The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 28-year-old Dayonna Davis of Waldorf, Maryland, in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on March 30 in the 2000 block of 14th Street, Northwest. The victim, an adult female, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Davis has been charged with Assault With a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years in prison on March 31.
Mekhi Wilkins, 19, was initially charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at the 200 block of 37th Place, SE on Aug. 20, 2024. One individual sustained injuries to her ankle.
In a separate case, Wilkins was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These counts stem from his alleged involvement in shootings that occurred on the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE and the 1600 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on Jan. 20, 2024. No one was injured as a result.
Wilkins pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, stemming from the incident on Aug. 20. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss the charges for the Jan. 20 shootings.
During the hearing, prosecutors requested Judge Park sentence Wilkins to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. They stated that this sentence is “relatively low” due to his age and work as an accomplished musician in the community, and will “hopefully interrupt the cycle that Mr. Wilkins has gotten himself into.”
According to the prosecution, Wilkins shot at four innocent people in a car, one who sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle while holding her one-year-old son in her arms. Prosecutors called the victim “extremely lucky.”
Varsha Govindaraju, Wilkins’ defense attorney, argued for Wilkins to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.
She argued that growing up, most of Wilkins’ role models passed away from gun violence and “it felt like everyone was dying around him.”
Govindaraju stated that on the day of the incident, Wilkins shot at that vehicle because he thought it was the same car he saw when he sustained a gunshot wound on Jan. 20.
“He did not have the ability to process both fear and paranoia,” Govindaraju said, adding that he “turned to what others in his community have turned to.”
Judge Park ruled that the YRA would not apply, stating that Wilkins’ conduct in this case “gives the court a lot of pause.”
The defense also requested Judge Park recommend Wilkins for two separate rehabilitation programs, stating that “he now recognizes the importance of mental health services.” Judge Park agreed and will recommend that Wilkins be screened by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
Wilkins was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. He must also register as a gun offender and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.
No further dates were set.
A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom heard testimony from a detective and a DNA expert in a four year old ago homicide during a hearing on March 27.
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 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 prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who said he used MPD surveillance cameras, Metro bus cameras, and a Domino’s security camera to reconstruct events before and during the incident and track suspects.
Nearly a year later, he helped execute a search warrant of Gibson’s apartment, where police allegedly found a loaded firearm, a black ski mask, and “Purple” brand jeans. The detective noted that the Purple jeans are distinctive due to a large white cloth tag hanging from the back pocket. These jeans, the detective said, were seen on the surveillance footage from the crime scene.
That same day, the detective and his partner interviewed Gibson at the MPD’s third district office, where Gibson identified himself in a still photograph taken near the crime scene, according to the detective. During this interview, the detective testified, Gibson recounted his experience from that day, saying he had been walking to pick up his cousin from school when he heard a series of gunshots.
In the interview video played before the court, Gibson is heard saying, “Hell yeah, I ran. I was shell shocked, I’ve been shot before.”
When asked if he knew the victim, Gibson said no and claimed he only knew someone had been shot, not that they had died. Upon learning of King’s death, he let out a large sigh, covered his mouth, and offered condolences.
Before the interview ended, Gibson stated he promised his mother and daughter he would “not get caught up in a mess like that,” which the detective interpreted as shootings.
The prosecution also called a DNA expert from Signature Science who testified that most of the shell coverings she tested from the crime scene contained a possible DNA match to Gibson, based on buccal or mouth swab samples she received.
She also analyzed DNA swabs taken from a firearm, which she compared to the samples from Forte, Gibson, Tre’quan Nelson, 25, recently severed as a defendant in this case, and the victim, King. She found no definitive match but confirmed that a male had handled the gun.
During a brief cross-examination, Forte’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, asked which shell casings the prosecution had sent her to test. She said she analyzed 13 of the 21 shell casings, with five yielding inconclusive results. None of which matched Forte’s DNA.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 31.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a co-defendant in a homicide to comply with a stay–away order outlined in his monitored release program or face the consequences in a hearing on March 27.
Roy Jordan, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW, on Nov. 20, 2023.
Donell Thomas, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact for assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in helping Jordan avoid prosecution.
A representative from the DC Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) informed Judge Brandt that Thomas had been non-compliant with his stay away zone, which could limit his access to GPS monitoring.
