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Judge Denies Release After New Conspiracy Charges Surface in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ruled in favor of a homicide defendant’s continued detention after a superseding indictment brought a new conspiracy charge and alleged conspirator to light during a Feb. 28 hearing.

Kevin Foster, 20, is charged with conspiracy while armed, first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in two fatal shootings on March 7, 2023, on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, which claimed the life of 23-year-old Dana Faulkner, along with 15-year-old Abdul Fuller who was shot and killed at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE. There was one surviving victim from the shooting on the 2700 block of Bruce Place.

Foster was arraigned on superseding indictment charges that added a conspiracy charge and co-conspirator–who is being held on an armed carjacking–before entering a plea of not guilty. 

The co-conspirator is scheduled for trial in May on the separate armed carjacking case, but the prosecution is making every effort to remain on schedule for Foster’s March 2026 trial date by working to ascertain counsel for the new co-conspirator.

The conspiracy charge and co-conspirator were added based on evidence including five Instagram live videos allegedly showing Foster with other persons of interest dissing the neighborhood where they were going for a shooting.

The prosecution’s theory is that Foster was a driver involved in the shooting and got out to watch the incident. Then one of the victims, Fuller, died in the vehicle from an accident due to a subsequent shoot out with another vehicle.

Defense attorney Matthew Davies stated that the defense’s objective was to seek release, arguing that there was no evidence that Foster shot a gun or fired at anyone, given that the prosecution’s theory implicates Foster as an aider and abetter.

Davies also cited Foster’s 14-month detention, during which he has dutifully completed school and has demonstrated exemplary conduct, along with the strong support of his large family both in and out of court, as further justification for his release to home confinement. 

Davies suggested some restrictions to ensure the safety of the community, including 24 hour electronic monitoring, a complete social media black out, daily check-ins with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), and stay away orders issued from individuals involved with the case. 

The prosecution challenged this request, arguing that there was no material change in evidence to warrant a release. They reiterated that there was ample evidence of Foster’s owning guns and behaving dangerously from the new superseding indictment.

Judge Ryan stated that although there is no evidence Foster would be a flight risk, home confinement would not ensure the community’s safety, citing the fact that some of the crimes allegedly took place in Foster’s home, and ruled that there was no basis for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 27.

Judge Grants Release for Carjacking Defendant in Pain

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release on Feb. 27.

Lamar Stephens, 37, is charged with armed carjacking, five counts of robbery while armed, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, eleven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a May 26, 2024 carjacking on the 2000 block of 13th Street, NW.

Stephens’ attorney, Marnitta King, requested his release due to his extensive injuries resulting from attacks at the DC Jail. Stephens visibly winced in pain and was unable to walk to his chair during the proceeding.  

Judge McLean acknowledged Stephens’ medical issue, granting his release to home confinement with GPS monitoring and special permission for medical appointments.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 8. 

Judge Continues Mental Health Treatment For Suspect in Stabbing Homicide

Parties discussed a stabbing defendant’s status as non-restorable to mental competence in a hearing on Feb. 28 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Alisa Randall, 35, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Ronald Jones, on July 15, 2019, on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW.

Randall has been under non-criminal detention at a psychiatric hospital following a schizophrenia diagnosis and a finding of mental incompetency. Judge Ryan denied the prosecution’s request for a status hearing where the defendant is present.

Dana Page, Randall’s attorney, called for the case to be dismissed, arguing that the prosecution lacked evidence of possible competency restoration and cited Randall’s ongoing incompetent status since 2019. Page previously motioned for dismissal in January of 2024. 

The prosecution expressed concerns about public safety, citing Randall’s current out-patient treatment and non-custodial commitment as possible risks.

Judge Ryan ruled that there was no basis to dismiss the case or put restraints on her liberty, except to periodically order mental competency restoration exams.

Judge Ryan stated that any evidence of non-compliance with treatment or an indication of danger to the community would prompt a different ruling because it is his responsibility to consider public safety.

Judge Ryan allowed the defendant a chance to continue receiving treatment for a year, stating  additional hearings could be scheduled for more competency deliberations before then if evidence arises that warrants it. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Feb. 27, 2026.

