Homicide Defendant is ‘Likely Incompetent,’ Defense’s Expert Witness Says

The defense called on an expert witness in adult and forensic psychiatry to discuss a defendant’s competence to stand trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 21.

Darryl Thompson, 35, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and threats to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the death of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr., who was shot and killed on July 30, 2016, on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. He’s also charged for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyler McEachern, which occurred on Aug. 29, 2016, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

At the last hearing, a psychiatrist from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), who had evaluated Thompson multiple times, stated that Thompson was not mentally ill but had antisocial personality disorder, which may lead to impulsive behavior without regard for safety. However, the psychiatrist maintained that this did not render Thompson incompetent to stand trial.

In Friday’s hearing, the defense’s witness disputed the diagnosis, asserting that Thompson had symptoms consistent with delusional disorder. Having followed the case since 2021, it was the witness’s opinion that Thompson is unable to rationally help his counsel due to his lack of understanding.

During hearings in 2021, Thompson interrupted his counsel several times and disclosed privileged information after being told not to. The expert witness said he could not diagnose Thompson as he has never personally and directly evaluated him but stated Thompson is “likely incompetent” and cannot stand trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28.

Judge Delays Trial for Fatal Shooting Case

A homicide trial was postponed by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park following changes with a witness, allowing the defense to have more time with evidence during a hearing on March 24.

Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on May 28, 2023, on the 300 block of M Street, SW.

A witness wanted a protective order to be vacated as explained to the court by the witness’ attorney, Michael Madden. The protective order had limited the information shared to Williams and his attorneys about the witness’ identity and personal information. Judge Park granted this request.

Williams’ attorneys, Sylvia Smith and Erica Arensman, requested for the trial to be postponed due to the vacated protective order and the late disclosure of police documents from the prosecution.

The prosecution agreed to this request, only noting the complications for scheduling with their witnesses.

The prosecution explained that the witness order will need to change to accommodate the witnesses’ schedules, but that everything else should work.

Judge Park granted the request for a continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 25.

After 5 Years, A Defendant Maintains Innocence and Heads for Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard a homicide defendant officially reject a plea offer during a hearing on March 21.

Thomas Fields Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, kidnapping while armed, and three counts of tampering with physical evidence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Marquita Lucas, 24, on Aug. 17, 2019, on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE.

Fields rejected a plea offer that has been open since last November. The deal required him to plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed and kidnapping in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The deal would have guaranteed a 30-year sentence.

By rejecting the plea offer, Fields could be facing life in prison as a maximum sentence if found guilty in the June trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 6.

Judge Orders Defendant to Attend Outpatient Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a non-fatal stabbing defendant to attend outpatient treatment after he left his hearing on March 21.

John Scogins, 53, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024, at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

A representative of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) stated that Scogins has complied with all the terms of his release but recommended he undergo an “on-site drug treatment plan” after testing positive on three different days for “illicit drugs.”

Scogins addressed Judge Brandt, saying he has not partaken in any narcotics or alcohol since completing his first round of treatment back in January. He said he believes the positive results are from laced cigarettes or skin-to-skin contact, which can happen with phencyclidine (PCP).

Scogins’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said his client would be happy to spot-test today and discuss any next steps after the results were released. Judge Brandt agreed, and the hearing was recalled an hour later.

The test results were negative, and Judge Brandt ordered Scogins to begin the outpatient treatment plan that his PSA officer recommended directly after his hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 5.

Prosecution Requests More Time in Murder Case

The prosecution in a homicide case said more time was needed to test DNA evidence.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on June 22, 2024, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

During the March 21 hearing, the prosecution also clarified that their DNA testing is still pending, requesting to set another hearing date in 90 days to complete two rounds of DNA testing.

Bonaparte also pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Kevann Gardner, Bonaparte’s attorney, told Judge Ryan of her intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted her constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Judge Ryan set the next hearing for Sept. 3.

Judge Allows Stabbing Defendant to Work Past Curfew

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed March 21 a stabbing defendant to continue working past his curfew under new conditions of release.

Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Dec. 29, 2024. The incident left one victim suffering from severe stab wounds to the left side of his chest, arm, and neck.

At a prior hearing, Judge Ryan granted Alvarez release under conditions that included GPS monitoring, a curfew, mental health evaluation and treatment, and a stay-away order from both the victim and the location of the incident.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan noted Alvarez’s compliance with his release conditions and clarified that Alvarez would be permitted to work shifts past his curfew only if he went straight home afterward. However, he is required to alert his case manager from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) beforehand.

