Shooting Defendant Gets Retrial Based on Faulty DNA Test Kits

A defense attorney filed for dismissal of the remaining shooting charge and was granted a retrial in a case based on questionable DNA testing. The issue was raised in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 12.

On April 30, Donnell Wells, 36, was acquitted of three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 1, 2024, on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

However, the jury convicted him of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Brandon Burrell, who is representing Wells, asked for reconsideration based on prosecution evidence introduced from flawed DNA test kits but he commended the prosecution for making the disclosure.

While she didn’t think the prosecution didn’t act in bad faith, Judge Pipe did agree that the faulty DNA kits cast doubt on Wells’ guilty finding. Thus, she ruled the case could be reheard.

Burrell then argued for Wells release before the retrial on the grounds that his guilty verdict was for a relatively minor offense. He said that Wells would be trustworthy on home confinement.

The prosecution countered that given the charges, Wells’ release would endanger the community.

Ultimately, Judge Pipe decided that the nature of Wells’ prior offences and that Wells still had an active extradictable warrant for arrest mandated detention.

She has scheduled Wells’ retrial for July 15.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Carjacking, Maintains Innocence

A defendant pleaded guilty to carjacking and unlawful possession of a firearm on June 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

Parren Hawkins, 33, was originally charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in an incident that took place on Feb. 2 on the 300 block of 15th Street, NE.

During the hearing, Martin Rosendorf, Hawkins’ attorney, alerted Judge Salerno of his intent to accept an Aford plea, which means he maintains his innocence but agrees the prosecution has sufficient evidence to convict him of the crime at trial.

According to Rosendorf, the deal required him to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to cap their sentencing request to the bottom of the defendant’s guidelines based on his criminal history.

The prosecutor stated their evidence could have proved his guilt at trial, including the video of the incident where Hawkins approached the victim in the car with a handgun and told them to get out of the vehicle and to give Hawkins the victim’s phone and wallet. The prosecutor said police recovered a handgun, wallet and phone from Hawkins.

The prosecutor said the wallet and phone belonged to the victim. She stated for the record that Hawkins had a prior conviction of assault and gun charges.

Judge Salerno alerted Hawkins that he must register as a gun offender.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene to sentence Hawkins on Aug. 7.

Carjacking Defendant Requests Transfer From Jail For Treatment

A carjacking defendant requested DC Superior Judge Errol Arthur order his transfer from the DC Jail to the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) during a hearing on June 9.

Devon Rogers, 26, is charged with unarmed carjacking and a misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking incident that occurred at the 800 block of 7th Street, NW, on May 23.

According to court documents, multiple suspects grabbed victims out of their car and assaulted them by hitting them with guns, stealing their belongings and driving off in their car. In the hours that followed Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found Rogers allegedly within arms reach of the open driver’s side door of the stolen car. He was stopped as multiple other suspects that were around the car got away. Rogers was allegedly in possession of a wallet containing identification of one of the victims of the carjacking.

During the hearing, Gregg Baron, Rogers’ attorney, requested Rogers be placed at CTF with stepped-won security, mentioning a concern for his physical health. Judge Arthur agreed to recommend the transfer. The specific health concerns are unclear.

The prosecution asked for another felony status conference to be scheduled in order to give them time to work on the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 16.

Defense Claims Victim Said, ‘How About I Kill You’ to Suspect Before Fatal Stabbing

The prosecution and defense disputed whether a defendant stabbed the victim in self-defense during a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on June 10.

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 fatal stabbing of 43-year-old Antoine Ealey on July 22, 2023 on the 2300 block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

Court documents state that Ealey sustained four sharp force injuries: two to his back, one to his left arm, and one to his upper left shoulder.

“This is not going to be a whodunit,” the prosecution declared in their opening statements.

Prosecutors alleged Chapman was hanging out with three of his friends in the alley next to his apartment when Ealey approached them. They claimed Chapman was unhappy with Ealey’s presence and allegedly kicked him three times. Ealey then reportedly collected his bags and walked away, but Chapman followed him and stabbed him four times.

Prosecutors described the case as a “simple and clear story,” based on their assertion that Chapman followed Ealey. They plan to present video evidence during the trial.

Gail Engmann, Chapman’s attorney, disputed the prosecution’s account and argued her client legitimately acted in self-defense.

Engmann alleged Ealey picked a fight with Chapman’s friends and Chapman’s only intention was for Ealey to leave. She said Chapman and Ealey’s fight went back and forth and “within a matter of seconds it’s over.”

