Murder case against Kimberly Thompson moves forward

The murder case against Kimberly Thompson, 58, moved forward Tuesday when Judge Lynn Leibovitz scheduled a felony status conference for September.

Thompson has been charged with Charles Mayo’s murder last December. According to Thompson’s attorney, Mary Kennedy, Thompson has not created “any issues” during his time in jail, where he has been held since his arrest. She also said the investigation into Thompson’s alleged role in Mayo’s death is ongoing, so there was little to report on Tuesday morning.

The defense moved to set a felony status conference before Oct. 5, to avoid Thompson’s nine-month indictment deadline. The arraignment is set for Sept. 22 but may change due to scheduling conflicts for the prosecution and defense. Prosecutor Christine Maley said that the government may not be able to make that date.

According to the arrest affidavit filed for Thompson’s arrest, police found Mayo suffering from multiple gunshot wounds behind 1936 Bennett Pl., NE, in the afternoon of Dec. 10, 2015.

When an officer asked Mayo if he knew who shot him, Mayo nodded his head, said “I can’t breathe,” and pointed toward 19th Street, NE.

Mayo was taken to a local hospital and succumbed to his injuries a week later on Dec. 17, 2015.

Police found two 9mm casings and nine “5.7×28 casings” within close proximity of the scene of the crime.

Multiple witnesses came forward after the shooting and gave the MPD a description of the shooter. Police later found Thompson, who matched the description, in the 700 block of 19th Street.

Surveillance footage from across 1830 Benning Road shows a silver vehicle approach Mayo at the intersection of 19th Street and Bennett Place. Mayo ran away shortly after, twisting and turning as though he was shot, according to the affidavit. Several other people can be seen running away from the scene of the crime as well.

One witness described the scene from the surveillance footage very similarly, but also told police he saw Thompson exit the silver vehicle with a black dog. He told officers he knew Mayo and had seen Thompson two days before the shooting when Thompson fired gunshots into the air outside of his sister’s house to scare gamblers away.

MPD showed this witness a series of photos that matched the general description given by the other witness, and the witnessed picked out Thompson.

On Dec. 12, 2015, police pulled over Thompson, who was driving a 2007 Mercedes Benz, and told him they were seizing it for evidence in a shooting investigation.

When asked about the shooting, Thompson refused to talk to the police. When an officer told him that his neighbors believed him to be the shooter, he said “[T]he victim of the shooting was cruddy, a drug dealer, and a bad person,” according to the affidavit.

After police searched the Mercedes, they found three firearms. Among them were a Glock 30, a Taurus Public Defender revolver, and a Glock 26.

Scientists at the MPD’s Department of Forensic scientists concluded that based on the 9mm casings found at the scene of the crime, the Glock 26 found in Thompson’s car was used to fire at least one bullet.

An officer went through Thompson’s Facebook account and found a picture of him wielding a firearm, which appeared to be similar to a FN P90 submachine gun. This particular weapon is capable of firing 5.7×28 caliber rounds.

On Jan. 6, Thompson was charged with first-degree murder for Mayo’s death.

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Video released of three men of interest related to shooting of Antoine McCullough

Police are asking for the public’s help in seeking the public’s help in identifying three people of interest in connection to the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Antoine McCullough.

Police released a Youtube video of three men casually walking down a block nearby where the homicide took place the morning of July 2. The video shows a pixelated snapshot of each of the men. It is difficult to see their faces as one is wearing a hat and another is wearing a piece of clothing over his head.

Antoine McCullough was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds at approximately 12:10 a.m. on July 2. He was found in the 3500 block of 18 St., SE and transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police at (202)-727-9099.

DNC employee fatally shot in Bloomingdale

Seth Rich, a Democratic National Comittee staffer from Nebraska, was killed Sunday morning. Rich, 27, worked as a voter expansion data director for the DNC and had lived in Washington D.C. for several years, according to the Washington Post.

Rich’s murder took place in the 2100 block of Flagler Pl., NW a little before 4:20 a.m. on Sunday morning. Police found Rich suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to the hospital* where he later died.

“Politics were in his blood,” said Rich’s father, Joel Rich, 68, in a phone interview with the Washington Post. “He wanted to make a difference.”

Rich was from Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Creighton University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy and history.

On his Linkedin page, Rich wrote, “I have an enormous interest in public service and working towards making the world a better place.”

In a open letter released by the DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman-Shultz said Rich “was a dedicated, selfless public servant,” and that he worked “tirelessly to protect the most sacred right we share as Americans – the right to vote.”

Before working for the DNC, Rich worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and in Nebraska politics, specifically for former U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson’s (D-Neb) re-election campaign.

