Judge Takes Carjacking Defendant’s Special Needs Into Consideration at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a carjacking defendant to 84 months, with 12 months suspended, during an April 1 hearing.

On Dec. 17, 2024, Jacorri Stroman, 19, and Austin Marion, 18, pleaded guilty to carjacking for their involvement in an incident on July 1, 2024 on the 1100 block of Independence Avenue, SE. According to court documents, two cars were stolen.

Marion’s sentencing date was postponed to April 11 due to Russel Hairston’s, Marion’s attorney, schedule.

During the hearing, prosecutors displayed surveillance footage that depicted Stroman approaching the victim, who was on a scooter, with a BB gun, causing the victim to crash into a tree. Stroman proceeded to drive off with the victim’s scooter.

At the time Stroman was on probation for an assault case. Thus, the prosecution requested that Stroman be sentenced to the mandatory minimum of 84 months.

Stroman’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, asked for sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if all the requirements are successfully completed. Reed argued that the seven-year mandatory minimum sentence would not be fair since the defendant meets the YRA’s conditions, is seeking better education, has accessed treatment programs and is looking forward to a crime free life.

As a mitigating circumstance, Reed mentioned that DC schools were closed during COVID and that Stroman hasn’t had to opportunity to achieve his full potential, turning to crime as an alternative.

Judge Park took into consideration not only the additional injuries the victim could have suffered but also Stroman’s difficult past and his special needs. As a result, the judge decided to place the defendant in a specialized Federal Medical Center (FMC) operated by the US Bureau of Prisons for psychological treatment and sentenced Stroman to 72 months under the Youth Act, followed by three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Tells Stabbing Defendant He Committed an ‘Extraordinarily Serious Offense’

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a stabbing defendant to 10 years in jail and three years of supervised release on April 4.

On Jan. 27, Aron Williams, 33, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a domestic violence stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, 2024, on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. The victim, Williams’ romantic partner, suffered life-threatening injuries from 10 stab wounds to her mouth, arms, and legs.

At the sentencing hearing, the victim’s child gave a statement, telling the court he panicked when he found his mother on the ground, calling 911. He noted he “used to think [Williams] could be someone [he] could trust.”

According to the prosecution, Williams stabbed the victim over and over again as she begged him to stop. She pleaded for her life, asking him to call 911 and saying she would not tell authorities he was the one who hurt her, according to prosecutors.

The victim had also filed several civil protection orders, and the prosecution pointed out that indicates she was always fearful of Williams. The prosecution asked that Williams get the maximum sentence of 10 years in jail and three years of supervised release.

Williams’ lawyer, Hannah Claudio, asked that Williams get 72 months in jail along with three years of supervised release, asserting that he was under the influence of multiple hard drugs the night of the incident, which drastically changed his personality.

Williams stated he “takes full responsibility” and has sought help, while abandoning drugs.

Judge Park sentenced Williams to 120 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. He also issued a stay away and no contact order from the victim and her children. Judge Park said he appreciated that Williams sought help for drug us but justice was required for this “extraordinarily serious offense.”

No further dates have been set for this case.

March Statistics Show Four Homicides With One Arrest

According to D.C. Witness data, as of April 7, there were four homicide incidents and four homicide victims in the District in March. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced one arrest made in relation to the murders that occurred during the month.

According to MPD documents, the evening of March 13, officers responded to an establishment located in the 5000 block of Benning Road, SE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located 33-year-old Darius Young inside, suffering from gunshot wounds. Young was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced dead.

Officers conducted an investigation where they were able to locate and arrest 37-year-old Cornell Day for his alleged involvement in Young’s death. Day is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed.

MPD also reported that another homicide occurred on March 16, with officers responding to the 1100 block of Chaplin Street, SE, for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located Marcus Kelly, 42, suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Kelly was pronounced dead on scene despite life-saving efforts. According to MPD documents, no arrests have been made.

Likewise, on March 18, according to MPD documents, 39-year-old Derrick Howard was shot and killed in the 3000 block of Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE. This case also remains under investigation.

According to MPD documents, on March 29, officers responded to the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE, for a report of a shooting. 18-year-old Jose Walters was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. No arrests have been made.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

Defendant Accused of Wounding Police in a Standoff Pleads Not Guilty

A defendant accused of shooting police officers pleaded not guilty and was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 4.