“Mr. Chapman only used his knife when he had to,” said Engmann. Engmann asserted Chapman was faced with a deadly threat because Ealey allegedly said “How about I kill you” and struck Chapman with his stun gun.

Ealey was “threatening to make Mr. Chapman’s next breath his last,” said Engmann.

Engmann added that Ealey was allegedly under the influence of the drugs PCP and K2, a synthetic verison of marijuana that is considered dangerous, which she claimed caused him to act unpredictably violent and erratic.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 11.

Judge Denies Carjacking Defendant’s Release After Giving up Prelim

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied release to a carjacking defendant who waived a preliminary hearing of the evidence on June 11.

Charnell Whitfield, 20, is charged with unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on May 24 at the 400 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Whitfield, attempted to steal the victim’s scooter with a firearm readily available. At his arrest, Whitfield was discovered to be suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest, which was unrelated to the carjacking.

During the hearing, Whitfield waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Whitfield’s defense attorney, Bryan Bookhard, contended that Whitfield should be released to home confinement because he requires medical treatment for the gunshot wound sustained just before the incident.

Bookhard highlighted Whitfield’s age and stable family situation, noting that the defendant has a child on the way and expressed a desire to support the child’s mother through the pregnancy.

Prosecutors signaled the crime’s severity to the judge, emphasizing the substantial CCTV evidence of the carjacking, the weapon, and Whitfield’s extensive criminal history.

Judge Herrmann denied Whitfield’s release. She stated that Whitfield has a bench warrant and an extraditable warrant due to missing a probation violation hearing in Montgomery County for a separate weapons conviction.

A felony status conference is slated for July 9.

Judge Rules on Admissible Evidence in Homicide Pretrial

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman disputed photo and expert witness evidence during a felony status conference on June 6.

Daniel Chapman, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 43-year-old Antoine Ealey on July 22, 2023 on the 2300 block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

In grand jury testimony, a witness told police they found the victim “stabbed up” in an alleyway.

David Knight, Chapman’s attorney, argued against admitting that witness’s testimony into evidence, saying it would influence jurors’ emotions without adding information about the case, since the witness said that they believed that the victim was stabbed but they weren’t sure.

Judge Edelman ruled that the grand jury witness would be allowed to testify only to their interpretation. Anything else would constitute hearsay.

The defense did not object to another key piece of evidence, the surveillance camera footage from the scene of the crime documenting an altercation that aligned with what the witnesses claimed.

“It narrows the time frame between the conflict and when the police arrived at the scene,” the prosecution pointed out.

Judge Edelman concluded that the footage had probative value in that could substantiate a fact and allowed it to be entered as evidence.

Knight also objected to photographs of the victim that displayed his colostomy bag, a detail that Knight argued would create more sympathy for the victim. The victim’s eyes were also covered by the prosecution, despite the fact that the victim hadn’t suffered any head injuries thus ruled admissible.

Judge Edelman delayed ruling on whether images of the colostomy bag would be allowed.

The prosecution planned to call a witness who works for the company that manufactures a stun gun allegedly used by the victim during the altercation. The weapon emits a painful electrical charge, though less than a Taser. While the prosecution wanted to display the functions of the stun gun, they also wanted to compare the gun’s effects relative to more powerful models.

The judge ruled that the witness can testify only about the type of stun gun the victim used and not other models.

The defense objected to numerous pictures of Chapman provided by the prosecution, arguing they could mislead jurors and spark prejudice. One picture showed Chapman wearing a shirt that read “High.”

Judge Edelman concluded that the photos don’t carry negative associations and so they won’t be excluded, except for an old mugshot of Chapman.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 9.

Jury Convicts 2021 Murderer in a Beating

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom convicted a murder defendant on June 6.

Alvin Cruz-Garcia, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Ramon Gomez-Yanez, 38, on March 23, 2021 on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW.

According to a press release from the prosecution, surveillance footage from the Ogden Market showed that Gomez-Yanez was urinating close to Cruz-Garcia’s car when an altercation took place and after a short exchange of words, Cruz-Garcia punched Yanez and struck him multiple times in the head.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that showed Cruz-Garcia beat Gomez-Yanez to death by repeatedly kicking him on the head and neck.

Julie Swaney, Cruz-Garcia’s attorney, claimed the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Cruz-Garcia was the perpetrator.

