Judge Grants Teen Stabbing Defendant a Partially Suspended Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel granted a teen stabbing defendant a partially-suspended sentence on June 12.

On March 26, Lukas Nawrocki, 19, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in the stabbing of an individual on Feb. 1 on the 1100 block of 23rd Street, NW.

According to court documents, Nawrocki stabbed a victim who was biking on his way to work with a pair of scissors telling him, “You’re going to hell tonight.”

Nawrocki’s attorney, Pleasant Broadnax, told Judge Israel that Nawrocki has a good criminal record. Further, as a teenager,Broadnax explained that Nawrocki’s brain and his decision making capability were still developing.

He said that Nawrocki was also qualified for sentencing under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which generally seals a young defendant’s conviction if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Many of Nawrocki’s friends and family showed up for the hearing. Broadnax explained that Nawrocki would have signficiant support as he rehabilitates back to the community. Meanwhile, Nawrocki told Judge Israel that he was sorry for his actions and had grown during his time in detention

“He is not the same person today as he was when he was incarcerated,” Broadnax argued.

However, Judge Israel countered that there was a prior incident where Nawrocki assaulted his mother, and that could have been a “wake up call” to change his behavior. Nor did Nawrocki take responsibility when he stabbed the victim in his most recent incident, Judge Israel stated.

Judge Israel sentenced Nawrocki to 48 months, with 30 suspended, for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 12 months for possessing the weapon. The sentences are set to run concurrently.

In addition, Judge Israel imposed additional requirements for Nawrocki including screening for drug abuse, cognitive and mental health assessments, education and vocational training.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Violates Home Confinement Order, Warned by Judge

DC Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz admonished a homicide defendant who continuously violated his home confinement order in a hearing on June 13.

Dwayne Fountain, 45, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business with a prior felony conviction, and possession of a prohibited weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 47-year-old Marcus Carey on May 4, 2023, on the 3500 block of Hayes Street, NE.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) confirmed that the defendant has violated his home confinement order multiple times. The defendant was reported to be outside his home for significant periods of time.

Fountain’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, explained that the defendant violated his order trying to find employment, which is required with the program he is currently completing.

The prosecution requested the court revoke his release conditions and detain him at the DC Jail.

Judge Kravitz ruled that no action will be taken regarding the home confinement order however, he reminded the defendant must get approval before leaving his residency.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Denied Release, Won’t Get New Attorney

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond told a non-fatal stabbing defendant that his case must move forward during a June 13 hearing after nearly two months of continuances and attorney changes.

Ovid Gabriel, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged role in an inmate stabbing inside the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on March 28.

Rashid Shabazz, 35, is charged with tampering with physical evidence for allegedly hiding the shank used in the incident.

Shabazz was not present during the hearing.

Gabriel’s attorney, Anthony Dimillo, asked the court to release him pending further hearings. Judge Raymond denied release because Gabriel has other cases against him. According to court records, Gabriel is also charged with a misdemeanor assault on a police officer for an incident from 2024.

During the June 13 preliminary hearing, Gabriel asked Judge Raymond to address the court himself, but she instructed him to speak through his attorney. After he once again asked to speak, Judge Raymond reminded Gabriel that anything he says in open court can and will be used against him in the future.

He proceeded to speak, saying he will be “executing [his] constitutional rights,” after which Judge Raymond cut him off.

Gabriel also asked the court for a different attorney. Judge Raymond denied this request because Dimillo is his third court-appointed attorney in this case. She told Gabriel that if he wants a new lawyer, he will need to find and pay for one himself.

Judge Raymond granted one final continuance in Gabriel’s case.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 27.

Prosecution Argues Murder Defendant Should Be Detained Pretrial

The prosecution in a murder case argued before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 12 for the detention of a defendant who was initially released by DC Superior Court Judge Anita Josey-Herring last month.

Donald Shield, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dominique Ratiff, 36, at the busy intersection of Dupont Circle and the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW on Dec. 30, 2024.

Shield was arrested and released on May 8 under the condition of GPS monitoring after Judge Josey-Herring denied the prosecution’s request for a hold.

The prosecution cited Shield’s criminal history, the video evidence and the nature of the crime to argue that he should be detained pretrial, this time before Judge Kravitz.

The Judge told the prosecutor he doesn’t know if he has the authority to detain Shield following his release by Judge Josey-Herring, because Shield didn’t violate the conditions of his release. He requested the prosecutor file a document citing a different statute that shows he has the authority to detain Shield.

