‘I Was in a Mode of Survival,’ Defendant Testifies in Shooting Trial

A shooting defendant testified she was only attempting to avoid conflict in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen Mclean on March 17.

Ni’Jhae Curry, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting on Oct. 17, 2023 on the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE. No injuries were reported.

In her testimony, Curry claimed she had a “very odd initial relationship” with the victim when they first met working at the DC Department of Employment Services (DES), and their feelings toward each other were “very up and down.”

According to Curry, the falling out between the two occurred when Curry was giving the victim a ride home from work. They stopped by a friend of the victim’s to buy marijuana and transaction made her at ease with the victim. Meanwhile, Curry learned that the victim has “blocked” incoming calls from her phone and social media accounts, thereby elevating her concern.

That’s when Curry says the victim started to spread rumors about her at work.

Curry testified that seven months before the shooting, the victim harassed her in their workplace break room to the point that other individuals had to hold her back and cover her mouth. A witness present on that day was called by the defense, and she testified that Curry was standing in the corner and not escalating the situation.

Curry told the jury that she wrote multiple complains to her supervisors at DES, and the victim was finally fired from the job one month before the incident. She stated that the victim “escalated every time she could, she aggressed at me.”

On the date of the incident, Curry and the victim crossed paths in their apartment building. and began to fight in the hallway.

Curry’s neighbor witnessed the fight and was called by the defense. He testified that it was “just a catfight” and that it “didn’t seem serious” to him. He also stated that he didn’t hear mention of any guns during the fight, but Curry claimed that the victim was threatening to shoot her.

Curry stated that after the fight, she went into her apartment despite feeling “unsafe.” She considered calling 911, but decided against it because “they take forever to show up”. Hallway video footage shows Curry leaving her apartment allegedly with a nine millimeter handgun.

She claimed that she was “threatened with bodily harm” and knew the victim would “come back for her.”

When Curry walked out, she allegedly saw the victim “running towards her with something black in her hand,” and fired a “warning” shot into the air. However, the victim did not have a firearm.

Curry stated “I didn’t want to hit her or anything else. I just wanted her to leave”.

During cross-examination, prosecutors inquired as to why Curry did not call the police if she felt extremely in danger. Curry responded by stating “I was in a mode of survival,” and “I never meant to hurt anyone.”

Curry’s testimony will continue March 18.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

Rubin Holman waived his right to test DNA evidence during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 14.

Holman, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Oct. 4, 2022.

According to arrest documents, the victim was a CVS store employee. He told police he was stabbed in the neck by an individual he asked to leave the store after allegedly taking soda and chips without paying.

Holman’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, appeared in court virtually from the DC Jail alongside his client.

Winograd told the court the prosecution isn’t testing any DNA evidence in this case, only fingerprints.

The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30.

Defense Challenges DNA Evidence in Murder Case

During a status hearing on March 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, the prosecution presented crime scene evidence they say is a close match to the defendant’s DNA profile, prompting the defense to ask for a retest of the genetic samples by their expert.

Jayden Bracey, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the murder of Angela Washington, 42, on Sept. 2, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

During the proceeding, the prosecution presented physical evidence including bullet fragments, six casings, nine additional ballistic remnants, and four swabbed casings in their case.

The swabbed casings underwent DNA analysis and fingerprint testing, and one of the casings returned with identification information that is said to implicate Brady, according to the prosecution.

Bracey and his defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, agreed to have one casing retested by their expert.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.

Two Armed Carjacking Co-Defendants Denied Stepped-Down Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied one carjacking co-defendant’s release and a second co-defendant’s release modification on March 18.

Antonio Kent, 19, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 1, 2024 on the 5500 block of Jay Street, NE.

Darryl Butler, 19, and Julan Byrd, 17, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for alleged involvement in the same incident. Byrd is additionally charged with robbery while armed.

During the hearing, Kent’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas Jr., asked the Court to put Kent on GPS ankle monitoring. He added that this change would allow Kent to participate in a program to receive his driver’s license.

The prosecution argued that there is no combination of release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community as Kent currently has a pending firearm case. As a result, Judge Di Toro denied the defense’s request for release.

Byrd’s defense attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, requested that the Court amend Byrd’s stay away order, a release condition that prevents him from entering Washington, DC. Govindaraju told the Court that Byrd goes to school close to the DC border, and is often rerouted into the city. He recently violated the stay away order as a result.

The prosecution said this modification would not work logistically. Judge Di Toro denied the defense’s request but said she would assess any notices of non-compliances as they arise.

Parties are expected to reconvene on April 18.

