Tearful Defendant Pleads Guilty To Stabbing

A stabbing defendant cried while accepting a plea deal for assault with significant bodily injury while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 3.

Isatou Kah, 21, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 20, 2024 on the 3000 block of Langley Court, NW. One individual sustained two puncture wounds and a collapsed lung.

Allegedly, Kah went on two dates with a man she met on a dating app and began to stalk him. On the night of the incident, Kah went to his apartment complex, waited outside his door, and refused to leave. His neighbors, including the victim, allegedly told Kah to leave multiple times. As the victim turned to enter back into her apartment, Kah allegedly stabbed her in the back with an ice pick.

Through the deal, Kah agreed to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury while armed in exchange for the prosecution to not further pursue any other charges, such as stalking.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 13 for sentencing.

Witness Describes Crime Scene As ‘Chaotic’ In Mass Shooting Trial

Multiple witnesses testified, including the first responding officer, during a six co-defendant mass shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 9.

William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Baxter, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each have nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each gave one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-lee has two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are each charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee each have an additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and avoiding getting caught in connection with the case.

The first responding officer continued his testimony from April 8, claiming that he’d never seen a crime scene “that chaotic and big,” before.

Prosecutors displayed the officer’s body-worn camera footage from the date of the incident, starting at 7:32 pm. While stationed near the intersection of 7th and Kennedy Street, NW, the officer testified that he heard “around 20” gunshots before racing to the scene.

The witness testified he found Baxter and Joyner on the ground, with Baxter’s being cradled in the arms of a friend. After flipping Joyner over to identify the severity of his wounds, he located Dyson on the ground in between two parked cars.

According to the officer, he called three ambulances before stationing himself over a firearm that was on the ground beside Joyner. In order to protect the firearm from contamination, the witness stated that he stood over it for three hours while other officers secured the scene.

The footage depicted chaos, with screams of “get my brother to the hospital” from loved ones and “everyone needs to get out” from officers trying to secure the scene.

According to the officer’s testimony, the Metropolitan Police Department’s chief made an appearance at the crime scene—something the officer had never seen before.

Michael Bruckheim, Dubose’s defense attorney, confirmed with the witness that he was on a “special beat” assignment on the night of the incident. The officer explained this meant he was highly visible in a police cruiser as a deterrent for criminal activity in the neighborhood.

Bruckheim asked the witness if he was familiar with the alliance known as Kennedy Street (KDY), and he responded “yes, they’re like a street gang.” The witness informed the jury that KDY had a heavy presence in the area, which was the reason for his assignment there.

Peter Fayne and Brian McDaniel, defense attorneys for Johnson-Lee and Queen, respectively, questioned the witness on his ability to solely secure a “scene of that magnitude.” McDaniel stated that it was “impossible” to secure the scene because there were “a lot of people moving around in that area,” insinuating that the scene had been contaminated.

The witness confirmed with McDaniel that he is unaware of who had the gun before he arrived, or if the gun had been fired during the incident.

The prosecution also called on a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) special agent who extracted video from a residence on the corner of 7th and Longfellow Street, NW.

The security camera footage showed a black sedan crossing the intersection and braking further down the street. The car then stopped to release three apparently armed individuals dressed in all black, who crept toward the intersection with their guns pointed forward.

The three men crouched behind the residence and repeatedly fired their guns. Afterwards, they fled, and the sedan sped off eastbound on Longfellow Street.

The prosecution called on Dyson’s mother to testify, who tearfully discussed her close relationship with Dyson. The witness now has full custody of Dyson’s children, stating that “[Dyson] would have been a grandmother by now, she has two grandchildren.”

Lastly, the prosecution called on a neighbor, questioning her about her efforts to save Baxter before paramedics arrived.

The witness, a military-trained doctor, testified that she heard the gunshots and ran outside her house as soon as the shooting stopped to offer medical assistance.

Upon arriving, she quickly assessed the situation to determine who needed help most urgently. She then began treating Baxter with a “penetrating chest wound,” applying pressure to control the pleading.

When checking for signs of life, she found no pulse and said, “I can’t get a femoral [pulse] and I can’t get a radial [pulse].”

Parties reconvene on April 10.

Prosecution Suggests Defendant Feigns Illness in Homicide Case

The prosecution’s rebuttal in a homicide case was delayed due to a co-defendant’s reported illness in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 9.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Judge Brandt announced that Forte arrived at court in the morning but was feeling ill, so he was transferred back to the DC jail to be seen by a medical team. The parties decided it was best to postpone the trial by a day so the jurors would not be waiting for Forte’s return to court.