Shield’s lawyer, Bernadette Armand, also asked for a continuance for the preliminary hearing to give her more time to look over video evidence before proceeding with the case. Judge Kravitz granted the continuance, but noted that it would not be an “excessive” period of time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 3 for a preliminary hearing.

Stabbing Defendant Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park heard testimony from a behavioral specialist on June 12 affirming a stabbing defendant’s mental ability to stand trial.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution reviwed the psychiatrist’s findings following five interviews and two evaluations with Wright in February and October of 2024, to determine if Wright his the capacity to unerstand his legal situation and work with his attorney.

The psychiatrist testified that Wright was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, pathologically altering his mood and perception of reality. In addition he suffers from speech delays and reduced emotional expression. Still these issues do not impair his ability to understand legal proceedings or consult with his attorney. She also found no substantial cognitive impairments, intellectual disabilities, or psychiatric symptoms that would render him incompetent.

In her February evaluation, Wright showed signs of limited effort, but displayed higher-level cognitive functioning during non-traditional tasks, such as teaching the evaluator how to play chess—a task she said demonstrated memory, reasoning, and attention skills. His presentation varied, appearing withdrawn in interviews but more animated and articulate when engaged in topics of interest.

The psychiatrist also evaluated claims of a traumatic brain injury Wright allegedly sustained around the time of the offense. After reviewing medical records, imaging, and emergency response documentation, she concluded that the injury was mild at most, and there was no evidence it continued to affect his competence five years later. Notably, Wright was recorded with a low score on the Glasgow Coma Scale, a neurological assessment tool used to evaluate consciousness after a head injury, at the scene.

While Wright expressed a desire to be found incompetent and return home, the psychiatrist stated there was no evidence of malingering, but rather waxing and waning effort. She emphasized that Wright had the ability to engage meaningfully with his attorney when motivated and was therefore competent to proceed.

At the conclusion of her testimony, the psychiatrist reiterated her final determination that Wright is competent to stand trial.

The court is scheduled to reconvene for cross-examination of the expert witness and future defense presentations June 13.

Defendant Says, ‘I’m Sorry to the Woman I Stabbed,’ at Sentencing

A stabbing defendant was sentenced to 32 months of incarceration on June 13 by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

On April 3, Isatou Kah, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury while armed for her involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 20, 2024 on the 3000 block of Langley Court, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim reportedly was a neighbor of the man Kah dated and she asked her to leave multiple times. As the victim reentered her apartment, Kah stabbed her in the back with an ice pick.

During the hearing, the prosecution stated that Kah has has committed past offenses. In 2023, Kah allegedly vandalized the home of a man’s mother after he stopped responding to her messages online. She took a taxi from Maryland to New Jersey to commit the act, according to prosecutors.

Kah’s defense attorney, Andrew Ain, asked Judge Pipe to sentence Kay to probation. Ain said Kah has admitted she was in the wrong but pointed out her loneliness and reliance on internet dating as an explanation. Ain stated that Kah does not want to commit violent acts and needs mental health treatment.

”I am sorry to the woman I stabbed,” Kah said holding back tears, adding “I do need mental health [treatment]”.

Siding with the prosecution, Judge Pipe cited Kah’s criminal history, the violent outburst that led to the victim’s stabbing, and the premeditation needed to commit the vandalism back in 2023 that she would not be fit for parole–hence the 32 month sentence.

No further dates were set.

Judge Grants Request for Competency Screening

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a stabbing defendant attorneys request for a competency screening during a hearing on June 17.

Tiffany Taylor-Gray, 22, is one of three individuals charged with first-degree murder while for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam, 53. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW on April 4, 2024.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Officers (MPD) responding to reports of an unconscious person, discovered Teklemariam, who was pronounced dead at the scene due to multiple blunt force and sharp force injuries.

Officers were also able to identify Taylor-Gray, Audrey Miller, 20, and Tommy Whack, 36, from CCTV footage from the Peabody St residence as well as through witness testimonies from other residents, allegedly connecting them to the homicide.

Eduardo Balarezo, Taylor-Gray’s attorney, requested the screening due to the defendant’s “apparent low intellectual functioning” and “problems understanding or following procedures or cooperating with attorney.” Judge Kravitz granted the screening request to be completed at the DC jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene for a mental observation hearing on June 24.

Pizza Parlor Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty

A shooting defendant pled guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on June 17.