Rich had lived in the Bloomingdale community for the last two years. The community has recently seen an uptick in armed robberies, and police are investigating if Rich’s death could be robbery motivated.

Rich’s father says that nothing was taken from his son, including his cell phone and credit cards. He believes that his son put up a fight with his attacker.

*This article has been updated to correct an error. The article originally said Rich was taken to Howard University Hospital, which was inaccurate.

Alan Smith fatally stabbed Saturday morning

A woman has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing a man in a domestic incident.

Alan Smith, 50, was found suffering from a stab wound inside a residence in the 2300 block of Hartford St., SE early Saturday morning. Smith was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

Police then charged 42-year-old Lakisha Young with second-degree murder while armed. Police said the incident was domestic, but did not disclose the nature of Young and Smith’s relationship. Young is expected to be presented in D.C. Superior Court Monday afternoon.

Dozens of family members leave weeping from Lakisha Young’s presentment

Dozens of emotional family members packed the courtroom Monday afternoon for murder suspect Lakisha Young’s first court appearence.

Young was presented Monday on charges of second-degree murder for allegedly fatally stabbing Alan Smith, which presiding Judge Renee Raymond called a “family tragedy.”

Young’s family members filled the courtroom’s pews to capacity, with many women leaving in tears when Raymond ordered Young held without bail on the charges. At one point during the proceedings, a man stood up and yelled that Young had “killed my father,” and expressed wishes for her to die in hell. The man was escorted out of the courtroom following the outburst.

During the presentment, Young’s attorney David Maxted said she had acted in self-defense and requested that she be released. He also asked that if the court held Young without bail, that she be charged with involuntary manslaughter while armed instead of second-degree murder. ”

“It was in the heat of passion, it was not thought out or planned,” Maxted said.

The government said Young had two assault charges in the past, including one involving a knife. They also argued that “there is no colorful evidence for self-defense” in this case. While summarizing the charging documents against Young, Raymond said a witness told police Young grabbed a knife and stabbed Smith while he was unarmed and pleading for her to stop.

“The witness clearly says Ms. Young was the aggressor,” Raymond said. Raymond kept the original charge at second-degree murder while armed. Young is being held without bail and will be seen next in her preliminary hearing on July 21.

Police investigting fatal shooting in Bloomingdale Sunday morning

Police are investigating the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Seth Conrad Rich Sunday morning.

Rich was found shot in the 2100 block of Flagler Place, NW a little before 4:20 a.m.

Police responding to the sounds of gunshots found Rich conscious and breathing at the scene, but he passed away after being taken to a local hospital.

Police are still investigating for any suspects.

Alphonso Roberts anticipates entering plea negotiations

Murder suspect Alphonso Roberts anticipates entering plea negotiations with the government, his attorney said in court last week.

Roberts is due back in court July 22 for an update on the case and negotiations. The 32-year-old has been charged with second-degree murder while armed.

According to charging documents, on Feb. 10 police found victim Maurico Walker lying behind the Anacostia Library suffering from apparent gunshot wounds in the back of his head.

Detectives found sixteen 9mm shell-casings at the scene. Blood was spattered on the grass near where Walker was found. Both a nearby metal pillar and wall of the library were found struck by gunshot marks. Video footage was recovered from the area and showed a suspect, later identified by police as Roberts, driving a four-door gold or silver Volvo, approaching the scene of the shooting, pulling up to the back of the library, and then rushing from the scene.

After a search warrant was executed, the Metropolitan Police found a loaded glock 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, an assault rifle, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a large amount of drugs and cash in Roberts’ apartment.

After confiscation of Roberts’ phone, police found an extensive search history on articles about the shooting after it took place on February 10. Detectives reviewed browsing history of the device back a month prior and found no other specific search regarding homicides. After this extensive investigation, Alphonso Roberts was arrested and charged with Walker’s murder.

Judge denies lifting stay away order for Amanda Turner

A judge denied murder suspect Amanda Turner’s request to be allowed to visit her mother’s home at the same address where the alleged murder took place.

Turner and co-defendant Antonio Brown have been charged with the murder of Charles Antonio Welch.

Turner’s attorney, Nikki Lotze, requested that Turner’s stay away order from the crime scene be lifted. Turner’s 72-year-old mother is in need of medical help and currently lives in the area of the stay away order. Lotze argued that Turner is severely inconvenienced when helping her mother get to and from doctor’s visits.

“Turner has been in 100% compliance with her release,” Lotze said.

Although she has been in compliance with her release, the government brought up recent allegations of Turner attempting to sell drugs in the area in order for witnesses to change their stories in her favor. After this was brought to light, Lopez agreed upon lifting Turner’s curfew and drug tests, but strictly denied lifting the stay away order.