Judge Quashes Some Prosecution Evidence in Triple-Homicide Trial

More than three weeks after a jury trial was slated to begin, the final motions for a six co-defendant homicide case were decided by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 17, giving the defense a partial victory on constitutional grounds.

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 Baxter, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each have nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each gave one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee has two more counts on 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 each 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 each have an additional charge 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 defense’s motion to suppress the evidence found from the search warrant for Thompson’s Instagram account was sustained by Judge Kravitz, ruling that the search violated the Fourth Amendment protection against illegal search and seizure. The defense then pushed to suppress the T-Mobile phone records, as the records were found through the now invalid Instagram warrant information.

Judge Kravitz applied the “inevitable discovery doctrine,” which is the exception to illegally obtained evidence. He reasoned that the T-Mobile records would have likely been obtained if law enforcement had continued their search separate from the Instagram account.

Similarly, the defense filed a motion to suppress evidence obtained through a search of Thompson’s home. Thompson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Weller, argued that the probe was tainted by the poisonous fruits of the Instagram warrant, making it unlawfully obtained evidence.

Kravitz disagreed, saying that prosecutors presented significant evidence Thompson was a suspect, and the motion to suppress obtained from the home search was denied.

Finally, the prosecution sought to admit evidence obtained in a search warrant for Rezene’s Instagram account that was conducted in relation to another one of his cases. Rezene’s defense objected, saying that this evidence was disclosed far too late into the process and the defense received no prior notice of introduction from the prosecution.

Judge Kravitz is allowing the prosecution to admit this into evidence, but also allowing Rezene’s counsel to challenge it on Fourth Amendment grounds. The prosecution has until 5 p. m. on March 17 to decide if they want to follow through with this evidence, risking a further delay in jury selection while additional oral arguments are conducted.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on March 19.

Detective Outlines Multiple Wounds Sustained by Homicide Victim

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective outlined the injuries sustained by a homicide victim in front of DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 13.

Quateze Moore, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Martinez Robinson, 25, on August 23, 2024, on the 1300 block of Girard Street, NW. Robinson suffered multiple gunshot wounds, succumbing to his wounds at a local hospital.

In court, the prosecution had the detective watch and explain surveillance footage from outside the park where the homicide occurred. This included MPD crime cameras that showed the entrance to the park.

Madalyn Harvey, Moore’s attorney, questioned the detective on the location of the gunshot wounds on Robinson, pertaining to a potential self-defense claim. The detective stated that all four of the gunshot wounds were on the front side of the victim’s body. Harvey also mentioned that the victim had prior convictions for gun arrests, which was corroborated by MPD.

Harvey also asked the detective questions addressing Robinson’s undergarments, as a gun was found “in his briefs.” According to the detective, the gun found at the scene was possessed illegally, had a laser scope, an extended magazine, and a ‘giggleswitch’, which changes the pistol from semi-automatic to automatic.

Due to time constraints, parties were unable to conclude the detective’s questioning.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 4.

Convicted Shooter’s Probation Extended For Noncompliance

A non-fatal shooting defendant’s probation was extended by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen Mclean on March 17, following probation violations.

Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2021 to unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported in connection to the incident.

According to a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Parker has not completed the domestic violence program required for probation. He has allegedly been in and out of the program several times due to noncompliance, and the program may not accept him for reenrollment.

According to the prosecution, Parker was recently enrolled in an alternate domestic violence intervention program, but could not complete it due to financial hardship.

Judge McLean ruled that Parker’s probation will be extended 60 days and parties will return to discuss if he has been reaccepted into the CSOSA program.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

‘They Surround Him Like Sharks in Water,’ Says Defense Attorney in Closing Statements

Parties delivered closing statements for a homicide trial in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on March 13.

Nyjell Outler, 22, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Demetris Johnson, 21, on March 20, 2021 on the unit block of Madison Street, NE at a gender reveal party. The incident also left another victim injured in both legs. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Outler’s release for another matter.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution told the jury to watch the video evidence of the event thoroughly and responsibly. According to the prosecution, the footage shows Outler arriving at the party holding a backpack, while the prosecution stated the defendant knew what he was doing as he walked “calmly.”

Walking out of the party and into the driveway, Outler allegedly passed three individuals, including Johnson. He then turns around to face them again with his weapon in hand, according to the prosecution. They argued that this action was unprovoked, and the others’ behavior was non-threatening.

According to the prosecution, the large rifle used in the shooting was in Outler’s backpack the whole time he attended the party. They argued that a gun of that size is not for self-defense, and that Outler was the clear aggressor.

Prosecutors showed more footage from neighboring streets that showed Outler allegedly fleeing the scene and chasing after an individual he targeted.

