Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Considers Stabbing Plea

A stabbing defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz and pleaded not guilty to her charges on April 15.

Kelly Williams, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the intersection of Independence Avenue and L’Enfant Plaza, SW on Jan. 12. One victim was harmed during the incident.

The prosecution offered Williams a plea deal for acknowledging guilt on one count of aggravated assault while armed. Williams has until the next status hearing to accept or decline the offer.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 30.

Document: Police Search for 2 Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking the community’s help in identifying two suspects involved in a shooting on March 15 on the 2300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

The incident left an adult male, who is a surviving victim, with a gunshot wound, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Surveillance footage of the suspects is available for public viewing.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Collision with Elderly Pedestrian

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on April 16 in Southwest D.C.

According to court documents, Kathy Tanner, a 74-year-old resident, was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of 6th Street and M Street, SW.

The driver remained at the scene, and Major Crash Detectives are conducting the investigation.

Judge Holds Metro Bus Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied release on April 15 for a stabbing defendant suffering from medical issues.

Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged 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.

According to prosecutors, during the incident, Olowofoyeku entered the bus and allegedly threatened to shoot two individuals if they refused to get off the vehicle as ordered. That led to a physical altercation on the bus floor between the two individuals and Olowofoyeku.

Olowofoyeku, says the prosecution, was armed with a switchable pocketknife that he used to stab one individual in the right hamstring, left forearm, and left middle finger. After the incident, the individual was transferred to Howard Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

In response, Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, stated that she is waiting on some missing evidence and police body-worn camera footage that could have documented the incident. McLaurin said Olowofoyeku is open to plea negotiations, but she is ready for trial if necessary.

The prosecutor said a search hasn’t turned up body-worn camera evidence and it may not exist. Further, because a plea offer was rejected earlier on in the case, the prosecution wants to proceed with a trial instead of presenting another offer.

Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney said no weapon was found at the scene and no weapon can be spotted in video footage of the crime.

McLaurin requested that Olowofoyeku be released to his home where he helps his sister with household duties. McLaurin also mentioned several of Olowofoyeku’s medical concerns, including an acute need of dental surgery due to a broken tooth implant. Olowofoyeku currently has no access to mental health medications.

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request for Olowofoyeku’s release and issued a medical alert upon the defense attorney’s request for access to mental health medications for Olowofoyeku.

Parties also scheduled a trial date for June 16.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 5.

Judge Considers Release For Domestic Gun Suspect, Pending Another Case

At an April 15 hearing, a defense attorney for a domestic violence suspect requested his release.

Jamal Davis Hughes, 28, is charged with kidnapping while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a gun incident that occurred at the 80 block of Forrester Street, SW on May 23, 2024.

The day of the crime, Hughes allegedly physically assaulted his partner in her bedroom while on a Facetime call with friends. According to court documents, Hughes threatened to shoot his partner with a Glock .32, Generation 4-357 handgun.

After the incident, officers discovered that the handgun was not legally registered. In the bedroom, officers also found 21 9mm rounds and one additional round on the bedroom floor that is said to have come from the gun. The victim stated that Hughes may have been under the influence of drugs during the incident.

During the hearing, Hughes defense attorney, Emily Sufrin, requested Hughes’ release and proposed a release plan that features participating in mental health services and fulfilling his duties as a father.

Prosecution opposed the release request, saying the assault was caught on video with two other people who watched the attack take place. The prosecutor also mentioned that Hughes had recently been arrested again and released from probation for an ongoing case with a pending plea.

DC Superior Court Judge Hertzfeld denied the release pending the outcome of the previous case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene April 28.

Guatemalan Stabbing Defendant Resentenced For Illegally Re-entering the U.S.

A stabbing defendant was resentenced before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 15 after illegally re-entering the United States following deportation to Guatemala.

Edra Marruquern was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on the 2500 block of Ralph Ellison Way on Dec. 21, 2019.

The incident occurred after Marruquern found texts to another man on his partner’s phone, prompting him to stab his partner multiple times in the back, abdomen, and arm. The victim’s colon was also perforated and required surgery.

After a plea deal, Marruquern was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation by DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell on Jan. 25, 2021.

According to the prosecution, Marruquern was deported to Guatemala after his release from prison in 2023, and he lost contact with DC probation officials. Marruquern then illegally re-entered the United States, where he was detained by US Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) in Arizona.

