Document: Chief Pamela A. Smith Completes Executive Leaders Program at Naval Postgraduate School

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith completed the Executive Leaders Program at the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security on Feb. 27. Chief Smith, who has led significant crime reduction initiatives in Washington, D.C., was recognized for her leadership and contributions to law enforcement. Her completion of this program underscores her commitment to enhancing the department’s mission to protect residents and visitors in the District of Columbia.

Document: 1.23.24 MPD Makes Second Arrest in a 2023 Homicide Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding a 2023 homicide case. On Oct. 1, 2023, Leo Colter, 56, was found deceased from gunshot wounds near McPherson Square. On Jan. 22, 2025, Andrew Ellis, 22, of Tampa, FL, was arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed. A previous arrest was made on Feb. 16, 2024, involving a 41-year-old male from Northeast, DC, also charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed.

Document: MPD Investigating Homicide in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 16 in Northwest. An adult male was found deceased from gunshot wounds inside an apartment on Ridge Square, and an adult female was treated for minor injuries sustained during the incident, which stemmed from a domestic dispute. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Shooting Defendant Found Guilty on All Charges

A shooting defendant was found guilty of all eleven charges after a two week trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 7.

Roger Jones, 42, was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing a law enforcement officer, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business with a prior felony, threat to injure or kidnap a person, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in shooting that occurred on Jan. 22, 2022, on the 1400 Block of Oakie Street, NE.

Jones was linked to the incident through surveillance footage, cell phone tracking data, vehicle data, and ballistics evidence which linked the gun used in this shooting to a gun used in a Feb. 19 shooting by his accomplice, Riley Benjamin, 32.

On June 14, 2024, Benjamin took a global plea offer, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on Feb. 19, 2022, and assault with intent to kill for his involvement in this incident.

According to the testimony and evidence in this case, on Jan. 22, 2022, Jones attended the Kick Axe Throw Social with his then-girlfriend, where they had an argument, and he fled with her car. After he left, his ex-girlfriend called and asked him to return with her car.

Jones returned to Kick Axe Throw Social refusing to give her back her keys and then punched her multiple times in the face. After security from the bar broke up the altercation, he took off again in her car. When his ex-girlfriend returned home, she again called him asking for her car back when he threatened to kill her.

Jones returned to the scene, driven by Benjamin, and shot a security guard who was standing near the truck of his car seven times in the back at close range. The victim was paralyzed from the waist down. Jones then drove his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle by her house where she was talking with police officers. The officers followed the car but he ignored orders to pull over and fled.

During the trial, Jones was also linked to the Feb. 19 shooting which resulted in the death of 31-year-old Maurice McRae.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 13 for sentencing.

DOCUMENT: MPD Makes Arrest in Business Robberies

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Christopher Baker, 25, of Northeast, DC, for multiple armed robberies of businesses in the Fifth District. On Jan. 10, Baker attempted a robbery in the 1500 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, but fled when employees did not comply. He was quickly apprehended and charged with Assault with Intent to Commit Robbery while Armed, along with additional charges for similar robberies on Jan 1, 2, 3, and 9 in Northeast.

DOCUMENT: MPD Investigating Fairlawn Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 26 in the 2700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE. The victim, identified as 41-year-old Lamar Edmonds, was found unconscious and not breathing, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

DOCUMENT: MPD’s Weekly Firearm Recoveries: Monday, December 9, 2024, to Monday, December 16, 2024

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 59 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from Dec. 9 to Dec. 16. Arrests were made in connection with these recoveries, including individuals like Cordell Antonio Walker, 32, and Mark Estep, 18, both charged with various firearm-related offenses. The MPD continues its efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets, working alongside specialized units and community members to enhance public safety.

DOCUMENT: 2.27.25 MPD Seeking Suspects in Northwest Robbery

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying suspects involved in a robbery that occurred on Feb. 16 in the 3100 block of 11th Street, NW. During the incident, a suspect brandished a knife at a food delivery victim, demanding and stealing their property, as well as additional items from the victim’s vehicle. The suspects were captured on surveillance footage.