At the status conference, Alvarez’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, requested the return of the defendant’s phone, explaining that he could not cancel his phone plan and was still required to pay for it.

The prosecution objected to this request, saying the phone was classified as evidence. Judge Ryan asked both parties to work towards an agreement to facilitate the phone’s return to the defendant.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 11.

Victim Hit by Stray Bullet Tells Jury of ‘Traumatic’ Experience in Murder Trial

A victim of a stray bullet recanted the traumatic ordeal before jurors and DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 24.

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 witness, who was shot in the arm by a stray bullet four inches from his heart, testified that while landscaping with his nephew on 14th Street, he heard a sound that he thought was fireworks and felt a sharp burning sensation in his left arm.

“I had no pulse in my left arm, and the doctors told me that I had a severed artery. They told me I would lose my arm,” he said. His pulse recovered, and he has gained full function of his arm since the incident.

However, the witness stated that “my strength is not there anymore,” and “it was real traumatic for me.” He also told the jurors that his grandchild was born prior to the incident, and he had recently gotten married. “My life was almost taken for absolutely no reason. I didn’t have anything to do with what was going on,” he said.

Prosecutors also called on a woman who had a bullet shot through her son’s bedroom window. The bullet cleared the window and “exploded” into her son’s TV, according to the witness.

The witness testified that her son is autistic and routinely stands or sits in front of his TV throughout the day. She stated that it was “unusual” for him not to be in front of the TV at 2 p.m., which is when the shooting occurred.

She and her son moved away after the incident, stating that it was “traumatic” and “made it hard to live there” afterward.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that he conducted a search warrant in Gibson’s apartment in 2021 in relation to another case. He stated that he recovered a Glock gun box, a .40 caliber magazine that could contain up to 13 rounds, two documents that confirmed Gibson’s identity, and a burgundy jacket.

One of the prosecutors said she believes the jacket is a key identifier for Gibson in surveillance videos the prosecution plans to show later in the trial.

During the defense’s cross-examination, the officer confirmed that he was only involved in the search of the apartment and knows no additional details of the case.

The officer also said there was no identification at the apartment for an “Asani Forte”.

A Department of Forensic Science (DFS) crime scene technician walked through the evidence, including the victims’ clothing, which was removed while receiving medical attention, 21 bullet casings, and a knife with a string attached.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 26.

Defense Seeks Independent Testing in Homicide Case

A homicide defendant’s attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that they plan to independently test DNA evidence during a hearing on March 21.

Wonell A. Jones Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Audora Williams, the mother of his children, on the 2000 block of Knox Place SE, on July 19, 2023.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 26, 2025.

‘Make it Fair,’ Defense Attorney Motions to Exclude DNA Evidence

A defense attorney motioned to exclude DNA samples involved in a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 24.

Kavon Young, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Pernell, 66. The incident took place on July 3, 2010, during a robbery at a cookout on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE. According to court documents, multiple armed men allegedly assaulted attendees and stole personal belongings.

The only evidence the prosecution has to implicate Young in this case is the DNA, and it’s lost, Mani Golzari, Young’s attorney, said. He repeated, “retest, retest, retest,” implying that’s what he would do if this case had been able to fulfill his clients confrontational rights, then finally ending by pleading with the judge, “Make it fair – nobody gets to use DNA.”

During the hearing, Golzari stated the prosecution lost DNA evidence during the course of the investigation. The evidence in question were allegedly DNA extracts found on Pernell’s fingernail clippings that were tested in 2011. He stated that if these materials were still present, they would be considered exculpatory.

A forensic scientist, who tested the fingernail clippings that linked Young and Pernell, walked the court through multiple different studies involving the retention of DNA extract under fingernails. He surmised that you don’t find DNA under the nails of a good amount of the population. If DNA is present there usually needs to be intimate contact, he said.

Golzari proceeded to question the witness on his method of obtaining this DNA evidence. He stated the expert used outdated technique, citing a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) article explaining why the technique was discontinued. Golzari also brought up the expert’s own testimony in a past case, where he stated the parameters for proper use of the technique. Those parameters were not followed with Young’s case.

The expert responded by stating he was merely using the methodology of the dated technique, applying it in a different way that wasn’t bound to the same parameters.

The expert rebutted the aforementioned status of his technique, stating that NIST agrees with its use as long as it accurately describes the value that the DNA data has in reaching source conclusion. The expert said he believes he fulfilled this requirement when linking Young’s DNA to the evidence found under the fingernails.

