‘Too hot’ juvenile carjacking suspect’s releasE request denied.

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a carjacking defendant’s motion for release on June 30, following an emergency hearing in regard to a lack of adequate detention conditions.

Antonio Gaither, 16, is charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2024 on the 800 block of P Street, NW.

Gaither is charged as an adult under Title 16.

After a delay in transferring Gaither to court from the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facility, Judge Di Toro addressed the motion for release filed June 27. Gaither’s attorney, Quiana Harris, argued that excessive heat at the facility because of the air conditioning not working made it “completely inappropriate for children to be held.”

Judge Di Toro referenced a recent report indicating new air conditioning compressors had been installed and temperatures restored to normal levels. Harris responded that, based on Gaither’s experience, while fans were available, they were not permitted inside the individual units where those held are confined from 8:45 p.m. until morning.

In support of the motion, Harris also presented a representative from the Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) program that mentors and counsels youth. The representative described Gaither as “a good young man” and offered to stand by him if he were released.

The prosecution opposed the motion, asserting that records demonstrated the air conditioning has been repaired, resolving the temperature issue.

Judge Di Toro concurred, denying the motion for release.

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22.

A possible change of venue for homicide trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was asked by the prosecution to dismiss a three-defendant homicide case so that the case could be tried in District Court during a hearing on June 26.

Malik Bynum, 25, Mark Fletcher III, 26, and Larry White, 24 are charged with conspiracy, robbery while armed offences committed during release, first-degree murder while armed offences committed during release, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence offences committed during release, and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior crime of violence) offenses committed during release for their alleged involvement in the shooting of 21-year-old Rosendo Miller. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Brentwood Road, NE on July 2, 2021.

Prosecution submitted a motion to dismiss the current indictments against the three defendants on May 27.

In the June 26 status hearing, White’s presence was waived after he was reported “combative” during the transport process.

Madelyn Harvey, Bynum’s defense attorney, requested that Judge Ryan deny the prosecutor’s motion to dismiss as there was not sufficient evidence to move the case into the District Court.

Prosecution explained that the case would be tried quickly in District Court, given the speedy trial rule that a trial must commence within 70 days of indictment or first court appearance.

Given that White’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, noted to both parties that she would be asking for a continuance for the December 2025 date due to other trial commitments, the prosecution argued that the motion is justified.

“The Superior Court is 15 judges down at any given point,” commented Judge Ryan on the Court’s severe understaffing issue. He also explained that the court is so backed up with cases that moving the case to the District Court would likely help the defendants.

Addressing Harvey’s concern about the potential of bad faith on the side of the prosecution, Judge Ryan stated that he “can’t presume that either party is acting in bad faith.”

Judge Ryan noted a significant separation of power issue in this case, stating that, while he can order the prosecution to provide a reason for their decision to file the motion, he does not see sufficient basis for Harvey’s suggestion of bad faith.

Judge Ryan gave a deadline of June 30 for the defense to come up with more convincing evidence to deny the prosecution’s motion.

No further dates were set.

‘Judge, Jury and Executioner’

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz heard closing arguments from the prosecution and defense in a mass shooting case during a June 26 hearing.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in discarding evidence and avoiding arrest.

Continuing from earlier arguments, prosecutors layered forensic, digital, and testimonial evidence to argue that the defendants “appointed themselves judge, jury, and executioner.”

Prosecutors walked jurors through electronic evidence, surveillance video, and physical details such as the white flap on the shooters’ pants’ pocket and black COVID-style mask, seen consistently in both CCTV footage and Instagram posts from August through October 2021. The video showed a white flap at Johnson-Lee’s hip, visible during the shooting and again as he left the apartment on Galloway Street.

The prosecution emphasized a private identification made by Johnson-Lee’s ex-girlfriend, who initially told detectives that the man in the surveillance video, “looks like my ex-boyfriend.”

