Co-defendant in Shooting Case Rejects Plea Deal, Seeks New Lawyer

A non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 20.

Kenneth Johnson, 32, and Vance McIlwain, 33, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. Johnson is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year.

These charges stem from Johnson and McIlwain’s alleged involvement in an assault that injured one victim on Nov. 8, 2024 on the 700 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Johnson was present at the hearing alongside his attorney, Matthew Davies. McIlwain was not, but his attorney, Lisabeth Sapirstein, appeared on his behalf.

The prosecution said they previously extended a plea offer to the defendants that would require them to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In exchange, the prosecution would dismiss all other charges in this case and cap their sentencing request to eight years of imprisonment.

Johnson told the court he rejected the plea offer. Judge Park confirmed that Johnson talked to his lawyer about the decision and rejected the plea voluntarily.

Johnson and McIlwain’s trial is scheduled for Nov. 9, 2026.

After Johnson rejected the plea offer, Judge Park asked if he was satisfied with the help his lawyer has provided him thus far and Johnson responded “no.”

After speaking with Johnson and Davies under the husher, Judge Park announced that Johnson had requested new counsel but determined that the matter would require a longer conversation. Additionally, Johnson’s rejection of the plea deal would have to be restated after the issue of counsel is resolved, noted Judge Park.

On behalf of McIlwain, Sapirstein said that her client wanted to resolve the case prior to trial.

Judge Park told Johnson that he might not grant his request to change counsel because it would be unfair to delay McIlwain’s trial.

Parties for both defendants are slated to reconvene on March 6.

He ‘Went Way Too Far,’ Prosecutor Says in Shooting Trial Opening

Jurors heard the victim’s testimony about an angry confrontation among a group that deteriorated into a brawl, then a shooting in a trial on Feb. 19 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Gerald Day, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman after a fight on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

“[Day] went way too far, and he knew it,” said prosecutors in their opening and claimed Day assaulted the victim with a firearm that he was not licensed to own. They explained that Day, a Special Police Officer at Howard University, was off-duty at the time of the incident.

According to the prosecution, the night of the incident, the victim recognized a man standing with a larger group and confronted him. The interaction escalated, but prosecutors said Day showed no urgency approaching the victim, who was trying to stop fighting with Day’s significant other, until the victim brandished Mace, a chemical weapon.

Day then allegedly pulled out his gun and said, “I’ll blow your ass up,” claimed prosecutors. The victim tried to go to her car after Day’s threat, but Day charged towards her and slapped his gun against the windshield of her vehicle, asserted prosecutors.

The prosecution claimed that they have video footage as evidence of the entire incident, as well as statements from multiple witnesses, including the victim, that will prove Day guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, claimed the victim was very confrontational and attacked Day’s significant other with Mace ace, saying “I’ve got something for you,” which prompted Day to pull out his gun.

Polin claimed Day acted in self-defense and urged the jury to question why he was even on trial?

According to the victim’s complex testimony, she was driving away from a Halloween party with a friend, when she saw a man she had a “fling” with, accompanied by an unfamiliar woman, and a larger group. The victim said she also recognized Day’s significant other as the sister of the unfamiliar woman.

The victim said another woman in the group looked similar to Day’s significant other and the unknown woman, leading her to believe the three women were related. According to the victim, she concluded they would attack her since she had previous issues with Day’s significant other. The victim said that upon thinking she would be attacked, she decided to fight back rather than run away.

The victim said she was “jumped”, claiming there were six to eight people in the group, against her. The victim added that she did not intend to fight and kept her head down during the altercation. Polin later pointed out that this apparently contradicted her original statement that she decided to fight.

The victim said she used Mace twice at one of the women in the group. However, she said that when Day first pointed the gun at her she was retreating.

During cross-examination, Polin stated the victim told the prosecution via email that she wanted to smack him. The victim denied this, saying she was actually referring to Day’s other attorney, James Valentine, who had “smirked” at her. The victim added that her exact words were that she “could smack the shit out of him.”

According to Polin, the witness told the officer who responded to the scene that this all started because she “saw a bitch I didn’t like.”

Polin concluded by detailing the victim’s history of credit card fraud, credit card forgery, and shoplifting.