Denying Defendant’s Release Judge Calls Assault, ‘Terrorizing,’ ‘Particularly Vicious’

Attorney Daniel Dorsey asked DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum to release his client Cornell Jamison from DC jail to 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring but was refused on March 3, after Jamison waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Jamison, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on Jan. 22 on the 4300 block of 3rd Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim told police four men in a van followed her on her way from her car to her apartment late at night. She said three of them got out of the van with a gun and repeatedly punched and kicked her, then stole her clothing and keys, which they used to take her car.

“They assaulted her with a firearm by pointing it at her head and pistol-whipping her head. They stripped her of her clothes,” the prosecutor told the court.

According to the prosecutor, videos of the incident appeared on an Instagram account associated with Jamison. The prosecutor played one of the videos for Judge Hildum, saying he wasn’t displaying it in open court out of concern for the victim’s privacy.

Dorsey asked Judge Hildum to release Jamison because he has no prior criminal history and he has support from his mother and several other family members, who attended the hearing. Dorsey shared additional information with Judge Hildum privately to bolster his argument for release.

“I was shown a video at the bench, and I have to say it’s quite disturbing,” Judge Hildum said, explaining his decision to deny Jamison’s request for release. “Beyond that, it’s the particularly vicious way in which they went about robbing and terrorizing–I would say terrorizing–the victim in this case.”

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for March 24.

Bond Decision Delayed as New Attorneys Take Over Murder, Mass Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted additional time to a new defense attorney to review the details of a homicide case before making a decision on the prosecution’s bond change request during a hearing on Feb. 28.

Gerald Thomas, 22, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of Dasha Cleary, 20, on Jan. 27, 2022, on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. The incident left four others injured. 

The prosecution requested a bond status change to 1329, which states “a person who has been conditionally released and who has violated a condition of release shall be subject to revocation of release, an order for detention…” 

The prosecution argued Thomas’ detention is necessary as he was charged in connection to a shooting in Prince George’s County that occurred during his release related to this murder incident. 

The prosecutor also mentioned Thomas is currently serving a 12 year sentence in Maryland, although it is unclear if it’s related to the PG incident. 

Dominique Winters, Thomas’ recently appointed attorney, requested more time for the new defense team to review previous hearings and prepare a cohesive rebuttal against the bond change, and Judge Ryan granted the defense motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28 for a detention hearing.

Prosecutors Say DNA Evidence Links Suspect to A Homicide Victim

DNA testimony played a prominent role in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 3.

Jerome Israel, 21, is 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. 

Prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who investigated one of the recovered vehicles from a carjacking allegedly committed by Israel. The vehicle was stolen only a few blocks away from a residence linked to Israel and had a registered firearm in it at the time of the incident, according to what the vehicle’s owner told police.

Israel’s attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, emphasized that the gun was no longer in the vehicle when it was recovered and was not found during either of the two searches of Israel’s residences.

Prosecution also called a DNA analyst who examined evidence from the case, including clothing of Barbett’s and items found in one of the stolen vehicles. Although DNA is not 100 percent conclusive it showed an exponentially high probability that Israel’s DNA was on the tested evidence including a firearm, bottle, and Barbett’s pants.

Sapirstein, in her cross-examination, questioned if this DNA had to be transferred directly from the source. The witness confirmed that it is possible for the DNA to be transferred by a secondary source, with Sapirstein using a metaphor of shaking someone’s hand and then touching a pen that now has both of their DNA. 

An MPD officer testified he used sterile swabs to collect potential DNA samples from the trigger, hand grip, and rear part of the slide and was tested for fingerprints using fingerprint powder and a light source. While he initially described the results as inconclusive, the defense pressed him for clarification, asking whether the results were inconclusive or if no prints were recovered. The officer ultimately admitted that no fingerprints were found.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 4.

Closing Arguments in Carjacking, Assault of Transgender Woman

Parties delivered closing arguments in a carjacking and kidnapping case linked to a assault of a transgender woman. The proceeding is being heard before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 3.  

Nicolas Delgado, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking, kidnapping, two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of robbery, second-degree theft, attempted credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and two counts of simple assault for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 8, 2020, at the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Earlier the victim, who identified herself as the ex-girlfriend of Delgado testified he punched her multiple times in the face after accusing her of cheating.  The victim said she’d seen Delgado “furious” before, but “his eyes looked different.”