Stephen Rattigan, 49, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of assault on a police officer while armed, 15 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property worth $1,000 or more, endangerment with a firearm, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and cruelty to animals for his alleged involvement in the shooting of three Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on Feb. 14, 2024 on the 5000 block of Hanna Place, SE.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a barricaded situation following MPD’s arrival at Rattigan’s home with an arrest warrant for animal cruelty. During the confrontation, Rattigan allegedly shot and injured three MPD officers but surrendered after a standoff lasting several hours.

“After Rattigan was arrested, MPD executed a court-authorized search warrant inside the home. Inside, Rattigan had thirty-one dogs, three handguns, two AR-style rifles, two full drum magazines, and additional large-capacity magazines,” according to an April 4 release from the US Attorney’s Office..

During the hearing, Stephen LoGerfo, Rattigan’s attorney, informed the court of his decision to plead not guilty and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

LoGerfo also requested release, insisting that Rattigan has almost no criminal history, can stay with family in the community, and is amenable to any release conditions. He added that the concept of “intent to kill” was not present as MPD forced entry, and it’s possible that Rattigan was unaware of what was happening.

The prosecution objected and reasoned that, due to the nature of the charges, release was not warranted. They also challenged LoGerfo’s characterization of the offense and said that MPD made their presence obvious.

Furthermore, the prosecution said that even after an hours-long standoff, Rattigan allegedly fired three shots through the door indicating Rattigan was unwilling to cooperate with police orders–and they are concerned that he won’t abide by release conditions.

Judge Ryan said the facts depict a troubling series of events over a stretch of time. He added that, although each alone might not be sufficient for hold, the combination of all the acts is concerning. Judge Ryan denied LoGerfo’s request for release and said that he can’t find any combination of conditions that would ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are expected to return to court on July 11.

Rights Will Be ‘Exercised for Him,’ Judge Says After Murder Defendant’s Seventh No Show

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered the defense to test DNA evidence after a homicide defendant refused to appear for the seventh time on April 4.

Marquis Bullocks, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Michael Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on Sept. 18, 2021.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan notified the parties that Bullocks’ refused to get off the bus and was sent back to the DC Jail. According to Judge Ryan, this is the seventh consecutive time Bullocks has refused to be at court.

Judge Ryan said that the most pressing issue is that Bullocks is not present to make a decision regarding his right to independently test DNA evidence.

Bullocks’ defense attorney, David Akulian, said he needs to talk to his client about this matter but Bullocks is refusing to see him as well.

Judge Ryan said he was concerned about Bullocks’ competence and ordered a mental screening at the last hearing. He stated that the doctor said that Bullocks’ behavior is goal-oriented in trying to delay the case. Judge Ryan concluded the easiest choice would be to order the defense to conduct DNA evidence testing so that Bullocks doesn’t give up any rights.

“He doesn’t need to waive any rights because they’re going to be exercised for him,” Judge Ryan said.

Parties are expected to reconvene on June 20.

Remorseful Shooting Defendant Must Serve Jail Time On Weekends

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 39 months of jail, with all but six months suspended, which will all be served on weekends, during a hearing on April 3.

On Dec. 17, 2024, Davida Johnson, 27, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a shooting on May 8, 2023, on the 900 block of Brentwood Road, NE. The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one in her left arm and one in her right buttocks, during the incident.

According to the prosecution, Johnson showed up at the victim’s place of work and shot her twice in front of the victim’s two daughters. The prosecution added that there had been ongoing hostility between the two women, but the victim was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

The victim “suffered a horrendous amount of trauma and mental anguish,” after the incident, and required “multiple surgeries,” the prosecution stated.

Kavya Naini, Johnson’s defense attorney, requested Judge Raffinan sentence Johnson to 18 months, all suspended, and one year of supervised probation. Naini stated that Johnson is the sole caretaker of four young children, and has already been evicted from her home due to home confinement and her inability to work.

Naini stated that Johnson “regrets her actions with every fiber of her being,” and is “the glue that holds her family together.” According to Naini, Johnson was pregnant at the time of the incident and “acted truly out of genuine fear after being threatened.”

“Any sentence that takes her away from her children is a net loss for them and the community as a whole,” Naini argued.

“I feel so sorry for the pain I caused [the victim] and her family,” Johnson stated when given the opportunity to speak by Judge Raffinan.

