphonso Roberts anticipates entering plea negotiations

Murder suspect Alphonso Roberts anticipates entering plea negotiations with the government, his attorney said in court last week.

Roberts is due back in court July 22 for an update on the case and negotiations. The 32-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder while armed.

According to charging documents, on Feb. 10 police found victim Maurico Walker lying behind the Anacostia Library suffering from apparent gunshot wounds in the back of his head.

Detectives found sixteen 9mm shell-casings at the scene. Blood was spattered on the grass near where Walker was found. Both a nearby metal pillar and wall of the library were found struck by gunshot marks. Video footage was recovered from the area and showed a suspect, later identified by police as Roberts, driving a four-door gold or silver Volvo, approaching the scene of the shooting, pulling up to the back of the library, and then rushing from the scene.

After a search warrant was executed, the Metropolitan Police found a loaded glock 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, an assault rifle, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a large amount of drugs and cash in Roberts’ apartment.

After confiscation of Roberts’ phone, police found an extensive search history on articles about the shooting after it took place on February 10. Detectives reviewed browsing history of the device back a month prior and found no other specific search regarding homicides. After this extensive investigation, Alphonso Roberts was arrested and charged with Walker’s murder.

Judge denies lifting stay away order for Amanda Turner

A judge denied murder suspect Amanda Turner’s request to be allowed to visit her mother’s home at the same address where the alleged murder took place.

Turner and co-defendant Antonio Brown have been charged with the murder of Charles Antonio Welch.

Turner’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, requested that Turner’s stay away order from the crime scene be lifted. Turner’s 72-year-old mother is in need of medical help and currently lives in the area of the stay away order. Lotze argued that Turner is severely inconvenienced when helping her mother get to and from doctor’s visits.

“Turner has been in 100% compliance with her release,” Lotze said.

Although she has been in compliance with her release, the government brought up recent allegations of Turner attempting to sell drugs in the area in order for witnesses to change their stories in her favor. After this was brought to light, Lopez agreed upon lifting Turner’s curfew and drug tests, but strictly denied lifting the stay away order.

Judge Lopez closed by saying there would be no exceptions to this decision whether aiding Turner’s mother’s health needs or not.

Turner and Brown are due back in court Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Antonio Brown pleads not guilty to murder charges

Murder suspect Antonio Brown pleaded not guilty last week to the three charges against him stemming from the alleged murder of Charles Welch last September.

Brown, 27, was indicted and charged with premeditated first-degree murder, possession of an unlawful firearm and another possession of a firearm during a crime charge because of his prior conviction.

Brown has been held without bail while his case went to a grand jury, which indicted him on June 22, court documents show.

Brown is one of two people charged with Welch’s fatal shooting last September. His co-defendant Amanda Turner has been out while she awaits a trial for her charge of first-degree murder while armed. Both suspects are due back in court on Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Warrant: Andre Herndon heard bragging about alleged murder

Witnesses interviewed in the warrant for Andre Herndon’s arrest say the suspect talked about getting revenge the day before he allegedly killed Navontae Howard.

Witnesses told police Herndon, 20, was angry because he had been jumped by members of a group called Mactown on February 2. On multiple accounts, Herndon was overheard later that day saying he wanted to “get back at” or seek revenge on this Mactown group.

Herndon was a member of the Benning/Trepark group which consisted of several people from 37 Street, SE. According to a witness, this group had been in dispute with the Mactown group, from 34 St. and Minnesota Avenue, SE, since high school. Howard was a loyal member of this Mactown group.

Included in the warrant for Howard’s arrest, multiple witnesses told police they had seen the shooting take place on February 3. Both the Mactown and Benning/Trepark groups were seen approaching one another on the 3500 block of East Capitol St. Both groups argued for a short time. Herndon then took out a handgun and shot first towards the opposing side. Witnesses reported they had seen Howard shooting from the other side as well, but only in defense of Herndon’s shots.

One particular witness explained to the Metropolitan Police homicide detectives that the day after the shooting, Herndon was bragging about shooting Howard and saying, “That’s what he gets.” Another member of the Mactown group was also a suspect during the investigation, but many witnesses explained that the person was standing behind Herndon and could have easily been confused as the shooter.

Because Herndon was seen initiating the fight, he was arrested for Howard’s murder. His preliminary hearing is set for July 15.

