Judge Continues to Hold Defendant, ‘Charged With the Most Serious Crime In Our Society’

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson ruled to continue holding a homicide defendant as he awaits trial in a hearing on Feb. 13. The prosecution claims the suspect had a personal animus toward the victim based on her transgender identity.

38-year-old Edgar Arrington is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Daquane Johnson, who sustained four gunshot wounds to the chest and the right shoulder. The incident occurred on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE, on July 5, 2025.

The nature of this case, the charges against him, and his past history are all reasons why Arrington will remain in custody, Judge Dayson said.

During the hearing, Rachel Cicurel, Arrington’s attorney, argued for his release to 24-hour home confinement. According to Cicurel, Arrington has a large and very supportive family, many of whom were present via webex.

They are shocked to see their “loving and genuine” family member involved in an incident like this, she asserted.

Cicurel stated that Arrington had many ties to the community– he is a stable force for his long-term partner’s children, a church-goer, and he has a large network of family and friends in both DC and North Carolina. There are multiple people more than willing to house Arrington while he is on home confinement, Cicurel said.

Contrary to Cicurel, the prosecutor argued for Judge Dayson to continue holding Arrington. He is accused of murdering an unarmed person solely out of personal animosity, the prosecutor said.

Arrington is “charged with the most serious crime in our society,” the prosecutor emphasized. He is a “loose cannon” and an “absolute danger.”

The prosecutor said Johnson was transgender and that’s why Arrington shot her. The prosecutor maintained that the defendant has an absolute antipathy for those who aren’t like him. According to the prosecutor, the court already found probable cause for the crime and the weight of the evidence cannot be overstated.

Additionally, Arrington’s 20 year criminal history and violent behavior support detention, she argued. Being with his family, said the prosecutor, was “not a deterrent before, and there’s no reason [it] would be a deterrent now.”

According to the prosecutor, Arrington has multiple assaults against family members.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5.

Judge Orders Another Mental Competency Hearing in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe scheduled a hearing to determine if a shooting defendant’s mental competency could be restored on Feb. 18.

Donnell Hannah, 27, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE on July 21, 2022. No injuries were reported but one individual was targeted.

According to court documents, Hannah allegedly got into an argument with a man over a woman’s car keys with whom he was romantically involved. The man then reportedly attempted to stab Hannah and Hannah shot at him. The man allegedly returned fire with his gun before two nearby Special Police Officers (SPOs) intervened and told them to drop their weapons.

According to court records, the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Hannah mentally incompetent and ordering out-patient restoration on Feb. 5. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.

Regarding the DBH report, Hannah’s attorney, Russell Hairston, told Judge Pipe he believed Hannah would attain competency in the foreseeable future. Court records indicate DBH first found Hannah incompetent in May 2025.

The prosecution recommended that Hannah receive treatment to restore his competency, based on the most recent DBH report.

Judge Pipe scheduled a hearing for an expert to testify to determine whether Hannah’s competency could be restored.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 20.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant in a brutal assault entered into a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan during a felony arraignment hearing Feb. 19.

Michael Sanders, 31, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an April 1, 2025 non-fatal stabbing that occurred while Sanders was incarcerated at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. One victim sustained 18 stab wounds.

After Sanders was arraigned on the charges against him, his attorney, Daniel Kovler, said his client accepted an agreement from the prosecution which required Sanders to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. As a result, the other charge against Sanders would be dismissed.

According to the prosecution, if the case had gone to trial, they would have proven that Sanders voluntarily assaulted the victim with a sharp object after the two men had been talking outside of a jail cell. Surveillance footage would have shown Sanders lunging towards the victim and making stabbing motions.

Kovler requested that sentencing be delayed until after Sanders’ September trial for another matter. However, the prosecution insisted that this delay would unfairly prejudice their case.

Judge Ryan denied Kovler’s request, stipulating that he would be willing to delay sentencing if an agreement is reached between the parties before sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 15 for sentencing.

Evidence Credibility Debated in Random Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied release for a shooting defendant despite questions about the validity of evidence in a random shooting case during a status hearing on Feb. 17.

Christopher Warren, 42, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on Aug. 20, 2024. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm along with bone fractures to his shoulder and the right side of his neck.

According to court documents, the victim and Warren were driving in separate cars when the victim allegedly heard three gunshots. The victim said he felt the glass of his vehicle break before his right arm went numb. Allegedly, there were two additional people in Warren’s vehicle at the time. Warren and the victim did not know each other, the alleged shooting appearing to be random.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested that Warren stay in jail. They argued that based on the random nature of the offense Warren would be a danger to the community if released.

The prosecution acknowledged Warren didn’t have a criminal history. However, the prosecutor explained the hold would give the parties more time to discuss issues in the case.

Emma Mlyniec, Warren’s attorney, stated there was nothing more Warren could have done to prove he’d be compliant during release. She stated that the case against Warren is completely circumstantial and called into question the strength of the prosecution’s evidence including three other DNA profiles that were found on the firearm, weakening the prosecution’s argument that Warren was the only owner of the gun and it’s evidentiary value in question.