Jadad Harris, 41, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 700 block of Florida Avenue, NW, outside of a pizza parlor on Nov. 1, 2019. Two victims suffered from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds.

During his hearing, Harris’ attorney, Molly Bunke, informed the judge that Harris intended to accept a plea deal offered by the prosecution. In the plea offer, Harris pled guilty to aggravated assault and carrying a pistol without a license, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

The prosecution proposed 66 months of incarceration for the aggravated assault charge and 28 months of incarceration for carrying a pistol without a license. These counts would run concurrent with two years of supervised probation. Harris would also be required to register as a gun offender.

The defendant remains on release.

Sentencing is slated for Aug. 22.

Suspect’s Mental Competency Unresolved in Child Stabbing

A defendant’s mental competence is still in question after a specialist from St. Elizabeths mental hospital testified about a ‘lack of effort’ in his evaluation before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on June 13.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

During cross examination by defense attorneys Madalyn Harvey, Christen Philips, and Laura Rose, the analyst provided information from her October 2024 psychiatric report, observing that Wright exhibited schizophrenic and other psychiatric symptoms.

The witness cited Wright’s hesitate speech and problems with original thought. Audio recordings from Wright’s October 2024 interview showed an inability to answer open-ended questions. He would pause for an extended period after a question was asked before responding, “I don’t know.”

While the behavioral specialist conceded that these symptoms are signs of schizophrenia, inconsistencies in Wright’s presentation led her to conclude that Wright was exhibiting a “lack of effort” when pressed about competency–in other words it’s not clear whether he understand his legal predicament. She noted his performance improved when asked direct questions and was more engaged with discussions unrelated to his competency case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20 to continue the competence discussion.

Detective Identifies Shooting Suspect in Surveillance Video

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified on June 12 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro, identifying a shooting defendant appearing in multiple pieces of video and photographic displays.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon outside the home, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 800 block of V Street, NW on March 2.

According to court documents, Reed allegedly shot a firearm several times at a sedan exiting a nearby garage. No injuries were reported.

The testifying detective was one of multiple MPD officials who responded that night, and was later assigned as lead detective on the case. At the hearing, the detective detailed his investigative process as CCTV footage and bodyworn camera of the event was presented.

“You can see multiple flashes coming out of the suspect’s hand,” the detective detailed, referring to footage of a garage during the incident. He explained that these were “muzzle flashes,” caused by bullets being fired. The detective counted three such flashes in the surveillance footage.

The officer identified a person said to be Reed across multiple CCTV videos. According to the detective, he tracked her location beginning at the Unity Lounge on 9th Street, NW, where she had an altercation with an unknown man dressed in red and was thrown out of the club. He then tracked her movements across the street and finally to the garage.

The detective’s identification was based primarily on Reed’s clothing. She was allegedly wearing a green and brown camo jacket which the detective referenced frequently.

Reed allegedly entered the garage after the shooting, where she got in and out of a vehicle.

By cross referencing CCTV footage with body worn camera footage from a responding MPD officer, the license plates of the vehicle it allegedly belonged to Reed.

During cross examination, defense attorney Sara Kopecki questioned the detective about his ability to track the suspect in the footage he obtained, citing all he had to go off of was clothing from an eyewitness who said the suspect was a male. She also stated it was hard to see who was actuallyin the video.

Kopecki also said the vehicle wasn’t tested for evidenceno forensic nor material from the scene despite the eight shell casings that were discovered. The detective said he was surprised that hadn’t happened because he ordered it. Still, no order was found in his file.

Afterward, Kopecki said that the suspect in the video never reached for a firearm or looked like they had one in their possession at any time. In the surveillance footage at Unity Lounge, the suspect was also seen getting a pat down by security in compliance with the lounge’s admission olicy, and cited that the suspect had a “calm” demeanor and that no firearms were retrieved at that time.

Bodyworn camera footage from an on scene MPD officer showed the police responding to gunshots and arresting one unknown man who they deemed a potential suspect at the time. They also stopped a motorist and two women, one of whom the detective believed was the suspect in the brown and green camo jacket who may be Reed.

The trial is slated to resume June 16.

Murder Victim’s Mother ‘Thrilled’ Suspect Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a murder defendant’s release during a detention hearing on June 6.

Gerald Thomas, 22, is charged with first and second-degree murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempted kidnapping while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of the home/business, for his alleged involvement in a mass and fatal-shooting of 20-year-old Dasha Cleary, on Jan. 27, 2022 on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Thomas’ attorney, Dominique Winters, told the court that she did not believe Thomas was a danger to the community and should be released. However, the prosecution disagreed based on the nature of the offense.

