Murder Defendant Denied Release Despite Abuse Claims

Attorney Kevin O’Sullivan argued that his client Tommy Whack is suffering abuse in the DC Jail,but DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz refused to grant Whack pre-trial release on April 4.

Whack, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam that occurred on Apr. 5, 2024, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

Whack’s attorney, Kevin Patrick O’Sullivan, argued that Whack’s Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Amendment rights were being violated during his confinement at the DC Jail. O’Sullivan additionally alleged that certain correctional officers were targeting and threatening Whack for personal reasons.

“As someone who cares about the treatment of people charged with crimes, it makes me unhappy to hear about the treatment in the DC jail,” said Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz ruled that he couldn’t guarantee the safety of the community if he released Whack, due to the violent nature of the crime.

According to Judge Kravitz, DC law prohibits defendants charged with the most serious offenses from being released, even in emergency situations.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27.

Judge Denies Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz refused to release Rennwel Mantock from the DC Jail on April 4 because of the violent nature of the offense he is alleged to have committed.

Mantock, 30, is indicted on 14 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on April 26, 2024, on the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave, NW.

Mantock’s attorney, Margaret Anthony, requested more time to discuss with her client whether he wants to independently test the prosecution’s DNA evidence. Judge Kravitz gave the defense 11 more days to consider this decision.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 18.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 4.

Maurice Jackson, 62, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Olivia Graves, 24, on Nov. 7, 2024 on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE.

During the hearing, Jackson accepted a plea deal which would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment

There was an assumption that the defendant will have to register as a gun offender in the District of Columbia, due to his use of a firearm during the incident.

The family of the victim was present in the courtroom, and made their opposition to the plea deal known.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

Murder Defendant to Undergo More Competency Tests

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered additional mental competency evaluations for a murder defendant on April 4.

Dayshawn Nolan, 22, is charged with second degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Antoinette Davis, on July 3, 2022, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

A doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) evaluated Nolan on April 1, and was unable to develop an opinion. The recommendation was Nolan be transferred to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for further competency evaluations.

Neither party objected to the recommendation.

Nolan’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, suggested they set the next hearing date out 45 days to provide enough time for the competency evaluations to be completed. In order to stand trial a person must have the mental capacity to understand the charges against him and participate in his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Judge Weighs Guilty Plea in Gas Station Murder

A murder defendant accepted a plea agreement extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 4. However, he reserved judgement on the deal.

Antwain Ulmer, 20, is indicted on one count of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Charles Sullivan, 30, on July 9, 2023 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, Frances D’Auntuono, Ulmer’s attorney, told Judge Kravitz Ulmer was prepared to accept a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Judge Kravitz doubted that the facts Ulmer acknowledged justified the lesser charges in the plea deal. A revised factual proffer supported the charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed, citing imperfect self defense.

The prosecution stated that if this case had gone to trial, the evidence would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Ulmer was responsible for the incident.

Judge Kravitz stated that he has to decide whether or not he’ll accept his guilty plea, and will alert the parties at sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Teen Homicide at a Rec Center

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a fatal shooting during a hearing on March 31.

Andre Chillous, 18 is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting 14-year-old David Bailey at the Lamond Recreational Center on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE. on Aug. 1, 2024. Another juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident, but survived.

According to court documents, a group of four individuals, later identified as Bailey, his friends including the surviving victim entered the recreational center and, after allegedly seeing Chillous, immediately attempted to leave. Chillous allegedly followed them down a sidewalk and shot multiple times, fatally striking Bailey, and hitting the surviving victim in the neck.

During the hearing, the prosecution claimed Chillous’ attack was premeditated, as he allegedly chased after the victims as they attempted to get away.

Chillous’ attorney, Madalyn Harvey, argued that Chillous was acting in self-defense, stating the police affidavit mentioned Bailey also had a gun and that Chillous was trying to protect himself from the group.

Judge Ryan concluded the evidence shows that Chillous aimed and fired at the victims without their returning fire.

After reviewing the video evidence, he determined there was probable cause to charge Chillous with first-degree murder and declined to speculate on the cause of the incident.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.

Judge Denies Homicide Co-Defendants Acquittal Motion For Conspiracy

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied two homicide co-defendants’ requests for acquittal of a conspiracy charge following the prosecution’s presentation of evidence in a hearing on April 3.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, 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 murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Tre’quan Nelson, 25, was recently severed as a defendant in this case. However, his actions were still mentioned in the hearing.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a plan to kill King, dismissing the conspiracy charge.

Forte’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, emphasized there was no communication between Nelson, Forte, or Gibson before or after the incident. Further, she argued that the prosecution couldn’t prove that the voice captured on security camera, was Forte’s, identifying him as a “lookout” for Nelson and Gibson.

