Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in 2022 Shooting

Murder defendant, Rafeal Stevens, 40, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 14.

Stevens was also convicted of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in the shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2000 Block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens was acquitted of four counts including assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on Nov. 13, 2024. A jury found him not guilty of first-and-second-degree murder on Nov. 15, 2024.

During the hearing, Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, said Stevens will admit guilt to voluntary manslaughter, and in exchange the prosecution would dismiss the remaining counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence.

Additionally, the government will not bring any charges of perjury against Stevens for his testimony in a previous hearing. The parties agreed to eight years of incarceration to run concurrent with a prior conviction of unlawful possession of firearm during crime of violence.

Judge Edelman informed Stevens that he no longer has the right to a jury trial and that he is no longer able to appeal the outcome of his case.

Before accepting the plea agreement, Judge Edelman said he needed to look at the pre-sentencing report and the sentencing guidelines.

Parties are set to reconvene July 11.

Severance Denied For Duo in Gang-Related Homicides

Counsel was not able to sever two suspects from a five defendant homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 11. According to a 2024 release from the prosecution, the five defendants are alleged to be members of a crew called the “Get Back Gang.”

Ronald Henderson, 19, and Daveon Robinson, 17, are two of five defendants facing multiple charges in connection with three fatal shootings in Southeast D.C. They are charged with 14 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 19 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and five counts of conspiracy.

Along with co-defendants Dionzai Parker, 21, Demarco Robinson, 20, and Derricko Johnson, 20, they are also charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on February 25, 2023. All three shootings occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan said he did not find a basis for severance, saying that both the defendants have been linked to the three murders through their alleged involvement in “The Get Back Gang”, which is a smaller group part of the “The Z Gang.”

Henderson’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, argued that some of the counts involving the weapons had nothing to do with Henderson or the murders he’s alleged to have committed.

Robinson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, joined Mensah, saying in trial, the jury will fail to separate Robinson from the other defendants.

Judge Ryan stated that the grand jury indicted all five defendants on conspiracy and ultimately denied the defense’s motion to sever Henderson and Robinson.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Judge Denies New Attorney, Withdrawal of DNA Waiver in a Homicide

D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a homicide defendant’s motions for new counsel and to withdraw a DNA testing waiver on April 14.

Kevin Singletary, 47, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of Delonte Hazel, 31, on Sept. 10, 2021, on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

“I’ve been in court more times than I have seen my lawyer,” said Singletary. Also mentioning that he prays “all the time” for the relationship between him and his lawyer to improve.

Singletary made clear that he wanted new counsel, citing a lack of progress in his case, bad communication, and being uncomfortable with his attorney, Howard McEachern. McEachern noted this was not the first time his client has asked for new counsel.

“I wanted to fight my case, but I can’t fight my case if I don’t feel comfortable,” said Singletary.

Singletary claimed he only sees McEachern before they are scheduled to come into court and that McEachern says he will visit him in jail but doesn’t. Singletary noted that it feels like McEachern doesn’t have time for him.

Judge Dayson denied his request for new counsel, stating that there was no basis for the request. She also stated that if new counsel were appointed, it would make a “four year case, a five year case.”

The defense also wanted to withdraw Singletary’s waiver to independently test evidence, which included a blue medical mask and bullet cartridges.

Singletary said that he felt pressured to waive this right because he didn’t want to prolong the trial further and McEachern told him the DNA would not be ready for trial if tested independently at that time. Singletary waived his right to independent testing on Feb. 26.

Singletary also stated that he was “thrown off guard” by being asked whether or not he wanted to waive his right to independent testing.

Judge Dayson said Singletary, under oath, stated he was not pressured, felt comfortable with the help he was getting from his attorney, and understood what waiving his right meant.

Judge Dayson denied his request because the evidence has been admitted for about three years and there is no legal right to withdraw the waiver.

The prosecution noted that the trial has been delayed numerous times due to issues with DNA testing, and the judge mentioned the importance of not delaying the trial further to give the victim’s family the opportunity for closure.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 21.

Judge Holds Carjacking Defendant Accused of Assaulting Senior Citizen

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense’s request for the release of a carjacking defendant.

Vicent A. Atchison, 58, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking case that occurred on Feb. 3 on the 3800 block of Davis Place NW against a senior citizen.

During the hearing on April 11, Howard X. McEachern, Atchison’s defense attorney, said, in the request for his client’s release, Atchison’s criminal history did not show prior physical violence. He mentioned Atchison’s mental health diagnosis and stated that Atchison has been struggling to take his medication.

