Probable Cause Found in Infant’s Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan determined the evidence shows a homicide defendant was the perpetrator in the fatal beating of a child during a hearing on June 13.

Wayne Blake, 24, is charged with first-degree murder – felony murder and cruelty to children, for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of his child, 18-month-old Journee Moore, on Sept. 28, 2024 on the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

According to a press release from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Moore was found suffering from cardiac arrest. It was later determined she succumbed to blunt force injuries in a filicide–the killing of a son or daughter.

In order to establish a history of abuse, prosecution asked the lead detective about an August 31, 2024 incident when Moore had spent the weekend with Blake and allegedly suffered bruises during the encounter.

The pictures shown in court show bruises along the child’s hairline. When Moore’s mom asked about what happened, the defendant claimed Moore had fallen in the bathtub and hit her head against the metal railing. However, police were not called and no cause of the injuries was determined.

Autopsy photos showed bruisesn on both sides on the baby’s cheeks healed laceration and a healed cut. There were also circular bruises all along her chest, upper and lower back, thigh, and hip.

Kevin Mosley, Blake’s attorney, pointed out that the witnesses who lived with the defendant had never seen him hit, yell, or kick the victim. In fact, Blake was often happy to take care of Moore and never complained to the victim’s mother that Moore visited too much, argued Mosley.

On the other hand, Mosley said Moore’s mom was characterized as a bad mother by multiple other witnesses including her own father. She would allegedly leave Moore for long periods of time.

Then the prosecution asked the detective about Sept. 27, 2024 the day before the incident when the victim was picked up by her paternal grandparents from daycare because she wasn’t feeling well. Although she threw up multiple times, Moore was never taken to the doctor, and the cause of her illness was unknown.

Mosley shifted the focus to the following day, Sept. 28, when Moore and her mother were at the defendant’s house where the defendant then took care of the victim all day. Mosely highlighted how Blake fed her, cooked for her, and played with her while Moore’s mom was in the other room napping and watching TV. Moore’s mom and other witnesses who lived with the defendant including Blake’s mom, dad, and uncle also saw Blake and Moore napping together for part of the day.

Mosley displayed video footage of the victim and defendant together in the elevator. In the first video, it shows the defendant holding the victim while they make faces and laugh together, Blake also plants multiple kisses on Moore’s face.

Mosley argued that the defendant cared for Moore and that she was not afraid around him.

The focus then moved to the defendant’s room which had bottles all over the floor and near the bed. The detective admitted that she had seen countless bottles, some of which were left open as well. Blake testified that the victim fell off the bed, and defense suggested the bottles may have been the cause of facial injuries.

When Moore’s mom came up she saw that Moore was lying unconscious on the ground and that Blake was administering CPR. Although the victim’s mom herself was CPR certified and claimed Blake had been doing it incorrectly, she did not step in to do it herself and merely corrected Blake.

The prosecution argued that CPR could not have caused the bruises shown during the autopsy and that the defendant himself admitted to being with the victim at the time some of the injuries were sustained.

They also brought up that once the case had been declared a homicide, the defendant called Moore’s mom panicked and scared, claiming that he wanted to kill himself. These actions, the prosecution argued, were signs of consciousness of guilt rather than a sign of concern as the defense suggested.

The prosecution also said that they don’t have to prove intention and that reckless action is also considered during probable cause. They reminded the court that they had also established a history of abuse, referring to the weekend in August as well.

The judge left briefly to consider the case and decided in favor of the prosecution that there was probable cause that the defendant contributed to Moore’s death.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 27.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz denied release for a murder defendant at a felony status conference on June 13.

Maurice Ford, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terrell West, 32, that occurred on Jan. 16 at the unit block of Ridge Square, NW.

Ford’s defense, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that, due to Ford’s limited criminal history and his prior record of perfect compliance, he should be released as he awaits further proceedings.

The prosecution noted that West’s mother opposed Ford’s release and also commented that the defendant was on the run in a previous case.

O’Sullivan responded that the defendant had no prior relationship with West or his family. O’Sullivan also noted that Ford was in the community for a month after the incident with no further incidents, and he willingly turned himself in.

