Defendant Pleads Not Guilty In Stabbing Case

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 an unspecified plea deal in return for accepting 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.

Defendant’s Former Friend Testifies about Possible Revenge Killing

A one-time friend of a fatal shooting defendant testified about a suspected revenge killing in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 14.

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 former friend, who said he was with Eddy during the incident, told the jury that he was currently incarcerated for unrelated firearms and attempted robbery convictions. Recalling what happened in 2019, he said he and Eddy believed Brathwaite was possibly involved in the killing of 15-year-old Gerald Watson in what may have been a beef between two neighborhood groups.

After gambling together the witness said that he, Eddy, and some friends got into a car and drove past Brathwaite. Eddy allegedly called him a “body,” implying he was a free kill, and instructed the driver to take three right turns, putting them directly in Brathwaite’s path. Eddy, according to the witness, exited the car and began jogging towards Brathwaite while holding a gun. The witness testified that he heard rapid gunfire about 45 seconds after Eddy exited the car.

Brathwaite was said to be associated with the Hartford Street neighborhood while Eddy and his friends are associated with a rival group from Langston Lane, the area where Watson grew up. Brathwaite’s death was rumored to be in revenge for Watson’s murder. One of Brathwaite’s friends was charged with the killing but a second suspect was never identified.

Eddy’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, questioned the witness’ credibility noting he had recently emailed the prosecution asking if he would get a reward for his testimony in this case. There was no response to the defense’s suggestion of a possible quid pro quo in return for cooperating in the case.

The prosecution called another witness who had been present on the day of the boy’s murder and confidently identified one of the shooters, but he had never seen the other shooter before. Though prosecutors suggested it could have been Brathwaite.

A ballistics expert testified about a firearm allegedly recovered from Eddy and the nine cartridge casings and four fragments located at the scene later analyzed by the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS).

All four fragments, said the expert, had some characteristics consistent with a 9mm handgun like the one said to be Eddy’s

A phone, also found on the scene contained images, videos, and texts prosecutors say link Eddy with firearms as well as pictures of a person said to be Eddy holding a firearm like the recovered weapon and suggestions of Brathwaite’s death.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Prosecution Won’t Hold Mass Shooting Suspect as Investigation Continues

A homicide defendant, held for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting, was permitted pre-trial release before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 14.

Antwan Shelton, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 33-year-old former Morgan State University basketball star Blake Bozeman on Sept. 23, 2023, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE, at the CRU Lounge Hookah Bar. Three other individuals sustained injuries in the widely publicized shooting.

At the hearing, the prosecution asked to withdraw their detention hold on Shelton because they “are still investigating the facts of this case.”

A court spokesman told D.C. Witness in an email that as a result of their decision they can no longer legally hold Shelton in confinement.

The prosecution stated that while they have witness identification of Shelton, they are still “continuing the investigation.” Prosecutors requested that Shelton be released on GPS monitoring due to the violent nature of this incident.

“The government and police have made a mistake here,” said Wole Falodun, Shelton’s defense attorney. “Mr. Shelton is not the person who committed the crime in this case.”

Falodun stated that Shelton does not fit the identification of the suspect from security camera footage that night, noting that “the physical attributes don’t add up.”

“He is not the person in those photographs. Mr. Shelton’s ears are rather circular, and the suspect’s ears have a triangle [shape],” Falodun said, pointing out the height difference between the suspect and Shelton.

“At the minimum, [the prosecution] has reassessed the strength of this case,” said Falodun.

He argued for Shelton’s release without GPS monitoring, citing employment issues. He explained that Shelton’s former employer would only rehire him if he didn’t have an ankle monitor.

“It is premature for us to be talking about Shelton re-entering the community on just [personal recognizance],” Judge Brandt said. She ordered that Shelton have a GPS monitor installed and report to pretrial services weekly.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

18-Year-Old Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a carjacking defendant to 72 months of incarceration at a hearing on April 11.

Austin Marion, 18, and Jacorri Stroman, 19, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Two cars were stolen during the incident on July 1 on the 1100 block of Independence Avenue, SE. On Dec. 17, 2024, Stroman and Marion pleaded guilty to carjacking. Stroman was sentenced to 72 months under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), followed by three years of supervised release.

Marion’s lawyer, Russell Hairston, asserted that Marion had accepted responsibility for the crime early on. Hairston asked Judge Park for a sentencing that included an intervention plan so Marion could finish his education. Hairston also asked that Marion be sentenced under the YRA, meaning that if he serves his term successfully his record will be sealed.

The prosecution disagreed, asking Judge Park not to sentence Marion under the YRA because Marion and Stroman had committed this crime in broad daylight at a busy intersection.