“I feel like I failed my children, I know the type of pain I caused,” Johnson said, adding that she grew up with her parents in the system and was left “traumatized.” She also told Judge Raffinan that she “doesn’t believe any period of incarceration is necessary.”

Judge Raffinan stated that “the facts and injuries of this case do not warrant the sentence requested by the defense,” and sentenced Johnson to 39 months of incarceration, with all but six months suspended. Johnson will also be placed on probation for one year, complete an intervention plan, and contribute 100 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.

Naini then requested that Johnson serve her sentence on the weekends, allowing her to work and provide for her family. The prosecution did not oppose, and Judge Raffinan accepted citing Johnson’s compliance with current probation conditions.

Johnson will serve her sentence from Friday nights to Sunday mornings for six months.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 3.

Donovan Adams, 30, was originally charged with robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for an incident that transpired on Sept. 27. The carjacking took place on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and there were no injuries.

Through the deal, parties agreed Adams would plead guilty to all three charges in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 5.

Stabbing Defendant’s Release Denied

A defense attorney requested his client’s release due to health issues, but the motion was denied by DC Superior court Judge Heidi Pasichow on March 11.

Brenda Blanco, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW.

Blanco’s attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, alerted Judge Pasichow about his client’s hospitalizations for a variety of conditions including heart disease as reason enough to approve Blanco’s release.

The prosecution countered that surveillance footage of the stabbing and alleged identification of the defendant by officers warranted detention. Prosecution also stated that the defendant previously tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in jail.

Judge Pasichow denied Blanco’s request for her release and ordered a medical alert instead to facilitate her treatment while at the DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.

Homicide Defendants Accused of ‘Turning a Block Into a Battlefield’ in Deadly Mass Shooting Trial

Prosecutors accused co-defendants of “turning a block into a battlefield” in a deadly mass shooting trial that began on April 8 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

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.

During their opening statement, the prosecution emphasized that each defendant had a role in the mass shooting and in covering it up. They explained the rap alliance among the defendants, which they identified as Drop Squad (DS), Tough Real Understanding (TRU), and Real Money Getters (RMG). According to the prosecution, their group was “beefing” with another group from Kennedy Street, known as KDY.

According to the prosecution, the mass shooting was retaliation for another shooting, which occurred two hours earlier, during which Queen and a group of friends were targeted, with one person injured. The shooting occurred at Queen’s godmother’s house on the 800 block of Oglethorpe Road, NE.

The prosecution argued that shortly after Queen and his friends attacked, he brought their group together to retaliate, arguing they immediately blamed KDY for the shooting.

According to the prosecution, the defendants planned and executed the shooting using a Black Honda, allegedly rented by Dubose’s lover, Johnson. They claimed Thompson acted as the getaway driver, and Dubose, Queen and Johnson-Lee were the shooters, identified specifically by the clothing they were wearing before, during and after the shooting. They added that Rezene was intended to be a shooter, but did not make it in time to the scene, stating that he attempted to reach out to the group multiple times, but was unable to due to their phones not working.

Prosecutors further stated that Johnson and Rezene assisted the group after the shooting, with Johnson lying to the police about the car’s being stolen and Rezene helping Dubose burn it in an alleyway.

“The sound of cicadas were replaced by bullets,” the prosecution warned, as they played camera footage of the incident caught on a Ring doorbell.

“Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads,” Michael Bruckheim, Dubose’s attorney, quoted from Back to the Future. According to Bruckheim, the quote is not true in this trial, insisting that it is the prosecution’s responsibility to create a complete “road” of evidence for the jury to follow to a reasonable conclusion.

Camille Wagner, Rezene’s attorney, Peter Fayne, Johnson-Lee’s attorney, and Brian McDaniel, Queen’s attorney, echoed Bruckheim’s sentiments on reasonable doubt, stressing the lack of reliable identification of their clients. Fayne pulled out a miniature Constitution from his pocket, emphasizing that the role of a jury is to prevent injustice.

David Akulian, Johnson’s attorney, stressed that this case was about love and tragedy, highlighting a romantic relationship between Johnson and Dubose. He also stated that there’s no evidence that Johnson willingly assisted anyone with the shooting, emphasizing her “complete lack of knowledge.” `

Following opening statements, the prosecution called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the scene of the crime. He stated he was stationed at the intersection of 7th and Kennedy Street NW, when he heard around 20 gunshots. He stated he encountered multiple victims on the sidewalk outside of a house. He testified he saw a black vehicle drive away from the scene, and radioed it into MPD to send out a be on the lookout.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 9.