Although her in-court testimony shifted, the prosecution urged jurors to “believe the ID [the witness] gave in private,” describing the emotional difficulty of testifying truthfully in front of an ex-partner who might go to prison. “She was in an awful position,” prosecutors said, “but it is the defendants who put her there.”

Queen allegedly fired a 5.7 caliber round and was identified in footage through distinctive clothing, including bright yellow shoes and Purple Brand jeans, as well as a ski mask shown in video evidence. His godmother testified during a previous hearing, identifying him in Ring footage outside her Oglethorpe Street home, according to the prosecution. Queen’s motive, the prosecution argued, was personal, citing the Longfellow shooting was retaliation for another shooting at Olgethorpe Street, in which a close friend of Queen’s was shot.

Although Rezene is not accused of direct participation in the shooting, the prosecution asserted he was not only aware there were plans to carry out the crime, but made considerable efforts to help cover up the shooting.

These alleged efforts include assisting in the burning of the Honda Accord which was used as the escape vehicle during the incident.

The prosecution presented cellsite data and License Plate Reader (LPR) records which show Rezene and Dubose allegedly meeting after the incident and drive a grey Nissan and the Honda Accord to the 4500 block of Ead Street, NE.

Surveillance footage presented by the prosecution showed the Nissan parked on Ead Street. A second camera angle captured fire and smoke rising from the alleyway as the Nissan drove away. The first 911 call reporting a torched vehicle on Ead Street was received minutes later.

The same gray Nissan was later spotted running a stop sign by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer. When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, Rezene allegedly exited and fled on foot to a second vehicle, in which he escaped, according to the prosecution.

MPD seized and searched the Nissan. Inside, recovering finger prints identified as Rezene’s, as well as DNA evidence linked to both Rezene and Dubose, the prosecutor stated.

Regarding Johnson, the prosecution cited her deep interpersonal relationship with Queen and Dubose as motivation for alleged involvement in the crime.

The prosecution presented Instagram messages suggesting a romantic relationship between Johnson and Dubose, including messages stating “I love you,” and a maternal bond with Queen. The prosecution argued these relationships motivated Johnson’s alleged attempts to protect both individuals, particularly through seven 911 calls in he 48 hours after the incident, falsely reporting the Honda Accord stolen after the incident.

Johnson allegedly rented the Honda Accord for Rezene on Aug. 28, about a week before the shooting.

On Sept. 7, Johnson returned to the car rental office to attempt to report the vehicle stolen again, according to the prosecution. There, she encountered MPD officers who informed her the Honda Accord was involved in a triple homicide.

“She [Johnson] had no reaction,” the prosecution narrated, recalling an MPD officer’s testimony, “because she already knew what the car had been used to do.”

Later that day, Johnson told an MPD officer that she had reported the vehicle stolen before the shooting, the prosecution stated. They argued this claim to be demonstrably false.

The prosecution urged the jury to consider the impact of Johnson’s actions, arguing that her efforts could have successfully concealed a triple homicide.

“She knew exactly what she was covering up,” the prosecution said. “And she lied, over and over and over again.”

Dubose’s defense attorney, Steven Ogilvie rebutted the prosecution, stating their argument was built entirely on circumstantial evidence. He pointed out the absence of direct evidence such as a confession or firearm linking Dubose to the crime, a lack of either eyewitness identification or forensic evidence placing him at the scene.

Ogilvie emphasized the compromised integrity of the crime itself, which multiple officers and forensic technicians described as chaotic and unsecured. Civilians crossed police tape, some even entered homes inside the crime scene, and multiple firearms were allegedly removed or mishandled.

Officers admitted that a witness pointed out two firearms behind a tire, yet only one was recovered, and no follow-up search was conducted. Ogilvie stressed that Kennedy Street Crew (KDY) members had the motive and access to tamper with evidence.

“The scene was contaminated from the beginning,” Ogilvie argues. “This was KDY’s block.” He portrayed the prosecution’s case as asking jurors to “draw inference after inference,” connecting “dots they didn’t prove” while ignoring gaps in how evidence was collected and preserved.