O’Sullivan argued that Ford’s Sixth Amendment rights had been infringed, as the defendant allegedly refused to see his lawyer, preventing him from exercising his right to representation.

The defense argued that DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park conducted an erroneous analysis of the dangerousness question under the bail statute following a preliminary hearing on April 8. Judge Kravitz was unconvinced and agreed with Judge Park’s assessment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 22.

Judge Denies Release For Murder Defendant After Emotional Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause and denied release for a defendant accused of aiding and abetting in a fatal nightclub shooting during a hearing punctuated by grief and anger on June 13.

Cotey Wynn, 44, is charged with aiding and abetting in relation to first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on Sept. 23, 2023, at the former CRU Lounge on the 1300 block of H Street, NE. The incident resulted in the death of 33-year-old former Morgan State University basketball star Blake Bozeman and the injury of three other victims.

Judge Brandt began the hearing by walking through minute-by-minute breakdown of video footage captured by the club the night of the shooting. Based on the footage, the judge said it can be inferred that Wynn and the shooter had some sort of relationship.

Although the shooter and Wynn arrived in separate vehicles, the prosecutor said the pair could be seen interacting multiple times throughout the night, whispering to each other and even returning to the black SUV that Wynn drove to the lounge about halfway through the evening. It is alleged that this is when the two armed themselves before re-entering the club.

The second time the men entered CRU Lounge, they appeared to bypass security more quickly than they had earlier in the night, according to Judge Brandt. The judge said this suggested they may have skipped the security check upon reentry.

Although Wynn is never seen firing a weapon, he is said to observe sitting calmly at the bar as chaos unfolds around him. After the shooting, the gunman allegedly gestured toward Wynn, who remained seated, Judge Brandt stated. The shooter then fled the scene in the black SUV that Wynn had arrived in, according to court documents.

After reviewing the video footage, Judge Brandt ruled there was sufficient evidence to find probable cause connecting Wynn to the shooting.

Defense attorney Brian McDaniel requested Wynn be released under limited conditions. A co-worker and acquaintance of the defendant testified to his character, stating that Wynn had been working in violence intervention and prevention up until the time of his arrest.

During cross-examination, the prosecution asked the witness if he was aware of Wynn’s criminal record. The co-worker admitted he knew Wynn had a criminal history but wasn’t sure what the specific charges were.

The prosecution pointed to Wynn’s extensive criminal record dating back to the 1990s, noting that Wynn had been acquitted in connection to three other murders. His probation had also been revoked on two separate occasions.

The prosecution argued strongly against his release, and Bozeman’s parents delivered emotional impact statements.

Blake’s father spoke first, calling his son a high-achieving and law-abiding citizen. “Only four percent of Black men in this country have a master’s degree, and my son was one of them… This will affect generations,” he said.

Bozeman leaves behind three young children, the oldest of whom is just 10 years old, his parents stated. His father said they will now have to grow up without their dad.

Next, Bozeman’s mother testified about the devastating toll the family’s loss. She described Blake as a good son, a good father, and someone who always made time for his kids. She noted that he had been a single dad at one point. She stated “More important than being accomplished, he was loved.”

Citing Wynn’s violent criminal history and the fact that the alleged shooter remains at large, which raises the possibility that Wynn may know his whereabouts, Judge Brandt ultimately denied his release.

As parties discussed the next court date, several of Wynn’s supporters appeared via Webex video and began shouting slurs and obscenities at the judge in reaction to her decision. The hearing ended abruptly.

The court is expected to reconvene on Aug. 15.

Judge Extends Plea Deal Negotiations in Delivery Service Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman gave the defense more time in a June 13 hearing to come to an agreement on a plea deal for a teen delivery shooting at the beginning of the year.

Michael Alexander, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 21 at a pick-up location of the GoPuff delivery service on the 300 block of S Street, NE.

In a May 7 hearing, the prosecution presented video evidence showing a person identified as Alexander and the victim in a room packed with messengers picking up packages of food and other items stored in bins ready for delivery.