One of the prosecuting attorneys said the timing of the claim of illness was suspicious. When pressed further, the attorney did not give a reason on why.

Forte’s defense attorney, Russel Hairston, said the prosecuting attorney was claiming that Gibson or a member of the defense encouraged Forte to claim illness. Gibson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Paige White called the claim “disgusting.”

Judge Brandt told the lawyers to “go back to your respective lanes and put a smile on.” She also stated that defendants get sick all of the time, which is not out of the ordinary.

Gibson’s other defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, put on the record that Gibson was offended by the claim that he in any way fabricated the delay in court and that what a prosecutor said was “offensive and inappropriate.”

Gardner argued that one of the witnesses the prosecution plans on calling has no relevant information in this case. However, the judge argued it is up to the jury to decide what is or isn’t relevant information.

The prosecution plans on calling four rebuttal witnesses

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Prosecution Told to Provide Murder Evidence Pre-Trial

The prosecution must provide the defense with all relevant evidence in a fatal shooting case before a jury trial commences before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman. He made his rulings in an April 1 hearing.

Anthony Green, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terence Akindo, 24, on July 30, 2023, on the 2000 block of 13th Place, NE.

Green’s attorneys,Sylvia Smith and Jessica Willis, discussed two outstanding motions to compel, as they believed the prosecution had not provided all of the evidence in this case. Willis said that they had received some information since filing a motion on March 15.

Twenty gigabytes of data were extracted from the victim’s cellphone in November 2023, but the defense did not receive any of the results until 16 months later.

Additionally, the defense received files marked iCloud that they were unable to open. The prosecution said they could not open the files either, and their IT department was working to solve the problem.

The prosecution countered that all body worn camera footage and detectives’ notes were provided, but not police officer notes. The prosecution said observations made in body-worn camera footage were sufficient.

However, Judge Edelman said that was “not sufficient,” and the prosecution must provide officer notes.

The defense said they had received evidence that two of the witnesses in this case were using the potent hallucinogen PCP when they spoke to the police following the incident, and when they testified to the grand jury. Therefore, the defense requested mental health and substance abuse information be provided for both witnesses.

The complete evidence delivery deadline is April 7, and the prosecution’s exhibits deadline is April 11.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 11.

Co-Defendants Reject Plea in Multiple Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman heard carjacking co-defendants reject a plea offer in an April 10 hearing.

Daon Farmer, 23, is charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiracy, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, and two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle in a crime of violence in connection to two incidents in Northwest DC on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, 2024. Exact locations were not provided.

Jaleel Fowler, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, four counts of robbery while armed, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, conspiracy, ten counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree theft, and four counts of obstruction of justice.

The US Attorney’s Office named Deangelo Wooten as another co-conspirator facing a 48-count indictment on many of the same charges but including assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed and obstructing justice.

The charges all stem from alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on Dec. 15, 2023, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to the prosecutor, Farmer, and two co-conspirators carjacked a silver Toyota Camry as their first target, then pulled off another armed carjacking the following day.

The three men were offered a “wired” plea deal by the prosecutor, with the offer only valid if all three defendants accept it. The offer terms differed with each co-defendant.

The deal required Farmer to plead guilty to one count of armed carjacking and one count of armed robbery. He would serve ten years straight time in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in this case.

Fowler’s offer also required him to plead guilty to one count of armed carjacking and one count of armed robbery. However, would serve 22 years straight time in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in this case.

Wooten’s plea offer required him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with intent to kill and one count of armed robbery. He would serve 29 years straight time in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in this case.

Farmer’s attorney, Courtney Vaughan, announced that her client rejected the proposed plea offer, which also eliminated the option for his co-defendants.

Despite Vaughan’s request to set a trial date for all parties, the prosecution was not prepared, having just extended the plea offer on April 8.

The prosecutor requested more time to confer with his supervisor and check witness availability.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 21.

‘I Closed My Eyes And Started To Shoot,’ Defendant Testifies In Homicide Trial

A homicide defendant claimed he acted in self-defense during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 8.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

In his testimony, Gibson recounted killing, stating that he woke up in the early afternoon and was “chilling and smoking” with his friends, including Forte, on his front porch.

While discussing “sports betting”with Forte that morning, Gibson testified that he received a call from his cousin requesting that he pick up her daughter from daycare. Surveillance footage shows Gibson receiving the phone call and proceeding down the porch steps without Forte.