She said the victim’s car was not preserved, there was no trajectory analysis done, no recovery of projectiles, and the footage of the car being processed was destroyed.

The defense also questioned the credibility of the victim, who was the sole eyewitness in the case, stating that the victim provided false statements regarding an attorney he talked to during the grand jury investigation.

Given what the defense called deficiencies on the prosecution’s, they asked for release on home confinement.

Nonetheless, Judge Arthur granted the prosecution’s request, declaring the defendant would remain in detention, stating that the randomness of the alleged attack made public safety a concern.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer and decided to proceed to trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 18.

Korin Agnew, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Korey Glasker on Sept. 11, 2024, on the 3700 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Glasker sustained one gunshot wound to his back.

Agnew’s attorneys, Sara Kopecki and Janai Reed, informed Judge Ryan that their client rejected a plea deal from prosecutors. The deal required Agnew to plead guilty to manslaughter while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges.

Agnew rejected the plea offer in favor of a trial. The prosecutor was stand-in so parties could not set a trial date during the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

Document: MPD Investigating K Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 300 block of K Street, SE. The victim, identified as 18-year-old Dontay Smith of Southeast, DC, was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene.

Jail Stabbing Co-Defendant Won’t Appear in Court

A co-defendant accused of stabbing a fellow inmate in jail refused to get off the bus for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones.

DeVaughn Gibbs, 18, Kwesi Pyne, 20, Marlan Smith Jr., 18, Antoine Jones, 23, and Jaliel Holland, 25, are co-defendants charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate in the showers at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The victim sustained two stab wounds in his back.

At the defendants’ scheduled preliminary hearing, the US Marshals informed parties that Gibbs refused to appear for the proceeding insisting to stay on the bus.

The attorneys for the other four co-defendants waived their clients appearances due to conflicts with timing or defendants held in other jurisdictions.

The parties for Gibbs case are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 26. The remaining four co-defendants are scheduled to appear on March 11.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Enters Guilty Plea

At a status hearing on Feb. 13, a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Ke’shaun Farmer, 27, was initially charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, endangerment with a firearm, malicious disfigurement while armed, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting on Feb. 18, 2025 on the 3700 block of Jamison Street, NE, which left one victim injured.

During the hearing, Farmer confirmed his agreement to enter into a plea, and his attorney, Bernadette Armand, shared the terms of the agreement. The plea deal would require Farmer to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous crime with the condition that the prosecution would dismiss all remaining charges.

The prosecution presented a factual basis for the plea, including evidence that would have proven that Farmer did not have legal ownership of the firearm used in the incident and that he caused the victim serious bodily injury.

As part of the plea agreement, parties agreed to a sentence of six years for Farmer, which is subject to the judge’s approval at sentencing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Apr. 10 for sentencing.

Judge Denies Motion To Suppress Homicide Defendant’s Identification

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a defense motion to suppress witnesses’ identification of a homicide defendant who they knew at a motion hearing on Feb. 13.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards at the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023. Edwards sustained four gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, parties discussed a motion filed by Tyler’s attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White, to suppress Tyler’s identification.

The prosecutors called in the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the case to testify regarding their opposition to the motion. The detective testified about witnesses who identified Tyler as those who had relationships with him, either prior to or around the time of the homicide. The prosecutors argued that all the witnesses’ statements support identification of Tyler as the shooter.

The detective testified that five witnesses’ identified Tyler in photographs, surveillance footage, and social media images shown to them. According to the detective, these witnesses lived in the same apartment building as Tyler, had some sort of romantic relationship with him, or were his friends. The prosecutors claimed that the witnesses’ connections with Tyler strengthened their identification of him.

There was one witness, who the detective said referred to Tyler at first by a different name, “Henry,” but the witness later confirmed she was referring to Tyler.

Gardner challenged the credibility of the witnesses’ identifications. He argued that some of the witnesses only had a few interactions with Tyler which made their identification of him in photos unreliable.

According to Gardner, one witness that identified Tyler has a pending domestic violence case against him.

Gardner asked Judge Park to suppress the witnesses’ identification of Tyler.

Judge Park rejected the defense motion and stated that the identifications of Tyler were reliable and could be presented at trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 17.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 13 charges during a felony arraignment hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Micheal Ryan on Feb.17.

Daniel Thomas, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his alleged involvement in the death of 47-year-old Jeanette Walls during a drive-by shooting on the 4300 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Nov 11, 2020.

According to court documents, Walls died from a gunshot wound to the head. Two other victims, who suffered from non-life threatening injuries, were transported to a nearby hospital.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Thomas’ defense attorney, alerted the judge of his client’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges, emphasizing his right to a speedy trial.

Baldwin received the prosecution’s evidence on Feb. 17. He requested to reconvene at a later date to examine it.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 6.