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DNA on soda bottle links Christian Romero to murder scene

DNA recovered at the scene of the murder of Dimas Fuentes-Lazo,38, from the mouth of a Coca-Cola bottle, a knife and a broken watch connect 23-year-old Christian Romero to the scene of the crime, along with witness testimonies and video surveillance footage, according to the charging documents.

The fight between Romero and Lazo seems to have stemmed from an argument after Romero was seen smacking side mirrors of cars, including Lazo’s.

Lazo was stabbed to death on April 23 after an argument outside of a restaurant at 833 Kennedy St., NW. Police were called to the scene and arrived around 10:45 p.m. where they found Lazo suffering from multiple deep stab wounds around his face, upper chest and arms. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died of his injuries.

According to one witness and video surveillance footage, a man, later identified as Romero was at the scene before Lazo arrived, holding a bottle of soda. Another witness, who arrived on the scene with Lazo, said that they arrived to the restaurant in Lazo’s vehicle and before entering, stood outside and smoked cigarettes. While they were standing there, the witness said that Romero walked down the street hitting cars with his hand holding a bottle of soda. The suspect reportedly hit the driver’s side mirror on Lazo’s vehicle.

The witness said that they went to look at the damage on the vehicle, and that suspect and Lazo followed. According to the witness account in the warrant, Romero confronted both the witness and Lazo in front of the vehicle at a close distance and in a “seemingly threatening manner.” Video obtained by police confirms this account, and shows the witness kicked Romero in the leg and Romero then pulled out a knife and attacked Lazo. The suspect chased Lazo and stabbed him repeatedly. The suspect fell to the ground and was kicked by Lazo, but then continued to chase and stab Lazo.

There were three other people who were investigated for Lazo’s murder. Fransisco Ayala was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on May 10 in connection to Lazo’s death. Ayala provided an alibi and all charges were dropped. Ayala’s DNA was not found on any of the evidence collected.

Romero was charged with second-degree murder while armed on June 30. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 15 for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m.

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Dujuan Garris trial pushed back to 2017

The trial against Dujuan Garris, originally scheduled to begin Wednesday, has been postponed until 2017.

Garris, 21, has been charged with the murder of James Anderson last January.

Judge Milton Lee decided Wednesday, with the approval of both the prosecution and the defense, to move the trial.

Last week Garris was in court for a final status hearing before going to trial, which was supposed to begin July 6. During the status hearing, the defense discussed DNA evidence from shell casings left at the scene and how they were waiting for the results of their analysis. The defense had asked to postpone the start date for the trial because of this.

The prosecution argued that they would need time to analyze the defense’s evidence and asked to move back the start of the trial. The next availability for all parties to go to trial would be early in 2017.

In court on Wednesday, the prosecution and defense shared that there had been a minor miscommunication. The defense had originally told the prosecution evidence would be available on July 6, but that through a series of circumstances that were out of their control, they would not be able to expedite the transfer of evidence for at least a week and a half.

The prosecution assumed that the evidence would be available today.

The prosecution and defense had subpoenaed witnesses for the pre-trial and requested that they return to court again on July 26, when they hope to set a definitive trial date.

“What is it I need to do to help this thing move along?” Lee asked Garris’ attorney when it was decided that there would no longer be a trial Wednesday. Lee granted the defense two weeks to fully analyze their data and transfer their findings to the prosecution, and he scheduled a status conference for July 26.

According to charging documents, Anderson was found suffering from gunshot wounds on January 11, 2105. Multiple witnesses identified Dujuan Garris as the man who fatally shot Anderson at 1337 1 St, SE.

According to witness accounts relayed to police, a party was taking place in the house where Anderson was later found fatally shot. A man who did not ordinarily hang out with Anderson was at the party, and let Garris into the house. Garris approached Anderson and told him to “give up” marijuana he was holding. When Anderson said no, witnesses heard gunshots. They identified the shooter as “Fat Fat,” a nickname commonly used by Garris. He was charged with first-degree murder in February of last year.

Dujuan Garris trial scheduled for Wednesday

The trial for the suspect charged with the alleged murder of James Anderson could go on trial as early as this week.

Dujuan Garris, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed for the Jan. 2015 shooting death of Anderson, 27.