As he walked toward the Columbia Heights area, he “saw a man walking back and forth, talking to himself,” according to Gibson.

When asked if Gibson recognized the person by his attorney, Kevann Gardner, he stated he knew him as “the person running around stabbing people.”

Gibson told the jury that he “saw a video of [King] at a gas station stabbing someone,” on the “Person of Interest Youtube” channel. He also testified that people in the neighborhood would point out that individual often.

According to Gibson, as he stepped onto the curb of 14th and Girard Street, he saw King turn around with a knife pointed in his direction. “I was scared, nervous, I didn’t know what he was gonna do,” said Gibson.

“[King] was known for doing it already, I thought he would stab me,” Gibson told the jury.

Gibson testified that he had been shot three times on two separate occasions, the first when he was only 13 years old in a drive-by shooting, sustaining a leg injury. Gibson was also shot twice in the chest and back at a cookout when he was 18-years-old.

The second shooting left Gibson with a metal rod stabilizing his spine. “I taught myself how to walk again,” he told the jury, adding he was hospitalized for three months after the incident.

Gibson stated that he bought a firearm six months after the shooting to protect himself, adding that he “didn’t feel safe in DC”

In his testimony, Gibson also revealed that he has had multiple loved ones die from gun violence. Two of his uncles, his girlfriend, and two of his friends had been shot and killed. “I felt like I wasn’t protected at all,” said Gibson.

“I observed [King] with a knife in his hand, walking in my direction. That’s when I pulled out the firearm,” Gibson recalled.

He stated that once he pointed his gun in King’s direction,“he kept coming towards me. At that moment I realized he was high. His eyes was real big and he was talking, shouting somewhat.”

Gardner asked Gibson if he had ever been around someone high on PCP, and he responded “yes, they feel invincible. Like they can do anything.”

According to Gibson, King continued to move towards him with the knife. “That’s when I closed my eyes and started to shoot,” he recalled.

“I shot once, maybe twice,” he stated. However, the gun had a giggleswitch, which made it capable of firing automatically. Gibson told the jury that the giggleswitch was on the gun when he purchased it, and he didn’t know how to remove it.

After the shooting occurred, Gibson stated that he was “scared” and started to run down 14th Street. An unknown individual then shouted “feds,” causing him to change directions and flee down Girard Street, according to Gibson.

Gibson testified that Forte called him after the incident, asking “what the f**k happened,” and where he was. According to Gibson, the two met up at Claypoole apartments afterwards because Gibson “knew a friend that lives there.”

Earlier prosecutors argued there was a plan to kill King with video showing there was communication among all parties in an apartment complex parking lot just hours before King was gunned down in broad daylight.

At the end of his direct examination, Gibson apologized to the victims of random gunfire for “putting them in that position.” He also stated that he never waved his gun in the air prior to shooting, contradicting previous eyewitness testimony.

Gibson also admitted to having prior felony convictions: two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in 2025 and attempted robbery when he was in high school. According to Gibson, the attempted robbery occurred when a fight broke out with students from a rival school, and he tried to snatch an individual’s backpack.

Prosecutors questioned Gibson about why he continued carrying firearms illegally despite his prior convictions and personal experiences with gun violence. He cited self-defense, including when picking up his cousin’s young daughter from daycare.

Prosecutors also pointed out that Gibson allegedly wore a black ski mask to pick up his cousin’s child. During the redirect examination, Gibson stated that he wore the mask because he was “outside” and “you can be targeted because; you’re from the area.”

According to the prosecution, Gibson “did not tell the full story” to detectives after his arrest. Prosecutors stated Gibson did not tell the detectives that he shot King in self-defense, or that King came at him with a knife.

“Today is the first time in public you have told that story,” prosecutors told Gibson.

During the redirect examination, Gibson stated that he didn’t tell the detectives the full story because “the firearm wasn’t legal, and I didn’t know I could claim self-defense.”

Parties are slated to reconvene April 9.

‘Bullets That Go Up Come Down,’ Says Judge Denying Suspect’s Release

A non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 9.

Terry McNeal, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 25, 2024 on the 4000 block of H Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

McNeal, according to court documents, followed the victim in his car and then fired two to three gunshots in the air while at a stop sign. When the victim fled in his vehicle, McNeal pursued and allegedly fired additional shots indiscriminately.

McNeal’s attorney, Matthew Davies, presented Judge Glover with a signed form waiving his right to a preliminary hearing.

Davies requested the court consider McNeal’s release as he is a “law-abiding citizen,” who works two jobs, and is licensed as a special police officer. The incident happened a year ago, and McNeal has had no infractions since, according to Davies.