The prosecution emphasized that the incident was a carjacking against a senior citizen, who was thrown to the ground. The prosecutor acknowledged that while the defendant was close in age to the victim, there were no conditions or any combination of conditions that were deemed appropriate or capable of ensuring the safety of the community because of the nature of the crime.

The prosecution has extended a plea offer which the defense is reviewing. The details were not discussed in court.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 12.

Judge Seeks Status of Injured Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz instructed defense counsel on April 11 to expedite medical assistance to an injured homicide defendant, and the judge said he would ask the department of corrections about the inmates’s status.

Andrew Ellis, 22, Marques Johnson, 42, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. Ellis is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and another count of possession of a firearm during crime of violence. The charges arise from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Leo Colter, 56, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 900 block of 15th Street NW.

During the hearing on April 11, Ellis’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, addressed concerns about Ellis’ medical condition. Weletz stated that Ellis broke his neck and was unable to function properly because of the injury.

The defense attorney said she attempted to get Ellis access to physical therapy, but she said her requests were often ignored.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 17.

Two-Year-Old Homicide Witness says, ‘Daddy Shot Pop-Pop,’ Suspect Held

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause against a homicide defendant and denied his release on April 10.

De’Angelo Goldston, 37, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of his father, 61-year-old Darryl Smith, who was pronounced dead at George Washington University Hospital shortly after the incident on Feb. 4 on the 1000 block of First Street, SE.

Goldston and his father allegedly had animosity towards each other because Goldston was allegedly stealing money from him.

The only eyewitness to the incident is Goldston’s two-year-old child who was in the apartment when the shooting took place. According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, the child said “Daddy shot Pop Pop” and imitated him falling off the chair.

The prosecution argued for probable cause because of the eyewitness, the surveillance footage of the apartment complex, and the great unlikelihood that the two-year-old child was the assailant.

The defense disagreed, saying there was no evidence of who was actually present during the shooting. Additionally, the only evidence that connected Goldston to the shooting was a two-year-old’s statement.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 16.

‘I Want You to Pay Attention to Your Health,’ Judge Urges Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Chief Judge Milton Lee was pleased April 14 to hear that a homicide defendant is following his terms of probation, despite facing a cancer diagnosis. “I want you to pay attention to your health,” said the judge.

John James, 33, pleaded guilty in October of 2018 to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault for shooting Ernest Massenberg-Bey, Jr. on Sept. 28, 2015, on the 1100 block of Eaton Road, SE.

In a probation review hearing, the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) reported that James has been following his probation and checking in with his officer frequently. Even though James’ cancer medications have been causing the drug tests to come back positive, Judge Lee understood the results were not James’ fault.

The prosecution requested a stay away order, which the defense agreed to. There are no concerns from the defense, prosecution, or Judge Lee that James will violate the order or the terms of his probation.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Sept. 24.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant on April 11 after he was detained in Maryland for a gun offense.

Alonzo Brown, 28, and Naquel Henderson, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Michael Taylor and the shooting of two other victims on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Of the five suspects charged in the case, Stephon Evans, 24, pleaded guilty in April 2022, and Tavist Alston, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in May 2022. Carlos Turner, 26, is scheduled for sentencing on May 16, 2025.

At the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Park that the Maryland prosecutors plan on holding Brown.

Judge Park expressed concern about how that would affect the rapidly approaching trial date.

He stated did not want this matter to be delayed given the elaborate preparations. Judge Park said he planned to issue a bench warrant as soon as possible.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Judge Allows Police Interview of Infanticide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled that evidence and testimony from the authorities questioning a homicide defendant would be allowed during trial on April 11.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age, for her alleged involvement in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, on the 5400 block of C Street, SE. Fields’s lifeless body was found inside Scott’s apartment on March 21, 2017.

The exact circumstances surrounding Rhythm’s death are unknown. However, according to court documents, authorities were called to the scene after concerns were raised about the baby’s well-being. Scott has been on release since Oct. 26, 2018.

At the hearing, Scott’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that any evidence from the police interrogation in April of 2017 should not be included as she had been subjected to lengthy questioning and was not in the right state of mind.

The prosecution opposed this, asserting that Scott had gone to the police station herself, agreeing to questioning and a polygraph test. The police also stated her rights and told her specifically that she was not under arrest.

Judge Park agreed, ruling that the interrogation was non-threatening and that evidence from the questioning could be included. However, he stated that no evidence from the polygraph test is to be admitted. Both parties agreed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Lawyers Clash Over Analyst’s DNA Expertise in Robbery, Murder Case

Parties spared over the qualifications of a DNA expert in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Craig Iscoe on April 14, reviewing a decade old homicide case.

Antwon Green, 36, was initially convicted of first-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Breond Keys, 38, at a barbershop on the 1400 block of Good Hope Road, SE, on Oct. 10, 2014. Green was sentenced to 48 years for the crime.