Judge Lopez closed by saying there would be no exceptions to this decision whether aiding Turner’s mother’s health needs or not.

Turner and Brown are due back in court Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Antonio Brown pleads not guilty to murder charges

Murder suspect Antonio Brown pleaded not guilty last week to the three charges against him stemming from the alleged murder of Charles Welch last September.

Brown, 27, was indicted and charged with premeditated first-degree murder, possession of an unlawful firearm and another possession of a firearm during a crime charge because of his prior conviction.

Brown has been held without bail while his case went to a grand jury, which indicted him on June 22, court documents show.

Brown is one of two people charged with Welch’s fatal shooting last September. His co-defendant Amanda Turner has been out while she awaits a trial for her charge of first-degree murder while armed. Both suspects are due back in court on Aug. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

Warrant: Andre Herndon heard bragging about alleged murder

Witnesses interviewed in the warrant for Andre Herndon’s arrest say the suspect talked about getting revenge the day before he allegedly killed Navontae Howard.

Witnesses told police Herndon, 20, was angry because he had been jumped by members of a group called Mactown on February 2. On multiple accounts, Herndon was overheard later that day saying he wanted to “get back at” or seek revenge on this Mactown group.

Herndon was a member of the Benning/Trepark group which consisted of several people from 37 Street, SE. According to a witness, this group had been in dispute with the Mactown group, from 34 St. and Minnesota Avenue, SE, since high school. Howard was a loyal member of this Mactown group.

Included in the warrant for Howard’s arrest, multiple witnesses told police they had seen the shooting take place on February 3. Both the Mactown and Benning/Trepark groups were seen approaching one another on the 3500 block of East Capitol St. Both groups argued for a short time. Herndon then took out a handgun and shot first towards the opposing side. Witnesses reported they had seen Howard shooting from the other side as well, but only in defense of Herndon’s shots.

One particular witness explained to the Metropolitan Police homicide detectives that the day after the shooting, Herndon was bragging about shooting Howard and saying, “That’s what he gets.” Another member of the Mactown group was also a suspect during the investigation, but many witnesses explained that the person was standing behind Herndon and could have easily been confused as the shooter.

Because Herndon was seen initiating the fight, he was arrested for Howard’s murder. His preliminary hearing is set for July 15.

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DNA on soda bottle links Christian Romero to murder scene

DNA recovered at the scene of the murder of Dimas Fuentes-Lazo,38, from the mouth of a Coca-Cola bottle, a knife and a broken watch connect 23-year-old Christian Romero to the scene of the crime, along with witness testimonies and video surveillance footage, according to the charging documents.

The fight between Romero and Lazo seems to have stemmed from an argument after Romero was seen smacking side mirrors of cars, including Lazo’s.

Lazo was stabbed to death on April 23 after an argument outside of a restaurant at 833 Kennedy St., NW. Police were called to the scene and arrived around 10:45 p.m. where they found Lazo suffering from multiple deep stab wounds around his face, upper chest and arms. He was taken to an area hospital where he later died of his injuries.

According to one witness and video surveillance footage, a man, later identified as Romero was at the scene before Lazo arrived, holding a bottle of soda. Another witness, who arrived on the scene with Lazo, said that they arrived to the restaurant in Lazo’s vehicle and before entering, stood outside and smoked cigarettes. While they were standing there, the witness said that Romero walked down the street hitting cars with his hand holding a bottle of soda. The suspect reportedly hit the driver’s side mirror on Lazo’s vehicle.

The witness said that they went to look at the damage on the vehicle, and that suspect and Lazo followed. According to the witness account in the warrant, Romero confronted both the witness and Lazo in front of the vehicle at a close distance and in a “seemingly threatening manner.” Video obtained by police confirms this account, and shows the witness kicked Romero in the leg and Romero then pulled out a knife and attacked Lazo. The suspect chased Lazo and stabbed him repeatedly. The suspect fell to the ground and was kicked by Lazo, but then continued to chase and stab Lazo.

There were three other people who were investigated for Lazo’s murder. Fransisco Ayala was arrested and charged with second-degree murder on May 10 in connection to Lazo’s death. Ayala provided an alibi and all charges were dropped. Ayala’s DNA was not found on any of the evidence collected.

Romero was charged with second-degree murder while armed on June 30. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 15 for a preliminary hearing at 9:30 a.m.

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Dujuan Garris trial pushed back to 2017

The trial against Dujuan Garris, originally scheduled to begin Wednesday, has been postponed until 2017.

Garris, 21, has been charged with the murder of James Anderson last January.

Judge Milton Lee decided Wednesday, with the approval of both the prosecution and the defense, to move the trial.

