Defendant’s Sixth Refusal to Appear May Delay Homicide Trial

A murder defendant’s continuous refusal to attend court poses a risk for his trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan, parties discussed on March 14.

Marquis Bullocks, 31, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the murders of 31- year-old Michael Pate and 28-year-old Djuan Proctor on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE on Sept. 18, 2021.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan alerted the parties Bullocks “refused to get off the transportation that brought him over here,” from the DC Jail.

According to the prosecution, this is Bullocks’ sixth failure to appear in court. They added three of those involved a refusal to get off the bus or refusal to be searched, and the other three were allegedly due to health issues.

Judge Ryan stated he’s worried this puts the Sept. 2 trial date at risk. “If he just wants to stay locked up I should vacate the trial,” Judge Ryan said, adding, “I don’t think the jail is keen on having a permanent resident.”

David Akulian, Bullocks’ attorney, requested to cancel the trial date, but was met with objections from the prosecutor, who stated “[Bullocks] shouldn’t get to choose if the case goes forward,” citing that Proctor and Pate’s families have been waiting for years for trial, which was previously delayed due to Bullocks firing his prior attorneys.

Prosecutors asked Judge Ryan to order the Marshals to use force to ensure he goes to court. “I’m not inclined to keep the case for trial or forcibly bring him in from the jail,” Judge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan questioned if Akulian had concerns about Bullocks’ mental competency. “I’ve been considering that,” Akulian said, stating he would visit Bullocks this weekend and would file a motion for competency evaluations if necessary.

“I have to look at the realities of the situation,” Judge Ryan stated, giving the parties time to file any motions they see fit.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.

Opening Statements Presented in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean heard opening statements from parties in a non-fatal shooting trial on March 12.

Ni’Jhae Curry, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a gun, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 17, 2023, at the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE. No injuries were reported.

In opening statements, the prosecution argued the night of the incident should have been “a regular day in the neighborhood” for the victim, but instead, she was attacked from behind at random. They claim the victim and Curry were once friends but had since fallen out, creating ongoing tension. The prosecution alleged that after a fight between them just minutes later, Curry fired at the victim from inside her apartment. They urged the jury to focus on “who the aggressor truly was” despite what the defense would argue.

Curry’s attorney, Jonathan Love, countered by pointing out inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, plus oversights in the investigation. He argued that surveillance footage would show the victim, not Curry, in a fighting stance at the apartment lobby–disproving the claim that she was attacked from behind. Love explained that after the altercation, the victim threatened to kill Curry, who later fired a shot out of fear for her safety.

Love noted that Curry had previously been a victim of a violent crime and had been living in a “high crime area” for years, so when she saw that the victim returned to the apartment complex in baggy clothes with “a bulge” at her abdomen, she was defending herself.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called an eyewitness who helped break up the earlier fight, but while on the stand, he repeatedly referred to his grand jury transcript, even to confirm the incident address. The court agreed to recall him at a later date so he could review his prior testimony.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer testified he recovered a shell cartridge and called for a crime scene investigator to collect it. During a brief cross-examination, he confirmed he did not speak to any suspect, witness, or victim on the scene.

A DC Department of Forensic Science (DCDFS) analyst testified that after Curry was apprehended, officers allegedly discovered two firearms in her vehicle–an AR-style pistol and a smaller handgun.

During his testimony, he noted that the smaller handgun was jammed, with a bullet stuck in the chamber, making it inoperable. During cross-examination, he testified the jam likely occurred after the first round was fired and confirmed that neither gun was fully loaded when recovered.

A private ballistics expert later testified to receiving and analyzing the firearms, magazines with unfired ammunition, and the single-fired bullet. He confirmed that the smaller pistol had been fired but stated during cross-examination that he could not determine the shooter’s identity, proximity to the victim, position when firing, or any other details about the case.

An MPD officer from the firearms registration branch testified that a database search showed Curry was neither a licensed gun owner nor had she applied for any firearm permits in the District.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

Prosecution Withdraws Plea Offer in Murder Case As Defendant Waffles

A prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan the office was withdrawing a plea offer they extended to a homicide defendant on March 14, after he was unable to finalize his decision in court.

Monteze Morton, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Dimitrious Brown on March 22, 2024 on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Morton’s attorney, alerted Judge Ryan that he planned on rejecting the prosecution’s plea offer, which would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would agree to a 19-to-24 year sentence.