She testified he then dragged her into the bathroom and cut off her hair with scissors and a razor.

While doing so, she stated he repeatedly called her the F-slur, an attack at the transgender victim. She claimed Delgado knew the significance of her hair, stating “It’s everything to me. It’s what makes me feel pretty.”

Prosecutors called a former officer with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who interviewed the victim and said she had significant swelling on her face from a physical altercation.

During cross-examination, Delgado’s defense attorney, Bryan Brookhard, confirmed with the witness that no marks, cuts, or bruises were visible on the victim’s face, despite the swelling. 

Another MPD officer confirmed helped retrieve the victim’s allegedly stolen vehicle from Delgado, stating that he was cooperative during the encounter.

Ultimately, Brookhard motioned for a judgment of acquittal for Delgados’s charges but Judge McLean denied the request.

Prosecutors emphasized to the jury that Delgado “wanted to humiliate, berate, and degrade the victim.” They painted Delgado as an abuser who attempted to dehumanize the victim. 

Once prosecutors rested, Brookhard focused his closing statement on inconsistencies in the victim’s testimony and that she didn’t ask for help on earlier occasions.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict. 

Missing Witness Arrested in Teen Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a warrant for a witness who failed to appear in court to finish his testimony in a homicide trial on March 3. 

Daquan Gray, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on May 16, 2018. 

Prosecutors informed the court of a voicemail they received from the witness that morning informing them, “I’m not going to be able to make it today, stuff came up in my life.” The witness previously requested a lawyer and refused to identify students at Ballou High School on security camera stills during his testimony on Feb. 27.

The court was later informed the missing witness was arrested under a warrant. The prosecutors requested a hold, which Judge Edelman granted, The witness will remain detained until he concludes his testimony. 

Meanwhile, a ballistics expert testified a tested firearm could not be excluded as the source of the bullets and casings recovered from the scene. 

An analyst from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) reported that Wheeler’s death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds to his back, side, abdomen, and neck.

In other testimony, a retired police officer said the tape cordoning off the scene did not initially cover the entire area.

During cross examination, Hanna Perry, Gray’s defense attorney, presented video footage from the witness’ body-worn camera. It showed him shouting, “Move the tape back, 50 feet back” to other officers on the scene, and that he found a cellphone on the ground. The video further revealed someone’s car briefly entering the alleyway where the shooting took place, before being told to back out. 

A person who lived near the incident said police officers knocked on his door to see his surveillance footage. The video provided showed two men running through the witness’ backyard, then stashing an object underneath a tarp. The witness testified that it was a gun, which police recovered. 

Additional video captured the two men walking out of the witness’ front yard and putting their hands up as a police car drove by.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 4. 

Judge Modifies Shooting Co-Defendants Confinement For Job Search

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz agreed to change home confinement orders that made it difficult for co-defendants to attend job interviews during a hearing on Feb. 28. 

Eric Latney, 28, and James Crossland, 28, are charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting. The incident took place on July 8, 2021, on the 200 block of 56th street NE.  

During the hearing, the prosecution mentioned a previous modification to confinement orders of defendants on Jan 24. 

The prosecution opposed the request of a 7 p. m. to 6 a. m. curfew that would allow Crossland to see and take care of his children, stating that the 24-hour home confinement already allowed Crossland to seek employment opportunities.

Latney’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, and Crossland’s defense attorney, Hannah Claudio, argued that both defendants are able to seek employment opportunities, but it is extremely difficult given the time restrictions of the confinement orders.

Since Latney has already been allowed to leave his residence for employment, the modifications will make attending confirmed job interviews convenient and work more hours. The judge ordered that Latney should run his job-seeking plans through a community officer before leaving home. 

Claudio argued that throughout Crossland’s current confinement order, he remained compliant for three years and five months, was not arrested on additional charges, held a temporary job, and tested negative for every drug test. Claudio also argued that with these changes, Crossland will be able to take care of his children more, upon his request.

The judge partially granted both attorneys’ requests, stating that defendants should only be leaving home “for confirmed and pre-approved job search activities.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 10.

Defendant Weighs Plea Agreement in Stabbing Case

Prosecutors granted a stabbing defendant additional time to consider a plea offer on Feb. 28 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Marquita Holloman, 35, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023 on the 2400 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. The incident injured two individuals, one losing an eye.

