Judge Removes GPS Monitor From Machete Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro released a stabbing defendant from GPS monitoring in a hearing on April 20.

Eduavdo Gonzalez, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on the 5100 block of Yuma Court, NW on Feb. 7. The victim, a relative of Gonzalez, was allegedly cut in the hand by a machete

According to court records, Joseph Scrofano, Gonzalez’s attorney, filed a motion on April 15 to change his client’s release conditions so his GPS monitor could be removed pending trial.

The prosecution had no opposition to the removal, but asked that the stay-away order from the victim remain in effect, which Scrofano did not oppose.

Judge Di Toro granted the GPS removal and the stay-away order will remain in effect.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 10.

Shooting Defendant on Probation Fails to Appear in Court

A shooting defendant failed to appear in court for a probation hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 20.

Robert Crowder, 35, was sentenced on Aug. 23, 2024 to 40 months imprisonment, suspended in favor of 24 months imprisonment, followed by five years of probation for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year and destruction of property over $1,000 for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1100 block of 2nd Place, SE on Aug. 22, 2023. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, not only was Crowder not present but his attorney, John Sample, said he was unable to contact him because he did not have Crowder’s phone number. Additionally, Sample was unable to say where Crowder was current nor his reason for not appearing.

A representative from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), stated that she had informed Crowder on April 17, that he had a hearing on April 20.

Sample stated that Crowder has two additional trial dates set for June 29 and August 26, for two unrelated cases. Parties agreed to set a new probation hearing out until after both cases have been resolved.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 31.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Held on Unrelated Charges

A carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges read at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 17.

Antwon Brown, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and first degree theft for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE on July 20, 2023.

Brown’s attorney, Quiana Harris, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. She asserted Brown’s Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination and ensure a fair and speedy trial.

Brown is currently detained at the DC Jail on unrelated charges in a strangulation case.

Judge Arthur denied Brown’s motion to reverse DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann’s finding of probable cause in the strangulation case. Judge Arthur also denied Brown’s bond review motion, meaning he will continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Held Pending Sentence

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal admitting to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 20.

Jasmine Berliner, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on March 26 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NE. The victim sustained stab wounds to the chest, hand, arm, and shoulder after an argument with Berliner.

The prosecution extended an offer that required Berliner to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss any greater charges and not seek an indictment with additional charges.

The prosecution said that if the case had gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Berliner pulled a knife out of her purse and stabbed the victim after the victim slapped her.

Berliner said she did not agree with this statement, saying the victim did not slap her, instead gave two “closed fist punches.” The prosecution agreed to change the verbiage from “slapped” to “punched,” as long as the defense agreed that the stabbing was not self-defense. Judge McLean then accepted Berliner’s guilty plea.

Adam Harris, Berliner’s attorney, requested Berliner be released pending sentencing. The prosecution objected, stating that Berliner showed no remorse for her actions and also had a prior assault conviction in an unrelated case.

Judge McLean stated that DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum originally ruled that Berliner would be held, stating that she would uphold his decision.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on June 5.

Prosecutors Dismiss Domestic Shooting Case

Prosecutors dismissed a case for a defendant accused of shooting at his romantic partner in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 17.

Anthony McKoy, 34, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a parking lot shooting on the 5300 block of E Street, SE, on Jan. 1. No injuries were reported but police recovered seven shell casings.

According to court records, McKoy and the victim had an on-and-off romantic relationship for over nine years.

Judge McLean dismissed the charges against McKoy after prosecutors filed a notice of Nolle Prosequi, indicating they will no longer pursue the case at this time.

McKoy is no longer held in this case and no further dates were set.

Prelim Delayed Again For Suspect in Three Shooting, Carjacking Cases

DC Superior Judge Renee Raymond granted a posponement for a defendant facing charges in three separate cases, delaying proceedings on April 20.

Malique Outland, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 200 block of 37th Place, SE on Aug 16, 2023. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh.

