Judge Questions Need for GPS Monitoring in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal E. Kravitz questioned the need for continued electronic GPS monitoring during a status hearing on Nov. 7.

Donald Shields, 47, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dominique Antonio Ratiff, 36, on the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue NW on Dec. 30, 2024.

According to court documents, officers found Ratliff lying in the roadway bleeding from his neck. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) later identified him and determined the cause of death was a single stab wound to the right side of his neck.

At the hearing, Bernadette Armand, Shields’ attorney, requested that Shields’ GPS ankle monitor be removed, arguing that he has been fully compliant with release conditions.

The prosecution opposed the request, citing the seriousness of the murder charge and asserting that monitoring should continue.

Judge Kravitz questioned whether GPS monitoring remained necessary, noting that Shields is not subject to a stay-away order, and instructed defense to file a written motion if they wish to pursue modification.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 6, 2026.

Gun-Related Homicides Double in October

October gun-related homicides doubled over September’s total.

According to D.C. Witness data, there were seven reported homicides and victims in October.

Of those seven, six were gun-related, an increase from the three gun-related homicides in September.

As of Nov. 12, of the seven homicides, one suspect has been identified by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

Antone Whitaker, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Jerome Myles on the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW, on Oct. 4. According to court documents, another individual is alleged to have been involved.

According to court documents, surveillance footage captured Myles being struck by a suspect with a pistol and later shows two suspects firing at him and then fleeing. MPD identified one suspect as Whitaker. The case is pending a preliminary hearing that is scheduled for Nov. 17.

MPD is also investigating the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Maurisha Singletary. The incident occurred on Oct. 5 in a residence on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to police documents, MPD officers found Singletary with a gunshot wound after being called to conduct a welfare check at the residence.

Additionally, MPD is also investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Oct. 3 on the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, that led to the death of 17-year-old Jermaine Durbin.

One homicide came after a fight, according to the MPD. Police documents state that officers were called to respond to a fight on Oct. 16 on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE. When officers arrived at the scene they located 51-year-old Timothy Sistrunk suffering from stab wounds. He was later pronounced dead.

MPD is offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 21-Count Indictment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 21 indictment charges at a felony arraignment hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Nov. 6.

Daquan Baker, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, aggravated assault while armed, three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, three counts unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, three counts carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts possession of an unregistered firearm, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Jan. 25 on the 5300 block of B Street, SE. One individual sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.

Baker was arraigned on Nov. 6, and pleaded not guilty to all the charges filed against him. His defense attorney, Terrence Austin, requested that a trial date be set after the arraignment.

Austin also requested that all documents related to this case be turned over to the defense as they prepare for trial which is set to start in 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Judge Grants Defense More Time for Mental Health Findings in 9-Year-Old Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted defense attorneys more time to respond to mental health findings in a nearly decade-old case on Nov. 7, despite the prosecutor’s objections and plans to retire soon.

Daryl Thompson, 36, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, obstructing justice and threat to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the Aug. 29, 2016 fatal shooting of Tyler Jerel McEachern, 23, and an attempted kidnapping of another victim on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace SE. He’s also charged for his alleged involvement in the July 30, 2016 fatal shooting of Edward Roberts, 29, and an assault on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW.

Defense attorneys Mani Golzari and Dana Page requested additional time to consult with experts and prepare an opposing motion related to the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) finding that Thompson was initially competent–a motion opposed by the prosecution. Golzari and Page proposed that the next hearing be scheduled for January 2026 to allow for adequate preparation.

To stand trial, a defendant must be mentally competent enough understand the charges against help and help his attorney.

The prosecution objected, noting that they plan to retire soon and emphasizing that the case has “been kicking around since 2016.”

The prosecutor argued that the issue at hand was limited in scope and could be resolved quickly, suggesting that a 30-day period would be sufficient to address the disagreement between the two parties. The prosecutor explained that both sides generally agree Thompson should receive inpatient treatment through DBH, but differ on whether he should be placed in single-cell housing.