Ogilvie also scrutinized the prosecution’s motive theory, mainly the connection between Dubose and KDY members. He pointed to the prosecution’s evidence, specifically Instagram messages and a 2016 fist fight Dubose was involved in.

“Speculation isn’t a motive,” Ogilvie said. “It’s a void the [prosecution] is trying to fill.”

The importance of a black sedan and Dubose’s left-handedness was also called into question. Ogilvie specifically pointed out that a black sedan is a common car and argued that the car does not prove much about the case.

Earlier in the trial, the prosecutors brought in clothing evidence, namely a black hoodie and distressed black jeans. Ogilvie told the jury that this evidence is weak because the clothing is common.

“This is practically the uniform for young Black men in this city,” he said.

Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, Peter Fayne, attempted to set his client apart from the other co-defendants. Emphasizing the gravity of the jury’s decision, he urged them to be absolutely certain before delivering their final verdict.

Fayne argued that cell phone data excluded Johnson-Lee from involvement in the incident. Cell phone maps shown by Fayne placed Johnson-Lee at a location away from the shooting location about 10 minutes before it occurred.

Fayne also brought up that although there was significant communication between the other defendants, there were no call records between Johnson-Lee and the others the night of the shooting. Fayne further noted that Johnson-Lee never cancelled his phone number or turned off his phone.

Fayne further challenged the prosecution by scrutinizing forensic evidence at the scene of the incident.

The prosecution had argued that the forensic investigation determined that Johnson-Lee’s DNA was found on a shell casing on the scene of the shooting. Fayne challenged this finding, citing that the DNA had a low likelihood-ratio.

Fayne also pointed out that the DNA on the shell casing was a mixture of five different people and contained a higher concentration of DNA from an unknown person.

Finally, Fayne turned to the video surveillance evidence. He showed that the person the prosecution identified as Johnson-Lee was wearing a face and head covering, making him difficult to identify. Furthermore, he argued that Johnson-Lee’s ex-girlfriend was unable to identify the person in the surveillance footage as Johnson-Lee, only saying that the “person looks similar.”

“No face means no case,” Fayne insisted, adding, “Far better is it to let one guilty man free than that one innocent one should suffer.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 30.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Jail Stabbing

A convicted murder defendant pleaded guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 30.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with assault with a prohibited weapon after his involvement in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street SE on March 6, 2023.

Eddy’s attorney, Julie Swaney, informed Judge Arthur that Eddy accepted a plea offer from prosecutors. Eddy pleaded guilty to one count of simple assault and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon. In return, prosecutors dismissed more serious charges and agreed not to seek an indictment. Judge Arthur informed Eddy that the maximum penalty was 180 days or a $1000 fine.

Eddy was previously found guilty in April of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The conviction stemmed from his involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The prosecution asked Judge Arthur to consider the murder charge, as well as a previous count of unlawful possession of a firearm in deciding the sentence. The prosecution pointed to Eddy’s record as proof of an escalating criminal history, requesting the maximum sentence of 180 days.

Defense attorney Swaney asked Judge Arthur to instead consider the difficulties of being in jail as well as the fact that Eddy was taking responsibility as mitigating the need for the maximum penalty. Swaney also noted that Eddy could receive a sentence of more than 14 years for his involvement in the homicide.

Judge Arthur sentenced Eddy to 120 days in jail along with his current sentence.

No further dates are to be held.

An ‘Imperfect Self Defense’

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel who accepted the pleas on July 2.

Jonathan Arevalo Blanco, 23, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual on March 25. The incident happened on the 900 block of L Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim initiated a fistfight with the defendant who took out a knife, and stabbed the victim 11 times.

The plea deal for simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon reduces the charges from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The prosecution argued that Arevalo Blanco’s response exceeded self defense, calling it “an imperfect self defense,” but noted that the victim requested the defendant not face any jail time. The sentencing request was for the maximum penalty, suspended for both charges.