In a separate case, Outland is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 100 block of R Street, SE, on Aug 28, 2023. No injuries were reported.

Outland is charged in a third case with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 1000 block of Spring Road, NW, on Sept 3, 2023. The victim was reportedly punched in the forehead.

During the hearing, both parties agreed to a continuance in all three cases, his preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for Oct. 23, 2023.

Judge Raymond spoke with the parties privately and then stated she accepted the continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 16.

Defense Attorney to Withdraw 3 Months Before Homicide Trial

A defense attorney in a homicide case told DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman that she would no longer represent her client in trial in a hearing on April 21.

Correy Ray, 47, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Marjai Wimbush on Dec. 4, 2022 at the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Wimbush died from a single gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.

Ray’s defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, told Judge Edelman that she was leaving the Public Defender Service (PDS) before Ray’s scheduled trial on July 6. Cicurel expected to know within the next 10 days which PDS attorney will take over Ray’s case for her.

Meanwhile, Cicurel was not ready to proceed with an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing, which allows a defendant to independently test the prosecution’s DNA evidence and that she would like more time to review the situation with Ray.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a hearing on April 17.

Bobby Jordan also known as Hilman Ray Jordan, 52, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for the fatal shooting of Jawaid Bhutto, 64, on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.

Jordan’s attorneys, Dana Page and Christen Philips, said they agreed with prosecutors that pleading NGRI to first-degree murder while armed with a firearm was the best course for Jordan’s case.

An insanity plea means the defendant was incapable of knowing right from wrong or behave in accordance with the law at the time of the crime. Further, to be mentally competent to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist his attorney.

A defense expert completed an evaluation and a report finding Jordan insane, and an expert for prosecutors completed an evaluation and was finishing up their report, but their findings are consistent with the defense expert.

A representative for Bhutto’s family read aloud a statement to the court telling Judge Park that he should find this plea “troubling,” and that this was a “calculated cold blooded murder.” On behalf of the family, the representative strongly urged Judge Park to reject the insanity plea and to make Jordan stand trial.

Judge Park acknowledged the statement from the victim’s family, but found that both parties came to a conclusion on the plea.

Jordan was sworn under oath in court and he told Judge Park that he wished to plead NGRI, and that he waived his right to trial.

Prosecutors read aloud the stipulated facts that they would have presented had this case had gone to trial. They shared that the day of the incident, Jordan sat on his patio watching the parking lot until he saw his upstairs neighbor, Bhutto, pull into the lot. When Bhutto pulled into his spot, Jordan left his patio and went down to the parking lot to wait for Bhutto to exit his car. Bhutto exited his car and Jordan pulled out his firearm and shot at Bhutto once, missing. Bhutto ran towards the building where he was then shot multiple times and kicked to the ground by Jordan.

After leaving Bhutto on the ground, Jordan went back to his apartment and hid the gun that had Bhutto’s blood on it, and sat on his patio until authorities arrived and arrested him.

Judge Park told Jordan that if he were to proceed with his plea of NGRI, that he would be committed to Saint Elizabeths Hospital to receive treatment until he or another judge found him sane. Jordan could be at Saint Elizabeth’s for the rest of his life, or for a sentence longer than he might receive if convicted of the charges.

Jordan understood the terms and proceeded to plead NGRI to first-degree murder while armed with a firearm. The parties and court documents did not explain whether Jordan’s remaining two charges were included in the NGRI deal.

Prosecutors requested a mandatory mental health evaluation for Jordan because of his NGRI plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 2.

Defense Presses Detective About Other Possible Suspects in a Homicide

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 21.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE on June 11, 2020. Redd sustained gunshot wounds to his left shoulder, forearm, and chest.

Whitely’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, called the lead MPD detective on the case to testify.

Before the detective was called to testify, parties discussed what the defense would be allowed to ask during direct examination.