The prosecution collected six swabs of suspected blood along with a purse and jewelry as evidence, but they do not plan to do any testing and Holloman waived her right to independent forensic testing.

Plea negotiations were set to expire on Feb. 28, but defense attorney Susan Ellis requested to hold the plea open until the following week, which the prosecution agreed to.

The prosecution placed the plea offer on record, stating that Holloman would plead guilty to one count of aggravated assault while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Ellis noted the defense’s counter offer for the charge to not include “while armed,” which would lessen the required sentencing range based on Holloman’s criminal history score, but the prosecution rejected this offer.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 4.

Judge Rejects Youth Tempered Sentence for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a young shooting defendant’s request to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on Feb. 28. The law gives judges discretion to impose a sentence that seals a young offender’s record if the terms of the judgement are successfully completed.

On Dec. 2, 2024, Marcel Palmer, 17, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a shooting on June 12, 2024 on the 2700 block of Sheridan Road, SE. An individual sustained life threatening injuries during the incident. 

According to court documents, Palmer jumped out of a car and chased the victim down the block, eventually shooting him in the leg. 

Palmer was charged as an adult under Title 16 given the serious nature of the charges.

During sentencing, the prosecution requested a sentence of 72 months and against Judge Demeo’s sentencing Palmer under the YRA, due to the defendant’s criminal history and the seriousness of the case. They explained that the YRA was a benefit that the defendant didn’t earn.

Wole Falodun, Palmer’s attorney, asked Judge Demeo to sentence him under the YRA, arguing that at the time of the crime the defendant was only 16 years old. He asked the prosecution to consider Palmer’s circumstances and the fact that he was taking responsibility for his actions.

The defense asked the court to sentence towards the lower end of the sentencing guidelines – which is 60 months, and with the YRA.

In a letter to the court, Palmer expressed remorse and that he had unfairly inflicted his own pain onto the victim and the victim’s family. 

Palmer shared that he’s using religion to deal with his anger issues which led to this incident, and has asked God to forgive him. He wanted everyone to know who he was, what he had gone through, and what he is doing to better himself.

However, Judge Demeo made it clear that a lengthy period of incarceration is needed for adequate deterrence. 

Judge Demeo cited several compliance issues the on the defendant’s part and the seriousness of the crime, contrasted with the sentiments expressed in his letter.

Judge Demeo imposed a term of 72 months in confinement followed by three years of supervised release, and $100 due to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. He was not granted the YRA.

No further dates were set.

Preliminary Hearing in Mass Shooting Case Hinges on Surveillance Video

A lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about surveillance video evidence from a mass shooting in a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 28. 

Andre Greene, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Lamont Street and 50-year-old Jermaine Proctor, which occurred on July 18, 2024, on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue SE. Two additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident. 

The prosecution called a detective who previously testified that Greene was identified as a suspect through social media pictures and surveillance footage showing Greene and other individuals possibly involved in the incident.

In the hearing, the detective reviewed additional pictures and video footage to be entered as evidence along with witness testimonies from interviews he conducted.

The detective testified that during a search warrant execution of Greene’s house, officers recovered four firearms, one of which was modified to be fully automatic, along with ammunition, extended magazines, and multiple cell phones hidden inside a sectional of a couch.

The detective further stated that a key to a Dodge Charger was found in Greene’s bedroom, which was later matched to an Instagram story showing him in possession of the same key. Court documents claim a blue Dodge Charger was used by the suspects to transport from their neighborhood to the suspect vehicle before and after the shooting. 

Investigators also uncovered photos of Greene’s allegedly posing with firearms, including an assault rifle and extended magazines, despite prior convictions prohibiting him from possessing guns.

During their cross-examination, defense attorney Shawn Sukumar questioned whether MPD had surveillance footage definitively confirming a connection between the blue Dodge Charger and the suspect vehicle or showing any individuals wielding firearms. 

The detective acknowledged that while video captured individuals getting into a blue Dodge Charger from a white vehicle, the identifying plate was not visible, and the Charger was not seen following the other car to the shooting location.

Sukumar also questioned whether MPD uncovered any communication via Instagram direct messages or text messages between Greene and the suspected shooters on the day of the incident. The detective admitted that, as of now, there was no such evidence but the investigation remains ongoing.