Due to time constraints, Polin will finish cross-examination of the victim when parties reconvene on Feb. 23.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer Ahead of Trial

A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer during jury selection before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 18.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

Prior to jury selection, the prosecutors said they extended a revised plea offer to Day that would require him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, the prosecution would drop all other charges in the case.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, said Day wanted to proceed to trial, formally rejecting the plea offer.

Parties completed jury selection and are set to reconvene to begin the trial on Feb. 19.

Murder Defendant Gets Sanity Evaluation For Criminal Responsibility

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman agreed on Feb. 17 to send a murder-by-arson defendant for a criminal responsibility mental examination. The evaluation could result in a possible plea of not guilty by insanity.

D’Aundrey Scott, 31, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder and arson for his alleged involvement in the burning of 62-year-old Darryl Finney, on May 13, 2020 on the 900 block of H Street, NE. On the same day, Scott was charged with assault with intent to kill and another count of arson in connection to his alleged involvement in the non-fatal burning of another victim on the 1300 block of H Street, NE.

According to court documents, Scott allegedly carried out an arson spree from the hours of 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. During the attacks, Scott reportedly threw a burning T-shirt at one victim, who survived unharmed and threw a firebomb at Finney, who died from severe burns on May 15, 2020.

The attacks also allegedly included two house fires that investigators linked to Scott’s actions.

In a hearing on Feb. 17, Judge Edelman found Scott mentally competent to stand trial, meaning he understands the charges he faces and can work with his lawyer. However, he could still stage an insanity plea by claiming he didn’t know right from wrong, nor was able to abide by the law.

Prior to the hearing, Scott was placed in the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) of the DC Jail following mental competency restoration treatment at Saint Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric patients.

Scott’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested a criminal responsibility examination and recommended that Scott be returned to CTF.

The court agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 27.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant’s Case Dismissed

A stabbing defendant’s case was dismissed after prosecutors were not prepared to move forward in a preliminary hearing for a second time, before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 17.

Lauren Dawkins, 24, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 4200 block of Eads Street, NE on Dec. 10, 2025. The victim, identified as Dawkins’ fiance, sustained one stab wound.

Dawkins’ defense attorney, Anthony Dimillo, alerted the court that Dawkins intended to move forward with the preliminary hearing.

The prosecution told the court they were not ready to move forward with the hearing, prompting Dimillo to ask Judge Jones to dismiss the case.

Judge Jones granted the dismissal of the case for want of prosecution, which means the prosecution failed to move forward with the case, but warned Dawkins that prosecutors could still seek indictment if desired.

He ordered that Dawkins call Dimillo every other Tuesday and confirm her address with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) in case a letter of indictment was sent to her.

No further dates were scheduled.

Judge Sentences Co-Defendants For 2020 Near Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced two co-defendants at a hearing on Feb. 13 for their roles in a 2020 non-fatal shooting.

On Nov. 20, 2025, Daniel Cary, 31, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a July 22, 2020 shooting that injured a woman on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE. Likewise, Chantel Stewart, 34, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact to assault with a dangerous weapon and was previously convicted of threatening to kidnap or injure in connection to the shooting.

According to court documents, Stewart drove Cary to the scene. Judge Brandt noted that the victim said Stewart warned her “he’s about to shoot you” moments before the shooting occurred, allowing her to drive away. Cary exited a vehicle and fired multiple shots as she fled. The victim was struck in the back, crashed near a hospital entrance, and, despite bleeding heavily, managed to get inside for help. She underwent three surgeries. Stewart later failed to cooperate with police.

The victim was unavailable to provide an impact statement to the court.

Prosecutors asked for sentences at the top of the guidelines for both defendants. They argued Cary endangered not only the victim but the broader community by firing multiple shots in a residential area, and did not accept responsibility until after a jury trial on assault with intent to kill while armed ended in a hung jury.

For Stewart, prosecutors pointed to her lack of cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) investigation after the shooting, alleging she lied about driving the vehicle, failed to contact police, and responded dismissively when contacted by the victim’s sister. They also recommended anger management classes based on her arrest history.

Stewart’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, urged the court to impose a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. He argued Stewart faced a difficult choice in deciding whether to accept a plea that would send her and her ex-boyfriend to prison, while also dealing with the breakdown of a close friendship with the victim. He said she has changed since the incident and that the case had been prolonged by delays. Stewart told the court she felt bad for the situation and the strain it caused her family.

Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, asked for the five-year mandatory minimum sentence to run concurrently. He said Cary had been in negotiations for a “wired” plea agreement for a long time but did not initially plead guilty because Stewart did not want to accept the deal. Wired plea agreements require all defendants to accept it in order for it to be valid.

Thomas described Cary as quiet and remorseful, employed in construction, and living with his mother. He emphasized this was Cary’s first felony conviction.

In a letter read by his attorney, Cary apologized to the victim and her family, writing that jail had changed him and that he now understands how one bad decision can drastically alter lives.

Judge Brandt said she did not interpret Cary’s reserved demeanor as a lack of remorse. While acknowledging that both defendants appeared to have experienced trauma, she emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the lasting impact on the victim. She reflected on the victim’s resilience in driving herself to the hospital after being shot.

Brandt sentenced Stewart to one year of incarceration, suspended, and three years of supervised release, suspended, with one year of probation for accessory after the fact, requiring completion of a conflict resolution class. On the threatening conviction, she imposed one year of incarceration, suspended, and three years of supervised release, suspended, with one year of probation, to run concurrently. Stewart must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each count.

Brandt sentenced Cary to nine years of imprisonment on the aggravated assault charge, followed by three years of supervised release, and five years on the firearm charge, followed by three years of supervised release, to run concurrently. He must pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each count and register as a gun offender in DC upon release.

No further dates were set.

Judge Allows Carjacking Defendant to Attend Grandmother’s Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a carjacking defendant on home confinement permission to attend his grandmother’s funeral at a hearing on Feb. 18.

Kavon Johnson, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking committed against a transportation provider, assault with intent to commit robbery committed against a transportation provider, strangulation, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in an incident on Dec. 13, 2025 on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

At the hearing, Johnson’s attorney, Janai Reed, requested a change in her client’s conditions of home confinement to allow him to attend his grandmother’s funeral in Maryland.

Judge McLean asked that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) confirm the funeral was in fact scheduled. Reed said she personally reached out to the funeral director to confirm the details of the funeral.

The judge approved temporary modification to Johnson’s home confinement, allowing him to attend the funeral from 8 a. m- to-4 p. m. on Feb. 20. Apart from the funeral, Johnson will remain on home confinement.

Additionally, Judge McLean said parties received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Feb. 10 after she ordered Johnson undergo a mental competency evaluation on Jan. 7.. Judge Mclean ruled that Johnson was competent to stand trial in that he understands the proceedings and the case could proceed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 1.

Shooting, Robbery Defendant Facing 58 Charges Rejects Plea Deal

A shooting and robbery defendant rejected a plea deal that would eliminate over 50 charges against him during a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 19.

Rodney Bennett, 20, is charged with five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of endangerment with a firearm, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of robbery while armed, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, first-degree theft, robbery, and five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed while Bennett was on release for another matter.

These charges stem from Bennett’s alleged involvement in the following incidents:

A shooting on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE,
An armed robbery on Aug. 28, 2024 on the 1300 block of Neal Street, NE,
An armed robbery on Aug. 29, 2024 on the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW,
An incident on Aug. 26, 2024 at an unknown location.

Bennett is also charged in a separate case with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Nov. 11, 2025.

At the hearing, prosecutors said they extended an offer that would have required Bennett to plead guilty to armed robbery, robbery, and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors would dismiss all other counts and agree to a sentence range between seven-to-10 years.

After the plea was rejected, Judge Ryan granted Bennett’s motion for new counsel.

Parties will reconvene to appoint new counsel on March 26.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant charged with a jail stabbing pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 13.

Deswon Franklin, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a March 24, 2025 stabbing at the DC Jail, located on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to court documents, correctional officers responded after a call reporting a stabbing inside the facility. The victim sustained multiple puncture wounds to his arms, chest, and elbow and was transported to Washington Hospital Center for treatment. Video footage reportedly captured Franklin approach the victim and stab him with a sharpened piece of metal wrapped in cloth.

At the hearing, the courtroom clerk arraigned Franklin on the indictment charges against him. Defense attorney Brandon Burrell entered a not guilty plea on Franklin’s behalf and requested evidence related to the case.

Burrell, who was recently appointed to the case on Nov. 18, 2025, asked for additional time to prepare for the trial scheduled to begin on Feb. 24. The prosecution objected, arguing they were prepared to proceed and that although the charges had changed, the underlying facts remained the same.