Thomas’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, said he wanted to “clear the air” that his client hasn’t returned to the crime scene, and instead, every time he visits his children, who live in the zone, the monitor alerts PSA. Winograd also said that this is something Thomas has discussed with his assigned case manager, but that he never received clear orders on how to proceed.
Judge Brandt said she would officially give Thomas precise notice to stay away from the zone completely, or “I’ll lock you up.”
She suggested that Thomas’s family go see him, not the other way around.
The defendants moved on to officially waive their right to the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) which ensures preservation of evidence and grants defendants the right to test DNA evidence to support claims of innocence. A full waiver means the defendants have agreed to forgo independent evidence testing in preparation for their April 2026 trial.
The prosecutor explained to the court that the pieces of evidence the defendants are choosing not to test, but the prosecution will, is a firearm, allegedly used in the incident, shell casings, and articles of clothing.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.
DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted Todd Baldwin’s request on March 31 that his client, Derrick Curtis, receive a forensic competency evaluation to determine his mental status.
Curtis, 22, is charged with carjacking for allegedly pushing a driver off his moped at the intersection of 16th Street and Benning Road, NE, and fleeing on the stolen scooter. The incident occurred on Dec. 30, 2024.
According to court records, a relative of Curtis identified him from surveillance camera footage taken at the scene of the incident immediately before it occurred.
A forensic competency evaluation is conducted to determine whether a defendant understands the judicial process sufficiently to assist an attorney in mounting a legal defense. Defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial receive psychological treatment and education to restore their competence.
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for April 4.
DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson and the jury continued to hear testimony in a non-fatal shooting and assault trial on March 27.
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. This is for his alleged involvement in a shooting and assault that left two victims injured on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE on Jan. 22, 2022.
A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who worked in the digital forensics unit continued his testimony about extracting data from Jones’ co-defendant, Riley Benjamin’s phone.
He said the two phones of interest were “in the general area of the crime scene,” with it not being uncommon for phones to bounce between towers in a city because of obstructions. However, he stated he could not pinpoint the exact location of each phone.
The responding MPD officer also testified about interviewing witnesses on scene and collecting seven casings.
When asked by one of Jones’ attorneys, Errin Scialpi, about other crimes he has responded to in that neighborhood, the MPD officer replied that he has responded to “quite a few shootings” in the area.
The parties are set to reconvene on March 31.
A defendant was sentenced in a non-fatal shooting case before Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 25.
Stephan Ombolo, 27, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one person on the 400 block of Newton Place, NW, on March 26, 2024.
Hannah Akintoye, Ombolo’s attorney, asked for a lighter sentence. Akintoye argued that Ombolo doesn’t have a criminal history, and has strong family support. Ombolo’s family was present in the courtroom at the time of sentencing.
Akintoye additionally referenced Ombolo’s steady employment prior to the incident, and his desire to enter the IT field in the future.
The prosecution requested a sentence of 48 months for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license, suspending all but 24 months, and three years of probation.
For the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, the prosecution requested 24 months straight imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a stay away order from the victim and location of the incident.
Judge Hertzfeld called this incident an “aberration,” as Ombolo has no history of violent incidents such as this.
Ombolo apologized for his actions, repeatedly stating that he was sorry and felt remorse for what he had done.
Ombolo was sentenced to 24 months for the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon, with all but 18 months suspended. For the charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, Ombolo was sentenced to 12 months with 6 months suspended.
Ombolo was sentenced to three years of supervised release, which was also suspended. He will serve one year of probation.
Additionally, Ombolo will have to register as a gun offender in the District of Columbia, and pay $100 to the victims of violent crime compensation fund.
No further dates are set at this point
DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied release modification for a carjacking defendant in a March 26 hearing.
Dale Benjamin, 37, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on the 4400 block of Bennington Road, SE, on Sept. 15, 2024.
Benjamin’s defense attorney, Clarence Powell, requested that Judge Hertzfeld remove his client from GPS monitoring, as the electronic box around his ankle makes his job working with “at-risk youths” difficult.
The prosecution objected to this release modification because there is a concern for community safety, and the defendant is a repeat offender.
Benjamin will remain on GPS monitoring with a curfew.
During the hearing, Benjamin also rejected a plea offer, which required him to plead guilty to armed robbery and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The case will now continue to trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 11.
A non-fatal shooting trial scheduled to begin on March 27 has been postponed by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur after both parties expressed issues with witnesses.
Marvin Smith, 32, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 2400 block of Elvans Road, SE on March 22, 2022, that left one victim with injuries to both legs.