“This is a narrow issue,” the prosecutor said, urging a more expedited timeline. Judge Park ultimately granted the defense’s request, setting the due date for the opposing motion in January 2026. However, the judge acknowledged the prosecution’s concerns, stating that the case “has been around for far too long,” recognizing its nearly nine-year duration.

Throughout the hearing, Thompson repeatedly voiced frustration over what he described as being denied “six minutes” to speak directly with the judge in a previous proceeding. At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Park permitted Thompson a brief opportunity to speak, reminding him that his attorneys could more effectively communicate his concerns to the court.

Thompson made several unrelated statements referencing his family, the First Amendment, and an alleged FBI investigation involving his father. He also mentioned “boot camp,” “desegregation,” and being “evicted from facilities.” At the end of his remarks, Thompson raised a sheet of paper he had held throughout the hearing, asking that it be entered into the record and requesting to be released.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 20, 2026.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Brentwood Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 44-year-old Tyrone Spencer, alleged to be involved in the homicide of Francois Adkins, 36, which occurred on Sept. 1 on the 2300 block of 14th Street, NE. Spencer has been charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Weapons Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 40-year-old Dominic Lewis Hansberry in connection with a weapons offense in Northeast. On Sept. 26, officers responded to gunshots in the 500 block of 60th Street, NE, where a victim reported that Hansberry allegedly shot at him, striking his vehicle but leaving him uninjured. Hansberry has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Unregistered Firearm, and Unregistered Ammunition, and the firearm used has been recovered.

Document: MPD Makes Second Arrest in 2023 Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update regarding a 2023 homicide case with the arrest of a second suspect. On July 30, 2023, Donald B. Childs, 46, was fatally shot in Northwest, DC. Previously, Iesha Marks, 29, was charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed. On Nov. 12, Daniel Bangura, 21, was also charged with First-Degree Murder While Armed for his alleged involvement in Childs’ death.

Video Details Undercover Purchase in Carjacking, Conspiracy Trial

An undercover police officer described the purchase of what the prosecution says is a stolen car before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz in carjacking, conspiracy trial on Nov. 13.

Taj Giles, 20, Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Byron Gillum, 20, Jaelen Jordan, 20, Warren Montgomery, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, and 21-year-old Jahkai Goff are charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, armed robbery of a senior citizen, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, four counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, two counts of unauthorized vehicle use, trafficking in stolen property, and conspiracy.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a Feb. 27, 2023 armed carjacking at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW, and an April 27, 2023 armed carjacking at the intersection of 8th Street and K Street.

Giles, Ellis-Bey, Gillum, Jordan, Flowers, and Goff are additionally charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized vehicle use during a crime of violence, unauthorized vehicle use, and receiving stolen property for their alleged involvement for an armed carjacking of a senior citizen at the 600 block of Butternut Street, NE on May 16, 2023.

An undercover officer who bought cars suspected of being carjacked testified to three interactions he had with Jordan. The officer allegedly met with Jordan to purchase vehicles twice and had called him once to confirm one of the transactions which were captured on video, including a clip of Jordan showing off a stolen vehicle.

In a clip from a later date, the officer is heard calling Jordan, to confirm a second purchase. The officer can be heard saying “here you go” to Jordan, and handing him the money for a Porsche which the officer turned over for evidence processing.

When cross-examined by Brian McDaniels, Jordan’s attorney, the officer admitted he did not have any training, but learned from on-the-job experience.

McDaniels also asked about the relationship between the officer and Jordan–the officer initially claimed he did not have to establish a relationship, as an undercover agent would for a longer operation. However, he did say that the two established a level of trust where Jordan referred to him as “uncle” and he referred to Jordan as “nephew” during transactions. He also stated that while he knew Jordan was young, he did not know that he was a teenager at the time.

When asked how the officer originally met Jordan, the issue was discussed among Judge Kravitz, McDaniels, and Jordan in private, and the judge said, “I don’t think anyone else has a right to hear this right now.”

McDaniels and the prosecutors both said they would need time to explain the matter fully.