Nonetheless, Judge Brandt denied the motion, stating that the prosecutors made a compelling argument that there was a plan to kill King with video showing there was communication among all parties in an apartment complex parking lot just hours before King was gunned down in broad daylight.

“Conspiracy can be complicated to prove, but this one is clear,” she said.

Judge Brandt explained conspiracy cases don’t necessarily have to involve texting, emailing, or speaking. They can be unspoken behaviors like wearing a certain color or standing in some specific spot on the sidewalk.

The only exception to the charges that Judge Brandt noted was the destruction of property count, which says “in the fine print” that individuals had previous knowledge or intention of the damage. However, Forte and Gibson claim they didn’t know there was damage until the trial began.

Judge Brandt said a jury will likely not see this charge as “viable” to the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

‘He Was Always One Phone Call Away, ’ Homicide Victim’s Ex Laments in Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard emotional testimony from a murder victim’s family as well as evidence from responding officers during a hearing on April 2.

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

In the prosecutor’s opening statements, they claimed Ruffin was “ready to fight” the night of the incident. They pointed to the defendant’s change in shoes from flip flops to sneakers, which they described as “fighting shoes,” and slapping the concrete, which they characterized as a “universal sign” of aggression.

Prosecutors walked the jury through the events from the victim’s perspective. After visiting his son, Lee socialized with friends in the apartment’s parking lot. That’s when an argument with Ruffin escalated, ultimately leading to Lee’s being stabbed 20 times later collapsing in the parking lot from his injuries.

Later that night, Ruffin was arrested and allegedly told officers, “I’m the guy you’re looking for.”

“Stabbing someone 20 times is not justified, ever,” prosecutors insisted.

Ruffin’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, argued that his client acted in self-defense, believing his life was in danger.

“He stood up to a bully that day,” Irving said.

According to the defense, the argument began because Lee and his friends were gathered too close to Ruffin’s car. Ruffin asked them to move and as he walked away, Lee followed and allegedly confronted him.

The dispute allegedly escalated as Lee followed Ruffin toward the entrance of the apartment where Ruffin lived with his pregnant girlfriend. Irving claimed Ruffin felt threatened as the argument moved inside the basement entrance. There, Lee allegedly shoved and punched Ruffin.

With his back against the wall, Ruffin saw Lee reach behind his back and heard him claim he was going to “pull the trigger.”

However, prosecutors noted that no firearm was recovered from the scene.

Irving maintained that Ruffin acted out of desperation, making a decision “no one ever wants to make.” He also clarified that Ruffin was not arrested at the scene but voluntarily accompanied officers for questioning to avoid disturbing his girlfriend.

Prosecutors called Lee’s mother who described her son as a devoted father to his three children, with whom she spoke every day.

Lee’s ex-girlfriend, the mother of his children, confirmed tLee had been at the apartment complex that night after taking their son out to dinner. However, she stated that she was unaware of what happened next.

She also testified that Lee never owned or carried guns and wasn’t violent towards her or their children. After answering, she paused to gather herself before tearfully saying, “He was always a phone call away.”

Two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers testified about their roles in the investigation.

The first office discovered blood splatter on the concrete near where the victim was found. Police followed the blood trail inside a nearby apartment building, leading them to the basement-level units.

Another officer testified he conducted a partial pat-down of the victim and found no weapon.

During cross-examination, Irving played the officer’s body-worn camera footage, which showed that another officer, not testifying, had conducted the patdown while using his camera to record.

The officer admitted that his memory of the incident “might be hazy” since it occurred nearly three years ago.

The defense also pointed out that the officer’s body-worn camera was not recording for 15 minutes while he was on the scene. The officer explained that this is a standard protocol for officers to pause recording while filling out notes and reports in their cruisers. He stated that he resumed recording after the discovery of blood splatter.

An analyst from the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) was later called to a police station to photograph a man who had sustained injuries during the incident.

She identified the man as Ruffin, who was present in the courtroom.

Ruffin, she testified, had only minor injuries to his shoulders, arms, and lip. She was unable to determine whether they were defensive or offensive wounds.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.

Analyst Says Either Shot Could Have Killed Victim

A forensic pathologist described how a homicide victim died before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on April 2.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, 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 murder of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The analyst’s autopsy showed King endured gunshot wounds to his back and head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The pathologist said either of these gunshot wounds could have been fatal, but it was most likely a combination of the two that killed him.

The expert explained that there were no exit wounds on King and that a bullet was recovered from his abdominal wall and a bullet fragment from his brain.

A physician from the Medstar Hospital critical care unit testified King had injuries to his head, spine, and abdomen. He was on life support, and brain matter was visible.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said King’s toxicology report showed phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, in his system. Gardner argued that one side effect could be violent hallucinations, but the prosecution countered a side effect could also be a lack of energy.

