‘Not Your Average Carjacking’ Defendant Granted Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on June 2.

Manuel Alvarado, 41, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1500 block of 7th Street, SE, on April 26, 2023.

According to court documents, the victim was driving his white sedan when he saw the defendant under the influence of drugs in the middle of the street. The victims decided to give him some water, but the man jumped into the victim’s car and drove away.

Later that day, police found the car crashed at a stoplight in Vienna, Virginia. Police determined the driver to be Alvarado, and he was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

During the hearing, Quiana Harris, Alvarado’s attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings.

The prosecution argued that carjacking is a serious crime and that Alvarado should not be released back into the community as he remains a threat to public safety. The prosecution pointed out Alvarado’s previous offenses, including theft and unlawful entry, in order to emphasize the threat he posed.

Harris maintained that there was no allegation of an assault or weapon used during the incident, pointing out the lack of violence. Further, Harris acknowledged her client’s struggles with housing problems and added that his previous offenses were not violent but symptomatic of someone experiencing homelessness.

Harris also revealed Alvarado is facing mental health and substance abuse issues, and had a limited memory of events from 2023. As a result, she requested that he be screened and placed in a bed-to-bed treatment facility instead of being immediately released into the community. The prosecution agreed to Harris’ request but that he remain held until a bed becomes available.

Judge Herrmann referred to Alvarado’s actions as “not your average carjacking.” She stated that it appeared as a crime of opportunity and did not believe that Alvarado was a major threat to the community, noting that his last conviction was almost ten years ago.

Judge Herrmann ordered that Alvarado undergo drug testing, mental health assessments, and have no contact with the victim. Further, he was ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Judge Herrmann ordered Alvarado to deal with an outstanding warrant from Vienna, Virginia when he is released.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 9.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Attempted’ Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herman found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a carjacking during a hearing on June 5.

Markese Lewis, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking of an Uber driver. The incident took place on the unit block of Banner Place, NW, on May 31.

According to court documents, an officer responded to the incident from reports of someone “destroying a vehicle,” before a carjacking was officially confirmed. Lewis allegedly carjacked an Uber driver who was carrying him and another person, and became upset after the ride was going to be cancelled.

Prosecutors called on a responding officer who reported to the scene and adopted her affidavit of the incident.

According to the officer, the victim reported being carjacked after a pickup, in which there were two riders, one later identified as Lewis. However, the Uber driver reported being confused because the rider was supposed to be someone with a woman’s name. When he asked the riders to cancel the ride with an unidentified individual, Lewis allegedly punched him and attempted to steal his vehicle.

The officer recalled the victim stated he held the door closed before turning the car off and holding on to the keys. The suspect was allegedly able to force the driver side of the car open and punch the victim in the face. After this, the victim ran away. The suspect tried to start the car and the victim recorded the action on his phone. The video, viewed in court, allegedly shows the suspect in the front driver’s seat of the victim’s car and also running towards the victim.

The responding officer identified the suspect as Lewis in court, saying, “He is here, in the orange shirt.”

Lewis was represented by defense attorney Patrick Nowak. Nowak argued that this offense was not a traditional, full carjacking, rather an “attempted carjacking” because Lewis never had full possession or control over the vehicle.

Nowak argued that in order for a carjacking to fully take place, the car needed to move, and that the vehicle in this case never left where it was parked. He also argued that the victim had the key fob to start the car in their possession the entire time, which would not have let the suspect drive the car.

Nowak asked the judge to not find probable cause and requested the defendant’s release based on these arguments, which the judge stated were “irrelevant.”

Judge Herman denied Lewis’ release and found probable cause.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 18.

Domestic Violence Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A domestic violence defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe during a felony status conference on June 4.

Walter Romero-Ventura, 31, is charged with kidnapping while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a victim on June 6, 2024, on the 1300 block of 15th St NW. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds and informed the police that her boyfriend forced her into his vehicle, allegedly stabbed her with a box cutter, and threatened to kill her.

During the hearing, Henry Escoto, Walter Romero-Ventura’s attorney, argued that the video evidence used to charge Romero of kidnapping didn’t show use of force. Judge Pipe acknowledged probable cause found by previous Judge Robert Hildum but allowed a request for a review of the evidence.

Romero’s previous plea deal allowed him to plead guilty to the kidnapping and the other charges would be dropped. Despite this, Romero rejected the deal and Judge Pipe denied his motion for bond review.

Judge Pipe maintained her decision to hold Romero concluding that, “When there is no rebuttable position, the facts and circumstances are sufficient enough to hold someone”.