“To be honest your honor, I know my situation,” Morton told Judge Ryan when asked if he was rejecting it, before Judge Ryan interrupted him and advised to speak with Key to ensure he didn’t say anything that would harm his case.

“It’s a serious legal decision,” Judge Ryan said about Morton’s decision.

After a brief break, Key told Judge Ryan “He knows what he did and didn’t do, and doesn’t want to take the plea offer.” However, when asked by Judge Ryan if he had sufficient time to make a decision with his attorney, Morton hesitated and was unable to answer.

Judge Ryan stated he would give Morton until Monday to decide, but the prosecution objected, stating the deal expired today and if he didn’t accept or reject it in the hearing they would be withdrawing it.

“If he needs more time, he needs more time,” Judge Ryan told the prosecution, with Key responding “He’s very clear he doesn’t want to take it.”

“My job is to figure out if someone’s doing something knowingly and voluntarily,” Judge Ryan stated.

The prosecution said they were withdrawing it, after Morton requested additional time to review evidence with his attorney before making a final decision.

Key also requested Morton be released, stating he can get a job and this is a “very strong self-defense case,” adding Morton maintains his innocence.

Judge Ryan denied the motion, stating Morton has two prior convictions, one for which he didn’t do well in parole, and insisted there are no conditions of release that can guarantee the community’s safety.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 1.

Carjacking Suspect Detained in ‘Back Door Slime’ Conspiracy

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman detained a carjacking suspect–one of three the prosecution says are members of the “Back Door Slime” conspiracy in a March 14 hearing.

Daon Farmer, 23, is charged in a seven-count indictment with conspiracy, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, and two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle in a crime of violence in connection to two incidents in Northwest DC on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22 of last year. Exact locations were not provided.

According to the prosecutor, Farmer, and two co-conspirators carjacked a silver Toyota Camry as their first target, then pulled off another armed carjacking the following day.

The US Attorney’s Office named Deangelo Wooten as another co-conspirator facing a 48-count indictment on many of the same charges but including assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, robbery while armed and obstructing justice.

The prosecutor said a witness identified Farmer as a suspect from surveillance video. Further, the prosecution says Farmer’s cell phone was found in one of the carjacked vehicles. Cell site data allegedly shows Farmer was in close proximity to the other two co-defendants in the case. Investigators allegedly recovered a firearm from Wooten.

The prosecutor labeled the aggregate crimes the “Back Door Slime” conspiracy.

Farmer’s attorney, Courtney Vaughan, says the weight of evidence against her client isn’t strong, rather it’s a case of “guilt by association,” namely because his cell phone turned up in the investigation. Further, she said, Farmer’s been released in the community more than a year since the carjackings without any issues.

“He has lived his whole life without incident,” said Vaughan.

Judge Edelman noted that probable cause had already been determined in the case, which he called a “black and white” carjacking. “The crimes here are of the most dangerous type,” said the judge.

He concluded that no conditions of release could guarantee the safety of the community and ordered Farmer detained.

A status hearing is set for March 28.

Uncooperative Witness Delays Homicide Trial

A witness’ refusal to testify before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom interrupted the trial for more than 30 minutes on March 12.

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 21-year-old Demetris Johnson on March 20, 2021 at a gender reveal party on the unit block of Madison Street, NE. The incident also left another individual with injuries to both legs. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Outler’s release in another matter.

Outler allegedly told the first witness information about the case when the pair was in jail in 2022. After accusing the prosecution of intimidation he stopped answering questions and simply sit in silence.

Judge Park excused the jury and witness to discuss how to proceed. Parties settled on reminding the witness that his only obligation was “to be truthful,” confronting his concern that the prosecution was looking for specific answers.

In the cross by Outler’s attorney, Thomas Key, the witness admitted that he fabricated the story told during his grand jury testimony in order to shorten his sentence. He testified that he had met Outler in jail, but that they did not share any information about their cases.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

‘I Was Going Through Something,’ Shooting Defendant Tells Judge at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a shooting defendant to 51 months of incarceration on March 13.

On Jan. 13, Marquise Henry, 29, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his involvement in an Oct. 13, 2024 shooting on the 1300 block of Stevens Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

Prosecutors read a written victim impact statement in which the 70-year-old woman who was shot stated she never thought she’d “experience something so terrifying.”

The letter continued, with the woman stating she drove too slow for Henry, and his road rage and anger ensued as he followed her in DC traffic and continuously cut her off. She stated she called 911, and the dispatcher heard the shot as she attempted to drive away.