A video compiled by the prosecution includes a map that tracks individuals whom the prosecution claims are Gibson, Forte, and their recently severed co-defendant Tre’Quan Nelson, identifying them by colored dots and circles. The witness testified that he had no knowledge of the events shown in the clips and added dots or circles based on the prosecution’s instructions.

Gardner objected saying no witness has identified the suspects or King in these videos thus far, so playing the video is basically like the prosecution testifying. Judge Brandt said that the prosecution had the right to present the evidence in a way that makes sense with their argument and that it is up to the jury to decide what or who they saw in the video.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.

Detective Says Defendant Was an ‘Immediate Suspect’ in Shooting

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson’s courtroom that a defendant was deemed an immediate suspect after a shooting during a hearing on April 1.

Roger Jones, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, simple assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure a person, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, unauthorized use of a vehicle, assault, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and fleeing from law enforcement. This is for his alleged involvement in a shooting and an assault that left two victims injured on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE, on Jan. 22, 2022.

At the hearing, the MPD detective, who responded to the shooting, testified that Jones was identified as an “immediate” suspect due to his reported involvement in a violent altercation earlier that night at the Throw Social DC bar–the same location as the shooting. The altercation between Jones and his ex-girlfriend was described as physical and verbal that required the intervention of bar security personnel.

Another MPD officer responded to a 911 call made by the assault victim, Jones’ ex-girlfriend, regarding the argument. He interviewed her and waited with her until the locks at her house were changed, as she was afraid Jones would come to her home.

Riley Benjamin, 32, Jones’s co-defendant, took a global plea offer, pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with intent for his involvement in another shooting that occurred on Feb. 19, 2022, at a senior citizen’s home on the 3000 block of Bladensburg Road, NE.

The lead detective investigating the second shooting confirmed he never suspected Jones of that incident since he had no ties to the facility.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 2.

One Double-Shooting Co-Defendant’s Severance Request Denied, The Other in Abeyance

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ruled on shooting co-defendants’ motions for severance on April 4.

Daquawn Lubin, 30, and Jonathan Young, 35, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence.

Lubin is additionally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.

Lubin and Young are charged for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two people on July 24, 2023 on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE.

Lubin’s attorney, Kevin Patrick O’Sullivan, argued Lubin is entitled to severance because Lubin and Young have different defenses, including contradictory evidence. Young’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, argued that Young is entitled to severance because he intends to call Lubin as a witness.

Judge Kravitz denied Lubin’s motion on the basis of inconsistency, and deferred ruling on Young’s motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a motions hearing on June 13.

Suspect in Two Shootings Gets Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a shooting defendant to one year of incarceration and three years of supervised release, all suspended, with one year of probation on April 1.

On Jan. 31, Devaughn Branham, 22, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in two shootings that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE and on the 500 block of Parkland Place, SE.

The prosecution requested 12 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. They acknowledged that Branham is young and accepted responsibility. However, they also noted the dangerous nature of a firearm offense and his criminal history.

Branham’s defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, requested one year of probation and a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would seal Branham’s case once he successfully completes all sentencing requirements.

Swarna explained that Branham’s mother has medical issues; his father passed away and Branham didn’t get counseling to help resolve his grief. In addition, Branham grew up in an area where gun violence is prevalent, citing the loss of his two best friends killed by gun violence and Branham himself survived a gunshot wound in the mouth during a robbery.

In response, Branham took an anger management program and expressed wants to participate in substance abuse, mental health, and job development programs..

Noting his criminal record and personal experience, Judge Di Toro imposed a sentence of one year of incarceration with all time suspended except for time served, three years of supervised release all time suspended, and one year of probation.

Judge Di Toro also granted the defense request for a sentence under the YRA, which requires Branham to participate in 90 hours of community service, refrain from drug and alcohol use, substance abuse and mental health treatment, grief counseling, gun offender registration, and enrollment in vocational training.

No further dates were set.

Leaf Blower Shooting Case Comes to Trial

A shooting case that arose from a dispute over blowing leaves came to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 1.

Lawrence Murphy, 52, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on March 31, 2020 on the 1300 block of Queen St, NE. One individual sustained non-life threatening injuries.

During their opening statements, the prosecution claimed that the victim was blowing away leaves as part of his lawn care business, when he was shot in the right wrist. They said that the jury will see security footage depicting Murphy’s actions moments after the shooting.

According to the prosecution, an individual identified as Murphy is seen, on surveillance footage, running through backyards fleeing the scene. In addition, the prosecution told the jury that they will hear from multiple witnesses, including the victim, people who from the neighborhood, police officers, and a surgeon.

Murphy’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued that the prosecution’s case is only based on assumption and no one, except for the victim, saw the shooting. Furthermore, he said there is no surveillance footage or forensic evidence that proves that Murphy was the shooter. He urged the jury to look past speculation.

