Parties Dispute Eyewitness Claim That Shooting Victims Were Armed

The prosecution questioned the veracity of an eyewitness’ testimony that the victim and his mother aimed guns at the defendant. The assertion came during a non-fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 28.

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 greater than one year. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two individuals on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE on Aug. 1, 2024.

Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, called upon an eyewitness, Wells’ girlfriend, who lived in the apartment where the shooting occurred. The witness said that the night of the incident, her neighbor banged on the wall between their apartments, walked through the back door without knocking, and started speaking about a previous altercation between her son and Wells. “She just flipped,” said the witness.

The witness testified that she did not see Wells with a firearm, but the mother and her son, who had followed her into the apartment, each had a gun aimed at Wells who had his hands up. The witness said she then cut off the lights, ran toward the front of the apartment, hid in a closet, and heard eight-to-ten gunshots.

During cross examination, the prosecution alleged that the witness never saw the victim and his mother with guns. Prosecutors played a phone call between Wells and the witness in which she allegedly said “I ain’t know that bitch had a f***ing gun…She had one and he had one?” They asked the witness to explain inconsistencies between the call and her testimony and she repeated that the mother and son had guns aimed at Wells.

During questioning, the witness admitted that Wells allegedly told her he shot the son and his uncle.

The prosecution called the lead detective in the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who described the apartment where the shooting occurred, as “extremely disheveled.” The witness elaborated that he saw cartridge casings and a revolver on the floor, in addition to evidence that bullets had been shot into the walls. The detective also said that MPD recovered a Glock inside a children’s backpack.

The detective said no evidence of firearms was found in the other apartment, where one of the victim’s resided with his mother. According to the detective, the mother gave MPD permission to search her apartment but they were unable to because the son refused and the search warrant was declined.

During cross examination by Burrell, the detective confirmed that evidence showed two different guns were fired in the apartment where the shooting occurred, and that he could not eliminate the possibility of weapons in the victims’ residence.

According to court documents, a crawl space connected the apartment where the shooting occurred to the apartment directly below. The detective said in the apartment below, he observed blood spatter near the walls and crawl space, broken glass, and a shirt on the ground that appeared to have been used to wipe the floor.

The detective also testified that individuals at Spar Liquor, located on the 3900 block of South Capitol Street, SE, called 911 on Wells’ behalf on the day of the shooting, and he was subsequently taken to the hospital. Prosecutors played surveillance videos of the rear and front parking lots of the store, in which the detective identified Wells walking towards the store and two individuals carrying Wells in a later video clip.

According to court documents, Spar Liquor is approximately 1.6 miles away from the location of the shooting.

The trial is scheduled to resume on April 29.

Document: Police Arrest Man in Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 41-year-old Darius McIntrye, who is alleged to have been involved in a shooting on April 14 in the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

The incident left an adult male with life-threatening injuries, and he was stabilized by officers before being transported to a hospital. McIntrye has been charged with Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun).

Crime Scene Evidence Detailed in Triple Murder, Mass Shooting Case

Evidence painting a picture of the crime scene was presented to the jury in a mass shooting that claimed three lives. The case was argued before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 23.

William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each incurred nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each face one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee is accused of two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee accused of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and avoiding getting caught in connection with the case.

The prosecution called an analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) who documents, photographs, collects and preserves evidence who said most of the evidence had been located by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives and officers on the scene. The jury viewed body-worn camera footage of her using a metal detector searching the grass for additional evidence.

During cross-examination, Peter Fayne, Johnson-Lee’s attorney, pointed out that an officer in the body-camera footage was touching the grass without gloves. The DFS witness agreed that this was not proper protocol and it posed a risk of potential contamination.

The witness testified during follow-up prosecution questioning that there was no additional evidence found in the area where the officer touched the grass.

The prosecution presented a color diagram to the court marking locations of ballistic evidence, including where bullet casings were found. Two different colors were used to separate the .40 caliber cartridge casings based similar markings–meaning they are likely to have been fired from the same gun. The prosecution said this diagram was a reference tool for the jury.