The woman wrote she is still afraid to drive or ride in a car, and added “people like him shouldn’t be on the streets. We’re killing others over nothing.”

Prosecutors requested Judge Hertzfeld sentence Henry to 51 months for the assault and 36 months for the possession charge, stating he “allowed his road rage and anger get the best of him.”

According to the prosecutor, Henry had three kids in the car with him during the incident. The prosecution stated they were “extremely concerned with this conduct.” However, they appreciated Henry’s attempts at rehabilitation, citing he’s participated in parenting classes at the DC Jail.

Anthony Smith, Henry’s attorney, requested Judge Hertzfeld sentence him with a long-split sentence, emphasizing probation over prison time, stating he admitted responsibility early in the case and has dealt with a lot of mental health issues and needs counseling.

Smith added Henry has a young child and wants the opportunity to seek the help he needs.

“I apologize to the victim. I was going through something at the time,” Henry said, with Judge Hertzfeld replying, “that was terrifying for this lady.”

Judge Hertzfeld stated she did not believe a long-split sentence was appropriate in this case due to Henry’s lengthy criminal history and his prior failure to comply with release conditions.

She imposed a 51 months sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, and 36 months for possession of a firearm by a convict. The sentences will run concurrently, and Henry will be required to serve three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Motions Continue in Mass Shooting Case, Co-Defendant Shows Note to Gallery

Pretrial motions arguments continued in a six-codefendant trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 12.

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 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 have one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee has two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one 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.

Queen was seen writing down the word “Innocent” on a legal pad and showing it to the gallery in trial when parties were discussing the animosity between the Kennedy Street (KDY) and Tough Real Understanding (TRU) crews–what authorities say are loose confederations of criminal gangs. Such communications are strictly prohibited.

Kevin Robertson, Rezene’s defense attorney, motioned to exclude “inflammatory” evidence including instagram photos that could imply gang-activity, certain autopsy photos, and videos of the chaos following the shooting.

Since the prosecution is still working on their finalized exhibit list, Judge Kravitz ordered the attorneys to object to certain exhibits of photo evidence as they are introduced, rather than rule from the bench.

Robertson argued that the body-worn-camera footage from responding officers is too traumatic to show the jury, claiming that “the trauma of it all is not relevant.” The video allegedly shows “suffering, anguish, and people trying to help the victims.”

The prosecution responded by stating that the footage is useful and necessary for identifying the location of the victims and firearms directly after the shooting. The footage also shows who was present at the scene, which helps to determine whether the attack was targeted toward members of KDY.

Judge Kravitz ruled that the footage is important to the prosecution’s case.

Michael Bruckheim, Dubose’s attorney, filed a motion to exclude Dubose’s nickname “Glock” from the evidence, claiming that it is not a valid form of identification for Dubose, and “the jury would draw improper inference.” Bruckheim stated that he did not want the nickname introduced at all because “nicknames based on firearms should not come in as evidence.”

The prosecution rebutted they must prove who “Glock” is a part of their case due to several text messages between defendants that refer to Dubose by his nickname.

Judge Kravitz proposed that all defense teams stipulate to change the name to “Dubose’s nickname” on all documents. The matter is pending.

Defense attorneys for Thompson, Johnson-Lee, and Queen all alerted the judge of their intent to file renewed severance motions before the start of the trial, but Judge Kravitz stated that their motions will be renewed only under changed circumstances. He stated that he “is not inclined to change the previous judge’s ruling,” on the motions.

Judge Kravitz also ruled that in their opening statements, the prosecution is able to mention the zone of harm, which refers to the area where a person is in physical danger due to the negligent conduct of another and are threatened with bodily injury. The prosecution is also permitted to mention the theory of liability, which refers to the legal basis or principle under which a defendant can be held responsible for harm caused to another person.

The motions are ongoing and will resume March 13.

Questions Over Murder Defendant’s Mental State, Understanding Delay Trial

A longstanding murder case has been confounded by a defendant’s wavering mental state and a language barrier. “I very much want to move this case forward,” said DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman, frustrated by the delays in a hearing on March 14.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 53, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023 on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Ghebrekidan allegedly stabbed Mamo in the head and arm with a pickaxe and hit another individual with the handle of the pickaxe before witnesses were able to restrain him in an alleyway. Mamo succumbed to his injuries two days later.