The conviction was appealed partly on the basis of inadequate representation in 2022 and though affirmed four charges were dismissed including felony murder. DNA evidence was a major part of the trial and it is under attack by the defense.

In court, Steven Kiersch, Green’s attorney, reviewed a DNA specialist’s professional credentials, to establish his credibility before offering him as an expert witness.

The prosecution objected stating the witness hadn’t earned a master’s or doctorate degree, only a premedical sciences certification. The prosecutor also said the witness was fired from two previous forensic analysis jobs at National Medical Services (NMS) and Acadiana Imaging.

The witness said he “chose to be fired” from NMS.

He claimed they overworked him and when he tried to get compensation, his supervisors accused him of sexually harassing an intern. He said he was given the option to resign or be fired, so he quit. He stated he was fired from Acadiana Imaging because he reported his supervisor for malfeasance.

The prosecution also challenged the conferences the witness attended, stating there were no evaluation at the end of the meetings and there was nothing to indicate whether or not the attendee grasped the information.

The witness stated that not how those events work.

The prosecution also revealed that the witness was not accepted as a DNA expert in two cases in New York State. According to court documents, the witness lacked “sufficient qualifications to testify regarding DNA analysis.”

”The judge accepted a 24-year-old analyst with two years of experience and not me who’s been doing this longer than he’s been alive,” the witness said. He implied that the transcripts from his past cases in New York were overemphasized by the prosecution.

Kiersch informed Judge Iscoe that the witness has been accepted as an expert in DC every time he testified. Judge Iscoe noted this and found the witness qualified as an expert in DNA analysis, stating that the “issues go to weight not admissibility.”

The witness stated that he reviewed the original DNA analysis in this case from 2015. He came to the conclusion that the forensic analyst who conducted the examination should have used a three person mixture test, due to the presence of foreign DNA in the samples. The samples included the right pocket of Keys’ cargo pants and a cartridge casing from the suspect’s weapon.

The witness stated portions of the recovered DNA were inconsistent with both Green and Keys, so there had to be a third party.

The prosecution stated that the original forensic analyst testified that her lab didn’t have protocol for a three person mixture in 2015. The witness challenged that claim, stating the software and guidelines to do the analysis were available at the time.

You can still draw conclusions regarding the major contributor in the sample even with third party contributions, the prosecutor said. According to testing reports, Green was a likely major contributor in the DNA profile of both samples.

A member of Green’s defense team from his trial in 2017 said there were “serious problems with the way the DNA was tested” in this case.

She stated that the amount of DNA claimed to have been recovered did not make sense, referring to video of the suspect touching Keys’ pants pocket. She also voiced concern with the composition of evidence due clutter in the barbershop.

The prosecution stated that the defense did file a specific request to exclude DNA evidence at the time of the trial,but DC Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff denied the motion, finding that Green did not meet the requirements for an evidentiary hearing at the time.

An eyewitness from the DC Jail said he was hanging out in a park across the street from the barbershop at the time of the incident, claiming he saw someone run out of the shop holding a gun with a ski mask on. He said the individual definitely wasn’t Green because of the man’s physical build, facial structure, and darker complexion.

Green told the jury that he did not kill Keys, claiming the DNA evidence was incorrect and potentially stolen.

Green is scheduled to finish his testimony on April 15.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide in Northeast Washington, D.C. On Jan. 7. Officers found 54-year-old Thameka Harvell unconscious on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Her death was later ruled a homicide due to a blunt force head injury. The case remains under investigation.

Murder Defendant Requests Continuance for Jail Visit

A status hearing for a homicide case was postponed and rescheduled in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 11.

Joshua Allen, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson on June 11, 2021, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

Under seal, the parties discussed a request from Allen to postpone the originally scheduled April 11 status hearing due to a conflict with a jail visit. The request was unopposed, and Judge Park continued the original status hearing date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in March Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 39-year-old Davone Darnell Smith, who was allegedly involved in a shooting on Mar. 11 in the Unit block of Mississippi Avenue SE.

Smith was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun) after being identified through surveillance footage.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Clay Place Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 31-year-old Mickyel Goodwin on April 11. Goodwin was allegedly involved in a shooting incident that occurred on March 17 on the 4000 block of Clay Place, NE.

The victim, an adult male, was treated for gunshot wounds at a local hospital.

Goodwin was apprehended on April 11 in Hyattsville, MD, and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon (gun).

Document: Police Investigate Shooting in Southeast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on Apr. 10 in the 1600 block of V Street, SE. The victim, identified as 31-year-old Michael Alanzo Jackson, was found unconscious with puncture wounds and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. No suspect information is available at this time.

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