Following a day of deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 1.

After Closings, Jury Weighs Evidence in Infanticide Case

The prosecution and defense gave their closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a child abuse and felony murder trial on June 9.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree felony murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age. The charges stem from her alleged involvement in the death and assault of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, and assault of her two and four-year-old children on the 5400 block of C Street, SE, on March 21, 2017.

During their closing arguments the prosecution called Scott out for her treatment of Rhythm saying, “Parents have a very special responsibility…kids expect parents to be their number one advocates.” Instead the person who should have protected Rhythm, ended her life, prosecutors argued.

The prosecution put together a months long timeline showing Scott’s alleged neglect of and abuse toward her children, based on eyewitnesses who say they saw Fields beat her children as well as an expert evaluation of Rhythm’s injuries including pictues shown to the jury.

They emphasized the extensive damage to her body including 17 bruises on her chest, multiple examples of internal bleeding, swelling of the brain, and 23 rib fractures – eight of which were new.

The prosecution connected Scott’s pattern of abuse to the night of March 20, 2017 when Scott allegedly shook Rhythm in an attempt to stop her crying, before ignoring Rhythm for hours who appeared unwell at the time according to witnesses.

Scott’s defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, emphasized that conviction requires evidence “beyond reasonable doubt,” and insisted the prosecution failed to meet these requirements.

Kiersh asserted that attempted CPR could have caused the bruises and the fractured ribs seen on Rhythm. He also attempted to minimize the prosecution’s argument that Scott’s administration of Robitussin to Rhythm is an example of her abuse, reminding the jurors of the statement from an expert witness that the drug “did not kill Rhythm.” However, drowiness and dizziness are potential side effects.

Kiersh said the cause of Rhythm’s death was brain swelling. He insisted that the prosecution had no concrete evidence that Scott caused the swelling and asked the jury to consider whether this created grounds for reasonable doubt.

Kiersh pleaded with the jury saying, “The law that you have to follow is not an emotional law.” While he acknowledged that Rhythm’s death was a tragedy and that some of Scott’s actions were regrettable, he insisted that the jury put aside emotion in determining Scott’s guilt.

In responding to Kiersh’s earlier statement that Robitussin Scott gave to Rhythm caused no injury and was below a therapeutic level at time of death, the prosecution pointed to the possibility that the drug could have accumulated in her body. They emphasized that the drug is “not for children under 12,” suggesting that no amount could be considered safe.

The rib fractures and fingerprints found on Rythm’s torso were noted as consistent with the defendant squeezing and shaking the victim, which she allegedly admitted March 20, 2017, the day prior to Rythm’s death. According to the prosecution, these injuries were sustained about 12-to-18 hours prior to Rhythm died.

Prosecutors highlighted the medical examiner’s testimony, in which they stated the cause of death was multiple blunt force traumas, and the manner of death a homicide.

The prosecution reminded the jury that Scott held sole custody of and thus, complete responsibility for Rhythm. The evidence that she often left Rhythm confined and drugged along with her alleged lies that Rhythm was all right pointed to Scott’s guilt.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Teen Carjacking Suspect Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann detained a young carjacking defendant after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on June 5.

Jabari Brown, 19, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on May 27 on the 1300 block of E, NE. According to court documents, a suspect later identified as Brown, among others, allegedly stole a victim’s vehicle.

During the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Russell Hairston, alerted Judge Herrmann of Brown’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing in which he would hear evidence against him, and requested his release under home confinement and GPS monitoring. According to Hairston, Brown has ample support in the community, including his mother, which would ensure he complies with all court conditions.

The prosecution objected citing the seriousness of the charge.

Judge Herrmann agreed and denied Brown’s request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 18.

Document: MPD Makes an Arrest in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 46-year-old Ato Ocran in connection to a shooting on June 3 in Northeast. The incident occurred during an argument over an electric vehicle charging cable, resulting in the victim being shot and sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Ocran was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Destruction Of Property, and Possession of an Unregistered Firearm.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 25-year-old Daquan Toland, who was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (Gun) following a shooting incident on June 2 on the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW. The incident involved two suspects firing near the Waterfront Metro station, resulting in one adult male victim with a graze wound. Two additional suspects remain at large.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on June 2. Officers found 18-year-old Darrell Anderson deceased from a gunshot wound inside a residence on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect information has been released.

