Footage Said to Show Shooting Victim Crying For Help

Prosecutors presented evidence in a shooting trial on March 31 including body-worn camera footage of the victim calling for his mother, saying he was shot in the back by a large man in a mask.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya A. Dayson ruled the remark was admissible as an “excited utterance.” meaning it is considered a spontaneous statement of a stressful moment.

Roger Jones, 42, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, fleeing a law enforcement officer, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business with a prior felony, threat to injure or kidnap a person, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in shooting that occurred on Jan. 22, 2022, on the 1400 Block of Oakie Street, NE.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who was at the scene of the shooting testified that he spoke with the victim and additional witnesses regarding a domestic situation involving Jones earlier in the night.

Two sisters, one of whom had a relationship with co-defendant Riley Benjamin at the time of the crime, shared the title to a silver Ford reportedly connected to this case. Benjamin ostensibly borrowed the car from his romantic partner at the time and she was allegedly able to identify Benjamin on surveillance footage at the crime scene from a shooting that occurred on Feb. 19, 2022. Both sisters testified that before this case, they had never met or heard of Jones.

There was also testimony about a shooting on Feb. 19, 2022, that caused the death of 31-year-old Maurice McRae two months later. Benjamin pleaded guilty to his involvement in both of these shootings on Aug. 30, 2024, and was sentenced to 15 years in jail.

More witness testimony is anticipated.

Judge Delays Murder Hearing to Review Sentencing Question

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park delayed a preliminary hearing on March 28 to consider correcting or reducing a sentence in a homicide case with a pending plea deal.

Dawayne Smith, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Antonio Riley on Oct. 23, 2024 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE.

Judge Park notified the parties that he had received information that Smith was waiving a jury trial along with accepting a plea agreement. He questioned Smith to ensure he understood he was surrendering his rights, that his decision was voluntary and he understood the consequences. Details of the deal were not presented in open court.

Smith’s defense attorney, Madalyn Harvey, brought up an addendum to the agreement that Smith was not waiving his right to file a Rule 35 motion which allows a judge to change or correct an illegally imposed sentence.

The prosecution said this was a surprise and needed time to discuss it before moving forward with the plea agreement.

Judge Park continued the hearing, and parties are expected to reconvene on April 7.

Carjacker Pleads Guilty

A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on April 1.

Auzsa Beatty, 29, was originally charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in an incident on the 4800 block of Lee Street, NE on March 11, 2024.

Beatty’s attorney, Lauckland Nicholas, acknowledged they would be entering a plea agreement with the prosecution.

As such, Beatty pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, in exchange of the prosecution not seeking an indictment and dismissing all other charges. The prosecution also agreed to cap their sentencing request at seven years of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 23.

Mental Hearing For Convicted Killer Delayed

A shooting defendant’s lawyer said the Department of Behavior and Health (DBH) requested an additional 15 days to complete his client’s mental competency evaluation in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.

Ky’lee Palmer, 25, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, malicious destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that killed Barron Goodwin, 60, on the 800 block of 51st Street SE. This incident occurred on Feb. 12, 2020.

To stand trial, a defendant must be mentally able to understand the charges against him and participate in his own defense.

At the hearing, Palmer’s lawyer, David Akulian, said the doctor from DBH doing Palmer’s evaluation needed an extra 15 days. The prosecution agreed but noted that Palmer is presumed competent under the law and should be prepared for sentencing.

Judge Brandt granted the request but stated that Palmer can’t avoid the evaluation in any way because she did not want this matter further postponed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 2.

Defendant in a Stabbing Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted the prosecution’s plea offer in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.

James Petticolas, 40, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in stabbing a male victim in the back on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW on May 10, 2024.

At the hearing, Petticolas’ lawyer, Marnitta King, announced his decision to accept the prosecution’s plea deal. The deal required Petticolas to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 28.

Defense Claims Paralyzed Shooting Victim Uses Drugs, Has Mental Issues

The defense in a shooting of a paralyzed victim raised the victim’s history of substance use as an issue before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.

Damon Bradford, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that paralyzed an individual on Oct. 2 at the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

During the hearing, Bradford’s attorney, Joseph Yarbrough, stated he had concerns about witnesses in the case, especially the victim, whom they allege uses drugs. Yarbrough also asserted that the victim has a history of psychotic disorders, but an official diagnosis was not been disclosed. Yarbrough requested that the prosecution disclose all evidence and information regarding the witnesses.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 8.

Judge Grants Stabbing Defendant’s Release Request

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt agreed to release a stabbing defendant on March 28 after revoking his release in September, 2024.

Dennis Bowler, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on May 24, 2024, on the 3000 block of Rodman Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt reversed her decision made on Sept. 6, 2024 when she revoked Bowler’s release. Originally, she issued a bench warrant after Bowler failed to appear in court and was accused by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) of tampering with his GPS monitor.

However, during this hearing, Judge Brandt ordered Bowler’s release on GPS, stating he must report to PSA, and issued a stay away order from the victim. Judge Brandt made this decision after speaking to both parties under seal.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.

