Shooting Defendant Considers Plea Offer Ahead of Prelim

A shooting defendant’s attorney requested additional time to consider a new plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on April 15.

Da’John Blunt, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or place of business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE on March 12. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his groin and another victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right elbow.

At the hearing, Blunt wanted to proceed with the preliminary hearing. However, according to the prosecution, if he did proceed, they would revoke their plea offer. The prosecution said their offer might be the most lenient deal Blunt could receive in the case.

If Blunt pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and felon in possession, the prosecution would agree to drop any remaining charges, not seek indictment on additional charges, and dismiss two separate cases involving Blunt.

Blunt’s attorney, Adam Harris, said he received the offer that morning and said it was “wildly premature to make that decision.”

After discussions with Blunt, Harris requested to continue the hearing to a later date to get a better understanding of the plea offer and of the prosecution’s evidence.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 30.

Judge Denies Release in Pellet Gun Shooting for Suspect With 9 Prior Convictions

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones denied release for shooting defendant on April 15 after he waived his preliminary hearing, amounting to a finding of probable cause.

Glendale Wright, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, simple assault, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE on April 11.

According to court documents, Wright was arrested by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on the scene after Wright allegedly shot the victim in the chest with a pellet gun. Wright is also reported to have struck a second victim in the head with the pellet gun when they attempted to take the weapon from Wright. Finally, Wright allegedly lunged and made threatening statements at a third victim while being arrested.

After explaining rights he waived, Judge Jones accepted the Wright’s waiver.

Daniel Dorsey, Wright’s attorney, requested Judge Jones release Wright on GPS monitoring. Dorsey reasoned that Wright is not a danger to the community on the basis he is a lifelong DC resident.

The prosecution argued no conditions of Wright’s release could ensure the safety of the community. They stated Wright had multiple prior convictions including two battery convictions in Georgia. The prosecution also said the evidence against Wright is strong, stating there is body-worn camera footage of Wright making the threats at the third victim.

Dorsey responded that many of the prior convictions may have stemmed from Wright’s struggles with mental health, however he takes medication for these issues.

Judge Jones denied Wright’s request for release on GPS monitoring, citing the violent nature of the incident and Wright’s nine prior convictions.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 12.

Prosecutor Delays Sentencing For Obstruction Defendant in Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted the prosecution’s request to delay sentencing for an obstruction defendant despite defense objections on April 17.

On Jan. 13, Daniel Bangura, 22, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Donald Childs, 46, on July 30, 2023 on the 100 block of Farragut Street, NW. Childs sustained a gunshot wound to his chest.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of four-to-eight years imprisonment, subject to Judge Dayson’s approval at sentencing.

Iesha Marks, 31, also pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to second-degree murder while armed for her involvement in the same incident. Marks’ sentencing is scheduled for June 12.

According to court documents, Bangura drove the vehicle as Marks fired multiple shots that shot and killed Childs and then drove away from the scene.

At the hearing, the prosecution requested to reschedule the sentencing due to their involvement in an ongoing trial in another case that slowed them down.

Bangura’s attorney, Peter Odom, objected to the prosecution’s request because his client’s mother took time off of work to attend the hearing. Odom said that this was the second time Bangura’s mother missed work for the sentencing, and it was not fair to her to delay it again.

The prosecution acknowledged Odom’s objection and accepted responsibility for requesting a delay, but emphasized that they had not had time to prepare for the sentencing.

Judge Dayson granted the request to reschedule the hearing and told Bangura’s mother that, although it may not be ideal, she could attend the sentencing virtually if she needed to do so.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 24.

Defense Questions Identity of ‘Love’ Contact in Murder Victim’s Phone

The defense called a detective to testify in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson about the victim’s phone records on April 15.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Kevin Redd on June 11, 2020, at the rear end of an alley on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE.

Whitley’s attorneys, Madalyn Harvey and James Brockway, called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective of the case to the stand. She testified that as part of the investigation, she typically looks into a defendant’s family, home life, and work environment.

Harvey asked the detective what Redd’s wife said during their interview. The wife told the detective that she suspected Redd was having a romantic relationship with another man. When Harvey asked if she investigated this allegation, the detective said no.

Then, Harvey asked the detective what she talked about with Redd’s mother during a separate interview. The victim’s mother alleged that her daughter-in-law took out a life insurance policy on Redd because he walked home alone often. Redd’s mother also suspected that her son’s wife had a boyfriend and Redd wasn’t the father of her child. The detective testified that Redd’s mother believed he was “set up.”