The parties are slated to reconvene with a status meeting on July 2.

Detective Says Maternal Filicide Defendant Confessed to Injuring Baby

A detective with the Metropolitan Police Department testified on June 2 regarding his investigation into a an infant’s murder and interviews with the defendant.

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 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.

Prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified about his interrogation with Scott on April 4, 2017. The prosecution showed video of the interaction between the detective and Scott before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom. In the recordings, Scott appears to admit to shaking and forcefully handling Fields.

“When I looked at her, she was still,” said Scott in the recording, reflecting on when she found out her daughter was deceased at 2:15 p.m. the following day.

According to the recording played by the prosecution, Scott had gone on a night out with a friend and had found her boyfriend and her other children sleeping when she returned late that night.

At 8 a.m. on the day of the incident, Scott woke up briefly to feed her other two children before falling asleep again, according to Scott. At 10 a.m. she moved out to the couch to watch her children, claiming she was frustrated when she saw what a mess the house was and that Fields was still sleeping in her playpen. The recording continues, with Scott telling the detective that it wasn’t until 2 p.m. that her friend came to check on her and asked Scott where Fields was which led Scott to check.

According to Scott, she had left Fields in a playpen from 6 p.m. the night before and admitted to noticing her breathing was erratically after handling her. That was not the only time Scott appear to acknowledge shaking her, saying it had happened two other times and that she had once slammed Fields into her playpen. Scott demonstrated both actions on a doll for the detective, who said that shaking a baby can do damage because you don’t know your own strength.

The prosecution argued this proved Scott was responsible for the condition of her child and that the force used ultimately resulted in her death.

Steven Kiersh, Scott’s attorney, attempted to discredit the detective’s testimony, insinuating the interrogation was improper and illegal, as he attempted to elicit information from Scott that supported his agenda.

“You have to have the ability to confront someone,” the detective said, defending his interview of Scott, for the benefit of the jury at trial.

He also said that interviews did not always have a structure and stressed a need to adapt to the situation.

Kiersh moved on to talk about the video interview, specifically how the detective put his hands on Scott and commented on her appearance.

“You’re drop dead gorgeous,” the detective said in the video, also referring to Scott as “doll” and “baby.”

The witness stated neither actions were improper because he was trying to comfort her and outline the positives in her life. He also stated that he wasn’t trying to curry favor or get her to reveal the truth.

Kiersh disagreed.

“How is commenting on her appearance relevant to her and her boyfriend,” said Kiersh.

Kiersh said touching Scott was a way to maintain control over the situation and exert a level of dominance. The lawyer claimed that the officer engaged in improper conduct during the interview in order to extract her guilt.

On the stand, the detective rebutted the idea of any domineering behavior and claimed this line of questioning from the defense was “outrageous.”

The defense also challenged the detective for not having a full autopsy report prior to the interview.

In response the prosecution maintained there was nothing wrong with white lies in building rapport and getting Scott to confess about being responsible.

Prosecutors also called on Scott’s best friend’s sister who recounted an instance at her sister’s house in Maryland. The witness stated that she “saw her [Scott] hit the little one,” that being the defendant’s Rhythm, then 2-year-old. She described the specific action as “popping.” Regarding how many times Scott hit the child, the witness said, “I lost count… it was more than five times.” When asked by defense attorney, Megan Allburn, she stated it was more than ten times.

Allburn asked the witness if any of the adults present during the incident in Maryland called Child Protective Services (CPS). The witness responded they did not. She did note that she had called CPS in response to similar instances in the past and they could not take the report because the witness could not provide Scott’s address.

When asked about the defendant’s conduct towards her children, the witness said, “she didn’t really engage with them… shirts were dirty.”

The witness also recounted seeing the defendant putting cough syrup in a bottle for Fields when she was about six months old, stating that the syrup “didn’t look like a prescription bottle,” and Fields did not seem sick. The witness recalled the defendant saying the medicine “was for her [Fields] to sleep.”

Prosecuting attorneys questioned the medical examiner about her conclusion that the manner of Fields’ death was a homicide. The injuries along Fields’ head, neck, and torso were consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted upon by a larger adult, not by another child or simple child-like horseplay, said the medical examiner.

They also noted that there were no signs of choking or asphyxiation, and no grape in Fields’ throat, which the defendant claimed was the cause of Fields’ death.

Kiersh then questioned the witness about whether Field’s injuries could be from falling from a crib, running into walls, or playing with other children, all of which the witness said were unlikely due to the extent of the injuries and the varying times at which they were inflicted.