At Sentencing, Remorseful Defendant wants to Give Back to His Community

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced Kenneth Stokes to 60 months in prison on June 5 for his involvement in a shooting.

Stokes, 23, pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals, carrying a pistol without a license, and criminally negligent storage of a firearm, for his involvement in a shooting that injured a dog on Dec. 27, 2024 on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW, and another incident that injured a child.

Neither party had any additional information to present to Judge Hertzfeld at the time of the hearing. However, Stokes’ attorney, Susan Borecki, spoke of Stokes’ remorse over the events and wishes to give back to his community.

Borecki explained that Stokes feels horrible about the actions that he took and that he holds no ill will towards the dog or the little girl who was injured due to his recklessness. Stokes takes full accountability and was asking for a three month incarceration with community service after.

Judge Hertzfeld emphasized the magnitude of Stokes’ negligence and how lucky everyone was that it didn’t turn out worse. She argued that despite no one being killed during the incidents, Stokes put multiple children at risk and had little regard for the dog. However, Judge Hertzfel did acknowledge and respect that Stokes owned up to his actions.

In closing, Judge Herzfel disagreed with the short incarceration time suggested by the defense but agreed to community service after the time had been served.

No further dates were set.

‘I Was Probably Being a Bit Much’ Says Defendant, Pleading Guilty to Assault

Sharae Hicks will be released from incarceration after pleading guilty to minor assault and attempted felony violation of the Bail Reform Act as determined by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 9.

Hicks, 52, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in an incident on July 29, 2024, on the 1400 block of 12th Street, NW.

Before the sentencing, Hicks told the court that the incident happened after a night of drinking with the victim, when the victim began to mess with her inappropriately. After asking the person to stop multiple times, Hicks grabbed a knife, escalating the situation. The victim then grabbed the blade to in self-defense and Hicks began to bite the victim’s bicep,

Hicks emphasized it was not her intent to stab the victim but to get him to stop harassing her.

“I apologize,” Hicks told Judge Pipe. “I was probably being a bit much”.

Hicks’ lawyer, Alvin Thomas, added that Hicks’ actions were due to a mix of poor judgement and the influence of alcohol.

Regarding the attempted felony violation of the Bail Reform Act, which is a charge of not coming to court, Thomas said Hicks did not attend the previous court hearing due to caring for her son. He argued that Hicks should receive probation because her family needs her.

The prosecution objected to probation for Hicks, citing her past criminal history with similar types of assault.

Judge Pipe stated sending Hicks to jail would do more harm than good. She sentenced Hicks to 90 days in prison for simple assault and 30 days for attempted felony violation of the Bail Reform Act, with both sentences suspended.

Judge Pipe gave Hicks a year of probation for each charge. Hicks must undergo an assessment for drug and alcohol abuse, complete anger management classes, and stay away from the victim.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Bench Warrant Issued After Stabbing Defendant Fails to Appear

DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe issued a bench warrant for a non-fatal stabbing defendant after his failure to appear in court on June 5 for a mental competency hearing.

On Nov. 29, 2022, Allen Shorter, 58, was convicted and sentenced to 18 months of incarceration for assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a dangerous weapon for alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Oct. 6, 2019, on a Metro bus between Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Blue Plains Drive, SW.

On March 6, 2025, Shorter’s lack non-compliance with his probation raised concerns about his cognitive abilities. On April 7, a requested mental competency exam found Shorter to be incompetent. A full competency exam was then ordered.

Shorter has a history of missed appearances, which include failing to report to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency’s (CSOSA) supervision and a preliminary forensic screening. According to his attorney, Quo Judkins, Shorter was entirely unaware he had the appointment.

Shorter likewise failed to appear for this latest mental observation hearing. Judkins mentioned that she and Shorter’s wife share concerns over Shorter’s “bad memory” and other cognitive impairments.

Judkins admitted to relying on Shorter’s wife to ensure his appearance in court. Shorter’s wifeexpressed that her husband has been “difficult” recently and she’s pressed for time.

Judge Iscoe mentioned the possibility of the prosecution dropping all charges. The prosecution said this was impossible, given their severity.

After the defense made an unsuccessful attempt to reach Shorter by mobile phone, Judge Iscoe issued a bench warrant to go into effect an hour and a half later, at 11:30 a. m.

“He didn’t show up to his competency hearing.” Judge Iscoe said, “That’s essential.”

Shorter failed to appear and the bench warrant remains in effect.

Parties are slated to reconvene when he’s taken into custody.

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