In the following clip two people are seen running out of the building, with the victim apparently circling around Alexander who then, according to the arrest affidavit, aims a gun directly at the victim’s head, fires one shot grazing the victim in the ear.

Alexander has since plead guilty to the charges, stipulating that the prosecution would not seek an indictment. They rejected the deal, prompting defense attorney Albert Amissah to ask the court for time to consider a new plea agreement.

The judge agreed with Amissah’s request and set 90 days before the next hearing on Sept. 12.

Judge Will Consider Carjacking Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean told attorney Theodore Shaw she’d consider his request for release of a carjacking defendant during a hearing on June 17.

Paquette Deshazier, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possessing a firearm during an act of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 2200 block of Newton Street, NE on May 13.

During the hearing, Shaw requested 24-hour home confinement and GPS monitoring for Deshazier. Judge McLean said she needed to review Judge Herrmann’s probable cause findings before discussing the possibility of release.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 1.

Shooting Defendant Reluctantly Agrees to Plea Deal

A 2023 shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 13.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on April 17, 2023. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of I Street, NE.

Additionally, Harrison was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in a stabbing that took place on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE, on April 22, 2024.

During the hearing, Harrison accepted a plea deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill stemming from the shooting, and simple assault stemming from the stabbing, in exchange for all other charges being dropped and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 96 month sentence for assault with intent to kill, which will run concurrently to the 180 days for simple assault.

According to court documents, Harrison had attacked a victim with a knife before being subdued by the victim’s son. The victim’s son identified the defendant as his cousin.

Harrison raised small objections as the plea terms were being read, saying “I don’t agree with the wording, but it’s what I agreed to,” further elaborating that he did not have the intent to kill the victim in the shooting.

However, after being allowed further discussions with Errin Scialpi, Harrison’s attorney, he rescinded his objections and fully accepted the plea agreement. “There’s no issue,” said Harrison.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing Aug. 22.

Judge Modifies Homicide Defendant’s Release, Allowed to Work

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted the defense’s request on June 13 to modify a 2024 homicide defendant’s release conditions so that he may travel to work.

Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Erik Mewborn, 44, on Sept. 14, 2024 on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.

According to court documents, Simms was allegedly caught on surveillance in what appeared to be a robbery. When the individual being robbed produced a gun, the two engaged in a shootout. As the individual ran away, Simms allegedly went in pursuit.. Mewborn, who was sitting outside on the steps of a building, was caught in the crossfire and was shot in the head.

Mani Golzari, Simms’ attorney, requested his client’s release conditions be modified so that Simms, who is currently under home confinement, may travel to work.

Judge Dayson granted the defense’s request maintaining all previous release conditions, with the addition that, as soon as Simms’ employment and schedule is verified by the court, he may begin travel for work.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 22.

Suspect Found Guilty in Garage Shooting

A jury found a shooting defendant guilty ibefore DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 17.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, was convicted on two counts of carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home, for her involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 800 block of V Street, NW on March 2.

According to a witness who lived nearby, Reed was part of an altercation between two groups at the Unity Lounge bar. Court documents note that after she left, Reed allegedly hid behind a wall. As a vehicle was exiting a parking garage, she allegedly shot at it, while the witness watched ncident unfold.

That car ended up colliding with another vehicle, and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) rushed to investigate. Police found Reed at the parking garage but let her go since they let her go after failing to find a firearm.

According to court documents, the MPD then met with a witness, who gave a description of the shooter who the police later connected to Reed on the basis of her unique jacket and shoes.

The MPD issued a warrant for Reed, but she turned herself in weeks later.

During the trial, the prosecution presented photos and videos of the shooting. All of them showed Reed traveling back and forth between the parking garage and the bar, accompanied by her brother or her girlfriend before allegedly opening fire on the vehicle.

Reed’s attorney, Sara Kopecki, argued that the shooter in the video is not Reed, because even the witness that gave the police a description said the shooter was a man.

Kopecki also explained that the detective involved in the case performed a “targeted investigation” by ignoring all the other groups that were moving to and from the parking garage.