The prosecution said Cleary’s mother was present at the hearing and “wants to be heard” which Judge Ryan allowed. Cleary’s mother disappointed about the pace of the case and that “the timeline has been absolutely crippling.”

Judge Ryan ultimately denied Thomas’ release.

Cleary’s mother, upon finding out that Thomas was not going to be released, claimed she was “thrilled that he is now detained.”

Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 22 for a status hearing.

Stabbing Defendant Stays on Release

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur didn’t revoke the release of a stabbing defendant on electronic monitoring in a June 12 hearing in spite of reported infractions.

Tyra Redad, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in an altercation that resulted in a stabbing on Dec. 1, 2024 which occurred on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

Redad’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, filed a motion to allow Redad to be released on bond.

The prosecution objected and added that they canceled a plea offer for Redad after she failed to appear for drug testing more than once as ordered, tested positive for drugs and had a bench warrant for another violent offense. They argued the violations are why they retracted the offer and were against her release.

Judge Arthur asked for an explanation.

Thomas claimed that Redad was in Maryland at the time and had no transportation to meet the requirements, but she understood she could no longer violate her pretrial conditions.

Judge Arthur confirmed that Redad had in fact tested positive for marijuana use in December, however he acknowledged that she remained compliant with her stay-away order prior to her detention.

Ultimately, Judge Arthur granted Redad’s request to remain on release with electronic monitoring.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 24.

Judge Won’t Suppress Witness Identification in Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifier Di Toro denied a shooting defendant’s motion to suppress identification evidence following a detective’s testimony in a hearing on June 9.

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 March 2, 2024, on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW. No injuries were reported.

The lead detective testified he spoke with an eyewitness who saw the shooting from home and yelled to police about the incident through his window. Officers later found spent rounds at the scene.

On cross-examination, defense attorney, Sara Kopecki, pointed out that only one photograph was used to identify the suspect as the defendant. However, neither of the individuals in the frame can be identified clearly, according to Kopecki. Thus, the evidentiary photo was seriously flawed and unreliable, she argued.

The prosecution pointed out that since Reed was determined to be a suspect within an hour there was limited time for analysis, extensive photography, or gathering additional information.

Judge Di Toro noted that having only one photo present raises the potential for misidentification. However, under the high-stress circumstances of the moment she felt the evidence was admissible.

The judge also commented that the eyewitness demonstrated careful attention to detail and provided a description of the defendant.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 10.

Judge Weighs Dismissing Charges Against Mentally Incompetent Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean stated on June 12 she will decide if charges should be dismissed against a stabbing defendant who’s been declared mentally incompetent during a July hearing.

Dwayne Waller, 74, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 18, 2022 on the 400 Block of H Street, NW.

According to court documents, Waller was involved in a verbal dispute with the victim before allegedly chasing and stabbing him with a kitchen knife.

After his arrest in September of 2022, Waller was found to be mentally incompetent on four separate occasions from November 2022 to April 2023.

In the spring of 2024, Waller’s defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Waller due to chronic incompetency, citing that medical providers at the Department of Behavioral Health had found Waller incompetent and with “no substantial probability that he will attain competence.” DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian denied that motion.

In a June 12 hearing, Waller’s defense attorney, Anthony Smith, stated his intention to file a second motion to dismiss, this time in front of Judge McLean.

Parties are slated to reconvene at the motion hearing on July 14.

Homicide Defendant’s Case Delayed For Court’s Non-Compliance With Disability Act

US Marshals alerted DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur that a homicide defendant was unable to show up for his June 4 hearing due to a broken wheelchair ramp in the courthouse.

Desmond Barr Jr., 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than $1000, for his alleged involvement in the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. The incident occurred on July 13, 2024 on the 3600 block of F Street, SE.

Barr is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.

According to court documents, Farmer’s body was found in Fort Dupont Park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Shatia Penn, 25, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property, for her alleged involvement in stabbing Farmer.

Their hearing was rescheduled due to the court’s wheelchair ramp being out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Barr is confined to a wheelchair.

ADA compliant means a space, either private or public, needs to be designed as to be accessible to people with disabilities so that they can access and utilize benefits without discrimination or impediments. Physical spaces need to include features such as ramps, or accessible doorways and bathrooms.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene July 7.

Search