Golzari told Judge Edelman that he was confused on whether the expert was going to stand by using the dated technique for his DNA evaluation or insist on only using the methodology.

Judge Edelman agreed with Gozlari, stating that if there was no resolution before trial, that sanctions on the jury have to go beyond just telling them “evidence is lost – make of that what you wish.” At this time though, he is unsure of what those would be and is only focused on moving forward.

Golzari also stated that at every single stage in this case, Young has been denied his right to be confronted with the witnesses against him. He claims the defense has been asking for names of alleged eyewitnesses since the first hearing, and now two of those eyewitnesses are fully incapacitated.

He also claimed the prosecution lost important surveillance video during the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 25.

Judge Rules Prosecution Violation Ahead of Murder Trial

During a hearing on March 20, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park said the prosecution was in violation of not disclosing evidence in a murder trial to the defense. He ordered them to turn over additional evidence.

Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on the 300 block of M Street, SW. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023.

According to court documents, Ofori was shot and killed in a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train car. His body was recovered at the Navy Yard Metro Station.

Sylvia Smith, one of Williams’ attorneys, argued the prosecution failed to provide evidence the defense needed to review, including the victim’s criminal history and notes from an interview with his mother, before trial. She said these items may be favorable to the defendant whose trial was set to begin on March 24.

Smith stated she filed several motions for evidence regarding Ofori’s prior criminal history, and “it’s not as if I sat on my laurels and did nothing.” According to Smith, the prosecution originally claimed that they did not have the requested information.

The prosecution said there was difficulty obtaining the defendant’s records from Prince George’s County because of Ofori’s juvenile status. According to a prosecutor, information was disclosed as soon as it was available.

Judge Park agreed with Smith’s claims, finding the prosecution in violation of disclosing the criminal history and notes from the victim’s mother’s interview. While the evidence would not have altered the case enough for Judge Park to consider dismissing the charges against Williams, it was favorable towards the defense and could affect their investigation.

To remedy this, Judge Park ordered the prosecution to obtain more information from Prince George’s County for defense counsel, and turn over any notes from the interview of Ofori’s mother.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 24.

Prosecution Witnesses Detail Homicide Linked to Car Accident

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard details of a shooting-related car accident as the second day of a four-year-old homicide trial continued on March 20.

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 DC Department of Forensic Science (DFS) crime scene analyst who investigated the car accident at the intersection of 9th Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NW, the night of the alleged shooting. The accident involved Patterson with two other witnesses in one vehicle and two different cars. The investigator took photos of the wreckage and recovered a firearm on the scene, which he rendered unusable. He submitted a bullet that was in the chamber and a magazine as evidence but did not test anything for DNA.

He took photos of Patterson and another victim at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He said that Patterson had injuries to his neck and left arm, and the second victim, minor injuries to his hands, but after taking a couple of pictures of the second victim, he was asked to stop, and he complied.

The prosecution called another DFS analyst, who photographed Patterson’s wrecked car. He testified that there were two bullet holes on the passenger side, one in the back and the other at the passenger side door. Based on trajectory rods placed in the bullet holes, he was able to determine the shots likely came from behind the car, but he couldn’t estimate how close the shooter was and what caliber bullets were used.

A specialist from the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed Al-Mahdi’s autopsy said Al-Mahdi sustained two gunshot wounds and blunt force trauma to the legs, wounds consistent with Al-Mahdi turning away from the firearm before falling.

However, under cross-examination, she clarified that while the injuries suggested a certain trajectory, the exact position of the victim at the time of death could not be determined.

She deemed the cause of death as gunshot wounds, and the manner of death a homicide.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 24.

Judge Delays Plea Deal As Homicide Defendant Wavers

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz told parties, “I don’t think I can accept this plea under these circumstances,” during a hearing on March 20. The defendant appeared to vacillate between acknowledging guilt and making a claim of self-defense in a homicide.

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

During the hearing, parties alerted Judge Kravitz that Ulmer was accepting a plea deal which would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would agree to a sentencing range of ten-to-16 years of incarceration.

According to the prosecution, if the case goes to trial, they would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the incident, Ulmer was at the Circle 7 Express with three associates, when Sullivan arrived with a friend. The prosecution stated as Sullivan walked into the store, Ulmer, who was standing by the door, pulled out a handgun and began shooting, striking Sullivan multiple times. Sullivan, who was armed, attempted to remove his firearm from his waistband, say prosecutors, but was unable to fully extend it.