The prosecution played a video showing one victim fleeing for his life, driving away so fast he fell off his motor vehicle and onto the street. The prosecution asked for the mandatory minimum 84 months of incarceration and five months of supervised release.

Judge Park acknowledged Marion’s lack of criminal history but stated that this offense could have had much more serious impacts. The fact that it was committed at a busy intersection could have resulted in the victim being hit by a car while fleeing and possibly dying.

Judge Park sentenced Marion to 72 months of incarceration under the YRA, three years of supervised release, and 90 hours of community service.

No further dates have been set for this matter.

Competency Questioned, Accused Murderer Disrupts Virtual Hearing

During a homicide proceeding on April 11, a defendant repeatedly interrupted the hearing as the prosecution attempted to have an expert witness testify about the defendant’s mental capacity.

Marcus Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges derive from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022.

During the hearing, Barringer, who was participating remotely, constantly interrupted parties, causing DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to mute his audio. Judge Kravitz also raised concerns about the defendant’s competency, noting the possibility that Barringer may not be mentally able to stand trial. As a result, the judge requested that Barringer be reevaluated before proceeding.

A doctor who previously evaluated Barringer will be one of the witnesses for the prosecution.

At the start of the hearing, Barringer requested to be released, claiming he has children. The request was denied.

Barringer’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, stated that she does not intend to call any witnesses.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 27.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in 2022 Shooting

Murder defendant, Rafeal Stevens, 40, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 14.

Stevens was also convicted of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in the shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2000 Block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens was acquitted of four counts including assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on Nov. 13, 2024. A jury found him not guilty of first-and-second-degree murder on Nov. 15, 2024.

During the hearing, Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, said Stevens will admit guilt to voluntary manslaughter, and in exchange the prosecution would dismiss the remaining counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence.

Additionally, the government will not bring any charges of perjury against Stevens for his testimony in a previous hearing. The parties agreed to eight years of incarceration to run concurrent with a prior conviction of unlawful possession of firearm during crime of violence.

Judge Edelman informed Stevens that he no longer has the right to a jury trial and that he is no longer able to appeal the outcome of his case.

Before accepting the plea agreement, Judge Edelman said he needed to look at the pre-sentencing report and the sentencing guidelines.

Parties are set to reconvene July 11.

Severance Denied For Duo in Gang-Related Homicides

Counsel was not able to sever two suspects from a five defendant homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 11. According to a 2024 release from the prosecution, the five defendants are alleged to be members of a crew called the “Get Back Gang.”

Ronald Henderson, 19, and Daveon Robinson, 17, are two of five defendants facing multiple charges in connection with three fatal shootings in Southeast D.C. They are charged with 14 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 19 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and five counts of conspiracy.

Along with co-defendants Dionzai Parker, 21, Demarco Robinson, 20, and Derricko Johnson, 20, they are also charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on February 25, 2023. All three shootings occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan said he did not find a basis for severance, saying that both the defendants have been linked to the three murders through their alleged involvement in “The Get Back Gang”, which is a smaller group part of the “The Z Gang.”

Henderson’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, argued that some of the counts involving the weapons had nothing to do with Henderson or the murders he’s alleged to have committed.

Robinson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, joined Mensah, saying in trial, the jury will fail to separate Robinson from the other defendants.

Judge Ryan stated that the grand jury indicted all five defendants on conspiracy and ultimately denied the defense’s motion to sever Henderson and Robinson.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Judge Denies New Attorney, Withdrawal of DNA Waiver in a Homicide

D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a homicide defendant’s motions for new counsel and to withdraw a DNA testing waiver on April 14.

Kevin Singletary, 47, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of Delonte Hazel, 31, on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

“I’ve been in court more times than I have seen my lawyer,” said Singletary. Also mentioning that he prays “all the time” for the relationship between him and his lawyer to improve.

Singletary made clear that he wanted new counsel, citing a lack of progress in his case, bad communication, and being uncomfortable with his attorney, Howard McEachern. McEachern noted this was not the first time his client has asked for new counsel.

“I wanted to fight my case, but I can’t fight my case if I don’t feel comfortable,” said Singletary.

Singletary claimed he only sees McEachern before they are scheduled to come into court and that McEachern says he will visit him in jail but doesn’t. Singletary noted that it feels like McEachern doesn’t have time for him.

Judge Dayson denied his request for new counsel, stating that there was no basis for the request. She also stated that if new counsel were appointed, it would make a “four year case, a five year case.”

The defense also wanted to withdraw Singletary’s waiver to independently test evidence, which included a blue medical mask and bullet cartridges.