Garris’ trial has been scheduled for July 6.

During Garris’s status hearing last Wednesday, the prosecution and defense argued over key pieces of evidence that could have been contaminated. Five shell casings that were found at the scene contain one to two forms of DNA from unknown males, according to research done by the defense.

The prosecution told Judge Milton C. Lee that they would need at least three weeks to go over the defenses findings, stating that they believe the DNA belongs to detectives who handled the shell casings during the investigation. The prosecution said that they would need to run DNA testing on all of those who may have come in contact with the casings, including whole investigative units, before they can proceed to the July 6 trial date.

The defense argued that they could give the prosecution the results of their analysis before the end of the day Wednesday.

The defense stated that Garris would like to go to trial as soon as possible, and that he would be wiling to waive his preliminary hearing as a “last resort,” and they would forgo this evidence being used in his trial. Lee countered this request and said that at the last hearing Garris was “very pointed that he wanted the testing done.”

If the trial could not begin in July, Garris’ representation warned it could be pushed as far back as 2017– as a member of their team will be out during August.

The prosecution agreed to attempting to start the trial next Wednesday but stated that the odds would be unlikely.

Garris is scheduled to be in court again on July 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Murder case against David Harvey sealed

Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed the murder case against Davalier Nehemiah Harvey, 18, charged with the alleged murder of 37-year-old Matthew Shevlin sealed.

Harvey was in court for a felony status conference when Ryan asked both parties to speak with him privately. The conversation lasted for 20 minutes and then, without any further statements or information disclosed, Harvey was escorted out of the courtroom by the U.S. Marshals.

A felony status conference for Harvey has been scheduled for Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m.

Harvey is one of three men charged with Shevlin’s murder. Eugene Sherman and Joseph Jennings waived their right to a preliminary hearing prior to Harvey’s court appearance, and they are due back in court Aug. 17.

Shevlin was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the stairs of his apartment complex in the 400 block of M St., NW a little before 10 p.m. on Jan. 22. He was taken to a near by hospital where he later died.

According to charging documents, police found mason jars of a “green weed substance” in Shevlin’s apartment, and with one of the suspects on the day of Shevlin’s murder.

DC Police charged Harvey with first-degree murder while armed at the scene of the crime. He is being held without bail.

Teen charged with alleged murder of Devonte Crawford

Police have made an arrest in the June 14 shooting death of 20-year-old Devonte Crawford.

The suspect is a 17-year-old juvenile male from Northwest D.C. He was arrested Wednesday and has been charged with second degree murder while armed. Because of the suspect’s age, police did not disclose his name.

At 6:30 a.m. on June 14, police responded to a call of a shooting in the 2900 block of 14 St., NW. When investigators arrived they found Crawford suffering from a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Judge finds probable cause in Kenneth Bellamy’s preliminary hearing

Judge Robert Morin found probable cause to hold Kenneth Bellamy without bail for the alleged first-degree murder of 23-year old Michael Tyrone Jones.

Jones was found shot to death in the 300 block of East Capital St., SE in December 2015. Bellamy, 32, was arrested in April in connection to Jones’ homicide.

Both the prosecution and defense examined and questioned homicide detective Paris White on Tuesday in court. White’s testimony included an extensive review of the arrest warrant he had originally written out at the scene of the murder.

The preliminary hearing began with Attorney Jon Morris, on behalf of Bellamy, insisting the government send a new copy of the fifteen page summary of the arrest warrant and witness interviews. He claimed the original copy sent to the defense was extremely redacted and arguably difficult to read.

White then took the stand and the government questioned him to fully understand his account of the crime scene and witness interviews. The government argued four of the nine witnesses can’t be used during trial because they lack credibility. Much of the witness’ testimony in the arrest warrant is “street-rumor and assumption,” the prosecution said.

The defense cross examined White, and had him describe the crime scene where Jones’ body was found: a laundry room at 3539 E. Capitol St, SE. At this crime scene fingerprints were found belonging to two of the witnesses, but not Bellamy. Morris also asked about Bellamy’s past criminal record and work history. Bellamy had no past felony convictions, but does have two past convictions dealing with marijuana.

Morris argued that because of the lack of fingerprint evidence at the crime scene and after a review of Bellamy’s work history, Bellamy should be released to a halfway house with GPS monitoring. “No motive information has been put forward for Mr. Bellamy to commit this offense,” Morris said.