In a brief motions discussion before the trial, the parties discussed the admissibility of videos and images taken from police body-worn cameras during the arrests of the defendants.

The prosecution wanted to introduce several images and videos taken from body camera footage to the jury, but Ellis-Bey’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, objected, claiming that many of the images, including shots that showed the defendants in handcuffs, were prejudicial and “unnecessary.”

The prosecution argued that the jury needed to see the “full stature” of the defendants at the time of their arrest, which made the images more relevant than prejudicial. Judge Kravitz disagreed and told the prosecution to edit police officers out of any images and excluded a still shot of Ellis-Bey in handcuffs, so they wouldn’t unduly bias the jury.

In addition, the prosecution also planned to show a video of officers recovering a firearm Flowers allegedly discarded while fleeing officers. Judge Kravtiz called the video “problematic” and prejudicial, stating that the jury may misunderstand Flowers’ running away as “consciousness of guilt.” He said that he didn’t want the jury to think Flowers was running because of his alleged involvement in the carjackings, when it is possible it was because he had an unregistered firearm.

Gretchen Franklin, counsel for Flowers, brought up a court order keeping his family from visiting Flowers in jail. Saperstein, said she had received a similar order for Ellis-Bey. Judge Kravitz said he had not given that court order.

The matter has yet to be resolved among the parties.

Trial is set to reconvene on Nov. 14 to handle several outstanding issues.

Judge Grants Shooting Defendant’s ‘No Room For Error’ Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted an assault defendant’s release under strict conditions on Nov. 5.

Dacquan Judd, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 17, 2025. The incident occurred on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE and no injuries were reported.

Judd’s attorney, Erin Griffard, requested his release given his lack of criminal record and steady work history at the DC Central Kitchen. Griffard described the alleged incident as an “aberration” and “out of character,” adding that Judd is committed to compliance with supervision and mental health treatment.

She shared that Judd is open to stay-away orders and any conditions the court imposed. Letters of support from friends and family were also shared with Judge Di Toro.

The prosecution did not object to the defense’s arguments.

Citing Judd’s strong community ties, lack of criminal history, and employment as mitigating factors in his release, Judge Di Toro approved Judd’s release. Judd will be released on home confinement, but will be permitted to work at night, must undergo mental health treatment, and comply with stay-away orders from both the victim and the Southeast quadrant of Washington, DC.

Though she granted Judd’s release, Judge Di Toro re-emphasized the gravity of the charge, stating there is “no room for error upon his release.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 20.

Witnesses Link Stolen Vehicle Evidence to 7 Co-Defendants in Carjacking Case

The testimony of experts who collected evidence and photographed several vehicles involved in a carjacking case was heard before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 5.

Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Taj Giles, 20, Bryon Gillum, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Jaelen Jordan, 20, and Warren Montgomery, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. These charges stem from the group’s alleged involvement in a series of armed carjackings and the subsequent distribution of the stolen vehicles between February and May of 2023.

One of the carjackings occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW. Another carjacking took place at the intersection of K and 8th Street, NE, on April 27, 2023.

Additionally, Ellis-Bey, Flowers, Giles, Gillum, Goff, and Jordan are charged with two additional counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023.

A BMW x6 and a 2013 Porsche Cayenne SUV were the main subjects of questioning for the witnesses.

Prosecutors called an analyst from the Department of Forensic Science (DFS), who testified that she processed the BMV x6 for DNA recovery on April 27, 2025. The vehicle was located on the 2800 block of New York Avenue, NE. According to the witness, she was advised that the vehicle was involved in a carjacking and that there were at least two possible occupants.

Given that information, the witness said she collected photographs that were mainly from the driver and front passenger sides of the vehicle.

Additionally, the forensic scientist testified that she collected mouth swabs from Jordan on Nov. 8, 2023. The witness did not explain why she collected it from Jordan, specifically, or what the results showed.

Prosecutors called in a trooper with the Virginia State Police to testify. The officer testified that he recovered the 2013 Porsche Cayenne after engaging in a high speed pursuit when it drove through a highway camera that alerted it as stolen to the dispatcher.