Singletary said that he felt pressured to waive this right because he didn’t want to prolong the trial further and McEachern told him the DNA would not be ready for trial if tested independently at that time. Singletary waived his right to independent testing on Feb. 26.

Singletary also stated that he was “thrown off guard” by being asked whether or not he wanted to waive his right to independent testing.

Judge Dayson said Singletary, under oath, stated he was not pressured, felt comfortable with the help he was getting from his attorney, and understood what waiving his right meant.

Judge Dayson denied his request because the evidence has been admitted for about three years and there is no legal right to withdraw the waiver.

The prosecution noted that the trial has been delayed numerous times due to issues with DNA testing, and the judge mentioned the importance of not delaying the trial further to give the victim’s family the opportunity for closure.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 21.

Judge Holds Carjacking Defendant Accused of Assaulting Senior Citizen

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense’s request for the release of a carjacking defendant.

Vicent A. Atchison, 58, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking case that occurred on Feb. 3 on the 3800 block of Davis Place NW against a senior citizen.

During the hearing on April 11, Howard X. McEachern, Atchison’s defense attorney, said, in the request for his client’s release, Atchison’s criminal history did not show prior physical violence. He mentioned Atchison’s mental health diagnosis and stated that Atchison has been struggling to take his medication.

The prosecution emphasized that the incident was a carjacking against a senior citizen, who was thrown to the ground. The prosecutor acknowledged that while the defendant was close in age to the victim, there were no conditions or any combination of conditions that were deemed appropriate or capable of ensuring the safety of the community because of the nature of the crime.

The prosecution has extended a plea offer which the defense is reviewing. The details were not discussed in court.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 12.

Judge Seeks Status of Injured Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz instructed defense counsel on April 11 to expedite medical assistance to an injured homicide defendant, and the judge said he would ask the department of corrections about the inmates’s status.

Andrew Ellis, 22, Marques Johnson, 42, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. Ellis is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and another count of possession of a firearm during crime of violence. The charges arise from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Leo Colter, 56, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 900 block of 15th Street NW.

During the hearing on April 11, Ellis’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, addressed concerns about Ellis’ medical condition. Weletz stated that Ellis broke his neck and was unable to function properly because of the injury.

The defense attorney said she attempted to get Ellis access to physical therapy, but she said her requests were often ignored.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 17.

Two-Year-Old Homicide Witness says, ‘Daddy Shot Pop-Pop,’ Suspect Held

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause against a homicide defendant and denied his release on April 10.

De’Angelo Goldston, 37, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith, who was pronounced dead at George Washington University Hospital shortly after the incident on Feb. 4 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.

Goldston and his father allegedly had animosity towards each other because Goldston was allegedly stealing money from him.

The only eyewitness to the incident is Goldston’s two-year-old child who was in the apartment when the shooting took place. According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, the child said “Daddy shot Pop Pop” and imitated him falling off the chair.

The prosecution argued for probable cause because of the eyewitness, the surveillance footage of the apartment complex, and the great unlikelihood that the two-year-old child was the assailant.

The defense disagreed, saying there was no evidence of who was actually present during the shooting. Additionally, the only evidence that connected Goldston to the shooting was a two-year-old’s statement.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 16.

‘I Want You to Pay Attention to Your Health,’ Judge Urges Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Chief Judge Milton Lee was pleased April 14 to hear that a homicide defendant is following his terms of probation, despite facing a cancer diagnosis. “I want you to pay attention to your health,” said the judge.

John James, 33, pleaded guilty in October of 2018 to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault for shooting Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr. on Sept. 28, 2015, on the 1100 block of Eaton Road, SE.

In a probation review hearing, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that James has been following his probation and checking in with his officer frequently. Even though James’ cancer medications have been causing the drug tests to come back positive, Judge Lee understood the results were not James’ fault.

The prosecution requested a stay away order, which the defense agreed to. There are no concerns from the defense, prosecution, or Judge Lee that James will violate the order or the terms of his probation.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 24.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant on April 11 after he was detained in Maryland for a gun offense.

Alonzo Brown, 28, and Naquel Henderson, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Michael Taylor and the shooting of two other victims on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Of the five suspects charged in the case, Stephon Evans, 24, pleaded guilty in April 2022, and Tavist Alston, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in May 2022. Carlos Turner, 26, is scheduled for sentencing on May 16, 2025.

At the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Park that the Maryland prosecutors plan on holding Brown.

Judge Park expressed concern about how that would affect the rapidly approaching trial date.