The prosecutor insisted Ulmer acted knowingly and voluntarily, and did not act in self-defense.

“Is it true that you took a firearm out of your waistband,” Judge Kravitz asked Ulmer, who replied “Yes, sir.”

“What was your thinking when you fired the shots,” asked Judge Kravitz. “I was afraid. I didn’t want none to happen to me… I knew [Sullivan] was a dangerous man,” Ulmer stated.

“Mr. Ulmer was in genuine fear, but he was the first aggressor,” Frances D’Antuono, Ulmer’s attorney, stated.

“I don’t think I can accept this plea under these circumstances,” Judge Kravitz said, adding Ulmer’s statements did not match the prosecutor’s proffer of facts.

“I can’t accept it until he admits to the facts of the crimes,” Judge Kravitz alerted the parties.

Judge Kravitz advised D’Antuono and Thomas Healy, Ulmer’s other attorney, to meet with him and review the terms of the plea agreement before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.

Data Shows Five Mass Shootings in DC in 2024

D.C. Witness recorded a total of five mass shootings in 2024, with 23 total victims.

Of those victims, four were homicide victims and 19 were non-fatal shootings victims.

The first one occurred on April 10 on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE, and left four victims injured and one victim deceased. The victim was identified as 29-year-old Aubrey McLeod of Largo, MD, pronounced dead on the scene. According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, no arrests have been made.

The next incident took place on April 26 on 1200 block of Connecticut Ave, NW. Six victims sustained life-threatening injuries. The suspect, 29-year-old Rennwel Mantock, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to kill, possession of unregistered Ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

On July 8 around 8 p. m., a shooting occurred on the 1200 block of Potomac Avenue, SE. Four victims sustained injuries, but no one was killed. Photos of the suspects’ vehicle were publicized but no arrests have been made.

The series of shootings continued with an incident on Aug. 3, near M Street, NE, killing two and injuring two. The homicide victims were identified as 33-year-old Antonio Williams and 18-year-old Terrell Osbourne Jr. The suspects’ vehicle was captured by a nearby surveillance camera, but no arrests have been made in the matter.

The last recorded mass shooting of 2024 took place on Sept. 28 on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. Three suffered injuries, and one victim was killed–27-year-old Dee Monte Pernell Chase. No arrests have been made.

Prosecutor’s Opening Statement Paints Homicide as Payback

In their opening statement prosecutors say a homicide was an act fueled by retribution in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 19.

Deonte Patterson, 28, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old, Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi, on Aug. 23, 2021 on the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

Prosecutors argue Patterson shot and killed Al-Mahdi as payback for a confrontation the two had two years prior during which Al-Mahdi shot Patterson in the leg. Patterson never got over it, and when the opportunity presented itself, he got his revenge, according to the prosecutor.

The prosecution alleged that on the night of the incident, Patterson left a club with his girlfriend and another friend. As they were walking to their car, Patterson allegedly spotted Al-Mahdi in the crosswalk and ambushed him. The prosecution told the jury that they would see “bullet holes all across [Al-Mahid’s] car as he tried to avoid the defendant’s shots.”

The prosecution emphasized that the jury can expect to hear five different kinds of evidence: eyewitness testimony, surveillance videos, firearm and ballistic evidence, crime scene reconstruction analysis, and DNA analysis.

When the ballistics analyst took the stand, he presented evidence consistent with the prosecution’s opening statement that there were defects across a car, possibly caused by bullets. He also specifically noted that there were several pieces of physical evidence that pointed to the shooting like shell casings and projectile fragments as well as a bullet recovered from underneath the car.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20.

Prosecution Motions to Subpoena Witness’ Medical Records

The prosecution in a shooting case motioned to have a witness’ medical records subpoenaed before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on March 20. So far the material has not been forthcoming.

Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2024 and two individuals suffered from gunshot wounds.

In court, Judge Pipe asked the prosecution to explain their position, and they stated that securing a release form from the hospital has been difficult and the matter has been pending for a month.

Judge Pipe stated she would notify Sara Kopecki, Wells’ council, of the subpoena. Kopecki has 14 days to object. In a release order filed on Feb. 28, Judge Pipe declared, “Confidential Information includes all protective medical and mental health records, treatment, health information, medications and any information relating to [the witness’] medical or mental health status during the relevant time period,
beginning on August 1, 2024.”

Parties are slated to reconvene April 3.

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