The prosecution argued since Marruquern re-entered the country illegally after committing a violent offense, he poses a safety threat. They requested he be sentenced to three years of additional incarceration.

Marruquern’s attorney, Henry Escoto, stated that his client only re-entered the country because he “feared for his life.” According to Escoto, Marruquern was staying at his aunt’s house in Guatemala when he began receiving death threats from those involved in shooting of his cousin.

He stated that Marruquern “thought he was gonna be killed like his cousin was” so he “decided to risk it all” by returning to America. Had things been different, Marruquern would have stayed.

Escoto also argued that Marruquern had already served two years of incarceration and was detained before his deportation and for six months when he came back to the States. He said, “There is nothing to be gained from incarcerating him more.”

Escoto asked the court to impose a supervised release with respect to his time served, and deportation to Marruquern’s country of choice.

Judge Arthur stated he respects and understands the circumstances around the case. However, that doesn’t obviate the fact the Marruquern came back to the United States illegally.

Judge Arthur sentenced Marruquern to 48 months with credit for time served to be determined by the DC Jail board as well as three years on supervised release. Following completion of his sentence, Marruquern’s could face another deportation, a fine or imprisonment.

Defense Challenges Validity of Police Search in a Homicide

The defense filed a motion to suppress evidence found by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in a shooting homicide. The argument was presented in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 11.

Robert Carpenter, 36, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024.

Carpenter’s lawyers, Christen Philips and David Knight, argued that the evidence police found in his truck shouldn’t be admitted in trial because the police searched it without a legal warrant.

The prosecution challenged the motion, bringing in a detective who worked on the case to testify that a team of officers searched Carpenter’s car and questioned him legally.

The witness stated that officers only searched the truck after their police dog signaled that there was a gun inside. The detective also stated that Carpenter was free to leave, but he didn’t try to drive away or tell the officers to stop.

Judge Park has yet to rule on the motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

Judge Cites Premeditation Evidence in Murder of Sleeping Teen

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park determined probable cause in a teen homicide, detaining the defendant based on evidence his actions were premeditated.

Navar Rogers, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Zyion Turner.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of a shooting on Sept. 2, 2023, locating Turner unconscious and not breathing, with several gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Turner was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the hearing on April 15, Judge Park determined there was substantial evidence for probable cause that Rogers committed the crime, including the clear friendship between Rogers and Turner, as well as surveillance footage and a witness’s testimony.

The prosecution argued that the defendant should be held because of the severe circumstances of the crime–namely, the victim was shot in his sleep.

The prosecutor also said, when the defendant was arrested, 18 months after the incident, a gun was found under the couch where he was staying. The prosecution allegedly recovered pictures of Rogers holding other firearms on his phone, which indicated his access to multiple firearms.

In response, Terrence Austin, Rogers’ attorney, said the prosecution’s arguments were based on circumstantial evidence, and there were unresolved questions left to investigate

Judge Park acknowledged that while the defense wasn’t wrong about this being a clear circumstantial case, this was not a weak case, either–thus the detention ruling.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.

Judge Delays Opening Arguments in Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park postponed murder trial openings due to scheduling conflicts between parties on April 15.

Ranje Reynolds, 27, 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.

After consulting with counsel, Judge Park decided to postpone openings and pending motions as there were scheduling issues between the parties.

Cheryl Stein, Reynolds’s attorney, agreed to an autopsy report but objected to the prosecution’s plan to present exhibits from the report in their openings, arguing that the jury should not see what would be considered evidence until it is introduced into evidence.

The prosecution clarified that they did not plan on using the autopsy in their openings, but instead only crime scene pictures, text messages, and information about the crime.

Judge Park overruled the defense’s objection and stated that either side could include exhibits in their openings as long as they were not lengthy.

Trial is scheduled to resume on April 17.

Motions Hearing Continues with Questions About Victim’s Alleged Gang Ties Unanswered

More questions than answers resulted from litigation in a motions hearing April 15 and 17, continuing the hearing to May and vacating the trial date.

Christian Johnson, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. All offense were allegedly committed during release. The charges stem from the murder of 25-year-old Lavonte McCloud in 2021 on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, SE.

The main question lingering over the case is whether McCloud was involved in a gang.

During Thursday’s proceeding, the prosecution said that McCloud was on a database the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) keeps of gang members and associates in February 2019 as an associate. However, as of May 2022, McCloud has not shown on the database.