“There’s not only a little bit of reasonable doubt,” Thomas said. “The reasonable doubt is overwhelming.”

Prosecutors called on a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the incident after being notified of gunshots when he saw the victim standing in front of an alley. According to the officer, he didn’t find any suspects, guns or shell casings during his canvas of the area. However, when he returned to the police station, a suspect was in custody.

Prosecutors also called on the shooting victim, who was finishing cutting a client’s grass when he encountered the shooter. According to the victim, the suspect identified as Murphy was standing on his front porch and said to him, “You gonna blow this sh*t in front of my house?” The victim said he didn’t know what the individual meant and was subsequently shot.

The victim testified that the gun was of a small caliber but that the shooting happened so quickly that he wasn’t able to recall more details. He said, after the shooting, the perpetrator entered the house.

During the cross-examination, Thomas inquired why the statement made by the shooter hadn’t been mentioned until five years after the matter, as it wasn’t brought up until recently.

Prosecutors called another MPD officer, who waited at the suspect’s residence in case he returned. The officer testified he arrested the Murphy because he matched the shooter’s description provided by the victim.

During the defense’s cross-examination, the officer testified that he did not see what happened and cannot say Murphy was the person who participated in the shooting. Furthermore, he said that he didn’t recover a gun during the arrest.

Prosecutors also called on the lead detective who said there was some confusion as to whether the shooter was still in his residence. The detective obtained security footage of an individual running through the backyards down Holbrook Street but there was footage of the shooting,

The prosecution called a person lived in the neighborhood who provided surveillance footage from his security cameras to MPD officers. He said the footage caught someone walking casually then sprinting. According to the witness, he did not see the shooting nor did his camera capture it.

Parties are expected to reconvene on April 2.

Prosecution Describes Defendant’s ‘Streak of Terror’ During Closing Arguments

Prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson and the jury in a non-fatal shooting and assault trial on April 2.

Roger Jones, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, simple assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure a person, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing from law enforcement. That in connection to his alleged involvement in a shooting and assault that left two victims injured in what police described as a domestic dispute on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE on Jan. 22, 2022.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution presented cell site evidence from Jones and his co-defendant, Riley Benjamin’s phones, arguing that Benjamin acted as the getaway driver and supplied the weapon to Jones.

The prosecution supported this with surveillance footage of the bar incident, pointing out Jones’ “unique gait.”

They emphasized that even though “this is a circumstantial case,” Jones’ previous acts of violence and “streak of terror” that night prove his guilt.

In her closing, Errin Scialpi, one of Jones’ defense attorneys, highlighted the inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and attacked the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.

Sciapli alleged that Jones was at another location at the time of the shooting, as none of the eyewitnesses could identify him as the shooter and there is no cell phone data recovered from him during that period.

Furthermore, she cited “tunnel vision” in the investigation as no DNA or fingerprint analysis was conducted on the bullet casings collected from the shooting site.

During their rebuttal, the prosecution asserted “the investigation in this case was competent and compelling” and that the firearms examiner was “paid for his time, not a conclusion.”

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

Release Denied for Defendant in 2005 Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s request for release in a detention hearing on April 2.

Michael Wells, 53, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, Wells and Mosby were foster siblings.

In asking for release, Molly Bunke and Hannah Claudio, Wells’ defense attorneys, pointed to the lack of credibility of the witnesses, a dearth of tangible evidence, and an indeterminate motive to commit the crime. The defense argued that the prosecution has nothing more than a finding probable cause, which is not enough to keep Wells detained until trial.

Additionally, Wells has eight kids, many grandchildren, and held two steady jobs before getting arrested. The defense was willing to work with any conditions of release agreed to by the prosecution.

The prosecution disagreed, saying that the witnesses were credible, Wells had both a motive and an opportunity to commit the crime, and the DNA evidence placed Wells on the crime scene.

Earlier prosecution evidence suggested that Wells allegedly killed Mosby in retaliation for her role in murdering a friend of his.

They mentioned Wells’ criminal history including possession of a firearm, robbery, assault, and drug offenses, and that he has previously broken probation and faced bench warrants for his arrest.

Judge Park acknowledged the community that Wells had built, however, agreed with the prosecution that release of Wells would not be appropriate. He mentioned that the nature of the offense weighs towards detention, given that probable cause has been found for a homicide.

After setting trial dates for May of 2026, the defense asked the prosecution to disclose the identities of some witnesses and other persons of interest so they could dive further into their investigation. The prosecution agreed to disclose the persons of interest, but not the witnesses.

Judge Park ruled that he will not force the prosecution to disclose the witnesses at this juncture, emphasizing that it is a premature request for a trial 13 months away.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 1.

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