The detective testified that Redd’s wife handed over her phone to the police and provided her phone number. However, Harvey pointed out that the number she told the detective didn’t match the phone she turned over. The detective said she didn’t look into the call logs of the phone number Redd’s wife told her, but another detective looked through the phone.

The police received Redd’s cell phone, the detective testified. She wrote down recent calls and found a contact named “Love.”

Harvey showed the detective the call logs from “Love.” The contact called three times around one a. m. and continued throughout the day of the shooting. They also called close to the time when the shooting occurred.

Harvey asked the detective if the police ever pinpointed “Love’s” identity.

“I remember digging into Love, but I don’t remember what I found,” the detective said.

Harvey gave the detective a case file and handwritten notes from when the police were investigating the homicide. After several minutes of reviewing her notes, the detective couldn’t find any confirmation of “Love’s” identity.

Harvey continued pressing the detective, asking her about gaps in the investigation regarding the phone logs. The detective acknowledged that she did not try to locate “Love” despite having a phone number linked to the individual, and stated that she never obtained “Love’s” physical phone or location data.

Harvey’s questioning of the detective, also revealed inconsistencies in the phone evidence with other contacts that Redd had reached out to right before the shooting. The detective confirmed she never followed up on any leads regarding these contacts.

Harvey also challenged how the detective handled surveillance footage and timestamps. The detective testified that the video timestamps were approximate and that a car she tracked appeared in an alley for just a few seconds, despite larger time gaps.

The prosecution objected several times to defense questions stating that they “object to this entire thing.” Judge Dayson agreed, and struck from the record a defense question about how many phone extractions were done in the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17 without the jury present.

Inter-Family Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A defendant who killed his cousin’s romantic partner accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 17.

Charles Best, 28, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Feb. 18, 2024 at the 1600 block of Rosedale St, NE that killed Darius Robinson, 35.

According to court documents, Robinson was in a romantic relationship with Best’s cousin, a witness to the homicide.

At the hearing, Best’s attorney, Megan Allburn, told Judge Ryan that her client accepted a plea offer from the prosecutor that required Best to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss any greater or remaining charges and limit their sentence recommendation to 14-to-20 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Ryan’s approval. Best must also register as a gun offender in DC.

The prosecutor said that if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have proven that while Best was putting his coat on at the door, he shot Robinson who was sitting at a table. There were children upstairs at the time. Police found seven nine-mm cartridge cases near the victim’s body.

Judge Ryan questioned Best to ensure that he knowingly and willingly pleaded guilty.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 18.

Repeat Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on April 10.

Kyre Robinson, 23, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE on June 9, 2025.

According to the prosecution, officers responded to the scene for reports of a shooting. Robinson was captured on surveillance footage pointing and firing a gun at an apartment building, where a victim was struck in the back. The prosecution also noted Robinson had a prior conviction for carrying a pistol without a license.

Robinson’s attorney, Julie Wilson, informed Judge Israel that her client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors. Wilson stated that Robinson would plead guilty to attempted aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. As part of the deal, parties agreed to a total sentence between two-to-three years imprisonment, subject to Judge Israel’s approval at sentencing.

Robinson also pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2025 to aggravated assault while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and destruction of property for his involvement in another shooting on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE on Dec. 16, 2024.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 10, when Robinson will be sentenced for both matters.

No-Show at Hearing, Stabbing Defendant Considers Global Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman noted that a stabbing defendant refused to appear in court for his hearing on April 20.

Cedae Hardy, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in stabbing another inmate at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Oct. 12, 2025. The victim sustained 10 stab wounds.

Hardy’s attorney, Chidi Ogolo, explained that he spoke to his client the previous night. Ogolo said that Hardy is considering a global plea deal to resolve unspecified charges in US District Cout as well as the counts in DC Superior Court.

Ogolo said Hardy may have thought his presence was not necessary because he would be asking to schedule a new date.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 5.

Shooting Victim Spends ‘Everyday in Pain’

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a shooting defendant to 18 months incarceration, time he already served, and three years of supervised release on April 14.

Keith Walker, 31, pleaded guilty on Dec. 8, 2025 to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his involvement in a March 7, 2024 shooting. The incident occurred on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where one individual was shot in the ankle.

The victim was present for the hearing virtually and said that the shooting “significantly impacted” his life. Bring absent from his daughter’s life has affected her “health and well-being.” Before the shooting, the victim said he was an “active father” and was “making sacrifices” to be a part of his child’s life.