The prosecutor said that his name could have been deleted at some point between October 2021 and May 2022 because he died. However, the prosecutor told D.C. Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that she just didn’t know.

The prosecutor said she has contacted the MPD to get answers about the database and how names are added, who adds the names, what verification is used. The prosecutor said she asked the General Counsel for the MPD to do a full search of information that could exist.

The prosecutor said she hopes that some information could be regenerated from the records management system or contact with law enforcement, such as emails.

Defense attorney Dominique Winters said she will send a request to the prosecution, no later than Friday, for the names and contacts of everyone they spoke with from 2021 until the present day.

Winters also requested permission to speak with an expert witness, who is a litigator for the Washington Lawyers Committee and helped with the Chicago Justice Project’s work on the DC gang database, once the prosecution was able to send all evidence.

The prosecutor said the MPD evidence could take a few weeks, citing spring break and the possibility for any complications the MPD may have searching for older materials.

Judge Kravitz said he expects both sides would like to consult with the expert witness.

The motions hearing is set to resume on May 23.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Murdering Wife

A homicide defendant admitted to killing his wife during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 15.

Mario Banegas Deras, 42, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the brutal killing of his wife, 35-year-old Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, on Dec. 15, 2024 on the 700 block of Girard Street, NW.

In accordance with the agreement, Banegas Deras pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed. Due to his plea, the prosecution will not seek to indict him on any greater charges or ask for more severe punishment at sentencing.

The prosecution explained that had the case gone to trial, they had substantial evidence to prove Banegas Deras’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. According to a proffer of facts, on the day of the incident, Banegas Deras was seen on surveillance lurking around the residence. After his wife was seen entering the garage, Banegas Deras was seen following her into it and then shutting the garage door.

The prosecution explained that Banegas Deras then called 911, reporting that he strangled and killed his wife. When officers arrived, they found both individuals and the scene covered in hair and blood. Also found at the scene was a brick covered in blood and a knife in his wife’s neck.

The autopsy determined the manner of death to be homicide and the cause of death to be asphyxia, blunt force injury, and a stab wound.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 8.

Judge Denies Two Motions in Co-Defendant Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion for return of property and a motion for a bond review for carjacking co-defendants during two separate hearings on April 14.

Jaelen Jordan, 19, and Jahkai Goff, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, robbery of a senior citizen while armed, and receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more.

Jordan and Goff are two of seven co-defendants charged for their alleged involvement in a series of carjackings and subsequent distribution of the carjacked vehicles between April and May of 2023.

According to court documents, the first verified carjacking occurred on April 27, 2023, on 8th Street and K Street, NE. Another incident occurred on May 16, 2023, on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.

At the hearing, Jordan’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, argued for return of property because the prosecution possessed items obtained in a search warrant for an extended period which he says are unrelated to the charges and investigation. McDaniel also noted that the search warrant was obtained in June 2023, and he is unsure what else prosecutors want to do with the items.

McDaniel added that Jordan’s request is on behalf of his mother who owns the items in question.

Prosecutors opposed the motion because the items do not belong to Jordan and consequently he does not have standing to seek the return of property that is not his.

Judge Kravitz denied the motion and ruled that it failed due to a lack of standing. The judge noted that Jordan’s mother could file a motion herself and reminded the prosecution to ensure the items are legitimately held.

At a subsequent hearing, Goff’s attorney, Donna Beasley, argued for Goff’s release on home confinement with GPS monitoring. Beasley mentioned Goff’s lack of a prior criminal record and said there is no indication he would not return to court. She also pointed out that Goff’s family attends every hearing to support him.

Prosecutors opposed the motion and pointed to the nature and circumstances of the offenses in addition to the weight of the evidence. They alleged that there is strong evidence Goff was directly involved in multiple carjackings, including sell cite location data and Instagram messages. The prosecution also said that two firearms were allegedly recovered from Goff’s residence during his arrest.

Beasley challenged the assertion that the guns found in Goff’s apartment are connected to the carjackings and suggested prosecutors have a weak case.

Judge Kravitz denied the motion for bond review based on the nature of the crime.

Armed carjackings are among the most dangerous offenses, Judge Kravitz said.

The judge acknowledged that it is impossible for him to know the strength of the evidence, however the prosecution acknowledged there is significant circumstantial evidence.