Arevalo Blanco’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, responded with a request for the minimum sentence, also suspended for both charges.

Judge Israel noted that Arevalo Blanco had no criminal history, and had been “as compliant as anyone I’ve ever seen.” She sentenced Arevalo Blanco to 45 days suspended for both charges, with probation for six months.

Judge Israel also noted that Arevalo Blanco was eligible to for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which allows for a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements. To qualify, Arevalo Blanco must complete at least 90 hours of community service.

Arevalo Blanco thanked his attorney and Judge Israel, saying “you can count on me.”

No further dates were set.

Judge Grants Youth Act Sentence in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Ralph Price on June 20, following his conviction for a firearm-related offense.

Price, 20, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a July 27, 2023 shooting that injured one individual. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

A jury trial verdict on June 2 concluded with Price being found guilty of two counts: possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

During sentencing, both parties acknowledged that Price had no prior criminal history and had maintained a clean record since the incident. Judge Pipe also noted that Price was only 18 years old at the time of the offense and determined that sentencing him under the Youth Act was appropriate. This gives Price a chance at rehabilitation by offering the possibility of having his convictions set aside if he successfully completes 90 hours of community service, helping him avoid a lasting criminal record.

Price was sentenced to 180 days for each count, both fully suspended and set to run concurrently. He was also placed on supervised probation for one year.

In addition, Price was informed of his obligation to register as a gun offender for two years.

No objections were raised by either party during the hearing.

Judge Pipe concluded the proceedings by advising Price of his right to appeal within 30 days.

No further dates were set.

drugs and alcohol could cost Carjacking Defendant his probation

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean expressed concern for the defendants continued lack of compliance regarding substance abuse treatment during a hearing on June 23.

Damian Lea, 24, pleaded guilty on Jan. 18, 2022 to robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an armed carjacking on July 28, 2020 on the 100 block of Piece Street, NW.

According to court documents, Lea sold someone a car then immediately drove off with the car and the money used to purchase the vehicle.

During the hearing, Lea’s probation officer notified the court that he violated conditions of his probation because he tested positive for fentanyl on May 5 and June 10, tested positive for alcohol, and failed to appear for multiple drug tests. Lea’s probation officer also noted Lea attempted to cheat on drug tests and demonstrated avoidance and dishonesty.

Lea’s probation officer switched him from out-patient treatment to in-patient treatment in response to his lack of compliance but he still failed to appear for treatment. The probation officer added that Lea’s mother has also been trying to encourage him towards substance abuse treatment.

The prosecution requested the revocation of Lea’s probation agreement, which would mean he would have to serve his 42 month suspended sentence.

Lea’s attorney, Howard McEachern, countered that Lea showed up to in-patient treatment on Friday, claimed that he is not avoiding treatment, and noted a transportation issue for one of Lea’s absences. McEarchern argued that Lea was attempting to handle treatment on his own and is now ready to address the problem. He asked for Lea to be given substance abuse treatment and said he would comply with drug testing.

Judge McLean questioned why McEachern did not ask for substance abuse treatment before the hearing. She stated that Lea was previously given the benefit of the doubt in an attempt to sort out issues with his substance abuse treatment.

“This is not sorted out, this is concerning,” said Judge McLean. She scheduled a probation revocation hearing on July 30.

Domestic Shooting Defendant’s Release Request Denied, For Now

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a defense attorney’s request to release a defendant in a non-fatal domestic shooting case during a July 1 hearing.

Bernard King, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the incident on June 7 on the 1900 block of 18th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim is the mother of King’s children.

During the hearing, defense attorney Karen Minor requested the release of King with GPS monitoring and highlighted that he has been compliant during the case and has no bench warrant history.

Judge Di Toro and the prosecuting attorney asked Minor to file a motion for release and that it would be considered at the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 17.