He stated did not want this matter to be delayed given the elaborate preparations. Judge Park said he planned to issue a bench warrant as soon as possible.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Judge Allows Police Interview of Infanticide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that evidence and testimony from the authorities questioning a homicide defendant would be allowed during trial on April 11.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age, for her alleged involvement in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 block of C Street, SE. Fields’s lifeless body was found inside Scott’s apartment on March 21, 2017.

The exact circumstances surrounding Rhythm’s death are unknown. However, according to court documents, authorities were called to the scene after concerns were raised about the baby’s well-being. Scott has been on release since Oct. 26, 2018.

At the hearing, Scott’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that any evidence from the police interrogation in April of 2017 should not be included as she had been subjected to lengthy questioning and was not in the right state of mind.

The prosecution opposed this, asserting that Scott had gone to the police station herself, agreeing to questioning and a polygraph test. The police also stated her rights and told her specifically that she was not under arrest.

Judge Park agreed, ruling that the interrogation was non-threatening and that evidence from the questioning could be included. However, he stated that no evidence from the polygraph test is to be admitted. Both parties agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Lawyers Clash Over Analyst’s DNA Expertise in Robbery, Murder Case

Parties spared over the qualifications of a DNA expert in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe on April 14, reviewing a decade old homicide case.

Antwon Green, 36, was initially convicted of first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Breond Keys, 38, at a barbershop on the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on Oct. 10, 2014. Green was sentenced to 48 years for the crime.

The conviction was appealed partly on the basis of inadequate representation in 2022 and though affirmed four charges were dismissed including felony murder. DNA evidence was a major part of the trial and it is under attack by the defense.

In court, Steven Kiersch, Green’s attorney, reviewed a DNA specialist’s professional credentials, to establish his credibility before offering him as an expert witness.

The prosecution objected stating the witness hadn’t earned a master’s or doctorate degree, only a premedical sciences certification. The prosecutor also said the witness was fired from two previous forensic analysis jobs at National Medical Services (NMS) and Acadiana Imaging.

The witness said he “chose to be fired” from NMS.

He claimed they overworked him and when he tried to get compensation, his supervisors accused him of sexually harassing an intern. He said he was given the option to resign or be fired, so he quit. He stated he was fired from Acadiana Imaging because he reported his supervisor for malfeasance.

The prosecution also challenged the conferences the witness attended, stating there were no evaluation at the end of the meetings and there was nothing to indicate whether or not the attendee grasped the information.

The witness stated that not how those events work.

The prosecution also revealed that the witness was not accepted as a DNA expert in two cases in New York State. According to court documents, the witness lacked “sufficient qualifications to testify regarding DNA analysis.”

”The judge accepted a 24-year-old analyst with two years of experience and not me who’s been doing this longer than he’s been alive,” the witness said. He implied that the transcripts from his past cases in New York were overemphasized by the prosecution.

Kiersch informed Judge Iscoe that the witness has been accepted as an expert in DC every time he testified. Judge Iscoe noted this and found the witness qualified as an expert in DNA analysis, stating that the “issues go to weight not admissibility.”

The witness stated that he reviewed the original DNA analysis in this case from 2015. He came to the conclusion that the forensic analyst who conducted the examination should have used a three person mixture test, due to the presence of foreign DNA in the samples. The samples included the right pocket of Keys’ cargo pants and a cartridge casing from the suspect’s weapon.

The witness stated portions of the recovered DNA were inconsistent with both Green and Keys, so there had to be a third party.

The prosecution stated that the original forensic analyst testified that her lab didn’t have protocol for a three person mixture in 2015. The witness challenged that claim, stating the software and guidelines to do the analysis were available at the time.

You can still draw conclusions regarding the major contributor in the sample even with third party contributions, the prosecutor said. According to testing reports, Green was a likely major contributor in the DNA profile of both samples.

A member of Green’s defense team from his trial in 2017 said there were “serious problems with the way the DNA was tested” in this case.

She stated that the amount of DNA claimed to have been recovered did not make sense, referring to video of the suspect touching Keys’ pants pocket. She also voiced concern with the composition of evidence due clutter in the barbershop.

The prosecution stated that the defense did file a specific request to exclude DNA evidence at the time of the trial,but DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff denied the motion, finding that Green did not meet the requirements for an evidentiary hearing at the time.

An eyewitness from the DC Jail said he was hanging out in a park across the street from the barbershop at the time of the incident, claiming he saw someone run out of the shop holding a gun with a ski mask on. He said the individual definitely wasn’t Green because of the man’s physical build, facial structure, and darker complexion.

Green told the jury that he did not kill Keys, claiming the DNA evidence was incorrect and potentially stolen.

Green is scheduled to finish his testimony on April 15.

Search