Mussay Rezene’s defense attorney, Camille Wagner, objected claiming there was not enough testimony to authenticate the diagram as evidence in terms of separating the remnant markings.

The judge decided “the safest way to proceed is to use a black and white version” of the diagram and the prosecution complied.

Wagner still objected to the diagram because of its descriptive captioning, saying the jury would infer the separation between certain .40 caliber cartridge cases.

Judge Kravitz overruled the defense saying that the issues were not large enough to delay the court and admitted the ballistic evidence.

The prosecution also called a former employee for MPD’s Office of Communications department who posted Tweets for the agency and drafted an MPD press release that identified a vehicle in connection with the homicides.

David Akulian, Johnson’s attorney determined the communications person didn’t know the license number of the vehicle or how many passengers might be inside.

The prosecution also called an MPD detective who ordered police to increase the size of the crime scene once he realized there was likely evidence outside of the taped boundaries.

During the cross examination, Fayne questioned the effectiveness of the move, and the witness admitted anyone who had walked through the area prior could have contaminated the evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 24.

Document: 13 Year Old Arrested for Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 13-year-old male suspect in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on April 26 on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE.

The juvenile victim was found conscious and breathing with non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Teen Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Frederick Etheridge, 16, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery and three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

On May 16, 2024, Etheridge allegedly brandished a firearm at a victim and demanded his vehicle, and the victim complied. On January 3, 2025, Etheridge was said to brandish a firearm at a victim and demanded his car keys and personal property. The attempt to seize the vehicle was unsuccessful, but the personal property was stolen.

During the hearing, Theodore Shaw, Etheridge’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the motion, finding Sharps made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Shaw requested the court consider Shaw’s release to home confinement on GPS, citing a limited adult criminal history and strong ties to the community.

The prosecution asked that Etheridge continue to be held in this case, citing strong evidence to counter release and video surveillance.

Judge Glover determined Etheridge should continue to be held. Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to Independent DNA Testing

Shooting co-defendants waive their rights to independent evidence testing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 24.

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.

According to court documents, Davenport said he was selling drugs and the shooting may have been in retaliation for a robbery.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt informed the defendants that under the federal Innocence Protection Act (IPA), they have the right to independently test evidence.

Both William and Violet agreed that they can’t change their minds once a jury reaches a verdict. Their IPA waivers to forego DNA testing were accepted by Judge Brandt.

Additionally, the defendants pre-trial release status was discussed at the hearing.

A report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) revealed that Violet was in compliance, while William has had “some ebbs and flows,” according to Judge Brandt.

Judge Brandt acknowledged that he has an “addiction issue,” and that William is trying to get sober. She hopes that the next report verifies that.

Parties will return on Sept. 19.

Defendant Found Guilty of Teen’s 2019 Murder

A homicide defendant was found guilty of murder by a jury on April 22 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The jury convicted Eddy of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors stated that Eddy approached Brathwaite while walking alone to a friend’s house in the neighborhood.

Evidence presented by the prosecution included a 15-second cell phone video showing Eddy celebrating the murder hours after the shooting, which was recovered eight days after the incident. Prosecutors suggested a possible revenge motive for the killing in that Brathwaite may have been involved in the murder of Eddy’s friend.

The jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating one day.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20 for sentencing.

Judge Extends Shooting Defendant’s Curfew

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the terms of a shooting defendant’s release on April 24.

Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020. At the scene, the victim suffered a collapsed lung caused by a gunshot wound to the back.

According to the prosecutors the shooting stemmed from an ongoing beef between Stewart and the victim that degenerated into an argument about their boyfriends. Cary was allegedly the trigger man.

Alvin Thomas, Cary’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt to his client’s request to modify his current curfew. According to Cary, he is only able to work 20 hours per week with his current 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. curfew.