Harvey wanted to argue the detective failed to investigate. She wanted to ask the detective about multiple people that Redd was in contact with before his death, including a person Redd’s mother indicated as a potential suspect.

The prosecution said the foundation hadn’t been made to say the detective’s investigation didn’t follow standard procedure. They continued that the defense’s argument relied on hearsay, out-of-court statements, since Harvey would be referencing texts from Redd’s phone.

Judge Dayson ruled in favor of Harvey’s request because of potential connections to the investigation.

With the jury present, Harvey asked the detective if she tried to find the person Redd was contacting the night before the incident. The detective said she couldn’t remember the person’s name, and didn’t remember if she made any effort in trying to find them.

The detective also couldn’t remember the person Redd’s mother asked her to investigate, and said she had nothing in her notes about the person.

The detective said she “sometimes” recorded what she did in investigations, and frequently referenced her old notes in an attempt to answer Harvey’s questions.

Judge Dayson told the jury they should use the detective’s testimony to evaluate the investigation process rather than to interpret her findings as facts.

According to the detective investigated Redd’s murder for over a year before she arrested Whitley.

On cross-examination, the detective told prosecutors that she obtained surveillance footage from the Shell gas station of the suspect vehicle entering the alley where the shooting occurred. She brought the footage to the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for video enhancement regarding the license plate. However, according to the detective, the vehicle’s plate was unreadable.

The detective said she conducted a search of Whitley’s residence in June 2021, and retrieved a key fob and a cell phone. She noted that the key fob did not belong to a Chrysler, referring to the vehicle owned by Whitley’s wife, that prosecutors allege he drove during the shooting.

She said she searched the property for the vehicle depicted in the Shell footage but was unable to locate it. She confirmed that MPD previously released a “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) instruction to the public for the suspected vehicle.

The detective also told prosecutors about her interviews with several witnesses.

She said that she learned from multiple sources, including Redd’s manager, that there was hostility between Redd’s wife and his mother. Redd’s mother, who is now deceased, previously told the detective she thought his wife was involved in his death.

The detective also discussed her interview with Redd’s co-worker, who reported dropping Redd off at the Shell gas station. The co-worker said he dropped Redd off between 1:00 a. m. and 1:30 a. m. in a blue 2020 Toyota Corolla. The detective said the surveillance footage corroborated this account.

The detective also told prosecutors that during her investigation Redd’s manager gave her the phone number of the woman that Redd was allegedly trying to meet up with the night of the incident.

The prosecution will continue their cross-examination of the detective during the next hearing on April 22.

Defense Requests Trial by Judge in Homicide Case

A homicide defendant’s attorney requested a bench trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 17.

John Woods, 71, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of 60-year-old Geno Freeman on the 6000 block of Chillum Place, NE, on Feb. 19, 2021.

During the hearing, Woods’ attorney, Kevin Mosley, requested that a jury not hear the case. He said he does not want a jury to see the information submitted by the prosecution because he argued it depicts Woods as a racist. According to court records, Woods is white and Freeman was Black.

Judge Ryan noted that a trial before a judge as opposed to a jury typically creates more work for the prosecution. Before establishing the logistics of trial, he urged the parties to agree on the facts of the case.

Mosely said that the defense and prosecution agree on what happened but not the depiction of Woods’ as a racist.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10.

Defense Counsel Withdraws From Stabbing Case 1 Month Before Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan rescheduled a trial due to a stabbing defendant’s lawyer leaving the Public Defender’s Service (PDS) on April 14.

Troy Scott, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly creating grave risk while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and felony carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1600 block of 29th Street, SE on Aug. 5, 2024.

According to court documents, Scott told police the victim was swinging an axe around and acting crazy before the victim struck him in the leg where he sustained a stab wound.

Scott said he defended himself but didn’t specify how in a police interview. The victim sustained a brain bleed with a fracture, broken nose, multiple facial fractures, an arterial injury and multiple stab wounds.

Judge Ryan asked the parties if they were ready for trial. The prosecution stated that they were.