Davies additionally argued that although the prosecution is charging McNeal with assault with a dangerous weapon, nobody was injured, so it should really be classed as an assault by threat.

The prosecution argued against release, citing Shot Spotter evidence of four rounds, cell site location evidence and Motor Vehicle Administration records which show that the defendant has a vehicle said to match the one described by the victim.

Judge Glover said that although the shots were allegedly fired up in the air, “bullets that go up come down,” and there is an inherent danger in discharging a firearm in a major city.

Judge Glover ruled the action was extremely dangerous and there are no release conditions or combination of conditions that could ensure the safety of the community. Judge Glover additionally denied the defense’s request for 24 hour home confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 15.

Defendant Facing 87 Charges Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant accused of committing multiple armed robberies, carjacking, and identity thefts in a three year period pleaded not guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 4.

Hanif Brown, 18, is charged with 17 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 35 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 14 counts of robbery while armed, 12 counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of first-degree theft, two counts of armed carjacking, conspiracy, first-degree identity theft of a senior citizen, second-degree theft of a senior citizen, felony credit card fraud of a senior citizen, and unarmed carjacking of a senior citizen for his alleged involvement in a series of crimes that occurred between May 11, 2021 and April 2024, including:

A carjacking on March 25, 2023, on the 1800 block of 14th Street NW, where he is alleged to have stolen a white Lexus SUV from a parking lot.
Armed Robbery on March 26, on the 900 block of Westminster Street NW, where he is alleged to have robbed a victim while armed with firearms, stealing his phone, wallet, glasses, and $3,200.
Armed Robbery, and on April 7, 2023, on the 5800 block of South Dakota Avenue, where he is alleged to have robbed a victim of his wallet while armed with firearms.
A carjacking on April 7, 2023, on the intersection of George Avenue NW and Gresham Place NW, where he is alleged to have threatened a victim with a firearm and then stolen the victim’s Mercedes.
Armed Robbery on April 7, 2023, on the 5400 block of Queens Chapel Road, Hyattsville, Maryland, where he allegedly stole a victim’s wallet and cell phone while armed with a firearm.
A carjacking on April 7, 2023, in the Third Street Tunnel, where he allegedly rear-ended a white Jeep Cherokee and then proceeded to steal it from the victim while armed with a firearm.
A car theft on April 9, 2023, on the 5000 block of Jay Street, NE, where he allegedly stole a silver Nissan Maxima.
A carjacking on April 9, 2023, on the 2700 block of 9th Street, NW, where he is alleged to have stolen a white Acura MDX, assaulting the vehicle owner and then stealing the vehicle owner’s credit card.
Armed Robbery on April 9, 2023, on the 1100 block of U Street, NW, where he is alleged to have threatened a victim outside of an ATM machine with a firearm, stealing the victim’s phone, wallet, glasses, and $458.
Armed Robbery on April 9, 2023, on H Street NE and 10th Stree,t NE, where he allegedly stole a victim’s wallet and phone while armed with a firearm.
Armed Robbery on April 9, 2023, on the intersection of 13th Street NW and Wallach Place, NW, where he allegedly robbed three victims of their phones and wallets while armed with a firearm.
A car theft on April 9, 2023, at the intersection of 11th Street NW and U Street, NW, where he allegedly stole a black Jeep Rubicon that was parked.
A carjacking on April 16, 2023, at the intersection of 5th Street NW and Q Street, NW, where he allegedly threatened a victim with a firearm and then stole his Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.
Armed Robbery on April 19, 2023, on the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue,NW, where he allegedly threatened two victims with firearms and stole their PlayStation.
A car theft on May 3, 2023, on the 600 block of Ingraham Street, NW, where he allegedly stole a white four-door sedan.
Armed Robbery on May 4, 2023, on the 1400 block of U Street, NW, where he allegedly stole two victims’ watches, a necklace, cell phones, and cash.
Armed Robbery on May 6, 2023, on the 900 block of H Street,NE, where he allegedly threatened a victim with a firearm and stole his wallet, phone and $800,

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Andrew Ain, announced his client’s decision to plead not guilty on all counts and requested he be released, arguing that no one was seriously injured in these crimes. Furthermore, Brown does not have a prior criminal history.

The prosecution opposed Brown’s release, stating he was being accused of multiple crimes of violence, and insisted he remained a danger to the community. Judge Park decided to detain Brown, citing that much of the physical evidence found was allegedly located in his room and stating it was clear Brown used his home as a base of operations.