DOCUMENT: MPD Arrests Restaurant Owner for Illegal Alcohol Sales After ABCA Revokes License in 2024

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Howsoon Cham, 54, the owner of Moi Moi restaurant in Northwest Washington, D.C., for allegedly selling alcohol without a license. This arrest follows the revocation of the restaurant’s alcohol license by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) in Feb. 2024 due to multiple violent incidents, including a homicide, linked to the establishment. Cham was apprehended on Feb. 15, 2025, after a search and arrest warrant was executed.

7-Eleven Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Murder

Terry Thompson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed through his attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 4.

Thompson, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Christopher Callahan, 64, on May 15, 2023. The incident occurred outside a 7-Eleven on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

Thompson previously rejected two plea offers brought by the prosecution. In the plea agreement Thompson accepted, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges besides the homicide in exchange for his guilty plea. Thompson must also register as a gun offender.

According to the prosecution, surveillance video footage shows Thompson walking up to Callahan, who is sitting on his walker, and shooting him in the head outside a 7-Eleven in broad daylight. The incident, prosecution said, happened after a verbal altercation between Thompson and Callahan.

Thompson’s sentencing is scheduled for June 6.

Search Reveals a Discarded Knife Thought to be a Murder Weapon

An evidence specialist found a knife prosectors say links a defendant to a fatal stabbing. The testimony was presented to a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on April 3.

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 Oct. 7, 2022 on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE.

The prosecution called a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) agent who executed a search warrant of Ruffin’s apartment and allegedly found a folding knife at the bottom of a trash can underneath a partially full trash bag as well as a blood stained undershirt.

A DNA specialist who evaluated the evidence said that DNA samples from both the bloody shirt and the recovered knife were highly likely to be Lee’s. The undershirt, said the analyst, probably contained Ruffin’s DNA as well.

Ruffin’s attorney, Kevin Irving, questioned the witness about the DNA’s source. He noted that if Ruffin were in an argument with Lee, Lee’s spit and sweat could easily have led to his DNA being present on the undershirt.

An MPD officer testified she followed a blood trail leading to Ruffin’s apartment. She added she was present when Ruffin was questioned by detectives, and although he was cooperative, denied any involvement of the crime.

A DNA specialist who evaluated the evidence said that DNA samples from both the bloody shirt and the recovered knife were highly likely to be Lee’s. The undershirt, said the analyst, probably contained Ruffin’s DNA.

Ruffin’s attorney, Kevin Irving, questioned the witness about the DNA’s source. He noted that if Ruffin were in an argument with Lee, Lee’s spit and sweat could easily have led to his DNA being present on the undershirt.

The prosecution also called a forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy on Lee. She noted that he had several injuries consistent with being attacked by a knife, including both stab wounds and long cuts. According to the pathologist, the manner of death was homicide and the cause of death were sharp force injuries.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

DOCUMENT: 1D Incident 700 block of H Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that on Feb. 18, officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of H Street, NE. An adult male victim was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased despite life-saving efforts. Homicide detectives are investigating the incident.

DOCUMENT: Updated with Video: MPD Investigating Knox Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update on the investigation of a homicide that occurred on Feb. 16 on Knox Place, Southeast. The victim, identified as 37-year-old William Williams, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage of a suspect has been released as the investigation continues.

DOCUMENT: MPD’s Weekly Firearm Recoveries: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, to Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 53 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3. Arrests were made in connection with these recoveries, including Derrick Howard, 29, for carrying a pistol outside a home or business, and Torey Lewis Shields, 22, for multiple firearm and drug-related charges. The MPD continues to work with specialized units and community members to remove illegal firearms from the streets, aiming to reduce crime and enhance public safety.

DOCUMENT: 1D Incident 700 block of H Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that on Feb. 18, officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of H Street, NE. An adult male victim was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased despite life-saving efforts. Homicide detectives are investigating the incident.