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Homicide Defendants Take Deal in Deadly Crowd Shooting

Bobby Gupton and James Outland accepted a plea offer from the prosecution for second-degree murder while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 4, in return for the prosecution’s agreeing to drop all other charges associated with the case.

Gupton and Outland, both 26, were originally charged with conspiracy while armed, first-degree murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stemmed from the fatal shooting of 54-year-old Tavonayna Glenn on June 28, 2023, on the 700 block of 19th Street, NE.

According to the prosecutor, Gupton and Outland were among a group of four men who ran together at a crowd of people on the street while firing guns into the crowd. Glenn died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

The plea offer from the prosecution was wired, meaning it would take effect only if both co-defendants accepted it. Gupton arrived at the court hearing prepared to accept the offer, but Outland asked Judge Dayson for more time to talk with his attorney.

Outland’s attorney, Howard McEarchen, told the court that Outland was reluctant to take the plea deal because it didn’t cap the possible sentence at anything less than the maximum the law would allow.

Liz Sapirstein, Gupton’s attorney, said the charge of second-degree murder while armed carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, with a period of supervised release of not less than five years. McEarchen added that the defendants must each pay between $100 and $5,000 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Outland returned to court later the same day and joined Gupton in accepting the prosecution’s offer. Both co-defendants waived their rights to independently test DNA evidence.

Judge Dayson scheduled their sentencing for July 11.

‘He Killed My Son. He Killed Me,’ Says Victim’s Mother at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Shannon Updike on April 4 to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a murder, despite the victim’s family urging Judge Okun to impose a harsher sentence. 

On Dec. 19, 2024, Updike, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed  for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Chidozie Njoku, 23, on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on May 27, 2024. 

The prosecution stated that Updike made a decision that wasn’t his to make in that, “he took the law into his own hands that day… he acted in vigilante justice.” Additionally, the prosecution read a victim impact statement which stated that all they ask is for Judge Okun to deliver justice swiftly and fairly. 

e Updike reportedly told a MPD detective that there was an altercation between Njoku and his girlfriend. Updike stated he only met Njoku once, but believed was abusive toward his girlfriend.

Njoku’s uncle, who attended the hearing remotely, asked for anonymity fearing retaliation. “We do not know what else this criminal has planned next,” the uncle stated. He echoed the family’s call for a longer sentence, asking the judge to impose 23 years to match the age Chidozie would have been. 

“He killed me. He killed my son, he killed me,” Njoku’s mother cried, before breaking out into tears. 

Updike’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, made it clear that this was a very unusual case, that Updike is a very calm and intelligent person and that he takes full responsibility for his actions. 

Judge Okun gave his condolences to the Njoku family stating, “Nothing I do will bring Chido back.” 

Judge Okun accepted Updike’s plea, and sentenced him to 15 years of imprisonment with five years of supervised release, stating he hopes Updike can become a productive member of the community after his sentence. 

No further dates were set. 

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Shooting, Detains Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ruled on April 4 that the prosecution established probable cause to send Quateze Moore‘s case to a grand jury. Judge Dayson rejected the defense’s request for pre-trial release.

Moore, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Martinez Robinson, 25, on Aug. 23, 2024, on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW. Robinson suffered multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his wounds at a local hospital.

“The prosecution has more than met the standard of probable cause,” the prosecutor stated before Judge Dayson. The prosecutor said surveillance video footage clearly shows Moore with a gun in his hand, pursuing Robinson, immediately after the shooting

Madalyn Harvey, Moore’s attorney, argued that Moore cannot be clearly identified from the surveillance video footage. 

In her cross-examination of the lead police detective in the case, Harvey elicited the testimony that Moore’s identification was made from video footage taken before the shooting, not during Moore’s pursuit of Robinson. Harvey said the shooter’s appearance is consistent with Moore’s in that both are wearing dark clothes, but there’s nothing distinctive about the clothing to make them recognizably the same. 

The detective also said the police haven’t found any witnesses who will testify to the interaction between Moore and Robinson, although video footage shows several individuals surrounding them.

Harvey argued, even if Moore committed the shooting, he might have done it in self defense, since Robinson had a gun on him when he was found.

Judge Dayson agreed with Harvey that the shooter’s clothing was not unique, but she pointed out that cell site data also places Moore in the area of the shooting. 

Judge Dayson found it unlikely that Robinson threatened Moore with his gun and prompted the shooting in self defense because Robinson’s gun was found inside his compression shorts. Judge Dayson added it would have been hard for Robinson to put the gun inside tight shorts before running away after he was shot. 

The detective testified that eight shell casings were found at the scene of the crime. Judge Dayson said the number of shots fired demonstrated the perpetrator’s intention to kill his victim.

The detective also testified that a man entered Moore’s apartment after the shooting and removed a pair of shoes and a bag of other items. When police questioned him, the man said he was acting at Moore’s request. 

Judge Dayson said the request suggested Moore had consciousness of guilt.

The prosecutor asked Judge Dayson to keep Moore in custody because he has prior convictions for violent crimes involving firearms. In addition, Moore was found in possession of a firearm and narcotics when he was arrested.

Harvey argued Moore should be released because his most recent conviction was almost 25 years ago and he completed his probation showing he can comply with conditions of release.