Brown’s co-defendant, Deondre Rogers, 18, is currently serving another sentence in Maryland, and Ain stated it would take around 90 days to extradite him from Maryland’s jurisdiction. Judge Park set a status hearing for both defendants to attend on July 23.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 30.

Shooting Defendant Ruled Incompetent, Despite Psychologist’s Finding Otherwise

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ruled that a shooting defendant remains mentally incompetent to stand trial on April 7, despite testimony from a DC behavioral health psychologist who found otherwise.

Kevin Harrison, 24, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 26, 2023, on the 2100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. No one was injured.

In court, the prosecution called a psychologist from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) who conducted the competency evaluation on Harrison. She stated that through her observation of Harrison, she found he has a learning disability that did not affect his ability to learn, meaning it does not create competency concerns. She also stated that Harrison’s low testing scores that would normally indicate a cognitive defect were most likely the result of lack of effort and attendance during the evaluation.

Patrick Nowak, Harrison’s attorney, responded stating that the psychologist herself is not competent and that the prosecution failed to prove Harrison is competent.

Nowak insisted that the psychologist “grossly misstated” Harrison’s mental status and “grossly mischaracterized” the definition of a learning disability. Nowak stated that Harrison has a clear intellectual disability as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) which behavioral specialists use to diagnose mental illness.

Judge Pipe agreed with Nowak, stating that the psychologist’s testimony hinged on the idea that a learning disability doesn’t impact competence. She stated that the psychologist’s fixation on attendance and effort doesn’t jibe with the facts, and bordered on being offensive. “Instead of being curious about cognitive defects she deemed them volitional,” Judge Pipe exclaimed.

Judge Pipe found that Harrison remained incompetent. The prosecution requested reevaluation by a different doctor. Nowak opposed this motion, stating they’ve “gone through this whole process,” implying that this would delay the case even further.

Judge Pipe stated she couldn’t make a finding at this point and ordered another full competency report emphasizing that it be conducted by a different doctor.

Finally, Nowak requested that Harrison be moved to curfew from home confinement. The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that this is not a standard carrying case, as it involves discharging a firearm as well. Judge Pipe granted the curfew request, citing Harrison’s lack of criminal history and perfect compliance with home confinement.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 7.

Defense Claims Prosecution’s Handling of Homicide DNA is ‘So Unfair’

The defense representing two fatal shooting co-defendants told DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park they are concerned that the prosecution’s handling of DNA evidence will cause delays, during a hearing on April 7.

Jerome Dukes, 34, and Justin Borum, 35, are 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 crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jayvon Jones on Feb. 21, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1400 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE.

Dukes’ attorney, Brandi Harden, expressed frustration with the prosecution’s time management. She noted that the prosecution just sent evidence for DNA testing last week – a process expected to conclude by June at the earliest, according to Harden. She argued this would not give defense enough time to review and test the evidence independently before the trial, which is scheduled to begin Oct. 14.

Harden called the delay “so unfair,” citing that the prosecution has had the material since September of 2023 and have “just sat on the evidence.” She filed a motion to prevent introduction of the tested evidence as untimely.

Borum’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, echoed the frustration, noting that Borum is eager to keep the current trial date.

For their part, prosecutors said they believed the material was previously submitted but with no additional information.

Harden also raised concern about the sole eyewitness’ “inconsistent testimony.” She insisted that his initial phrasing was different than his grand jury testimony.

The prosecutor agreed to share the witness’ name with the defense so they could follow up as necessary. However, for the witness’ safety concerns of the witness, identifying information will not be shared

Parties are slated to reconvene on the pending matters May 13.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Charges in Fatal Shooting

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by the prosecution before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 7.

Dawayne Smith, 22, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the murder of 44-year-old Antonio Riley on Oct, 23, 2024 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The shooting left another victim with spinal injuries that paralyzed his legs.

Smith’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, told the Court that Smith would be entering an agreement with the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and aggravated assault.

In exchange, the prosecution dismissed the first-degree murder while armed charge and will not seek an indictment on additional charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 13.

Defense Counsel Withdraws From Homicide Case, Prosecutor Objects

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted a defense attorney’s motion to withdraw from a homicide case on April 4.

Sherman Holley, 47, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, arson, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, resisting arrest, and assault on a police officer. All are offenses allegedly committed during release. The charges stem from his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 53-year-old James Brooks on Jan. 15, 2023, on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE.