Is a Homicide Defendant Mentally Competent? Defense Says No

A homicide defendant’s attorney argued against a mental competency finding before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a hearing on April 1.

Darryl Thompon, 35, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and threats to kidnap or injure a person.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the death of Edward Roberts Jr., 29 who was shot on July 30, 2016, on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. Thompson is also charged in the fatal shooting of Tyler McEachern, 23, on Aug. 29, 2016, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

Relying on a medical assessment, the prosecution stated Thompson is competent and chooses not to consult with his attorneys. They also say Thompson did not reveal any signs of personality or delusional disorder prior to the 2016 incidents.

Thompson’s defense attorney, Dana D. Page, presented evidence supporting the opposite conclusion, namely that five experts believe Thompson is incompetent, meaning he is unable to understand the charges against him and participate in his defense.

Citing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5-R) which is a description of known mental illnesses used by therapists, she said Thompson exhibited a history of disorganized statements and writing and delusional thinking.

Page further complained Thompson wasn’t properly interviewed by psychiatrists, and the court failed to come up with a treatment plan after requiring the patient take medication.

In response, the prosecution said a board certified specialist spent about two hours talking to Thompson before finding him competent and no treatment plan was proposed. .

Judge Park took the matter under submission and will alert the parties when he reaches a ruling.

Carjacking Victim Testifies About His Ordeal

A carjacking victim took the stand during an April 8 hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel and offered emotional testimony about being threatened at gunpoint during a 2024 scooter delivery in Southeast Washington.

Devonte Carter, 30, is charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm for an incident that occurred on July 10, 2024, on the 1400 block of Cedar Street SE.

According to prosecutors, the victim, who delivers for Uber Eats and DoorDash, had just completed a run and stopped to charge his cell phone when an SUV with three men inside approached. The victim testified that a man in the back seat pointed a gun at him, while another man exited the vehicle and demanded his scooter.

“The man with the gun never left the car,” the victim told the jury through a Spanish interpreter. “He pointed it at me and covered his face with one hand. I was nervous, I was afraid.” He added that he didn’t resist out of fear for his life.

The victim described the suspects as three Black men, with the individual who took the scooter being heavier set, taller than him, and wearing dreadlocks and white or gray shoes. He said the driver of the SUV shouted “quickly, quickly” throughout the encounter.

After the suspects fled, one on the scooter and the others in the SUV, the victim walked to a nearby fire station on 14th Street and called 911. During the call, which prosecutors played in court, he told the operator, “They hit me, they threw me to the ground.” When asked on the stand why he didn’t repeat that claim, he said he told the operator that he waded to ensure a faster police response.

He also testified that he used GPS tracking on his phone to help police locate his scooter. He later retrieved the vehicle with help from law enforcement but was told he could not keep it due to the ongoing investigation.

Defense attorney Gregg Baron challenged the credibility of the victim’s testimony, pointing to inconsistencies in his statements. Baron emphasized that the victim only saw one gun and that it remained inside the vehicle. He also asked whether the victim voluntarily stepped off the scooter before the alleged theft. The victim responded that he stopped to retrieve something from the vehicle just before the SUV arrived.

Baron also raised a prior accusation involving counterfeit scooter tags, which the victim denied. When confronted with an English-language document related to the case, the victim said he didn’t recognize it, explaining that he had only reviewed a Spanish translation with his attorney. The defense said that the victim is seeking asylum in the United States.

The prosecution also called a data analyst who lives in the neighborhood of the incident to testify that police approached his home to request security footage from his front and back cameras.

A patrol officer who responded to the incident testified that he saw a person on a scooter abandon the vehicle and jog toward a nearby building. He described the individual as a Black male with dreadlocks and a heavier build. The officer said he followed the suspect into the building and began asking residents if they had seen anyone enter.

“I highly advise that you don’t touch that scooter,” the patrol officer recalled telling bystanders during his investigation.

Judge Israel concluded the hearing by confirming that the trial would continue with testimony expected from a forensic DNA analyst, another civilian witness, and multiple law enforcement officials.

The trial is ongoing.

‘You Don’t Get to Play God,’ Says Victim’s Sister at 27 Year Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a homicide defendant to 27 years after hearing emotional statements from the victim’s family as well as the defendant’s in a hearing on April 4.