Judge Denies Disabled Defendant’s Request For Release

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a defendant, who is in a wheelchair, requests for release and new representation during a hearing on June 26.

Delonte Brown, 30, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting injuring one person that occurred on June 7 on the intersection of 11th and U Streets, NW.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Lisbeth Saperstein, requested that Judge Pipe consider releasing Brown and order him to home confinement, given his physical state.

Judge Pipe denied the request, stating that there could be no conditions for his release that would ensure the safety of the public due to the seriousness of the crime.

At the end of the hearing, Brown demanded a new lawyer stating, “I don’t want her.” However, Judge Pipe stated that she would not consider the request at this time, but told Brown that she would reconsider his request for new representation at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 23.

Good behavior earns resentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean resentenced a shooting defendant on June 23 based on his exceptional compliance with probation.

Joseph Robinson, 26, pleaded guilty on Dec. 14, 2021 to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business. The charges stem from his involvement in two incidents – an attempted armed robbery outside a gas station on May 8, 2021 on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE, and a shooting in a hotel room which injured one victim on July 8, 2021 on the 1200 block of 13th Street, NW. The victim later died of gunshot wounds.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Robinson on May 19, 2022 to 60 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and 15 months for carrying a pistol without a license. Judge O’Keefe suspended all but 24 months of Robinson’s sentence.

During the probation show cause hearing, Robinson’s probation officer highlighted his engagement in community activity.

Prosecutors requested Robinson finish serving his sentences because he possessed a firearm in both incidents. They claimed that Robinson displayed no regard for public safety evidenced by his repeated firearms related incidents.

Robinson’s attorney, Steven Polin, highlighted Robinson’s exceptional compliance during his probation, and the steps he’s taken in his education. Polin asserted that Robinson is a perfect example of the reason the city council amended the Youth Rehabilitation Act, which allows for young defendants to have their conviction sealed upon successful rehabilitation.

He added that Robinson is fully aware that if he violates any conditions he will be sent to prison. Furthermore, he argued that Robinson has experienced PTSD treatment after losing his twin brother in a police shooting.

Polin requested a resentence and probation concurring with his current supervision.

Robinson expressed remorse for his actions, and told Judge McLean that he is not the same person he was when the crimes occurred.

Judge McLean said suspension was a second chance, and successive chances are not warranted. However, in this very narrow circumstance she granted Robinson a third chance. She added that any violation will bring the full jail time.

Judge McLean resentenced Robinson to 60 months suspended and three years of supervised release running concurrently for both matters.

“Mr. Robinson, keep up your efforts,” said Judge McLean.

No further dates were set.

Defendant in EV Charger Shooting Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Magistrate Judge Heidi Herrmann on June 30 and was ordered detained.

Ato Ocran, 46, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in the 2200 block of 13th Street, NE on June 3.

One individual was harmed during the incident.

According to court documents, Ocran allegedly got into a verbal argument with the victim over an electric vehicle charger. When Ocran left the parking lot, the victim allegedly followed him down Franklin Street, NE when Ocran allegedly made a u-turn, and fired at the victim through the driver’s side window of his vehicle, shooting him once in the arm and striking the vehicle several times.

According to an interview conducted by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers at the hospital, the victim advised officers that the suspect was a Black male driving a blue Tesla. From camera footage near the EV charger, MPD officers were able to find the license plate number of the blue Tesla and identify the owner as Ocran.

After waiving his right to a preliminary hearing, Ocran’s defense attorney, K. Lawson Wellington, argued for his release until the next hearing.

Wellington said that the police report was misleading as to how the incident actually occurred with Ocran acting in self-defense and that it was wrong to find him a threat to the community. He noted that Ocran is employed, a veteran, father, and has no criminal history.

The prosecuting attorney referred back to the police report arguing that Ocran escalated the situation through “unacceptably violent behavior,” by consciously making the choice to make a u-turn and fire several rounds at the victim’s car.

Prosecution also referred to a dangerous amount of unregistered firearms and ammunition found at the defendant’s residence.