Judge Imposes Suspended Sentence in Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant received a suspended sentence after he entered a guilty plea on Feb. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Melvin Cabrera, 25, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an altercation that took place on the unit block of Atlantic Street, SE on Nov. 6, 2025. The victim sustained several lacerations to his hand from a silver pocket knife.

During a felony status conference, Cabrera accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges against Cabrera.

Judge McLean confirmed that Cabrera understood the terms of the agreement and accepted it knowingly and voluntarily.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred while Cabrera was intoxicated and became frustrated that the victim would not give him another beer. During the dispute Cabrera told the victim, “If you call the police, I have cousins that can come kill you all.”

The prosecution requested a 180 day concurrent sentence for each charge, suspended sentence in favor or one year of probation. The prosecutor also requested that Cabrera receive substance abuse treatment through the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) due to the nature of the offense as well as a stay-away order from the victim.

Defense counsel, John Machado, asked that the sentences run concurrently and requested sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which provides the potential for reduced sentences for offenders under 25 years old at the time of the crime and allows them to have their convictions cleared or sealed after they successfully complete their sentence. Machado noted that Cabrera was 24 years old at the time of the offense and has the potential for rehabilitation.

Judge McLean granted the request for Cabrera to be sentenced under the YRA, sentencing him to 180 days in prison for each charge, to run concurrently, all suspended.

Cabrera must serve one year of probation and complete 90 hours of community service. Judge McLean also ordered Cabrera to stay-away from the victim and complete substance abuse treatment as deemed necessary by CSOSA.

No future proceedings were scheduled.

Elderly Stabbing Defendant Released After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

An octogenarian stabbing defendant was released to GPS monitoring with a stay-away order after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Feb. 10 before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond.

James Johnson, 83, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1600 block of Bladensburg Road, NE on Feb. 6. The surviving victim sustained three stab wounds.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Matthew Rist, alerted the court of Johnson’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing which was accepted by Judge Raymond. Rist also requested that Johnson be released with a stay-away order from the victim.

The prosecutor requested Johnson remain detained because he posed a threat to the community, citing his firearm and drug convictions in the 1990s.

Rist assured Judge Raymond that Johnson had no contact with the criminal justice system since then, and added that due to Johnson’s age, it was “extremely difficult” for him at the DC Jail.

According to Rist, Johnson had spinal surgery scheduled on Feb. 18 and is currently unable to walk, emphasizing that it would be far easier on Johnson’s health if he was released.

Rist added that Johnson would follow any terms of release imposed by the court and had a network of support in the community.

Judge Raymond granted Johnson’s release with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the victim, stating that she wanted to give him a chance because she “wasn’t sure how he would fare” in the DC Jail due to his advanced age. Judge Raymond also ordered Johnson to call the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week to check in.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 24.

Document: MPD Investigating 14th Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 13 on 14th Street, NW. Nehemia Jamaane Williams, 22, was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle and later died at the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect information has been released.

Accessory Charge Dropped for Shooting Defendant

Prosecutors dismissed an accessory after the fact charge for a shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 10.

Gerald Day, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, carry pistol without a license outside home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly holding a gun to a woman’s face after she argued with a group of his friends at the intersection of O Street and Carrolsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024 to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation. According to court documents, a witness told police Day tried to stop Poston from firing before they fled together in a silver truck.

At the hearing, prosecutors dismissed the accessory after the fact for assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly helping Polston flee. They did not provide a reason for the dismissal.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, requested that the prosecutors advise their witnesses not to discuss anything related to the actual shooting during trial. The prosecutors agreed if the defense agreed to not discuss any of the circumstances that led to the shooting.

According to the prosecutor, surveillance footage showed Day pulling a gun on the victim then kicking her car door in when she attempted to leave the area. The shooting was captured by a witness’ iPhone camera, the prosecutor said.

“As far as we’re concerned, Mr. Day’s conduct ends with this quote-unquote ‘doorkicking,” Polin said. “What happened after that – to be honest with you – we don’t care.”

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on Feb. 11.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Jailed

A defendant charged in a carjacking case waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 10.

Damarco Jackson, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the following incidents in a two day spree:

Stealing a vehicle on March 12, 2025 on the 4600 block of Livingston Road, SE,
An armed carjacking on March 13, 2025 on the 1800 block of Varnum Street, NE,
Stealing a vehicle on March 13, 2025 on the 2300 block of Ainger Place, SE,
Two armed robberies on March 13, 2025 at the intersection of Oklahoma Avenue and E Street, NE and on the 400 block of 21st Street, NE.

At the hearing, Jackson’s attorney, Quiana Harris, informed parties her client signed a waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Jones ensured Jackson’s waiver was knowing and voluntary.

Harris then asked Judge Jones to release Jackson in this matter, although Jackson is currently serving a sentence for an unrelated case.

The prosecution objected to this request because they wanted to ensure Jackson would remain held in DC and not transferred to another jurisdiction. Judge Jones agreed with prosecutors, and maintained Jackson’s hold.

Harris also stated that the defense planned to engage in plea negotiations with the prosecution before the next hearing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 18.

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