Smith’s attorney, Janai Reed, expressed concerns surrounding anticipated witnesses. She noted that two witnesses may possibly have Fifth Amendment issues, implying that they would possibly incriminate themselves through their testimonies.
The prosecutor also had issues with the scheduling an expert witness who is a surgeon. This witness has very little availability due to being fully booked with surgeries. Even though he is under a subpoena to appear, parties would prefer to not have him reschedule a surgery.
Judge Arthur granted that the trial be delayed to April 7 to allow parties to solidify their plans and scheduling with their witnesses.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.
A murder trial was delayed March 27, as the parties spent time litigating a statement made by the recently severed defendant, Tre’Quan Nelson, 25, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.
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 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 prosecution argued that Nelson’s statement, identifying himself from a still image pulled from a surveillance video, during a police interrogation was going against his best interest and potentially exposed himself to criminal liability for conspiracy. The prosecution moved for the statement to admitted into evidence.
The defense disagreed, emphasizing that the statement was made after the homicide, so it could not have contributed to the conspiracy that occurred before.
Judge Brandt agreed with the prosecution in that the statement was not hearsay, and admitted it into evidence using the statement against penal interest exception. She was hesitant to allow the prosecution to play a full 29-minute video of the interview, but ultimately granted it to give the prosecution some latitude in meeting their burden of proof.
Prosecutors called on a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who worked on the crime scene on the day of the shooting, to finish up his testimony from March 25.
Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, questioned the officer on the details of the investigation, raising doubt by mentioning the gusts of wind that could have altered evidence.
Prosecutors also called a MPD detective who worked alongside the lead detective in the investigation. He testified to the steps he and the lead detective took in their investigation, specifically the interview they conducted with Nelson.
The prosecution played the video of the interview, talking the detective through the actions, words, and body language of Nelson on that day. The witness testified to believing that Nelson was lying during much of his interview, as well.
On cross examination, Susan Ellis, Forte’s defense attorney, questioned the detective’s expertise in identifying Nelson as a liar.
She specifically noted that the interview was the first time the detective had met Nelson and would not have been able to compare his demeanor in the interview to his normal behavior.
Additionally, she highlighted that the detective does not have any specialized training in reading body language or drawing conclusions beyond his own experiences.
Parties are slated to continue with trial on March 28.
US Marshals refused to let a shooting defendant meet his newborn child during a hearing on March 28, as prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman they had sent over a plea offer to the defense.
Michael Alexander, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured one individual on Feb. 21 on the 300 block of S Street, NE.
During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Edelman they had shared a plea offer with Alexander’s new attorney, Albert Amissah. It would require Alexander to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Amissah told Judge Edelman they’d discuss the plea with Alexander, and agreed to “toll the clock” meaning extend the indictment deadline.
Amissah also requested Alexander be allowed to meet his four-day old newborn child, and Marshals refused. “Y’all ain’t sh*t,” Alexander could be heard telling the Marshals as they escorted him out of the courtroom.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 9.
A defendant in a stabbing case pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on March 26.
Dayon Pratt, 31, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in stabbing a victim on Oct. 16, 2024 on the 4600 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.
Defense attorney Darryl Daniels and the prosecution agreed on a plea deal, requiring Pratt to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange the charge of aggravated assault knowingly while armed was dropped.
Daniels motioned to have sentencing take place on the same day, but Judge Arthur denied it.
They also motioned for pre-sentencing release, citing that Pratt has been incarcerated awaiting trial, and a recent psychiatric evaluation showed that he posed as a low risk to the community, but this motion was also denied.
Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on May 28.
The victim of a non-fatal shooting testified that he anticipated becoming a professional football athlete prior to the incident that left him as a paraplegic during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 25.
Roger Jones, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing a law enforcement officer, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting and assault that injured two individuals on January 22, 2022, on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE.
The prosecution called upon the shooting victim, who sustained gunshot wounds to his chest, back, and upper extremities. At the time, the victim worked at Throw Social, a social venue and bar, as a security manager. On the night of the incident, he received a radio call that a couple was being escorted out of the establishment. Through a window, the victim observed what he described as a “very passionate conversation” between the couple outside, followed by a physical altercation in which the man punched the woman and she was unable to fight back.
After his shift, the victim said he walked to his car with two coworkers he intended to drive home. He moved his bag from the backseat to the trunk of his car, closed the trunk, heard gunshots, and felt pressure in his chest.