Scott’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, told Judge Ryan she would not be able to represent Scott in his upcoming trial because she is leaving PDS on May 1. The trial was set for May 11.

Judge Ryan asked Cicurel why she didn’t file for a continuance sooner. Cicurel stated she was in trial for the last seven weeks and she lost track of time. She stated that a continuance would be necessary since there aren’t any available PDS attorneys that could be ready for the case before the trial date.

Cicurel requested Scott be released on home confinement with GPS monitoring as a result of the delay. Cicurel explained that Scott completed work at the DC Jail, including full drug treatment. She also stated he completed approximately 30 certificates to help aid his skillset for life after prison.

Judge Ryan stated that it was unreasonable for Cicurel to ask for release considering she didn’t file to delay the trial before the hearing. Cicurel apologized, stating she didn’t intend to alert the court so close to the scheduled trial.

“I don’t want to see [Scott] suffer for my choice to have a career change,” Cicurel said.

As a result, Judge Ryan told her to file the continuance first before requesting release. He told Cicurel she has a week to file her motion. Additionally, Judge Ryan will set a new trial date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Metro Bus Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond denied the release of a Metro bus stabbing defendant who waived his right to a preliminary hearing on April 17.

Troy Ivy, 56, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on April 14 on a Metro bus at the intersection of H and 2nd Streets, NE. The victim sustained a stab wound to his upper shoulder.

According to court records, the victim and Ivy allegedly got into an argument after the victim accidentally bumped into Ivy on the bus. Ivy reportedly retrieved a knife from his pocket, waved it in the victim’s face, the victim pushed Ivy away, and allegedly stabbed them.

At the hearing, Ivy’s attorney, Craig Ricard, alerted Judge Raymond that his client was waiving his right to a preliminary hearing thus automatically establishing a basis for probable cause.

Ricard requested his client’s release on GPS monitoring and a curfew. Ricard stated that Ivy owns and operates a construction management company. According to Ricard, Ivy was acting in self-defense during the incident, and video footage from the Metro bus will “exonerate [Ivy].”

The prosecution requested Ivy remain held, arguing there was a “quick escalation” from a verbal argument to a stabbing. Prosecutors had concerns with Ivy having to go to “unidentified locations” for his construction job, if he was released.

Judge Raymond stated the incident is, “phenomenally concerning and dangerous.”

As a result, Judge Raymond denied the request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Apologizing Carjacker Expresses Regret, ‘From my Heart’ at Sentencing

A carjacker expressed remorse for his actions in a sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 15.

Alvin Halmon-Daniels, 20, was originally charged with armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed. These charges stem from his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on June 16, 2023 on the 200 block of 13th Street, NE.

On Dec. 13, 2025, Halmon-Daniels pleaded guilty to robbery, carrying a pistol without a license, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any additional charges against him.

Halmon-Daniels was 17 when the offense occurred and charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At sentencing, Halmon-Daniels told Judge Hertzfeld, “I really do regret everything I did…sincerely from my heart.” He told her he wants to make his family proud, particularly his grandmother who passed away shortly before the carjacking. He also said it is his dream to join the Marines, inspired by his cousin who showed him the “right way to live.”

Halmon-Daniels also discussed how the fear he experienced while incarcerated will keep him from returning, saying “I could lose my life…I don’t want to fight…I could do better.” He said he wants to work, go to school, and “praise God” everyday. He said he aims to get custody of at least one of his six younger siblings, some of whom are in the foster care system, and one who suffers from epilepsy.

Halmon-Daniels’ attorney, Rachel Cicurel, argued for a sentence based on Halmon-Daniel’s challenging home life, mental health, and compliance with release conditions when he was placed in home confinement. According to Cicurel, he spent his time in home confinement working to support his mother and never broke the parameters of release.

Cicurel requested 18 months for robbery, six months for carrying a pistol without a license, and six months for unauthorized use of a vehicle with all time suspended but four months.