Cary works in construction, and a full workday would make him late to curfew. Both Cary and Stewart are currently compliant with the terms of their release, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Brandt granted his request, pushing back Cary’s curfew to 9 p. m.

Additionally, parties mentioned possible plea negotiations. Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winogard, requested more time as he has a busy trial schedule.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 31.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Murder Defendant

D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park wants a shooting defendant to undergo further analysis of his mental state following a finding of incompetency during a hearing on April 24.

Rodney Whiting, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Feb. 14 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE.

Judge Park ordered a full mental competency evaluation for Whiting before attempting to proceed with a trial. In order to stand trial a defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and assist in own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene for another mental observation hearing on May 10.

Probable Cause Found For Defendant’s Second Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover determined probable cause was met in a second stabbing case for a defendant on April 22.

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 26, 2025 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified to the nature of the incident, saying that a witness on scene allegedly identified the assailant as Gregory. The detective reviewed the CCTV footage showing the altercation, where a knife appears to be brandished.

However, the detective testified that the victim did not know the defendant, and the physical description he provided of Gregory was contrary to his actual physical appearance.

The prosecution argued there is sufficient evidence in this case to determine probable cause, but Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, disagreed, maintaining that the burden of proof has not been met.

Judge Glover ultimately determined that probable cause had been established.

Defense requested Gregory’s release, on the grounds that he serves as a full-time caretaker for his mother, and he himself has health issues that aren’t being treated in the DC jail.

The government argued that Gregory has a history of violent crimes, and committed the alleged offense while on pre-trial release for another crime. Judge Glover ruled that the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.

Four-Year-Old Tells Police of Mother’s Murder in a Confrontation

A detective testified regarding his involvement in the investigation of a domestic violence homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 24.

Josiah Garrison, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his wife, 25-year-old Taeje Butler, on April 9 inside their apartment on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who assisted with the investigation. He testified that officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting.

Body-worn camera footage shows that when officers arrived, Garrison, who was still in the apartment, opened the door for them. “Is anyone shot in there,” an officer could be heard asking Garrison as he got on the ground to be taken into custody. “Yes,” Garrison said.

In the same video, an officer asked Garrison where the gun was, to which Garrison allegedly replied “I panicked, sir, and threw it in the dumpster.” Surveillance footage captured Garrison allegedly taking the gun to the dumpster in a white trash bag, moments after the shooting. Garrison also told officers his five children were in the apartment.

According to the detective, Butler sustained a gunshot to the left side of the neck, which exited through the top right of her head and killed her instantly. An affidavit authored by the detective, and adopted as part of his testimony, stated that Garrison’s four-year-old child told MPD officers “Daddy had been playing scary movie games… daddy went to the closet, and got the gun and then boom.”

The document also stated the four-year old said Garrison allegedly put the gun to Butler’s neck, pushed the trigger and went boom.

However, Christen Phillips, Garrison’s attorney, argued “a four-year-old is not capable of understanding the whole picture, and providing a cohesive story.” She insisted that Garrison’s claim that the gun was fired during a struggle made the most sense due to Butler’s injuries.

In an interview with MPD, Garrison told the detective that Butler had been having mental health issues in the months leading up to her death. According to Garrison, “she was FD12,” which is an involuntary hospitalization for individuals who are believed to be a risk to themselves and others.

During the interview, Garrison stated that on the day of the incident, Butler had accused him of infidelity, and told him “I’ll take you and that b**** out.” He also told the detective Butler went to the closet where they keep their “protection,” provoking a struggle over the gun during which it was fired.

According to Phillips, the gunshot was “not the type of shot anyone makes when they want to kill someone,” insisting that evidence corroborates Garrison’s claim that the gun was fired during a struggle due to the angle in which the bullet struck Butler.

She also argued that Butler’s “erratic behavior makes a struggle where the gun was fired very possible,” adding it was “entirely understandable that [Garrison] would be in full blown panic mode.”