“I felt like an elephant was stepping on my chest,” the victim recalled. He testified that the shooter was close because he heard footsteps and saw a figure walking away.
Following the incident, the victim was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital, where he stayed for four months, and underwent multiple surgeries, “Which is why I’m in a wheelchair,” he said, “I went from pro athlete to paraplegic.”
Prosecutors also called Jones’ ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child, who testified about the altercation between her and the defendant and him allegedly stealing her car. The victim testified to knowing Jones since 2016, but their relationship ended in 2022.
On the night of the incident, she went to Throw Social with Jones to visit her friend who bartended there. The victim and Jones drank and talked at the bar until she claimed Jones accused her of dancing and trying to show off for other men, she called him jealous, and told him to Uber home. According to the victim, Jones took her car keys, and she called 911 to report her vehicle as stolen.
During her testimony, the victim identified herself and Jones in videos of them at the bar and outside of Throw Social. She testified that Jones returned in her car, exited the car, and hit her. “He put his hand back and he punched me in my face” she said, and recounted that people came to help, Jones re-entered the car, and drove away.
The prosecution played a recording of the 911 phone call that captured the assault victim stating that Jones was driving her car “crazy” as well as the phone dropping after the altercation occurred.
The prosecution also called on the bartender working at Throw Social. This witness also has had a personal relationship with the assault victim, stating that they have been friends for more than 17 years.
The bartender testified that she believed the cause of the argument between Jones and the assault victim was Jones believing that one of the security guards was looking at the woman. The fight escalated into yelling, and the witness asked both to leave the bar or quiet down.
The witness also asserted that the woman originally gave Jones her car keys, telling him to leave because she wanted to stay longer at the bar. However, after Jones left the bar, she changed her mind and decided she wanted her car back.
The trial is scheduled to resume on March 26.
A homicide defendant’s roommate testified on March 25 that she reported him to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after seeing him on a lookout image.
Deonte Patterson, 29, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice, with influence or delay of a witness or officer, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi, 32, on Aug. 23, 2021, at the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.
The prosecution called a witness who lived with Patterson in 2023 and reported him to the authorities.
The witness explained that she read a tweet on Jan. 5, 2023, indicating that Patterson and others were wanted. Later that day, she mentioned it to Patterson, who did not react in shock or appear bothered by it. She said she informed the fire station or police and explained everything.
The prosecution called another witness, a security guard who worked near the incident, and provided video footage, which was admitted into evidence.
In the video, several people are seen verbally arguing, one group against another. Someone can be heard yelling “Keep bluffing” repeatedly, and then one individual approaches another and swings at them.
Shortly after the physical altercation, a gunshot is heard, causing people to begin running as the witness hides in place and keeps recording.
Prosecutors also called on an individual who observed the car accident that, according to court documents, occurred the night of the alleged shooting at the intersection of 9th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW. The accident involved Patterson’s vehicle, which was occupied by Patterson, his then-girlfriend and close friend. Two other vehicles were part of the crash.
The witness testified that she was sitting in her car at the intersection when the light turned green. According to the witness, a white vehicle crashed into the vehicle in front of her and flipped upside down. She said that she left her car to see if she could help, and located a woman that was injured and stuck in the car in front of her. Meanwhile, there was no one in the car that had flipped upside down.
According to the witness, two people were standing next to the flipped car, and one person was lying in the grass bleeding heavily.
Afterward, the prosecution recalled a crime scene analyst who conducted a trajectory analysis of the bullet holes in two cars damaged during the accident. According to his analysis, either the vehicle, the shooter, or both were moving at the time of the shots due to the varying angles of the trajectories.
Parties are expected to reconvene on March 26 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.
DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a stabbing defendant’s request for release under special conditions despite objection from the prosecution on March 26.
Michael Burke, 45, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16, 2024.
Prior to this hearing, on March 19, Burke was found competent to stand trial and was granted release under certain conditions by Judge Israel despite the prosecution’s request that Burke remain held. Part of the conditions Burke was released under include weekly check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).
In court Thursday, a representative from PSA said Burke had not been in contact with the agency. Judge Israel heard this and decided to transfer Burke to a special supervision team that would be more focused and work with Burke’s mental health provider.
The prosecution opposed this, stating that Burke was not a good candidate for release and in no way was he in perfect compliance with the conditions of release set before him. They requested he be detained.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.