The detective testified earlier that Greene was one of four suspects as he went over the footage gathered from the crime scene, and the evidence obtained from an Instagram search warrant that was conducted on Greene’s account.

In the current hearing the detective reviewed interviews with witnesses from Hertz car rental, where Green worked, and confirmed that one witness described Greene as “not right” but provided no further details about his demeanor. The detective suggested that the witness may have known more information but did not want to get involved in the investigation.

The detective also confirmed that another Hertz employee said Greene bragged about the shooting, but their account was second hand and relayed from another employee who had simply told them to “watch the news.”

On redirect, the prosecution confirmed with the detective that the individual identified as a person of interest in the shooting had communicated with another person of interest, who was in a photo with Greene.

Due to time constraints, the parties were unable to argue for probable cause. 

Parties are slated to reconvene March 5.

‘I Can’t Believe I’m Listening to This,’ Says Judge About New Trial Motion in Transgender Sex Worker Shooting

The disposition of a case involving a defendant’s sentencing for shooting a sex worker was delayed after his defense attorney filed a motion for a retrial before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur during a hearing on Feb. 28

Jerry Tyree, 46, was found guilty of aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and attempted unlawful possession of a controlled substance. The charges stemmed from a shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE on Nov. 29, 2023. One victim, who was a transgender woman and sex worker, sustained injuries to the groin and genitals from the incident. 

On Sept. 29, 2024, Sara Kopecki, Tyree’s defense attorney, filed a motion for a new trial based on new evidence following Tyree’s conviction on Sept. 24. 

In court, Kopecki argued the prosecutors had a “duty to learn” regarding whether the victim was still participating in prostitution during her testimony – which Kopecki stated should play a role in the decision for a new trial. 

According to Kopecki, a week after testifying, the victim filed a police report stating she was threatened while she was on the streets doing sex work. 

The prosecution claimed in trial the victim “had a change of life” and was no longer a sex worker, according to Kopecki. She said “But truly after, back to same old stuff.” 

The prosecutors asserted the victim’s lifestyle had “nothing to do with the trial” and it was a “ridiculous argument.”  

The prosecutor said the victim had a nonprofit job when she testified. However, while she was on the stand and questioned if she was sex working, she answered “No.” The prosecutors claimed this was new information.

Kopecki argued the prosecution should have followed up, but instead “did nothing.” 

The prosecutors said they can confirm the victim was not participating in sex work on the day she testified. When Kopecki asked for evidence to support that, the prosecution reasoned she was on the stand and was not performing sex acts. 

In response, Judge Arthur said, “I’m gonna need a break. I mean I can’t believe I’m listening to this.” He concluded the prosecution has no factual basis to say affirmatively the victim was not participating in sex work at that time. 

Parties are slated to reconvene March 16.

Shooting, Robbery Defendant Facing 55 Counts Pleads Not Guilty

A shooting and robbery defendant charged in a 55 count indictment entered a plea of not guilty for all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 27

Rodney Bennett, 19, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, robbery, and two counts of robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public space at the 600 block of Edgewood St, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and two armed robberies at the 1300 block of Neal Place, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and at the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW on Aug. 29, 2024. 

According to court documents, Bennett allegedly committed these crimes while on release for another matter. 

Bennett is also charged with endangerment of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for an incident that occurred on Aug. 26, 2024, but the incident location is unknown. 

Michael Madden, Bennett’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Ryan of Bennett’s intent to plead not guilty to all charges and to petition the court for his release due to his age and large amount of community support. 

Judge Ryan responded by stating that Bennett has an “astounding” number of indictment charges, and there are no release conditions that would ensure the safety of the community. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 4. 

Defendant Accepts Guilty Plea in Mass Shooting

A mass shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 28.

Jason Dyer, 27, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured four people, including Dyer, on April 7, 2024, at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Elmira Street, SW. 

Dyer’s attorney, Matthew Davies, alerted the court of the deal requiring him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment. While Dyer had time to speak to his attorney prior to pleading guilty all those involved noted his was a surprisingly quick decision.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 12 years of incarceration, payment to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF), and registration as a gun offender. Dyer will remain in custody, pending his sentencing. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 2.