Amard Jefferson, 26, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and obstructing justice of a witness or officer by influence or delay. The charges stem from the fatal shooting of Kendall Brown, 20, on Aug. 7, 2021, at the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE.

According to the witness, Brown and Jefferson began shouting at each other over some bottles of liquor, leading to Jefferson shooting Brown.

Judge Brandt allowed the victim’s family to make impact statements that included the grandmother, Brown’s two sisters, her cousin, and her mother, all urging Judge Brandt to seek the maximum sentence for Jefferson.

In a tearful statement, Brown’s younger sister briefly addressed the defendant by saying, “She had so much to look forward to in life… and you don’t get to play God.”

The victim’s mother said she still speaks about her daughter in the present tense, and Judge Brandt replied, “Kendall will always be in your heart, so you don’t have to speak about her in the past tense.”

The prosecution addressed the defense’s sentencing memorandum, filed by Michelle Stevens, Amard’s attorney. According to the prosecution, the defense wrongly suggested Brown was to blame, and asked Judge Brandt for the maximum sentence in the case, which was 30 years of incarceration.

Stevens said they were only seeking to “place things in context,” and it wasn’t their intention to blame the victim. She also asked Judge Brandt to impose a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would seal Jefferson’s conviction if he successfully completes all the requirements. Stevens stated that although it would be a difficult request even though it was officially recommended.

Judge Brandt allowed Jefferson’s mother to address the court with her own statement..

She expressed similar challenges to the victim’s family and expressed gratitude saying, “Thank you, Ms. Stevens, for treating my son like your son, and thank you for getting him dressed every day when I couldn’t.”

Judge Brandt said she never “takes pleasure in sentencing people to prison,” especially when she sees the support and sadness on both sides of the court.

The judge rejected the defense’s request for a YRA sentencing, and Jefferson was sentenced to 20 years for second-degree murder while armed, five years for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two years for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, two years for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and five years for obstructing justice of a witness or officer by influence or delay.

Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business are to run concurrently to all other counts, totaling 27 years of incarceration.

Jefferson is also required to pay the Victims of Violent Crime Fund $500 and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

Leaf Blower Shooting Goes to The Jury

Parties gave their closing statements in a non-fatal shooting over blowing leaves incident before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 3.

Lawrence Murphy, 50, is charged with aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 31, 2020 on the 1300 block of Queen Street, NE. The incident left an individual suffering from non-life-threatening injuries.

In their closing argument, the prosecution highlighted the victim’s testimony, stating he saw Murphy running into his home after he was shot, as well as the testimony of a neighbor who heard gunshots. Prosecutors focused on the impact the shooting had on the victim, who is now out of work as a landscaper due to the injuries caused by the shooting, emphasizing that he was “Just trying to make a living for himself.”

An altercation over leaf blowing into Murphy’s yard was the apparent trigger for the incident.

The prosecution claimed that once Murphy — who allegedly identified himself as the person seen in the security footage running out the back of a Queen Street home — saw the footage, he changed his story.

They urged the jury to convict Murphy, stating he did not act in self-defense.

In his closing, defense attorney Alvin Thomas emphasized that the defendant had no motive to shoot the victim nor was there a proper investigation for a suspect.

Thomas also urged the jury to consider that Murphy’s actions did not align with a guilty man, noting that he had been compliant with law enforcement throughout the investigation, allowing them to search his home and vehicle.

Further, the victim is the only witness who said Murphy had a gun which was never located during the investigation. Nor were there reports of gunfire from those nearby.

In its rebuttal the prosecution questioned why Murphy ran if he had done nothing wrong, and that he only came back to his Queen Street residence when he thought the police had left. Further, since things happened so quickly it’s not surprising no one saw Murphy with a gun.

Parties are set to return once the jury reaches a verdict.

Prosecutors Call Defendant a ‘Clever Story Teller’ in Homicide Trial

The prosecution argued the defendant’s testimony differed from his initial interview with police to justify his self-defense claim in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 7 and 8.

Julian Ruffin, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee on October 7, 2022 on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE.

During the trial, Ruffin’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, called Ruffin to testify about the incident. Ruffin recalled leaving his apartment to smoke marijuana with a friend who lived across the apartment complex. He noticed a group of people gathered around his vehicle, but did not interact with them until he left his friend’s apartment, when he made a joke and asked them to leave his car alone. According to Ruffin, Lee responded with “I got your car” in an aggressive manner.