Judge Dayson ordered Moore to remain in jail. She said he is a danger to the community because he allegedly committed a crime of violence while armed during the day on a playground, where others could be harmed. Even Moore’s own dog died at the scene from a gunshot wound.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 11 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

DOCUMENT: 04/02/25 MPD Arrests Juvenile in Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 12-year-old juvenile male from Northeast in connection with an armed carjacking that took place on July 3, 2024, in the 2800 block of 11th Street, NW. The suspect allegedly brandished a firearm and stole the victim’s vehicle.

DOCUMENT: 04.02.25 MPD Arrests Juveniles in Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two juveniles involved in an armed carjacking that took place on March 6 in Southeast. The suspects, a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old male, allegedly brandished a firearm and stole a vehicle from a victim seated in the 1700 block of 16th Street, SE. Both juveniles have been charged with Armed Carjacking.

DOCUMENT: 04.02.25 Second Arrest Made in a 1992 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update in a 1992 homicide case with the second arrest made. Tyrone Long, 54, of Northwest, was charged with First-Degree Murder for his alleged involvement in the death of 19-year-old Ricardo Burbano, who was found deceased in Hyattsville, MD, after being strangled, stabbed, and suffering blunt force trauma. The first suspect was arrested in 2022, and the case remains under investigation.

document: MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 2 in the 1400 block of Florida Avenue, NE. The victim, identified as 17-year-old Trey’zuan Charles, was initially hospitalized but later succumbed to his injuries on March 17. The incident has been ruled a homicide, and MPD is seeking information to aid in the investigation.

DOCUMENT: *Updated* Suspects Sought in Connecticut Avenue Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding a shooting incident on Feb. 23 on the 1300 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. Two adult male victims were found with gunshot wounds and transported to a local hospital, both conscious and breathing. The MPD is seeking assistance in identifying the suspects captured on surveillance footage related to this incident.

DOCUMENT: 4.4.25 MPD Arrests Suspect in Stabbing that Injured Six

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Kevin Steve Andrade, 34, who allegedly stabbed six people in the Trinidad community on April 3. The incident occurred on the 1200 block of Meigs Place, NE, where Andrade, under the influence of an unknown substance, attacked a female acquaintance and five others. All six victims, including four adult females and two adult males, were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Good Samaritans subdued Andrade, who was then taken into custody and charged with six counts of Assault with Intent to Kill.

DOCUMENT: MPD’s Weekly Firearm Recoveries: Monday, March 24, 2025, to Monday, March 31, 2025

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 61 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from March 24 to March 31. Arrests were made in connection with these recoveries, including individuals charged with offenses such as carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearms, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Notable arrests include Ray Browne, 22, and a 16-year-old juvenile for multiple charges, and Marquise Allen, 23, and Atiya Primrose, 21, for firearm and controlled substance offenses. The MPD continues to work with the community to reduce crime by removing illegal firearms from the streets.

DOCUMENT: MPD Statement on Public Safety in the District of Columbia

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a historic reduction in crime for 2024, with a 35% drop in violent crime, including a 32% decrease in homicides and a 39% reduction in robberies. Key initiatives such as Operation THRIVE and the Robbery Suppression Initiative contributed significantly to these declines. The launch of the Real Time Crime Center and technological advancements like a new drone program further enhanced crime prevention efforts. MPD, supported by Mayor Bowser and in collaboration with U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., aims to continue this progress in 2025 by focusing on accountability for repeat offenders and addressing judicial vacancies.

DOCUMENT: 3.27.25 MPD Makes Arrest in Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Orlando Anderson, 31, who was charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 12, 2024, in the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Johnson of Southeast, D.C., was found with life-threatening gunshot wounds and pronounced deceased at the scene.

DOCUMENT: 04.05.25 MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 5. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Kalyl Young, was found with a gunshot wound on the 700 block of Otis Place, NW, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. No suspect information is available at this time.

DOCUMENT: 4.7.25 MPD Investigating Dix Street Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 6 in the 4200 block of Dix Street, NE. The victim, identified as 23-year-old DeSean Mackall from Temple Hills, Maryland, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. No suspect information is available at this time.

Witnesses Testify Murder Victim Had A Violent History

The defense in a murder trial called witnesses on April 7 who say they were stabbed by Delonte King, 34, the ultimate victim. DC Court records indicate King had a lengthy record and a violent past.

The case is being argued before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Demonte Gibson, 27 and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and murder of King, which occurred on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson also has an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. 

Gibson’s defense attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White, called the witnesses to characterize what they say was King’s violent behavior.

One testified about being stabbed multiple times on June 7, 2020, the victim’s birthday. According to the witness, the attack was completely unprovoked and “happened out of nowhere.” The witness did not know the attacker. Later testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer revealed King as the suspect. 

Shortly after, an MPD sergeant testified about two stabbings on June 6 and 7, 2020, deeming King the suspect in both. According to the sergeant, the cases were closed with King’s arrest. During cross-examination, the sergeant confirmed that the victims did not know the suspect and that the MPD sergeant was unable to interview King.

Another officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about responding to a stabbing incident in a park in October 2021.

The victim testified that they about being attacked with a knife and stabbed multiple times in the face and upper body, and that the attack was unprovoked and that the victim’s memory of the event was not clouded by drugs or alcohol.

The detective who was in charge of the investigation identified King as their suspect. However, they were unable to interview King before his death.

A review of DC Court records shows that an individual named Delonte Terrell King was the subject of twenty prosecutions between 2004 and 2020. In a 2020 case, King was arrested in connection to stabbing incidents near Howard University. In Feb. 2021 King was sentenced to 24 months for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon some eight months before his murder. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirms that King was the murder victim in the current case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.