Cicurel also noted that Halmon-Daniel recognizes that what he did was wrong, and made “consistent and repeated comments about how terribly he feels” and wants “to start anew.”

She also asked for a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), a policy that gives judges leniency and discretion when sentencing a defendant who is younger than 25 at the time of the incident and the potential to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of requirements.

Due to the nature of the incident, the prosecution argued for a total 64-month sentence, 16 months for robbery, 24 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle, and 24 months for carrying a pistol without a license.

Prosecutors said that the carjacking was “extremely traumatic for the victim.” The prosecution also said that this crime displayed an “escalation of violence” for Halmon-Daniels.

Judge Hertzfeld told Halmon-Daniels it is “not too late for you to change lanes.” She was pleased with the remorse he showed as well as his compliance on release, but took the nature of the crime into account, noting that “what [he] did is going to stick with” the victim.

As a result, Judge Herzfeld sentenced Halmon-Daniels under the YRA to 60 months for robbery, 24 months for carrying a pistol, and 24 months for unauthorized use of a vehicle to run concurrently with all but one year suspended. This will be followed by 12 months of probation and Halmon-Daniels will be required to register as a gun offender in DC.

If Halmon-Daniels fails to comply with the terms of his probation, Judge Herzfeld could require him to serve the suspended prison time.

In addition, Halmon-Daniels will be required to complete 90 hours of community service, participate in educational and employment programs, and receive mental health evaluation and treatment.

Judge Hertzfeld told Halmon-Daniels he is “getting a second chance here” and wished him luck.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea, Co-Defendant Considering

A co-defendant in a stabbing case rejected a wired plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 15 while his co-defendant has not decided.

Trevon Randolph, 27, and Antonio Halfacre, 37, are both charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE on Feb. 15.

Halfacre’s attorney, Neveen Hammad, said that Halfacre would be rejecting the plea offer. The offer would have required Halfacre to plead guilty to both charges and would have an agreed upon sentence of four years for Halfacre and two years for Randolph. In exchange, the prosecution would have agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Since the offer was wired, in order for Randolph to accept, Halfacre also needed to accept.

Randolph’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, said Randolph had not yet reached a decision on the plea deal and asked for correspondence with the prosecution in order to work on a new plea offer since Halfacre would not be accepting.

A trial date was set for June 24. Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5.

Judge Won’t Let Domestic Stabbing Defendant With Lengthy Record Attend Funeral

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied two motions to release a non-fatal stabbing defendant during a hearing, including permission to attend a funeral on April 15

Denita Harris, 29, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing that occurred on the unit block of Galveston Street, SE on Jan. 27. The victim, who was Harris’ romantic partner, sustained one stab wound to the thigh.

During the hearing, Judge McLean asked Harris’ attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, to explain two motions he filed regarding Harris’ release.

O’Bryant said he filed a motion for bond review, to reconsider Harris’ detention and an emergency motion to temporarily release Harris for the weekend to attend a funeral for a family member that recently passed away.

The prosecutor argued against Harris’ release, stating that Harris has accumulated nine bench warrants and has two past domestic violence cases. They added, she also has five civil protective orders against her, including an active protective order from her mother.

O’Bryant argued that the offense was only committed toward one victim, and the community would not be at risk if Harris were released. He asked Judge McLean to consider that the relationship between the victim and Harris was toxic, and a stay-away order would ensure Harris’ compliance during release.

Judge McLean stated that O’Bryant’s argument for Harris’ release did not differ from the one he gave during Harris’ preliminary hearing, and denied both the bond review and the emergency motion, keeping Harris detained.

O’Bryant requested that Judge McLean consider GPS monitoring for Harris. However, she did not grant O’Bryant’s request because she said this was the “result of a series of choices” on Harris’ part.

Judge McLean suggested that Harris speak to officers at the DC Jail to set up a Zoom meeting so she can watch her family member’s funeral.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 29.

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