Phillips argued his recollection was accurate, citing past incidents for which MPD had to respond to Garrison and Butler’s home ostensibly due to her mental illness. According to Phillips, on March 8, MPD responded to their residence after Garrison called for help due to Butler being “aggressive, violent, and confrontational.”

According to Phillips, Butler was taken to an involuntary hospitalization because officers believed she was responding to hallucinations, explaining officers witnessed her attempting to speak to people who were not at the apartment.

In body-worn camera footage of the incident, Garrison was heard telling officers he couldn’t work because he was afraid for his children’s well-being.

Phillips also claimed that on March 16, officers responded again to the residence for a “family disturbance,” during which Garrison was given the phone number for the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to seek treatment for Butler.

Prosecutors questioned the detective’s knowledge regarding a Prince George’s County case in 2018, in which Garrison was allegedly arrested for assaulting his father.

Phillips urged Judge Edelman to not find probable cause, arguing there was no evidence that Garrison intended to kill or acted with disregard for Butler’s well-being during the incident.

However, the prosecution insisted Garrison acted in “reckless disregard,” despite knowing of her mental illnesses. The prosecution claimed Garrison told officers on March 8 that Butler did not have access to firearms in the home, despite the gun being in the closet.

Prosecutors also insisted the gun couldn’t have been fired during a struggle because the medical examiner stated there was no stippling on the gunshot injury, which means the gun was fired from at least three feet away.

Due to time constraints, Judge Edelman was unable to make a ruling on probable cause and detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 29.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 23.

Tyriq Williams, 34, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Terry Clark on Jan. 7, 2023, on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE.

Williams pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges and waiving enhancement papers.

The prosecution stated that if this case had gone to trial, they would’ve proven that Williams shot Clark once in the head at 7:23 p. m. Clark was pronounced dead on scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 9.

Gun Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Sean Sharps, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct., 19, 2024 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE and injured one person.

According to court documents, there was an argument between Sharps and the victim in a McDonald’s in bright daylight. Sharps allegedly pistol whipped the victim in the head.

The victim of the pistol whip shot at Sharps, but did not strike him.

During the hearing, Adam Harris, Sharps’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the waiver, finding Sharps made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Harris requested the court consider Sharps’ release, citing a limited criminal history, strong ties to the community and a job to return to.

The prosecution argued that Sharps failed to appear for a past misdemeanor charge, and there is video evidence of this incident. The prosecution asked that Sharps continue to be held in this case.

Judge Glover determined Sharps should continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Probable Cause Found in Stabbing Case, Defendant Ordered Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover determined probable cause was met in a stabbing case during a hearing on April 22.

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 23, 2025 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified to the nature of the incident, citing alleged identification of Gregory by the victim on scene directly following the stabbing. The detective testified that the victim and Gregory knew each other, and lived in the same building at one point.

The victim was later presented with a confirmation photo in the hospital, and definitively identified Gregory as his alleged assailant. Additionally, the detective testified that a visible confrontation between Gregory and the victim appeared on surveillance footage.

The prosecution argued that there was no dispute of facts in the evidence presented, but Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, argued that the prosecution did not meet the standards for probable cause.

Judge Glover ultimately determined that probable cause had been established.

McLaurin requested Gregory’s release, on the grounds that he serves as a full-time caretaker for his mother, and he has health issues that aren’t being treated in the DC jail.

The prosecution argued that Gregory has a history of violent crimes, and committed the alleged offense while on pre-trial release for another crime. Judge Glover ruled that the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on April 24.

Santos Duarte, 25, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5, 2024 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. One victim, the owner of the restaurant, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

The prosecution extended an offer to Santos requiring him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Sentences for the first two and last two counts would run concurrently, with the time served not exceeding 15 years. The prosecution agreed they would waive enhancements to the charges. Additionally, Santos would have to register as a gun offender and contribute to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Santos accepted the plea offer, with his attorney, Camille Wagner, requesting more time for sentencing to allow time for a Youth Act Study to be completed. Under the law a defendant’s record would be sealed if he completed the terms of his punishment successfully.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15.

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