The prosecution argued against Bellamy’s release and Morin agreed, stating there exists probable cause to hold Bellamy without bail. Morin also requested the prosecution send un-redacted documents to the defense council.

Bellamy will return to court on October 14 for a felony status conference at 10:30 a.m.

Police investigating three homicides over holiday weekend

The Metropolitan Police Department responded to three homicides over the July 4 holiday weekend.

Antoine McCullough, 30, and John Williams III, 35, were both killed on Saturday. Omar Lindsay was killed on Sunday.

Police responded to a shooting in the 3500 block of 18 St., SE after midnight on Saturday morning. When investigators arrived they found McCullough suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died.

About five hours later on Saturday, police were called to the 200 block of 50 St., NE and found Williams suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Sunday night a little after 9:45 p.m. police responded to a call of a shooting in the 300 block of V St. NE. When investigators arrived they discovered Lindsay, who had been fatally shot.

All three homicides are currently under investigation, and no arrests have been made.

During the holiday weekend last year there were four homicides over the span of two days.

Man killed Wednesday identified as Matheno El

Police have identified the man killed Wednesday as 25-year-old Matheno El.

Police responded to a report of a “man down” in the 800 block of Bladensburg Rd. in Northeast D.C. at around 10 p.m. Wednesday night.

El was found unconscious and unresponsive. He was declared dead at a nearby hospital.

Police are still investigating and have not yet made any arrests.

Police investigating death of unidentified man in Trinidad neighborhood

Police are working to identify a man who they say was fatally shot in the back Wednesday night.

Police responded to a report of a “man down” in the 800 block of Bladensburg Rd. in Northeast D.C. at around 10 p.m.

The man was found unconscious and unresponsive, and was declared dead at a nearby hospital. Police are still investigating the homicide and have not released any other identifying information.

This is the second homicide in the Trinidad neighborhood this month. Wayne Dailey, 59, was killed on June 20. Police have not yet made any arrests.

Tammy Mathis-Lawrence pleads guilty in Ricardo Dasilva murder case

The suspect charged with the stabbing death of 30-year-old Ricardo Dasilva pleaded guilty today to voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal.

Tammy Mathis-Lawrence, 42, waived her right to a preliminary hearing and a trial relating to the January 23 homicide.

The murder took place in the 2800 block of Douglass Place, SE a little after 8 a.m. on Jan. 23, when Lawrence and Dasilva, who was a tenant living in her home, became engaged in an argument over living arrangements.

According to the prosecution’s evidence planned to be presented if the case went to trial, Lawrence and Dasilva argued in Dasilva’s bedroom before the argument moved to Lawrence’s room. Lawrence then stabbed Dasilva in the neck with a pair of scissors. In court documents Lawrence stated that she was upset that her tenants “weren’t pulling their weight,” which led to her conversation with Dasilva. Dasilva was unarmed at the time of the incident and he died at the scene.

Dasilva’s mother was present in the courtroom Thursday and became emotional when Lawrence stated her plea.

The defense and prosecution agreed on a 6-8 year prison sentence and the possibility of a $250,000 fine. The maximum sentence for voluntary manslaughter is 30 years. Judge Milton C. Lee said that he will need 60 days to accept the plea.

Recent motions for Lawrence to enter a halfway house failed, and she will remain in custody without bail until her sentencing on October 21.

Status hearing date set for Antonio Brown

Superior Court Judge Jose Lopez scheduled a status hearing date for Antonio Brown, charged with the alleged murder of Charles Antonio Welch.

Although it was announced in court that the grand jury voted to return an indictment, the government was not prepared to go forward with the arraignment and was rescheduled for June 30. Lopez scheduled a status hearing after that for Aug. 5.

The grand jury charged Brown with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, Possession of a firearm during crime of violence or dangerous offense, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Brown had previously been convicted in court for an unspecified crime that could have been punishable by a year’s sentence in prison.

On Sep. 18, 2015, police found Welch suffering from a single gunshot wound inside of a white Acura at the parking lot of 1845 Harvard Street, NW.

On Sep. 29, 2015, D.C. Police arrested Brown and charged him with first-degree murder while armed.

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