Ultimately, the jury trial found Reed guilty.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Deemed Mentally Incompetent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe deemed a shooting defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial in a hearing on June 16..

Donnell Hannah, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an incident, allegedly sparked by an altercation with his partner and her ex-boyfriend, that took place on July 21, 2022 on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

Upon review of a doctor’s report on Hannah’s mental competency to stand trial, Judge Pipe decided to continue his hearing for further mental observation as he was deemed mentally incompetent. In addition, she ordered Hannah to be placed in an outpatient competency restoration program, resume his classes, and continue to work with his doctors.

To stand trial a defendant must show that he is mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and can assist with his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 31.

Defendant’s Girlfriend Testifies in Shooting Case

A shooting defendant’s girlfriend was called by the defense to testify about the incident before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on June 16.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW on March 2, 2024. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting, where they located evidence including cartridge casings inside a parking garage on Florida Avenue.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki called Reed’s girlfriend to testify. She stated that she was present the day of the shooting. According to the witness, they had gone to a club, Unity Lounge, to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The witness noted that the club had extensive security before getting in, including physical patdowns and metal detectors.

Prior to the shooting, the witness alleged that they had decided to leave the club due to large crowds and chaos. She said that she was with Reed when they heard gunshots coming from a parking garage they had left their cars at prior to entering. Reed’s girlfriend said she had driven Reed’s Toyota Camry to the club that night because hers did not have air conditioning.

After hearing the gunshots, Reed’s girlfriend said, everyone that was with them ran into the garage to get their cars and leave because they could not tell where the shots were coming from. When she was able to make it back to the Camry, the witness stated, she noticed Reed being frisked by police. Shortly after, the witness said she was with Reed when a different officer searched her again.

After some of the chaos settled, the witness said, Reed allegedly left the scene while the witness could not because they blocked the parking garage off to secure the crime scene. Eventually all parties were able to leave the scene in the vehicles they arrived in.

The prosecution kept their cross examination brief, asking Reed’s girlfriend if she loved Reed and if she would, “do anything for her”. After the witness answered yes to both questions and clarified some of her testimony, the prosecution rested.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 17.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Metro Shooting Case, Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a shooting defendant’s request for release following a probable cause finding during a June 16 hearing.

Daquan Toland, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on June 2 on the 1100 block of 4th Street, SW.

According to court documents, the incident involved three suspects firing near the Waterfront Metro station, resulting in one adult male victim with a graze wound.

During the hearing, the prosecution called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who confirmed he reported to the incident site about five minutes after the shooting, prepared the affidavit, and identified Toland as the suspect in surveillance footage wearing a white shirt and riding a bike.

According to the detective, Toland fled the scene into the Metro station but was arrested three stops later at the Gallery Place station within minutes allegedly in possession of an unregistered firearm.

The detective said two men in black were involved in the shooting as well as Toland, who also appeared in white clothing. The detective interviewed several witnesses, all of whom mentioned the two individuals in all black but none of whom mentioned a third person involved in the shooting. Surveillance footage showed two men in all black shooting at a Metro station and an individual wearing white, later identified as Toland,shooting back at them.

Henry Druschel, Toland’s attorney, submitted to probable cause on carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, and the prosecution elected to dismiss the assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charges.

Druschel argued that Toland’s shooting was clearly self-defense as he was not the one to initiate the shooting. The defense requested Toland be released and stressed his family support.

According to Druschel, they worry about his epilepsy treatment at the DC Jail. They stated he has a significant employment history, and claimed they could ensure the community’s safety.

The prosecution argued there are no conditions of release that would ensure the safety of the community. They stated the allegations of shooting recklessly at a crowded area during the day are serious and show the defendant had no regard for public safety, especially because the shooting resulted in a disabled victim being injured with a grazed bullet wound. The prosecution also noted that the surveillance video allegedly shows the defendant clutching his firearm first even if he did not shoot first.

Judge Dayson granted the prosecution’s request for a hold given the nature of the charges and Toland’s apparent disregard for public safety. She noted that Toland had described a previous interaction with the two individuals during which they had pulled a gun on him.