The prosecution reviewed the events that occurred after the shooting, including tampering with a GPS monitor only hours afterward. Eleven months later, Outler was located by police outside his apartment in Florida with buzzed hair and a ski mask.

Gemma Stevens, Outler’s defense attorney, told the jury that “what they brought you is a lot of speculation and finger pointing,” regarding the prosecution’s presentation of the evidence.

Stevens replayed the incident video and paused at a frame that showed one individual flashing his coat with a firearm inside. Although the video is blurry, Stevens argued that Johnson had his hand in his coat pocket, where responders found a firearm after the shooting.

She stated that “they surround him like sharks in water” and Outler reasonably believed that the use of force was necessary at that moment.

Stevens argued that the only eyewitness called by the prosecution is an admitted perjurer, and lied to the grand jury about seeing a gun other than the defendant’s on the night of the incident. However, the video appears to show that he saw a gun when the victim flashed his coat in the witness’ direction.

Stevens also stated that the eyewitness did not deny a possible plan to rob or assault Outler, and instead said he “couldn’t remember”. Stevens referred to Outler as “an easy target” because he was wearing an expensive jacket the night of the party.

Stevens ended her statements with “looking at the footage now, it seems slow and deliberate”. She argued that these young men were afraid, and Outler was lawfully allowed to meet deadly force with deadly force.

Jury deliberations will begin March 14.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on March 16. Officers found 42-year-old Marcus Kelly, of Upper Marlboro, MD, with a life-threatening gunshot wound on the 1100 block of Chaplin Street, SE. Despite efforts to save him, Kelly was pronounced deceased. The case is still under investigation.

Stabbing Defendant’s Request for Ill Health Release Denied

An attorney representing a stabbing client requested his client’s release due to health issues, but the motion was denied by DC Superior court Judge Heidi Pasichow on March 11.

Brenda Blanco, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 3600 block of 14th Street, NW.

Blanco’s attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, alerted Judge Pasichow about Blanco’s previous hospitalization for severe health conditions including cardiac arrests, which he argued should be enough reason to approve Blanco’s release.

The prosecution opposed the motion, mentioning surveillance footage of the stabbing incident and identification of the defendant by police officers. The prosecution also stated that the defendant previously tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in jail.

Judge Pasichow denied Blanco’s request for her release and filed for a medical alert instead, which would facilitate her receiving treatment while at the DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 19.

Victim Grilled by Defense in Shooting Trial

The victim of a non-fatal shooting faced a withering cross-examination by the defense before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean’s courtroom on March 13.

In her testimony, the victim recounted having worked with and becoming acquainted with Curry before Curry moved into the same apartment complex. After a falling out, the two began frequently arguing at work, which culminated in Curry’s allegedly attacking the victim.

The victim stated that Curry aggressively approached her indicating she wanted to fight, prompting her to defend herself. After the pair was separated, the victim eventually left the area to meet police responding to her 911 call. It was then that Curry allegedly returned with a gun and shot in the victim’s direction.

Curry’s attorney, Jonathon Love, questioned the victim about previous arguments with Curry. According to Love, the victim allegedly spread rumors about Curry, resulting in the victim’s receiving an email admonishing her “unprofessional behavior.”

The cross-examination raised numerous prosecution objections about argumentative tactics with Judge McLean frequently taking the prosecution’s side. They cited questioning the victim about her ability to defend herself. She said that being from southeast DC, she’d seen many fights, but Love repeatedly accused her of getting into fights.

A crime scene technician with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) explained he acquired a swab of Curry’s DNA to use as reference against other DNA evidence.

A DNA analyst testified that samples from the recovered firearms and magazines were extremely likely to bear Curry’s genetic fingerprint..

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 17.

Murder Victim’s Mother Can Testify at The Beginning Says Judge

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied the defense’s so-called motion in limine to preclude the victim’s mother from testifying at an early phase of the proceeding. .

Demonte Gibson, 27, Tre’quan Nelson, 25, 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 that occurred on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, filed the motion to preclude the next of kin, King’s Mother, from testifying in regard to the kind of person he was. Nelson and Forte’s attorneys joined Gardner in this motion. No further statements were made by either the defense or the prosecution on the matter.

After reviewing the motion, Judge Brandt concluded that the testimony of the next of kin was important to build the prosecution’s case and needed leeway.

Additionally, the prosecution mentioned that some of the defense’s witnesses were Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) members who were involved in King’s prior arrests, and wanted to exclude testimony that could impugn the victim’s character.