Parties for all seven co-defendants are scheduled to reconvene on April 30.

Two Armed Carjacking Co-defendants Reject Plea Offer

Two co-defendants in an armed carjacking and robbery case rejected a plea offer in an April 15 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Marquis Alston, 19, is charged with armed carjacking and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on Jan. 23 on the 1700 block of New Jersey Avenue NW and an armed robbery on Jan. 24 on the 300 block of 12th Street SE.

Lee Johnson, 19, is charged with robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the same series of events

The plea offer presented by the prosecution required Alston to plead guilty to armed carjacking and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed. The charges would be wired, meaning both defendants would have to accept the terms, and the prosecution reserved the right to make sentencing recommendations–but would not oppose concurrent sentencing.

A sentence at the bottom of the guidelines was recommended for Alston. Johnson’s charges would have stayed the same, but with a shorter recommended term

After parties rejected the plea, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the carjacking task force testified there was surveillance footage of the armed robbery, and Alston allegedly photographed himself inside the stolen vehicle.

The detective also testified that Alston and Johnson used the credit cards allegedly stolen in the robbery on the same day at a gas station. Judge Glover determined probable cause by the weight of the evidence, but said he would hear the defense on possible release conditions.

Alston’s defense attorney, Mark Rollins, requested that his client be released on 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring, as Alston is still seeking his high school diploma and has an intellectual disability that requires special instruction.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Atiq Ahmed, also requested release modifications for educational circumstances and the fact that he has no criminal record.

Judge Glover denied both requests but said they could ask for release again at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

Victim’s Former Girlfriend Raises Possible Homicide Motive

A fatal shooting victim’s girlfriend told a jury and DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that the victim had killed someone the defendant knew during a trial on April 15.

Bernard Eddy, 25, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place SE.

The prosecution called on a friend and former girlfriend of Brathwaite’s. She claimed that Brathwaite had confirmed his involvement in the killing of 15-year-old Gerald Watson, providing a motive for Eddy to kill him because he knew Watson.

A one-time friend of Eddy’s continued his testimony from April 14. He stated that after Eddy left the group and gunshots were heard, Eddy returned to the car and said nothing about what happened. However, when testifying before the Grand Jury earlier this year, the witness claimed that Eddy said, “I think I got him.”

The witness continued to say that although everyone went their separate ways, he and Eddy later ended up together about an hour after the incident. While smoking, Eddy filmed a video of his miming gunfire and stating that he was, “Smoking Stef pack.” The witness explained that this phrase implies that the person named was “smoked,” or killed.

Eddy’s attorney, Julie Swaney, questioned if that phrase implied guilt or could be more of a taunt. The witness shared that he had heard many people say the phrase in reference to Watson’s death despite not being involved in his murder.

Swaney also raised concern that only two weeks ago, the witness told the prosecution that Eddy said, “I hit him,” after returning to the car. This means three different claims were shared with prosecutors, questioning how reliable the claims are if they keep changing.

She also clarified with the witness that Eddy had never forced the driver of the car to turn around to return to where they saw Brathwaite.

A forensic scientist with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified that she recovered a firearm. This firearm was a Ruger SR9c, the same type of firearm previously associated with Eddy.

Another of Eddy’s attorneys, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, questioned the witness if there was any confirmation that it was the same firearm that Eddy had owned. The witness explained that the serial number was scratched off of the recovered firearm, so there was no way they could confirm it was the same weapon.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17.

Stabbing Defendant Non-Compliant Says Court

A stabbing defendant appeared in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean for reportedly violating the conditions of his supervised release on April 15.

Gregory Edmonds, 34, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of his father on July 4, 2023, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE. He sustained injuries to his abdomen and torso.

According to court documents, Edmonds’ assault took place inside their apartment. His father told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Edmonds had attacked him with a pair of scissors while accusing him of trying to kill him.

According to an officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Edmonds has not complied with the conditions of his release, as he has not been in contact with them since August of 2024. Edmonds has been on supervised release since July of 2024.

Edmonds’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, told the court she had additional information to present and approached the bench. Morehouse, the prosecution, and Judge McLean discussed the matter in private

Morehouse asked for a further probation show cause hearing to be set for late April to determine Edmonds’ release status. The prosecution agreed.

Edmonds is detained until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.