The dashcam footage from the chase was entered into evidence and the witness stated that the vehicle can be seen driving at speeds upwards of 120 mph. An individual that is not one of the seven defendants was arrested after being stopped by a spike strip.

A crime scene scientist with DFS was called in by prosecutors to testify. He testified to being called to a tow lot to collect evidence from the Porsche SUV recovered after the chase. He stated that he collected photographs, swabbed for DNA, and powdered for fingerprints on the wheel and interior handles of the car.

Upon cross examination, the witness was questioned why he did not collect any items from the car or look for evidence in other areas. He stated that he received instruction from the detective on scene that the items in the car belonged to the owner of the vehicle and thus were not likely to have much probative value.

A special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) testified that he also photographed the Porsche SUV.

Brian McDaniel, Jordan’s attorney asked the agent if he was present when law enforcement first came in contact with the vehicle. The agent testified that he was not present.

McDaniel then asked the agent if he was aware of any items that may have been removed from the vehicle before he photographed it. The agent testified that there was indication that items had been removed prior to his investigation of the vehicle – he was unsure what the items included.

Additional testimony was provided by a patrol officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He explained that he was called to the unit block of K Street, NE, on April 27, 2023, for an armed carjacking.

Once he arrived on scene, the officer testified that he gathered information, from the complaining witness, as to what happened and who was involved. The officer’s body camera footage showed the victim asking the officer and his partner to borrow a cell phone to call his wife.

Upon cross-examination, Daniel Dorsey, Gillum’s attorney, asked the officer, “did the victim tell you that one of the suspects was wearing a white shirt with the letters NIKE on it?” The officer testified that the victim did not.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov 6.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Domestic Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause in a domestic shooting case in a hearing on Nov. 4.

Bruce Lee, 46, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that wounded one individual on the 400 block of Douglas Street, NE, on Oct. 16.

During the hearing, a detective who responded to the scene and interviewed the victim’s girlfriend, who witnessed the shooting, testified. According to the detective, the victim’s girlfriend stated Lee had gotten into a “verbal altercation” with the victim, his stepson, which escalated into a physical fight after Lee punched the victim. She told the detective that when the fighting stopped, Lee said, “I got something for you” to the victim, grabbed a gun from his room, and shot the victim in the mid-back. She said that the defendant left the apartment after the shooting.

The detective also discussed interviews that other officers did with the victim and the victim’s mother – Lee’s wife. One officer told the detective that the victim said he “had his back turned” to Lee during the shooting. The victim’s mother corroborated this account in a statement to another officer.

When the prosecution asked about the scene, the detective noted that he found two blood smears in the apartment located to the right and left of the door. He also said that officers recovered shell casings, live rounds, and a handgun magazine found in a black bag containing a photo ID of Lee. When asked about firearms, the detective said that officers had not recovered any during the investigation.

During the cross-examination, defense attorney Shawn Sukumar asked how much time had passed between the fight and the detective’s arrival on scene, which the detective estimated to be “maybe 30 minutes.” According to the detective, however, the responding officers arrived “fairly soon” after the 911 call was made.

Sukumar also asked if the detective had reviewed the victim’s medical records, which would corroborate his testimony that the victim was shot in his back. The detective said that he had not reviewed any records, but had been told about the victim’s injury by his colleague, who interviewed the victim.

When asked if the detective knew about any conflicts between the witnesses, the detective said he had “heard of prior conflicts” between the victim and his mom, and that there was a “contentious relationship on scene” between the victim’s mom and the girlfriend as well.

The detective also told Sukumar that Lee had come to the police station “of his own accord” after questions about his arrest, but said that Lee may not have known he was being arrested. According to the detective, Lee also waived his Miranda rights and gave a voluntary statement after his arrest.

Sukumar argued against probable cause in the case. He acknowledged that “every single witness” agreed that there was a fight, but argued that the victim’s girlfriend was a biased party with a “strong incentive” to side with her boyfriend, and said that there was “significant conflict” between the victim’s girlfriend, his mother, and Lee.