Judge Brandt stated she does not know how the defense will argue their case. If self-defense is an argument, the defense is allowed to present those witnesses, also stating that the prosecution will get a chance to rebut any argument made by the defense.

Jury Selection is slated to take place over the next couple of days.

Mass Shooting Defendant Motions for New Trial in 7-Year-Old Case

A mass shooting defendant argued his counsel was ineffective and motioned for a new trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun in a hearing on March 17.

Antonio Murchison, 32, and Mark Price, 30, were convicted by a jury on Sept. 3, 2024 of conspiracy, first-degree murder premeditated while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed.

The charges stem from their involvement in a mass shooting on July 16, 2018 on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE that killed ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four additional individuals.

Prior to the hearing, Murchison filed motions on his own behalf to remove his counsel and vacate his conviction. Murchison argued his defense attorneys, Michael Bruckheim and Steven Ogilvie, “conspired against [him]” with the prosecution. Murchison added that his attorneys allowed evidence without objection and refused to contact the prosecution for exculpatory evidence.

In one motion, filed on March 12, Murchison claimed his attorneys were ineffective by “neglecting to advocate for [his] legal rights and failing to take necessary actions to ensure a fair legal process.”

The prosecution objected to the motion noting the late nature of the request given the jury reached a verdict in September and sentencing is scheduled for this month. Bruckheim and Ogilvie voiced no objection.

Judge Okun granted Murchison’s motion to remove his counsel expressing “unfortunately I feel constrained to grant the request” despite the homicide occurring more than six years ago. The judge added that there was “clearly a rupture between Mr. Murchison and his lawyers.”

Regarding Murchison’s motion for a new trial, Judge Okun expects his new attorney will add a supplemental motion initiating the prosecution’s response.

Judge Okun also granted Price’s motion to continue sentencing with no objection from the prosecution because they want the co-defendants sentenced at the same time.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 27 to establish Murchison’s new counsel.

Brothers Accused of Murder Want Different Trial Dates

A homicide co-defendant asked DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to sever his case from his brother’s on March 14.

Juvan Alston, 23, and Davon Alston, 22, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17- year-old Dennis Simms on July 1, 2022, on the block of 809 Yuma Street, SE.

Juvan’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, asked Judge Kravitz to cancel the trial date of April 14 and reschedule for a later date so LoGerfo can further investigate before the trial.

Davon’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, told the court her client wants an earlier trial date than Juvan. Harvey asked to sever his case from his brother’s because she’s concerned, if the two co-defendants are tried together, the prosecution could use a statement made by Juvan as evidence against Davon.

The prosecution told Judge Kravitz they want to try both co-defendants together because the two are accused of conspiracy. The prosecution said they’re willing to use only part of Juvan’s statement in testimony, or even omit it altogether, if that is what’s necessary to prevent severing the cases.

Judge Kravitz delayed the trial to June 15, 2026. He instructed the prosecution to provide the defense with a list of joint statements by the defendants that the prosecution intends to use as evidence by April 14. He told Harvey to file her motion to sever the cases by May 14.

Parties are next scheduled to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Homicide Defendant Can Test DNA Evidence After First Waiving Rights

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz approved Tyler Stringfield‘s request to test DNA evidence at a hearing on March 14, even though Stringfield previously waived his right to perform independent testing.

Stringfield, 26, Raymond Avent, 25, and Keith Baham, 25, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle, fleeing a law enforcement officer, leaving after colliding with property damage or injury to an animal while armed, destruction of property worth less than $1000, and two counts of destruction of property worth $1000 or more. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the death of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 23, 2019.

Avent is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and conspiracy. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal DC Jail stabbing on June 3, 2021, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

Stringfield’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, said Stringfield waived his right to DNA testing under the guidance of a different attorney, before Kiersh took on his case in December of 2024.

Kiersh suggested that Stringfield might not have been implicated by the prosecution’s DNA test results at the time that he waived his rights to testing, but the prosecutor said he was.

The prosecutor opposed allowing Stringfield to test DNA evidence, saying, “I’m personally a tax payer. It’s a waste of money.”

When Judge Kravitz asked for a professional rather than a personal reason to oppose testing, the prosecutor said there may not be adequate time before the trial date of Sept. 22. According to the prosecutor, Stringfield’s DNA test results must be available at least four months before the start of trial in order for the prosecution to prepare adequately.

Kiersh said he thought he could meet that deadline because the lab he uses for DNA testing usually has a six-to-eight-week turnaround time, although he doesn’t know for certain what their workload is right now.

Judge Kravitz promised to sign the order for testing as soon as it’s sent to his chambers.

The next hearing in this case is set for May 16.

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