Judge Brandt ultimately agreed the defense needed more time and parties rescheduled the trial for June 22.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt also noted that Franklin previously declined a plea offer and parties said they would continue discussing a potential resolution ahead of trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Southwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 33-year-old Dennis Wilkins in connection with a shooting that occurred on Nov. 28, 2024, on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. Wilkins, from Southwest, DC, was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) after a man was found with non-life-threatening injuries and transported to a hospital.

Document: 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, SE. The victim, identified as 37-year-old William Williams, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage of the alleged suspect has been released as the investigation continues.

‘Three Years Isn’t Enough,’ Says Victim About Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Sentence

On Feb. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman imposed a sentence of 36 months for a non-fatal shooting defendant.

In December 2025, Keanu Scott pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon following his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Aug. 21, 2025 at the intersection of 9th Street and Dahlia Street, NW, which left one victim injured.

Before Judge Edelman imposed the sentence, the victim injured from the shooting appeared in court to give a personal impact statement. She described her “disturbing” history with Scott, saying she was deeply concerned by the fact that he used a firearm in the presence of her five-year-old son. She said she believed that a sentence of “three years isn’t enough” for the pain Scott caused her.

After the statement, the prosecution stated that they appreciated how quickly Scott, 26, took accountability, and requested a sentence of 36 months.

Scott’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, argued that though Scott had a firearm, he did not shoot at the victim; court documents say that the victim’s wound could have been caused by shrapnel rather than a bullet, but is unclear. Lockard also expressed concern about Scott’s mental health, saying that he was a victim of domestic violence and needed therapy.

At the time of the offense, Scott was on probation in Maryland for a separate matter.

Scott himself gave a brief statement saying he wanted to change and be a better person after serving his sentence.

Scott must also serve three years of supervised release, pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, and register as a gun offender. Mental health services and vocational training were also recommended following his release.

No further hearings have been scheduled at this time.

Judge Severs Case for Brothers Charged as Co-Defendants in Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, in a reversal of an earlier ruling, severed the case of two brothers on Feb. 17, ensuring the co-defendants will face separate proceedings for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of a Special Police Officer (SPO).

Jadohn Bracey, 26, and Jayden Bracey, 24, are charged with first degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license for their alleged involvement in the death of Special Police Officer Angela Washington , 42, at the Oak Hill Apartments complex on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE on Sept. 21, 2021.

Jayden’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested his client’s case be separated from his brother. If the cases were separated then Jadohn can testify that Jayden was not at the scene during the shooting.

Prosecutors said surveillance footage captured a man matching Jadohn’s description in a black mask and distinctive attire allegedly shooting Washington. His associate, whom prosecutors argue is Jayden, was also wearing a mask but wore no recognizable clothing.

“They glazed over any identification of Jayden Bracey being at the scene,” said Baldwin. “Mr. Jayden Bracey was not there at the scene, and we believe Mr. Jadohn Bracey can provide exculpatory evidence of that.”

Jayden also requested Baldwin be removed as his counsel. Judge Park said he would accept the motion to remove Baldwin once new counsel is assigned.

“It does appear that the relationship between the two of them has broken down significantly,” said Judge Park.

Judge Park explained to the parties that while the judge has the authority to decide severance independently, most judges prefer to litigate the matter in open court. When considering severance matters, judges must consider the value of the co-defendant’s testimony to the moving party’s case and take into consideration the potential delays to the court calendar, Judge Park said.

Judge Park said the ascertainment of new counsel would already cause delays, making severance a more practical option. He found the potential value of Jadohn’s testimony would outweigh scheduling problems and approved the severance.

Judge Park said his decision to approve the motion was based on information Jayden shared in a private meeting on Feb. 17.

“These concerns are not some sort of last minute fabrication to secure this outcome,” Judge Park said.

The prosecutor said they would prefer the cases remain connected but said they would defer to the court’s decision.

Jayden and Jadohn are scheduled for proceedings on May 6.

Document: Arrest Made in Trinidad Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Kalil Jerald Brown, which occurred on June 2 on the 1200 block of Raum Street, NE. On Feb. 18, Javonte Robinson, 28, of Glen Burnie, MD, was arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed (Premeditated).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Minnesota Avenue Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in connection with a shooting on Minnesota Avenue that occurred on Sept. 14. Dandrea Reginald Grayton, 51, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.

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