Arraigned on Multiple Shooting Counts, Defendant Claims Innocence

A shooting defendant entered a not-guilty plea in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 10, 2024, on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

Wise’s attorney, Janai Reed, alerted Judge Brandt Wise was pleading not guilty and asserted his constitutional right to a speedy trial. Reed also requested that the prosecution provide all outstanding evidence to the defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

‘Nosy Neighbor’ Testifies About Shooting

Witnesses, including a neighbor, testified before a jury evaluating a shooting in DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro’s courtroom on April 2.

Lawrence Murphy, 52, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged in a shooting that left one victim injured to the wrist on March 31, 2020 on the 1300 block of Queen Street, NE.

A self-proclaimed “nosy neighbor” was called by the prosecution to testify about what she witnessed during a shooting, as she was at home near the incident.

According to the witness, she heard a “pop” from outside her house and went to look through the window, as it “didn’t quite sound like a gunshot, but pretty similar.” The prosecution says the victim was blowing away leaves as part of his lawn care business, when he was shot in the right wrist by Murphy.

She testified she saw a man on Murphy’s porch interacting with another man for a minute in a nearby alleyway. Later that day, she witnessed that man on the porch arrested by officers monitoring the area.

Murphy’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, questioned if the witness had seen that the two men fighting, and she did not interpret their interaction as an argument.

The prosecution also called on a surgeon who worked on the victim after being admitted to the hospital. He confirmed that the victim had multiple fractures in his right wrist, and although it was not a major injury the recovery took four-to-six weeks.

A detective with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified Murphy was open to answering questions without an attorney during the interview after the arrest.

During the questioning, the detective stated, Murphy was shown surveillance footage from the area at the time of the crime and he identified himself as the man in the video. However, Murphy allegedly told the detective he was at a friend’s house the entire day, making the detective question the statement’s accuracy.

Thomas, in his cross examination clarified that Murphy was extremely confident no firearms or ammunition were in his home.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.

‘I Want You to Burn in Hell,’ Says Victim’s Grandmother at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced Quanisha Ramsuer to 36 months in prison on March 28 for obstruction of justice in a murder case.

Ramsuer, 31 was convicted of obstruction of justice for a mass shooting on July 16, 2018, on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE. The incident in the Clay Terrace neighborhood left ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson dead and four other individuals with non-fatal gunshot wounds.

Wilson’s mother spoke to the court via Zoom, urging Judge Okun to sentence Ramsuer harshly.

“I have one kid who is in heaven and another who is a survivor,” she said. “Everyone must be accountable for their actions.”

Wilson’s grandmother also spoke in court, stating that what Ramseur did was a disgrace to all women and that obstructing justice was an evil act.

“I want you to burn in hell!” Wilson’s grandmother said to Ramsuer. She told Judge Okun, “Your honor, throw the whole goddamn kitchen sink at her.”

Darryl Daniels, Ramsuer’s attorney, asked the court to depart from the sentencing guidelines and sentence Ramsuer to probation and community service without prison time. Daniels argued that having a felony on her record was a harsh punishment in itself, and that prison would ruin not only Ramsuer’s life but also her family’s.

Ramseur told the court that she had no intention of causing harm to Wilson or her family. She said prison would be very bad for her, as she has to take care of her children, her siblings, and her mother.

Expressing his condolences to Wilson’s family and all the other victims, Judge Okun delivered a sentence of 60 months of imprisonment with 24 months suspended, followed by five years of probation.

“I am not saying you are a bad mother or a bad person,” Judge Okun told Ramsuer. “What I am saying is you made a very bad mistake.”

No further dates were set.

‘My Life Has Been Turned Upside Down,’ Stabbing Victim Says at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a stabbing defendant on March 28 to ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Ray Stover, 45, was charged with assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on June 5, 2024, at the 1100 block of 45th Street, NE. He pleaded guilty on Feb. 4.

The victim of the incident gave a victim impact statement highlighting how the incident has affected his quality of life and has led sleeplessness and PTSD.

“My life has been turned upside down,” the victim said.

He told the court that he was doing his school job monitoring an entrance and exit when a complete stranger approached him and chased him with a knife before stabbing him.

“Get some help, because there is something desperately wrong with someone who can do that to a complete stranger,” the victim said to Stover.

The prosecution shared surveillance footage of Stover chasing the victim before stabbing him. They also presented photos of the stab wounds and the shirt the victim was wearing.

The prosecution called this incident a “serious, heinous, and random” attack, as Stover perpetrated it on a victim he didn’t know. They also said that Stover has an extensive violent criminal record, including shooting his stepfather, and that probation has not succeeded

Stover’s defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, argued that Stover’s violent behavior is connected to substance abuse and mental illness. She told the court that Stover experienced abandonment and abuse during his childhood. Furthermore, he was a victim of a robbery during which he sustained six gunshot wounds. Judkins requested that Stover be placed in RDAP, a substance abuse treatment program run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

Judge Park acknowledged that Stover suffered a difficult childhood and has taken responsibility for his actions. However, he said that an unprovoked assault on someone doing their job warrants incarceration. Stover was sentenced to 120 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Shooting Victim

A shooting defendant pleaded guilty to two charges before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on March 31.