During the hearing, Megan Allburn asked Judge Ryan if should could quit as Holley’s attorney. After speaking privately with Holley, Allburn, and Holley’s other defense attorney, Morgan Leigh, Judge Ryan granted this request.

The prosecution opposed the motion, but Judge Ryan said their arguments didn’t address what the defense told him in confidence.

According to court documents, Holley has requested different representation multiple times. Judge Ryan told Holley this is the last new attorney he will receive.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 11.

Homicide Defendant Deemed Incompetent For Trial, Attorney Claims She’s ‘Spiraling’

The attorney for a homicide defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 7 that he is worried his client is “spiraling” and not receiving proper treatment.

Jafekka Harris, 33, is charged with second-degree murder for her alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 79-year-old Bettie Duke on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE on Oct. 5, 2024.

According to Judge Park, the parties received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), stating a doctor found Harris mentally incompetent to stand trial and requested further testing to be done.

Harris’ attorney, Kevin Mosley, expressed concerns that Harris has not been receiving the proper treatment from St. Elizabeths Hospital and she appears to be “spiraling” mentally based on Mosley’s recent conversations with her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant’s New Trial Request As ‘Manipulation’

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a stabbing defendant’s motion for a new trial on March 25, as an attempt to manipulate the system.

On Sept. 17, 2024, Tanade Warsame, 33, was convicted by a jury of assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on May 4, 2024 on the 600 block of I street, NW.

On Jan. 28, Warsame, through his new attorney Andrew Ain, motioned for another trial in that he didn’t have adequate representation for the initial proceeding.

Ain and Warsame claimed Warsame’s prior attorney, Brandon Burrell, failed to explain a plea offer extended by prosecutors, didn’t prepare him to testify, nor object when required at trial.

During the hearing, the prosecution played a two-minute segment of a jail call video between Warsame and a pre-sentence report writer as evidence of Warsame’s continued “manipulation’ of the criminal justice system. Warsame expressed his frustration, stating he always participated in trial and believed that Burell was working against him. According to Warsame, he requested Burrell file a motion to dismiss his case or be released, but he failed to do so.

In effect, the prosecution suggested these complaints arose at the eleventh hour before sentencing as a way to disrupt the process.

Ain claimed that the call was not in the context of getting legal advice which the report writer was not competent to provide. However, Ain said that Warsame’s remarks highlight his concerns about the quality and availability of legal guidance he received and his request for a new attorney.

Ain explained that Warsame is unfiltered, makes bad decisions at times, and may have psychological problems irrespective of his new trial request.

The prosecution contended that Warsame was always aware of the plea offer as he constantly rejected it over jail calls.

“He is absolutely manipulating the system here today,” the prosecution insisted.

They say Warsame knows how the criminal justice system’s operations, but acts as though he’s unaware of past convictions.

Warsame’s outburst in a previous hearing, say prosecutors, was a response to his failed tactics, including asking for a new lawyer and rejecting a plea.

“He was never going to take it,” the prosecutor told Judge Pipe.

Judge Pipe agreed with prosecutors that Warsame’s actions were an intentional attempt to manipulate the system and denied his new trial motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.

Judge Orders Homicide Defendant Transferred From St. Elizabeths to Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered a homicide defendant be transferred from mental treatment at St. Elizabeths Hospital to the DC Jail on April 4.

John Woods, 67, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 60-year-old Geno Freeman on the 6000 Block of Chillum Place, NE on Feb. 19.

Judge Ryan said that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) filed a motion arguing that there’s no reason for Woods to continue at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, as in-patient hospitalization is no longer appropriate due to their finding that Woods is competent.

Woods’ defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, argued that Woods’ competency would deteriorate if returned to jail. He said Woods experienced an acute psychiatric event when he was sent to the jail and was in that state for some time after being hospitalized. Mosley added that Woods is able to participate in group counseling programs at the hospital and the environment is overall more appropriate.

Judge Ryan acknowledged that it would be more convenient and less stressful for Woods to stay at the hospital. However, he said he does not have the authority to do so given that Woods has been declared competent.

Mosley requested to delay the decision for time to create a plan for Woods return to jail. He said that he has grave concerns about Woods’ mental fragility and would like the case to stay on track for trial.

Judge Ryan, again, denied this request and added that the relevant legislative statute does not give him the authority to keep Woods at the hospital.

Lastly, Mosley requested that Judge Ryan make a recommendation for hold at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF), instead of the high security Central Detention Facility (CDF), due to Woods’ mobility and medical concerns. Judge Ryan granted this request.

Parties are expected to return on May 30.

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