He also argued that there was a “very strong reason” to question where the victim was shot, given that blood smears were found to the right and left of the door, and not in one spot. He said it was possible the victim was not shot by the door attempting to leave, but may have instead been “closer to Mr. Lee,” which he claimed could be evidence that Lee shot the victim in self-defense.

Judge Park said there is “no dispute that the complainant was shot,” and that it was “quite clear” that Lee was the shooter. Judge Park also noted how Lee allegedly told the victim, “I got something for you,” before shooting him, and that both witnesses claimed the victim was “getting ready to leave” when he was shot.

Judge Park argued that there was little evidence of self-defense and found probable cause.

When asked about potential release, Sukumar argued that the defendant had “an entire lack of criminal violent history” for twenty years, was employed, and had a place to stay upon release. He noted that, while the allegations were serious, they were over a “specific issue with a specific individual,” and there was no other indication that Lee would pose a danger to the community. He asked Judge Park to issue a no-contact order with the victim and release Lee.

The prosecution argued that there is “clear and convincing evidence” that Lee is a danger, citing the nature of the allegations and that Lee was “willing to use a firearm against someone who angered him.” They further noted that the victim was unarmed, shot in the back, and “left for dead.” According to the prosecution, the defendant could not be safely released back into the community.

Judge Park called the ruling a “close call,” given the “many factors” that weighed in the defendant’s favor, including familial support, employment, and minimal criminal history.

However, he ultimately sided with the prosecution and continued to hold Lee, citing the nature of the charges and noting that the weight of the evidence “appears very strong.” Judge Park also said that the case for self-defense is “extraordinarily thin.”

Parties are slated to return on Dec. 8.

Murder Defendant Denied Release Despite Severe Medical Concerns

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied the release of a murder defendant on Nov. 5, despite allegations that the DC Jail is not providing appropriate treatment for his open wounds.

Desmond Barr, 24, is charged with second-degree murder 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 the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. The incident occurred on July 13, 2024 on the 3600 block of F Street, SE.

Barr’s defense attorneys, Hannah Claudio and Dominique Winters, continued their arguments with a supplemental motion for Barr’s release after initially filing in October. .

According to Judge Park, to go from Barr’s being detained to being released over inadequate medical treatment is “too large of a jump” and that it “misses many steps” in the process to allow the defendant to be released from custody.

Judge Park continued that court records reflect issues raised by the defense regarding Barr’s treatment and the Department of Correction’s (DoC) failure to understand or comply with the medical alert ordered during the preliminary hearings in this matter.

Claudio and Winters included a new representation that Barr’s physical therapy has been discontinued.

The initial medical alert issued stated Barr is required to have physical therapy while detained to reduce the risk of future blood clotting as a result of a spinal cord injury he suffered from a shooting, as well as mobility issues related to the injury.

Representatives from the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Unity Health were also present to assure Barr is getting adequate treatment and that outside treatment options were available if he needed them to recover.

The representative from Unity Health stated physical therapy is not ordered, so it is not being administered at this time.

The Unity Health representative went on to indicate that their treatment of jail patients is no different that what happens in the outside setting. He also said they are accredited as an organization and that they have all the certifications they need to adequately treat inmates who are detained.

The Unity Health representative also stated that some of the medical responsibility lies with the patient to ask for help when needed.

Examples include changing sleeping posture, not remaining in one position for too long, and notifying infirmary staff if symptoms worsen in regards to wounds or other conditions the defendant is suffering.

As for the risk of infection he claimed that the infirmary was an aseptic space and mitigation efforts reduce the risk of further infection for the defendant. Pictures of Barr’s wounds were submitted in evidence. .

The defense asked the representative about the physical therapy equipment that was available at the jail and he said it was “standard” and anything additionally needed for Barr was available at an off-site location to be used if necessary for recovery.

He also addressed the final concern about Barr’s wheelchair. He indicated that Barr had been issued a wheelchair that was standard at medical facilities, like a hospital, three times already and he had “destroyed” the first two.