Toland was allegedly able to get home but he failed to tell anyone of the incident or call the police. Instead he armed himself and set out to find the other two people who had pulled a gun on him which showed intent.

The parties are slated to reconvene June 26.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant involved in a non-fatal shooting accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on June 16.

Demarco Young, 33, was originally charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public space and carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting between him and another suspect that occurred on Jan. 21 on the 1600 block of Galen Street, SE. No injuries were reported.

Young’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, notified Judge Pipe that Young intended to accept a plea deal extended by the prosecution, which required him to plead guilty to carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home or business in exchange for the prosecution not seeking indictment charges.

The prosecution told Young that although he may have been shot at first, his behavior was not excusable. Further, the prosecution claimed there was proof beyond a reasonable doubt to prove Young’s involvement, pointing out that officers found two groupings of casings at the crime scene.

Judge Pipe deemed that there was a factual basis for the plea and ordered a pre-sentence investigation report for Young.

Further, Judge Pipe ordered that Young be removed from home-confinement due to his compliance with his release conditions but be placed on electronic monitoring to ensure he abides by his stay-away order.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 22 for sentencing.

‘Love you, Bruh,’ Says Mass Shooting Suspect in Evidence of Intimate Instagram Exchange

Prosecutors continued to question an investigative analyst from the US Attorney’s Office who compiled a dataset of six co-defendants’ Instagram accounts and messages before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 17.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the defendants in discarding evidence and avoiding arrest.

The analyst walked the jury through Instagram messages among the defendants from the months leading up to the incident that showed a very close relationship in particular, and a particularly intimate relationship between Dubose and Johnson.

“Love you bruh,” and “love you more,” messages were sent between the defendants on multiple occasions and shown to the jurors.

On Aug. 28, 2021, Dubose allegedly sent multiple messages confirming his possession of a rental car given to him by his then-partner Johnson.

In cross examination the witness clarified the investigation of the Instagram messages was conducted solely with guidance from the prosecution. He was provided with key word search terms from the prosecution and did not do any searches beyond them.

Some of the provided key words included “drake,” “master plan,” “rental(s),” and “phone numbers.” Elizabeth Weller, Thompson’s defense attorney, pointed out that the prosecution did not include the phrase “I love you” in their key word searches despite it showing up on 587 pages of the more than 40,000 page document.

In their redirect, the prosecution clarified that the witness was not involved in any other part of the investigation and was only able to conduct his analysis by being provided the key words to search for.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 18.

Judge Finds No Conflict For Lawyers Representing Murder Defendant

A potential conflict regarding a homicide defendant’s lawyers was resolved in a status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on June 12.

Demonte Gibson, 27, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

Defense attorney Andrew Ain was appointed as conflict council to research the matter following a status hearing on June 6, when Judge Brandt said Gibson’s representation by defense attorneys Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White could pose a conflict of interest.

She stated that the previous appointment of Lisbeth Sapirstein as Gibson’s defense attorney by DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld in another case meant that Sapirstein was to represent Gibson in both proceedings. Thus, a potential violation of the “single representation rule” aimed at preventing situations where lawyers could face mixed loyalties. In other words, by offereing evidence in one case, they could present information that would undermine the other.

For their part, Gardner and White argued under the Sixth Amendment guarantee of legal representation Gibson had the right to continuity of counsel.

Ain concluded that the conflict, if it existed, is waivable, also noting Gibson’s request he wants Gardner and White to stay on the case.

Judge Brandt granted his request.

Meanwhile, White stated her intention to file a motion for release. On June 12, Gardner requested only that Gibson be transferred to the lower security Central Treatment Facility (CTF) due to safety concerns following an attack on the defendant in the jail last week. It is unclear what happened.

Judge Brandt agreed to send a recommendation for the transfer.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 23.

Document: MPD Investigating Fairmont Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a shooting that occurred on Jun 1 in the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, Northwest. An adult male victim was shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, who fled the scene, was captured on surveillance video, and the MPD is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying the individual involved.

Search