Last week Garris was in court for a final status hearing before going to trial, which was supposed to begin July 6. During the status hearing, the defense discussed DNA evidence from shell casings left at the scene and how they were waiting for the results of their analysis. The defense had asked to postpone the start date for the trial because of this.

The prosecution argued that they would need time to analyze the defense’s evidence and asked to move back the start of the trial. The next availability for all parties to go to trial would be early in 2017.

In court on Wednesday, the prosecution and defense shared that there had been a minor miscommunication. The defense had originally told the prosecution evidence would be available on July 6, but that through a series of circumstances that were out of their control, they would not be able to expedite the transfer of evidence for at least a week and a half.

The prosecution assumed that the evidence would be available today.

The prosecution and defense had subpoenaed witnesses for the pre-trial and requested that they return to court again on July 26, when they hope to set a definitive trial date.

“What is it I need to do to help this thing move along?” Lee asked Garris’ attorney when it was decided that there would no longer be a trial Wednesday. Lee granted the defense two weeks to fully analyze their data and transfer their findings to the prosecution, and he scheduled a status conference for July 26.

According to charging documents, Anderson was found suffering from gunshot wounds on January 11, 2105. Multiple witnesses identified Dujuan Garris as the man who fatally shot Anderson at 1337 1 St, SE.

According to witness accounts relayed to police, a party was taking place in the house where Anderson was later found fatally shot. A man who did not ordinarily hang out with Anderson was at the party, and let Garris into the house. Garris approached Anderson and told him to “give up” marijuana he was holding. When Anderson said no, witnesses heard gunshots. They identified the shooter as “Fat Fat,” a nickname commonly used by Garris. He was charged with first-degree murder in February of last year.

Dujuan Garris trial scheduled for Wednesday

The trial for the suspect charged with the alleged murder of James Anderson could go on trial as early as this week.

Dujuan Garris, 21, has been charged with first-degree murder while armed for the Jan. 2015 shooting death of Anderson, 27.

Garris’ trial has been scheduled for July 6.

During Garris’s status hearing last Wednesday, the prosecution and defense argued over key pieces of evidence that could have been contaminated. Five shell casings that were found at the scene contain one to two forms of DNA from unknown males, according to research done by the defense.

The prosecution told Judge Milton C. Lee that they would need at least three weeks to go over the defenses findings, stating that they believe the DNA belongs to detectives who handled the shell casings during the investigation. The prosecution said that they would need to run DNA testing on all of those who may have come in contact with the casings, including whole investigative units, before they can proceed to the July 6 trial date.

The defense argued that they could give the prosecution the results of their analysis before the end of the day Wednesday.

The defense stated that Garris would like to go to trial as soon as possible, and that he would be wiling to waive his preliminary hearing as a “last resort,” and they would forgo this evidence being used in his trial. Lee countered this request and said that at the last hearing Garris was “very pointed that he wanted the testing done.”

If the trial could not begin in July, Garris’ representation warned it could be pushed as far back as 2017– as a member of their team will be out during August.

The prosecution agreed to attempting to start the trial next Wednesday but stated that the odds would be unlikely.

Garris is scheduled to be in court again on July 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Murder case against David Harvey sealed

Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed the murder case against Davalier Nehemiah Harvey, 18, charged with the alleged murder of 37-year-old Matthew Shevlin sealed.

Harvey was in court for a felony status conference when Ryan asked both parties to speak with him privately. The conversation lasted for 20 minutes and then, without any further statements or information disclosed, Harvey was escorted out of the courtroom by the U.S. Marshals.

A felony status conference for Harvey has been scheduled for Sept. 30 at 9:30 a.m.

Harvey is one of three men charged with Shevlin’s murder. Eugene Sherman and Joseph Jennings waived their right to a preliminary hearing prior to Harvey’s court appearance, and they are due back in court Aug. 17.

Shevlin was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on the stairs of his apartment complex in the 400 block of M St., NW a little before 10 p.m. on Jan. 22. He was taken to a near by hospital where he later died.

According to charging documents, police found mason jars of a “green weed substance” in Shevlin’s apartment, and with one of the suspects on the day of Shevlin’s murder.

DC Police charged Harvey with first-degree murder while armed at the scene of the crime. He is being held without bail.

Teen charged with alleged murder of Devonte Crawford

Police have made an arrest in the June 14 shooting death of 20-year-old Devonte Crawford.

The suspect is a 17-year-old juvenile male from Northwest D.C. He was arrested Wednesday and has been charged with second degree murder while armed. Because of the suspect’s age, police did not disclose his name.

At 6:30 a.m. on June 14, police responded to a call of a shooting in the 2900 block of 14 St., NW. When investigators arrived they found Crawford suffering from a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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