During the hearing, Ghebrekidan’s stand-in attorney, Laura Rose, a mental health specialist with the Public Defender Service, said she’s renewing a motion challenging a finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) last October that her client’s competency has been restored after previously being declared mentally incompetent to stand trial.

She said that Ghebrekidan wants to be declared competent but, “doesn’t know if he fully understands that.” She said for the past nine months her client has struggled with feelings of paranoia about permitting an evaluation that would lead to a definitive finding about his mental state.

“We need to get past this point,” said Judge Edelman questioning whether the process will move forward. Presuming Ghebrekidan cooperates, the judge will confer with the DBH evaluators to determine the best course. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be competent to understand the charges against him and assist in his defense.

“I think we’re there,” said Rose. She noted the “weird status” of the case has complicated a resolution.

Ghebrekidan participated in the hearing with the aid of an interpreter, since he speaks Tigrinya, a language indigenous to Northern Ethiopia. At times, he interrupted the proceeding in an effort to speak directly to Judge Edelman who discouraged him from commenting pretrial.

The judge set a mental observation hearing for April 18.

Juvenile Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

A carjacking defendant was denied release during a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum on March 11.

Eric Woods, 17, is charged with three counts of armed carjacking, three counts of robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in multiple carjackings.

Woods is charged as an adult under Title 16 which gives prosecutors discretion in handling more serous cases.

Woods was allegedly involved in a carjacking last May 8 at the intersection of 7th and A Streets, SE. According to court documents, the three victims were delivering newspapers when one stepped out of a vehicle and was approached by a suspect from behind with a black rifle. The suspect demanded the other two exit the vehicle and proceeded to drive away.

Woods was also allegedly involved in a carjacking on May 13 on the 2100 block of Suitland Terrace, SE. According to court documents, the victim reported that he had just exited his parked car when one of the suspects, armed with a gun, approached him and demanded his keys, phone, and other belongings.

Woods is also charged in connection to an Oct. 11 carjacking incident that occurred at North Capitol and O Streets, NW, during which the defendant allegedly approached the victim’s vehicle armed with a rifle.

Gregg Baron, Woods’ defense attorney, alerted Judge Hildum of their intent to waive preliminary hearing rights. Baron argued for Woods’ release, stating that he is only 17 and has been pursuing his education while detained in the Youth Detention Center.

The prosecution opposed the request, referencing his alleged involvement in multiple serious crimes which span several months. The prosecutor acknowledged his academic achievements in jail, but found no indication he will do well in the community.

Judge Hildum denied Woods’ request for release, taking into consideration the nature of the crimes and called juvenile behavior “unpredictable.”

Parties are slated to reconvene April 4.

Carjacking Defendant Convicted on Two Counts For Threatening Ex-Transgender Girlfriend

A carjacking defendant was convicted on two counts in a case involving his transgender ex-girlfriend following a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 7.

Nicolas Delgado, 31, was originally charged with kidnapping, unarmed carjacking, two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of robbery, second degree theft, misdemeanor attempted credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, bias-related simple assault and simple assault for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred July 8, 2020 on the 5000 block of Connecticut Ave, NW.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove that Delgado assaulted, kidnapped, and robbed his transgender ex-girlfriend believing she was cheating on him.

Following jury deliberations, Delgado was convicted on one count of first-degree theft and one count of threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The case has been continued for sentencing and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered. Delgado will remain out on his own recognizance pending sentencing.

Sentencing is set for May 16.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

An armed carjacking defendant rejected the prosecution’s plea offer, choosing to proceed to trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on March 12.

Raysean Brown, 28, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

The prosecution extended a plea offer, which would require Brown to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a concurrent sentencing and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Brown’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, rejected the prosecution’s plea offer and set a trial date.

Prosecutors said by rejecting the plea, Brown would forgo the option of an unarmed carjacking charge , which carries a minimum sentence of seven years rather than the 15 year mandatory minimum for the current armed carjacking charge. They also reiterated the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that multiple victims were involved.

The prosecution said there are multiple eyewitnesses identifying Brown and that Brown allegedly held a gun to the carjacking victim’s head while threatening to kill him. They also noted that bodyworn camera footage from officers allegedly captures Brown driving the stolen vehicle a day later and fleeing from police.

McCoy noted that he was only aware of the single complainant currently listed and had not been aware of additional charges being added. He requested more time to discuss the potential charges and their implications with Brown.

The prosecution did not object to leaving the plea open for now but warned that it would void after an indictment.