Judge Herrmann agreed that the severity of the crime warranted Ocran remain held with no bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 15 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty After Conviction Vacated

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 30 after a motion to vacate a previous jury trial conviction was granted.

On April 30, Donnell Wells, 36, was acquitted of three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Aug. 1, 2024, on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE.

The jury convicted him of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his possession of a revolver during the incident.

Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, filed for a post-disposition motion hearing on May 17 claiming a faulty DNA test kit was used in investigations, thus deeming the jury’s guilty verdict as prejudiced.

Wells’ case was re-opened on June 12 after Burrell’s motion to vacate the conviction was granted.

In his June 30 hearing, Wells accepted the prosecution’s newly filed plea offer, which charged Wells with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The prosecution agreed to limit its sentencing request to 18 months of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 19 for sentencing.

Trial Date Vacated to Make Time for Forensic Testing in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman vacated a trial slated to begin July 28 to make time for the defense to run forensic tests on item evidence, during a hearing on July 2.

Diamond Stevenson, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Gregory Wilkins on Feb. 4, 2023 at the 1100 block of Maryland Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Stevenson placed a 9-1-1 call in the early morning of Feb. 4, 2023. Upon meeting officers at the scene, Stevenson was reported to be “emotional” and screaming, and at one point laying in front of the apartment door and blocking police entry. After officers breached the door of the apartment, Wilkins was found unconscious and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.

In the hearing on July 2, Stevenson’s defense attorneys, Erica Arensman and Madalyn Harvey, explained that they will be running DNA tests on cartridge casings and the murder weapon. The prosecution stated that they have also tested these items. Arensman and Harvey explained that the forensic tests will not be done by the scheduled trial date.

Judge Edelman moved the trial date back to Dec. 7, 2026 to give time for the testing.

In a separate ruling, Judge Edelman amended Stevenson’s release conditions from phone check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) twice a month to reporting as directed because of her compliance with reporting requirements so far.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 30.

James Allen, 31, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured an individual at a McDonald’s on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue NE, on Dec. 28, 2024.

According to court documents, Allen allegedly stabbed the victim while in possession of amphetamines before he disposed of the knife in a nearby trash can and fled.

During the hearing, Allen accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to misdemeanor simple assault. All other charges were dismissed.

Prosecution requested that Allen receive the maximum sentence of 180 days incarceration.

Allen’s attorney, Charles Allen, noted that he has been incarcerated since his arrest on Dec. 28, 2024. Both parties agreed that Allen had already served his time, thus suggesting that he be released.

Judge Pipe argued that such a request misconstrued Allen’s incarceration, which she understood to be in response to probation violations related to other cases. She cited that time served cannot be double counted.

Because Allen was on probation at the time of the offense, Judge Pipe sentenced near the maximum recommendation for his offense. Allen was sentenced to 150 days, having received some credit for time served.

No further dates were set.

Mass Shooting/Murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to Independent DNA Testing

Shooting co-defendants waived their rights to independent evidence testing in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 27.

Johnny Wilkins, 35, Marcel Gavin, 38, Kharee Jackson, 32, and Darryl Little, 31, are charged with three counts of first-degree murder while armed, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 21-year-old Albert Smith, Jr. on June 14, 2020 on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Smith, a Tennessee rap artist, was visiting DC when he was attacked.

The prosecution listed the evidence they plan to admit to this case, including firearm evidence, clothing, and swabs that were later used for DNA testing. DNA results were received in November 2024. Although findings were limited, the prosecution informed the court that there was a DNA match linking Jackson to the case.

Defense attorneys Bernadette Armand representing Wilkins, Marnitta King representing Gavin, Joseph Fay representing Jackson, and Wole Falodun representing Little waived rights for independent testing on the prosecution’s admitted evidence on behalf of their respective defendants.

Judge Park accepted the waivers from all defendants.

Parties are set to reconvene for a status hearing on Nov. 21.

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