Claudio and Winters argued for Barr’s release, citing that the representatives’ claims about the state of the wheelchairs and the degree to which Barr had tampered with them were inaccurate.

They argued that the treatment at the jail is unacceptable. Through medical records, they found out he was classified as a paraplegic instead of a tetraplegic–one suffering almost total paralysis.

Treatment errors cited included improper monitoring of blood pressure, incorrectly prescribing medication, and relying on Barr to notice changes in symptoms where he has little to no feeling. The defense claims that these lapses ihave put him at risk for strokes.

Their final concern was about the catheters the jail had been using for Barr, stating they had been inconsistent with the number and size of them, leading to numerous urinary tract infections that were recorded on court documents.

Judge Park asked the prosecution about their position in the matter. The prosecution affirmed the position of the two medical representatives that to the best of their ability, the DOC and DC Jail was accommodating Barr and his conditions as best they could.

They also stated they agreed that if more serious issues persist, Barr’s situation would need to change.

The court ruled additional review was needed, which the defense said they would cover with an independent expert.

Meanwhile, the court upheld the denial for release but said Barr’s health issues needed to be considered, noting the defense’s concerns are well-founded.

Judge Park finished by saying that he could intervene, but needed the DOC, Unity Health, and independent experts to provide more information.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 14.

Carjacking Defendant Acquitted of All Charges

A defendant accused of carjacking was found not guilty on all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Nov. 6.

Marcus Tucker, 30, was originally charged with armed carjacking, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed in relation to his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking that occurred April 17 at the intersection of 30th and Hartford Streets, SE.

After one day of jury deliberations, Tucker was acquitted of all counts.

Judge Hertzfeld ordered that Tucker be released from confinement. Additionally, Tucker’s stay- away order has expired.

No further dates have been set.

Silent Shooting Suspect Gets Second Mental Health Eval

A shooting suspect was ordered to undergo an additional mental health assessment after he was initially declared competent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Nov. 3.

Roasu Johnson, 35, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, unlawful discarding a firearm or ammunition, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 900 block of Kennedy Street, NW, on Aug. 6. No injuries were reported.

Several of the charges carry an aggravated circumstance since the offense occurred during Johnson’s release for a prior conviction.

At the status hearing, Johnson appeared before the court and ignored the judge’s requests to state his name for the record. Nor did he acknowledge the judge during the rest of the hearing.

The court requested an additional assessment based on his behavior. This was after a previous assessment concluded he was competent to stand trial, meaning he understands the charges and can work with his attorney.

Alvin Thomas, Johnson’s attorney, requested to send him to the mental health wing of the jail and the court determined it would be up to the DC Jail if he was to be assessed there or at Saint Elizabeth Hospital for psychiatric patients.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 7

Homicide Defendant Granted Eased Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal Ryan allowed a homicide defendant’s release conditions to be changed from home confinement to a curfew on Nov. 7.

Dwayne Brooks, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Juwaan Henry, which occurred on Aug. 25, 2022 on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Brooks’ trial date was set for Nov. 30, 2026. Megan Allburn, Brooks’ defense attorney, also requested that his release conditions be revised from home confinement to a set curfew with GPS monitoring given his “near flawless” compliance with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) thus far.

Allburn also noted that Brooks is the custodial parent for his sister, and is currently employed.

The prosecution argued that the attempted robbery, which was captured on video surveillance, occurred at dusk on a busy pedestrian street, and that Brooks’ had already been given special parameters to meet the needs of his employer and sister.

Henry’s mother was present via WebEX and addressed Judge Ryan. “It is very unfair to see what is going on and that my son is not here to be with his family,” she said.

Allburn stated that the video footage of the incident shows Henry holding a firearm, and that the center of Brooks’ argument stems from acting in self-defense. Allburn also noted that the last infraction on Brooks’ record occurred following an approved haircut, where Brooks stopped on the way home to buy a pizza.

Judge Ryan congratulated Brooks for his compliance record thus far with PSA, and granted his request for a curfew from 6 a. m.-to-6 p. m. based on work and family obligations.

Parties are slated to convene on Nov. 2, 2026.

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