Kiersh also asked the witness about her testimony in the grand jury where she defined the cause of death as a head injury. The witness clarified that she said only that head trauma was one of the more significant injuries and that the cause of death was from multiple blunt force traumas.

Prosecutors also called on Scott’s best friend since high school, who testified she visited the defendant’s residence three times between January 2017 and March 21, 2017. The witness recounted her interactions with Fields during these visits as well as her observations of Scott’s conduct with her children. According to the friend, she never saw injury on the children nor had she seen Scott beat her children.

The friend recalled talking to Scott on the phone on March 22, 2017, the day after Fields’ death. When the witness asked Scott what happened, she told her the baby choked on a grape.

According to the witness, about two months after the incident, she recalled seeing Scott to retrieve the keys to the C Street apartment because the defendant was moving in with her sister. The witness asked Scott if she had heard anything about the case to which Scott responded that the authoritries were trying to make it seem like she hit her kids.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 3.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all arraignment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 2.

Morris Stokes, 71, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed. The charges arise from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 70-year-old Maurice Rowe, who died from blunt force trauma following an assault on Aug. 21, 2024, on the 1400 block of Downing St, NE.

Stoke’s attorneys, Derrick Page and Gemma Stevens, alerted the court that Stokes intended to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 23.

Retrial in a Homicide Case Despite Co-Defendant’s Incompetency

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan they plan to retry a homicide defendant’s case following a mistrial, despite his co-defendant’s mental incompetence finding on June 2.

Robert Carpenter, 47, is charged with second-degree murder 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 the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice for her alleged lying to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about Carpenter’s involvement.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Ryan they plan on retrying Carpenter following a mistrial on May 13 after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on all the counts. Prosecutors further stated they plan to try Carter alongside Carpenter.

Question’s about Carter’s competency have complicated the case. A further evaluation was ordered by Judge Ryan. In order for a defendant to stand trial they must be able to understand the charges against them and participate in their own defense.

The trial is slated to commence on March 16, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.

Stabbing Defendant Deemed Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a stabbing defendant undergo further mental evaluations following an incompetency finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on June 5.

On March 14, Amare Admasu, 32, received an 18 month suspended sentence, with two years of probation, for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to his involvement in a stabbing that injured one. The incident occurred on May 3, 2022 at the Fort Totten Park on the 100 block of Gallatin Street, NE.

In April, his probation officer alerted the court he’d lost contact with Admasu and requested Judge McLean issue a bench warrant.

During the hearing, parties discussed a report received from DBH, which stated Admasu is mentally incompetent to stand trial meaning he’s unable to understand the charges and participate in his own defense.

Admasu’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, stated that Admasu “will have his immigrant status affected” due to his conviction and competency issues.

Judge McLean ordered Admasu to continue receiving treatment at St. Elizabeths and undergo further evaluations to see if competency could be restored.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 15.

Carjacking Defendant Explores Plea Deal

A carjacking defendant requested additional time to consider a plea deal extended by prosecutors during a hearing on June 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

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

According to court documents, the carjacking victim told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that the suspect had stolen his belongings and vehicle, including his phone and wallet, while pointing a gun at him.

Hawkins was arrested shortly after on the 600 block of Darrington Street, SE, after he allegedly crashed the stolen vehicle, according to court records.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Salerno they had extended a plea deal, which would require Hawkins plead guilty to armed carjacking and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for their not seeking an indictment.

Judge Salerno granted the defendant’s request for additional time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 9.

Teen Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Denied Release

A teen murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges, and was denied release on June 2 by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Jaylen Suggs, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery, attempted robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and four charges of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty. The incident occurred on April 25, 2024, on the 4500 block of Sheriff Road, NE

Kevann Gardner, Suggs’ defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and requested Suggs be released pending further proceedings. Judge Ryan denied the request, stating Suggs would continue to be held “to keep the community safe.”

Parties are slated to reconvene July 3.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Ex-Girlfriend’s New Lover

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on June 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel.

Reginald Datcher, 54, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 20, 2024, on the 400 block of Hillside Road, SE.

According to court documents, Datcher shot at his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

During the hearing, Datcher’s attorney, Charles Haskell, alerted Judge Israel that Datcher planned to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Defense Has ‘Serious Reservations’ About Carjacking Defendant’s Competency

In a hearing on June 4, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted the defense’s request for a second competency screening of a carjacking defendant who had previously been found competent.