Now, the victim said that he spends “everyday in pain” and is “stuck like this” for the rest of his life. He has a rod in his leg, which affected his employment and impaired his ability to attend his citizenship appointments, the victim said.

The prosecution argued that although Walker had no prior adult convictions, the nature of the shooting was “very violent.” Walker knowingly brought a firearm to a location he knew children would be present, according to the prosecution. They argued Walker should be sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, with credit for time served, which is at the maximum of the sentencing guidelines.

Walker’s attorney, Tamara Jones, explained that her client is “sympathetic” and “apologetic” for his involvement in the shooting. Walker is in full compliance with his release conditions and participated in a plumbing class while he was in DC Jail, according to Jones.

This was not an isolated incident, Jones argued. There were “mitigating factors” and Walker was “never the aggressor,” she claimed. Jones said Walker was “previously attacked” by the victim.

Before the shooting, Walker worked a government job for an agency that “would like to rehire him” after he resolves this case, noted James.

Jones said Walker has already served over 18 months. She requested that Walker be released from GPS monitoring with no probation.

Walker said he would “like to apologize” and “take responsibility for [his] actions.”

Judge Arthur asserted that the victim “could have died.” He acknowledged that Walker had no record, was working, and had support from family members before the shooting. Even though he had “never been in trouble,” the shooting was “avoidable,” according to Judge Arthur.

Judge Arthur sentenced Walker to 18 months incarceration and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon. Concurrently, Judge Arthur sentenced him to 12 months incarceration and one year of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business.

Walker will get credit for time he served in DC Jail and will not have to serve any additional time. He was on release pending sentencing and was taken into custody by the US Marshals once parties were dismissed. Walker will be transported to DC Jail where they will calculate the time he has served. Once they are done, he should be released, according to Judge Arthur.

There are no further dates scheduled at this time.

Judge Orders Full Mental Competency Evaluation in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur ordered a full competency evaluation by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) for a stabbing defendant on April 15.

Aaren Striplin, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 900 block of G Street, NW on July 4, 2025. The victim sustained stab wounds to both legs.

Striplin’s defense attorney, Adgie O’Bryant, requested a preliminary competency screening on April 10. After the initial screening, DBH concluded that additional evaluation was needed.

To stand trial, Striplin must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

During the hearing, Judge Arthur accepted the DBH request for further evaluation and ordered a full competency evaluation.

Striplin expressed his discontent with getting re-evaluated, stating he had already been deemed competent. Striplin addressed Judge Arthur and stated, “I want to say I’m not guilty in front of a jury.”

According to court records, Striplin was found incompetent to stand trial on July 17, 2025. After treatment at Saint Elizabeths Hospital, Striplin was deemed competent to stand trial on Dec. 11, 2025. He was then transferred to DC Jail.

Judge Arthur explained that he is not ordering Striplin to return to Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital at this time.

Striplin verbally requested a “speedy trial” from the court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 28.

Judge Encourages Probation Stabbing Defendant to ‘Keep it Up’ With Drug Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro discharged a show cause hearing for a stabbing defendant on April 15 despite a series of failed drug tests.

Janette George, 39, was sentenced on June 21, 2024, to seven months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 30 days of incarceration for simple assault, followed by 18 months of supervised probation. Both charges were committed against a senior citizen.

George must undergo mental health assessments and transition to the community through the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), a residential facility. The conviction stemmed from her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the unit block of O Street, SW on Nov. 6, 2023. The victim sustained a laceration to the right hand.

According to court documents, George engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim and victim’s family in their front yard. The argument turned physical when George produced a knife and cut the victim.

During the hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) appeared via WebEx to provide an update regarding George’s probation. She informed Judge Di Toro that George was compliant and “doing great.”

However, according to the representative, George consistently tested positive for PCP. The representative requested a continuance in the hearing to allow more time to receive George’s results from her most recent drug test.

Rather than granting the continuance, Judge Di Toro, decided to discharge the show cause hearing because she wanted George to focus on drug rehabilitation.

As a result, George will remain under CSOSA’s supervision as she participates in a drug treatment program.

Judge Di Toro encouraged George to “keep it up” with her compliance.

No further dates were scheduled.

Judge Dismisses Homicide Defendant’s Conspiracy Charge, Still Sentenced to Some 132 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson dismissed a conspiracy charge for a homicide defendant after a mandate from the Court of Appeals on April 10.