Ruffin explained that he went inside to change his shoes from flip-flops to tennis shoes because he wanted to figure out the problem. “Best case scenario, we figure it out and talk like men…worst case scenario we fight,” said Ruffin. As he walked to his apartment, he allegedly heard Lee threatening him.

“I knew he was talking about me,” said Ruffin.

After Ruffin saw Lee on top of his car, they exchanged words. Lee touched Ruffin, and Ruffin said he pushed him off. Ruffin testified that Lee repeatedly asked him to go around the corner. “I was trying to keep my composure,” said Ruffin.

Ruffin claimed that Lee pushed him to the wall inside his apartment building, punched him, and had his left hand behind his back.

“I’m thinking I’m about to be shot…I know this man to be this type of person,” recounted Ruffin. Ruffin testified he punched Lee and then stabbed him with his pocket knife.

According to Ruffin, the strikes did not stop Lee from hitting Ruffin or reaching behind his back. Then Ruffin’s pregnant girlfriend came into the hallway and pulled him inside the apartment. Ruffin claimed that he learned of Lee’s death at the police station.

Ruffin also testified that he saw Lee with guns multiple times before, the last time being a few months before the incident.

During cross-examination, Ruffin acknowledged that he did not see Lee with a gun at any point that night and does not remember if he noticed a “bulge” in Lee’s pants. Ruffin also admitted he did not mention to detectives that he had previously seen Lee with guns.

Prosecutors argued that Ruffin changed his account after learning about self-defense as a possible justification.. They played a video of a detective at the homicide branch informing Ruffin about self-defense laws. “If [Lee] actually had a gun that would make what you did, stabbing him 20 times with a knife, justified,” asserted the prosecution.

Ruffin responded, “I’m not trying to do anything but tell the truth sir.”

During closing arguments, Irving argued that Ruffin’s testimony only added additional details, not differences in his story. Irving asserted that Lee’s hand behind his back was a deadly threat of violence, and even if appearances were false, it was still self-defense because Ruffin believed Lee had a gun. “It doesn’t matter how many times he stabbed him, he did what he had to do to keep that gun from coming out,” said Irving.

The prosecution argued in closing that Ruffin did not act in self-defense because he was the initial aggressor. They added that there is no evidence that Lee had a gun and it is pure speculation by the defense.

“If [Lee] had a gun he would have used it,” asserted the prosecution. Prosecutors maintained that “[Ruffin] is a clever story teller” and decided to change his story to fit the evidence.

The prosecution also called four forensic toxicologists from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed post autopsy screens on Lee. They identified his blood alcohol level at 0.04–well below the legal limit– and detected no drugs.

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

Carjacking Defendant Denied Release, Considers Plea Deal

After being denied pre-trial release by D.C. Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 7, Tamika Burriss requested four days to consider a plea offer from the prosecution.

Burriss, 35, is charged with armed carjacking for allegedly threatening a man with a knife and injuring him slightly while attempting to take his vehicle. The incident occurred on Feb. 17, 2024, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

The deal offered by the prosecution would require Burriss to plead guilty to assault with intent to rob. In return, the prosecution would agree not to indict Burriss for armed carjacking and limit their sentencing request to the midpoint of the guidelines.

Burriss’ defense attorney, Quiana Harris, asked Judge Hertzfeld to release Burriss from the DC Jail and place her on 24 hour home confinement pending trial.

However, the prosecution argued that surveillance video footage captured Burriss committing the offense, and a bag containing her personal possessions was found at the scene.

Harris argued the video footage didn’t match the account given by the car owner, and Burriss would not have left her belongings behind unless something frightening had happened to her. Harris suggested the car owner had a motive to fabricate his story.

Harris noted that Burriss was seen driving her own car a few days after the incident, according to evidence presented by the prosecution. Harris argued it didn’t make sense for Burriss to attempt to carjack a grown man, especially since she possessed a car of her own.

Harris told the court that Burriss and her two young children were on a waiting list for a housing program for victims of domestic abuse before Burriss was detained. If Burriss is released, she can again be placed on the waiting list, Harris said. She added that the program will provide Burriss with mental health treatment once she is admitted.

Judge Hertzfeld rejected Harris’ request, saying Burriss has been unsuccessful in abiding by conditions of release in the past and has a history of bench warrants.

Parties are set to reconvene on April 11.

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