McCoy advised Brown that the indictment could wind up increasing the penalties. Still, he chose to reject the plea offer and proceed to trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 22.

Judge Questions Prosecutor’s Credibility Over Missing Witness Statements

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean criticized the prosecution for failing to provide eyewitness testimony to the defense in a stabbing case on March 7.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on April 22, 2024 on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE.

The prosecution indicated they were ready to proceed with trial on March 31, but Harrison’s attorney, Christen Philips, informed Judge McLean that the defense received new information about witness testimony on March 6 that hadn’t been reviewed.

Phillips received the transcript submitted to the grand jury from an eyewitness who claimed to have seen the entire altercation between Harrison and the victim. The transcript is dated June of last year– before the case was indicted.

There are reportedly three additional testimonies from the grand jury dated June, 2024, that were never disclosed to the defense, according to Phillips, including from a detective and a witness who claimed to have entered the apartment where the altercation took place.

Phillips said, “It is essentially a selective withholding of certain transcripts in the case, where it is the routine practice of this United States Attorney’s Office to turn over all grand jury transcripts after a case is indicted, sometimes even before.”

According to Phillips, the eyewitness to the crime was allegedly intoxicated at the time. Additionally, Phillips reported inconsistencies between the eyewitness’s testimony to the grand jury and his statements to police at the crime scene of the crime.

The prosecution said three of the statements were on servers not accessible to the prosecutors and that were never incorporated into the file. They further clarified that it was “absolutely an oversight by the [prosecution].”

Judge McLean cautioned the prosecution, “that your credibility before me is very important and that you should be really considerate about what you choose to say and how you choose to characterize things.”

Judge McClean worried that the prosecution has had transcripts for eight-to-nine months for a trial that is supposed to happen in three weeks which needs to be fair to the defendant.

She may come up with a new trial date depending on what’s in the previously unreleased transcripts.

The judge said the prosecution must provide the transcripts to the defense no later than March 11, and the defense has to issue the brief by March 19, discussing what remedies might be required.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 31.

Judge Denies Release Calling Stabbing Incident, ‘Very Troubling’

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildam denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release during a hearing on March 11.

Isatou Kah, 21, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 20, 2024 on the 3000 block of Langley Court, NW. One individual sustained two puncture wounds and a collapsed lung.

Andrew Ain, Kah’s defense attorney, alerted the court of her intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing, and requested release with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the incident location. He argued Kah has no previous convictions and has “moderated her behavior.”

The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the case in which the defendant went on two dates with a man she met on a dating app and allegedly began stalking him.

The prosecution stated that she made a swatting, or prank emergency call, to the man’s apartment seven months before the stabbing, and claimed there was someone committing suicide inside. Officers responded to the scene without result.

On the night of the incident, Kah allegedly went to the man’s apartment complex, waited outside his door, and refused to leave. His neighbors, including the victim, allegedly told Kah to leave multiple times. In what may have been a case of mistaken identity, the victim turned to enter her apartment, and Kah allegedly stabbed her in the back with an ice pick.

In court, Kah’s hearing was delayed because she was experiencing an emotional outburst.

Judge Hildam expressed doubt she would return to court and considered her behavior as stalking. He called the case “very troubling” as he denied Kah’s request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 2.

Defendant Guilty of Shooting Mom in Quarrel Over Child

A jury found a shooting defendant guilty on all eight counts in front of DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on March 11.

Diamond Early, 32, was found guilty of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for her involvement in a shooting that left one victim injured in the leg on July 31, 2023 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors provided evidence that proved Early shot at a woman after she quarreled with Early for hitting her child.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27 for sentencing.

Jury Acquits on Murder, Unable To Resolve Four Remaining Charges in Homicide Trial

A jury found a homicide defendant guilty of six charges but was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the most serious counts in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 7.

Jerome Israel, 21, was originally charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, two charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the murder of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022 on the 2300 block of Minnesota Ave, SE.

After two days of deliberation, the jury found Israel guilty of unlawful discharge of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of destruction of property $1000 or more, and two counts of carrying a pistol without license outside of a home/business.

However, they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the charges of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without license outside of a home/business.

In closing, prosecutors argued Israel chased down and murdered Barbett and then returned to the scene in the early hours of Aug. 25, 2022, firing the same gun 14 times before fleeing in a stolen suspect vehicle, which crashed shortly thereafter.

Israel’s defense challenged the credibility of the only person to identify Israel in that he faced criminal charges, and could get a financial reward for his testimony.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.

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