Derek Turner, 34, was sentenced on March 13, 2023 to more than 134 years for conspiracy, first-degree murder, among other charges related to his involvement insome a shooting of 28-year-old Andrew McPhatter on March 1, 2017 on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE. McPhatter succumbed to his injuries on March 5, 2017. Turner was also convicted of the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Devin Hall on Jan. 7, 2017 on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

Ronnika Jennings, 47, was convicted and sentenced for accessory after fact for her involvement in the same incidents.

A ruling from the DC Court of Appeals filed on Feb. 26 remanded the conspiracy conviction, shortening Turner’s sentence by two years. Because the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to prove Jennings’ conviction, which was reversed. Because Jennings’ charge was dismissed, the related charge against Turner for allegedly conspiring with her was likewise dismissed.

Judge Dayson asked the prosecution and Turner’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, if they objected. Neither of them did.

No further dates were set.

Domestic Shooting Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon

A domestic violence shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 8.

Warren Wills, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in shooting –a woman he was romantically involved with on the 2000 block of E Street, NE on Jan. 14.

At the hearing, Wills’ attorney, Gregory Copeland, informed the court that his client accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to seek indictment with greater charges. Judge Hertzfeld acknowledged and accepted the agreement.

The prosecutor said if the case had gone to trial, the evidence would have proved that Willis shot his romantic partner after a fight as she got into her friend’s car, injuring her leg.

Copeland requested that Judge Hertzfeld release Wills under home confinement, stating this was his first offense and he had a stable job for 19 years. Judge Hertzfeld denied this request due to the nature and severity of the case.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on June 8.

Judge Serves Domestic Shooting Defendant With Civil Protective Order

A domestic shooting defendant was served with a Civil Protective Order (CPO) during a hearing on April 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld.

Robert Young, 70, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a shooting on Nov. 1, 2025 on the 1000 block of 8th Street, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Young allegedly arrived at his residence where he lived with his girlfriend on the night of the incident and argued with his girlfriend’s goddaughter, who recently moved in with them. Young reportedly grabbed a firearm from a closet and threatened his girlfriend, along with her goddaughter and her grandson.

Later, Young allegedly left the residence through the back alley, and then fired a single shot. All three victims and a witness reported hearing the blast.

ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection surveillance system used by law enforcement agencies, detected a single round fired.

During the hearing, Young was served with a CPO, a court order protecting an individual from someone in a special relationship with the victim accused of violence against them. No details were given on the contents of the mandate.

A stay-away order for the three victims had previously been ordered on March 25 by DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond, according to court records.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 27.

Judge Asks Homicide Defendant to Keep Current Attorney After Multiple Trial Delays

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman requested a homicide defendant waive his right to a new attorney in a hearing on April 14 in order to expedite the proceedings.

Joshua Franklin, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Andrew Session on Jan. 21, 2021 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. Session sustained 12 gunshot wounds.

All of Franklin’s charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during his release for a prior offense.

According to court documents, the Public Defender Service (PDS) represented Franklin for the last four years, with four different PDS attorneys.

In a hearing on March 20, Judge Edelman received a note from Franklin requesting a trial delay to obtain new counsel, and reject plea negotiations. However, At the end of that hearing, parties concluded that Franklin wanted to withdraw his request and proceed with his current attorneys.

At the current hearing, Judge Edelman expressed his concern with Emma Mlyniec’s representing Franklin because of “past non-effective representation” from PDS. Mlyniec was co-counsel under former defense attorney Joseph Yarbough before he resigned from PDS without providing “proper advice,” to Franklin, said the judge.

Judge Edelman requested that Franklin have an informal or handwritten waiver, meaning that he would like to proceed with his current representation at a trial, and not request a new attorney later in the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Defendant Rejects Plea in Drug Deal Turned Stabbing

A defendant accused of a stabbing during a drug deal rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 14.

Steventh Logan, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 19 on the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a laceration to the left calf.

According to court records, the victim reported that he was meeting “Juan,” who he later allegedly identified as Logan in a photo police showed him, to purchase cocaine when an argument reportedly broke out between them regarding money. Logan then allegedly retrieved a knife from his pocket and stabbed the victim before fleeing.

During the hearing, Logan rejected an offer from the prosecution that would have required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with additional charges.

Daniel Dorsey, Logan’s attorney, requested a trial date after his client rejected the plea offer.

Parties scheduled a trial date for June 16.

Parties are slated to reconvene for trial readiness on June 5.

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