Derrick Curtis, 23, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in the carjacking of a moped on Dec. 30, 2024 on the 1500 Block of Benning Road NE.

According to court documents, Curtis pushed a driver off his moped before allegedly fleeing on the stolen scooter.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Curtis’ attorney, requested that his client undergo a second competency screening stating his “serious reservations about his competency.”

Judge Hertzfeld granted the request, and Curtis is to undergo screening at St. Elizabeths. The prosecution had no objections.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Carjacking Defendant’s Release Request Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release on June 3 due to his pending gun related charges in Maryland.

Kendall Joiner, 21, and Daniel Aligbasia, 19, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a incident that occurred on May 30, 2024 on the 2000 block of Savannah St, SE.

According to court documents, the victim received a call from Aligbasia, someone the victim previously knew for three-to-four-years, asking to be driven to the incident location to meet Joiner, a friend of Aligbasia’s. Joiner allegedly produced a firearm, and pistol whipped the victim multiple times across the face. After a struggle over the keys, the victim received another strike to the face, leaving a large cut on his head.

The victim was forced out of their vehicle, a phone was thrown out of the window, and both suspects drove off in the victim’s vehicle, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Selano Simmons, Joiner’s attorney, requested his release from incarceration while plea offers were being discussed. However, the prosecution argued that the severity and time of the crime taking place during the day does argue against release. They also pointed out that Joiner is facing separate gun related charges in Maryland.

Judge Di Toro ruled that Joiner not be released over concerns that he would be held in Maryland’s custody which could delay this case.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 17.

Uber Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 30 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a shooting defendant to 30 months of incarceration at a sentencing hearing on June 2.

On March 28, Sean Butler, 29, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, felony destruction of property, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 6, 2024 on the 2000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Butler shot 12 times at the trunk of an Uber vehicle. The driver was unharmed.

Matthew Rist, Butler’s attorney, and the prosecution agreed that Butler struggled with chronic mental health issues, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Over the course of his life, according to Rist, Butler reportedly checked himself into various mental health facilities.

Rist linked Butler’s history of mental health struggles to the incident, claiming that he acted on a perception of danger. Rist argued that, given his condition, Butler should be taken to a prison with a federal medical facility instead of a standard prison.

Rist noted the defendant’s positive relationship with his family and boxing community. Butler’s mother attended the hearing. The victim of the shooting did not appear in court.

The prosecution drew attention to Butler’s endangering the public and that he appeared conscious of his own guilt. During the hearing, the prosecution showed video footage of the incident, detailing how Butler created a “zone of danger” including construction workers and a woman with a stroller near the scene. The prosecutor also argued Butler was seen quickly fleeing the scene through a nearby apartment complex.

Judge Lee encouraged Butler to take more proactive steps to manage his mental health condition, advising him to take medication consistently and meet with a mental health professional. Such actions would not only benefit himself, but his community, according to Judge Lee.

The judge imposed a sentence of 30 months for each of the charges, which are set to run concurrently.

No further dates were set.

Jury Trial Delayed For Defense to Prepare

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted a shooting defendant’s attorney’s request to delay trial for a week on June 3, since the attorney wasn’t ready and needed more time to prepare.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 2, 2024, on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting, where they located evidence including cartridge casings. No injuries were reported.

In what was supposed to be the first day of trial, Sara Kopecki, Reed’s attorney, alerted Judge Di Toro that she wasn’t able to move forward at this time. The prosecution did not have any objections to the delay, and Judge Di Toro granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 9.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Request to Terminate Probation

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and a stabbing defendant’s attorney requested a probation be terminated and deemed unsuccessful before a reluctant DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 3.

Tyrone Graham, 43, was sentenced to 120 days for simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 13, 2024 at the intersection of 12th and U Street, NW.

During the hearing, a representative from CSOSA alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno that Graham has failed to check in with his case manager, has skipped and tested positive in drug tests.

Wole Falodun, Graham’s attorney, requested his probation be terminated, stating he had successfully completed outpatient care in the past and is in the process of completing it a second time. According to Falodun, Graham’s relapse in the past few months is due to his substandard housing in an unsafe community as an obstacle to substance treatment.

Falodun, in agreement with Graham’s probation officer, requested to terminate his probation and deem it as unsuccessful. Judge Salerno stated that Graham could either attempt proper recovery under an extended probation or go back to complete his sentence.

Following Judge Salerno’s ruling, Graham told the court the chances of his successful completion of probation are slim, but agreed to undergo treatment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19.

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