Daniel Griffin, 31, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 27, 2024 on the 4300 block of Burroughs Ave, NE. The incident left one victim injured.

Griffin’s attorney, Mark Rollins, shared with the court that Griffin would be entering a plea.

After reviewing the deal, Griffin pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm, with the possession of a firearm during a crime of violence charged dropped. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to not seek an indictment, and stated they’ll limit their sentencing requests to 60 months of incarceration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 12.

Prosecution Suggests Revenge Was Motive in Foster Sister’s Murder

A friend’s murder may have triggered a revenge killing according to evidence in a murder case argued before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 28.

Michael Wells, 53, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, tampering with physical evidence, and arson. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Makia Mosby on Nov. 24, 2005, on the 1200 block of Valley Avenue, SE.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told Hannah Claudio, one of Wells’ attorneys, that a witness disclosed that Wells is Mosby’s foster brother. The detective said the witness heard Wells’ voice in the background of a phone call with Mosby on the day of the incident. The witness believed the case was connected to the murder of Michael Carter.

During the prosecution’s cross examination, the detective said that Wells and Carter were friends and that Wells might have killed Mosby after she allegedly confessed to murdering Carter. According to the detective, Mosby and Carter were killed in the same fashion.

The detective testified that a second witness claimed Wells confessed to Mosby’s murder. This witness also believed that the case was related to another homicide case and claimed Mosby was “in” on the other case.

Molly Bunke, another attorney for Wells, challenged the witnesses’ reliability saying Wells was incarcerated when the witness claimed the confession occurred in the community.

The detective said a third witness was allegedly at the apartment on the day of the incident and told MPD that Mosby was there, arguing with a man.

Bunke said the witness statements were uncorroborated and plagued by inconsistencies.

She argued Wells should be released pending trial because the prosecution allowed him to remain in the community for over a decade before bringing charges against him, despite already knowing most of the information in the case. According to Bunke, the prosecution’s inaction demonstrated Wells didn’t pose a risk to the community.

Arguments over Wells’ detention will continue at the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 2.

Prosecution Can Use Gun Evidence in Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled prosecutors can use a recovered gun as evidence as in a homicide case but didn’t preclude a possible self-defense claim on March 28.

Ranje Reynolds, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

Initially, the prosecution wanted to preclude self-defense as an argument. Judge Park didn’t rule on the issue saying it was inappropriate before trial.

The prosecution also filed a motion to admit evidence Reynolds was a flight risk in that he canceled a romantic trip to leave for Jamaica. Judge Park granted the motion.

Finally, the prosecution motioned to admit evidence of a prior altercation and recovery of a gun.

Reynolds’ defense attorney, Cheryl Stein, didn’t dispute the prior altercation but challenged introducing a gun since there’s no indication it was used in the crime.

The prosecution said that a witness saw Reynolds grab a gun and use it on many occasions.

Judge Park granted the motion, saying the color and shape of the gun described by the witness formed a reasonable basis for inferring it was Reynolds’ gun.

Stein objected to the prosecution’s intention to introduce testimony that Reynolds was seen with guns on other occasions, arguing that gun ownership is completely irrelevant, She said it’s an attempt to impugn Reynolds’ character.

However, Judge Park said that Reynold’s gun ownership is important to the prosecution’s case, as it indicates Reynolds knew where the gun was and suggested Boothe’s killing could have been premeditated.

The defense filed a motion to exclude the prosecution’s second round of testing of DNA evidence.

According to Stein, the lab that conducted the prosecution’s first round of testing failed to report the results for two months. When the results finally became available, the defense asked for the trial to be delayed so they would have time to conduct independent testing.

The prosecution used this delay to conduct a second round of testing.

Stein argued that the slow reporting by the prosecution’s lab violated Reynolds’ constitutional rights by forcing him to choose between his right to independent DNA testing and his right to a speedy trial. She said the prosecution should not be allowed to benefit from this situation by pursuing further testing.

Judge Park denied the motion, reasoning that there was no basis to exclude the test results and no case law requiring the prosecution to cease their investigation.

Parties are expected to reconvene on April 14.

Accused of Shooting Victim 17 Times, Suspect Pleads Innocent

A shooting defendant facing five charges pleaded not guilty to all counts in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.

Marcus Martin, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024, where one person was injured.

During the hearing, Martin’s attorney, Quo Judkins, stated her client’s decision to plead not guilty. Judkins stated that the defense intends to prepare for the July 7 trial date, but Judge Brandt asserted that this trial date is subject to change due to the court’s busy schedule.

The prosecution also disclosed all items eligible for testing which include two apparent projectiles and five shell casings recovered at the scene that both parties plan on testing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

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