Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 28.

Maurice Felder, 53, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault with a grave risk while armed, assault with significant bodily injury, possession of a prohibited weapon, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW on Nov. 10. One person sustained a stab wound to his chest.

According to court documents, the altercation came after a verbal argument between the victim and Felder.

During the hearing, Felder’s attorney, Matthew Rist, stated his decision to plead not guilty on all counts and exercise his right to a speedy trial. According to the defense, the trial should not take longer than three-to-four days.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 11.

Murder Defendant Thinks He’s, ‘Above The Law,’ Say Prosecutors

‘The prosecution described the defendant in a murder trial as someone who “made a choice, and believes he is above the law” in closings before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 27.

Deonte Patterson, 29, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and obstructing justice by influencing or delaying of a witness or officer for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Ali Jamil Al-Mahdi on Aug. 23, 2021, on the 1800 block of 9th Street NW.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution pointed to Patterson’s decision to flee the area after the shooting, the use of a fellow inmate’s account to make a jail call allegedly instructing his girlfriend to lie to officials, and testimony from multiple witnesses that placed Patterson at the scene with a gun.

They also emphasized that there were no mitigating circumstances for Patterson’s actions, and stated “any danger he might have been in came after he started firing.”

In her closing, Cheryl Stein, Patterson’s defense attorney, argued that the prosecution was saturating their evidence with photos and DNA analysis in order to hide the fact that they cannot prove Patterson was the first one to shoot.

Stein also stated that Al-Mahdi was drunk at the time, and Patterson was scared because he “knows how he can act [under the influence]”.

In their rebuttal, the prosecution argued that the defense’s theory of the case was purely speculative, and the evidence clearly pointed to premeditated murder.

Parties are set to return once the jury reaches a verdict.

‘My Life Has Never Been the Same,’ Homicide Victim’s Mother Says at Sentencing

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 124 months by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 28 after an emotional statement by the victim’s mother.

On Jan. 22, Dohn Harmon, 26, pleaded guilty under a deal with prosecutors to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kevin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE on July 1, 2020.

According to court documents, Harmon participated in the murder as the driver of a stolen vehicle.

Goggins’ mother gave a victim impact statement to the court emphasizing the kind and protective person Goggins was and explaining how his death has affected her.

“I just wanted him to understand what he did, the damage he’s done, the hearts he’s broke,” Goggins’ mother said. “My life has never been the same since that day.”

The prosecution acknowledged that Harmon has shown remorse, does not have a criminal record, has been compliant with release conditions, and has significant family support. They said that there is a lot that makes the prosecution hopeful that Harmon will not engage in violence once he’s released.

However, the prosecution feared that Harmon may return to the same environment and influences that put him in this situation. Furthermore, Harmon has not completed his education nor does he have steady employment, according to the prosecution.

Finally, the prosecution emphasized that the sentence must be proportionate to the seriousness of the offense and its impact on the community. They argued that the offense couldn’t have taken place without Harmon, as he was the driver, and many more people could have been harmed.

Harmon’s defense attorney, Megan Allburn, said that, in many ways, the defense is in agreement with the prosecution.

Allburn requested a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would seal Harmon’s case if he completed all sentencing requirements successfully.

She highlighted Harmon’s lack of education arguing that he’s just being “passed along,” which has led to major learning gaps. Allburn said he is excited about getting tutoring and other possible opportunities.

Allburn also mentioned Harmon’s good behavior on home confinement and jail, which she argued illustrates his ability to conform to behavioral norms.

Judge Park added that the prosecution’s sentencing request wasn’t a reflexive one but a result of deliberation over the nuances of the case which is reflected in the plea agreement. As a result, he denied the defense’s request for sentencing under the YRA in favor of the prosecution’s recommendation.

Harmon was sentenced to 124 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release. Judge Park also said he would make a recommendation for rehabilitation programs, including mental health and anger management.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Makes Arrests in Columbia Heights Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of three individuals following a shooting on March 27 in Columbia Heights. A 17-year-old male was injured and later charged alongside two other juveniles, aged 16 and 17, with various firearm-related offenses. The incident, which occurred in an alley on the 1400 block of Girard Street, Northwest, involved an armed dispute, and firearms were recovered at the scene.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in 2023 Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of an 18-year-old male suspect in connection with an armed carjacking that took place on Jun. 17, 2023, in the 100 block of K Street, Southeast. The suspect, who was a juvenile at the time, allegedly brandished a handgun, assaulted the victim, and fled with the vehicle, which has since been recovered. The suspect has been charged with Armed Carjacking (Gun).

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Northeast Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 13-year-old juvenile female from Hyattsville, MD, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on March 26 in the 5600 block of East Capitol Street, Northeast. The altercation between the suspect and the victim escalated to gunfire, though the victim was not injured. The juvenile turned herself in and was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Document: 03.30.25 MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on March 29 in Southeast D.C. Officers responded to the 3300 block of 10th Place, where they found 18-year-old Jose Walters suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Despite being transported to a hospital, Walters was pronounced deceased. No suspect information is available at this time.

Attorneys Fail to Sever Two Defendants in Gang-Related Homicide Case

Defense attorneys in a homicide case filed an unsuccessful motion to sever two defendants from the complex litigation before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31. “According to the third superseding indictment, the five defendants are members of a crew called ‘Get Back Gang,'” according to a 2024 release from the US Attorney’s Office.

Dionzai Parker, 21, and Demarco Robinson, 20, are two of five individuals charged with conspiracy. Parker is also charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of carrying a rifle or shotgun (outside home or place of business).a

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on Feb. 25, 2023. All incidents occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE

During the hearing, Dionzai Parker’s attorney, Karen Minor, requested he be severed from the rest, arguing that his involvement in the murders for which he is not charged are only group chats in which he did not participate. Additionally, she argued that all these murders are not connected, “Parker is only charged with one murder… this becomes guilt by association.”

Wole Falodun, representing Robinson, adopted Minor’s argument and additionally stated that Robinson is only charged with conspiracy. “The evidence against Demarco mainly consists of appearances of text chat and a rap video, this risks guilt by association… there is no evidence that shows Mr. Robinson participated in any kind of murder or any type of assault,” he told Judge Ryan.

This all stems from Parker’s and Robinson’s alleged involvement in gangs is said to operate in the Henson Ridge Neighborhood.

Judge Ryan stated neither of the arguments made by the defense attorneys get close to proving severance is applicable. Judge Ryan stated, “The evidence the [prosecution] proffers and the overt acts that accompany the grand jury’s indictments are sufficient to keep Mr. Robinson and Mr. Parker in the trial.”

All five defendants are set to reconvene on April 18.

Document: 3.31.25 MPD Homicide Detectives Make Arrest in Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 37-year-old Cornell Day, who is alleged to have been involved in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Darius Young on March 13 in Southeast D.C. The incident occurred outdoors in the 5000 block of H Street, Southeast, and Young was pronounced deceased after being transported to a hospital. Day has been charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed.

Document: 3.31.25 MPD Arrests Suspect in Northwest Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 28-year-old Dayonna Davis of Waldorf, Maryland, in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred on March 30 in the 2000 block of 14th Street, Northwest. The victim, an adult female, was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Davis has been charged with Assault With a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Shooter, ‘Did Not Have The Ability to Process Fear And Paranoia,’ Says Defense at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to five years in prison on March 31.

Mekhi Wilkins, 19, was initially charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at the 200 block of 37th Place, SE on Aug. 20, 2024. One individual sustained injuries to her ankle.

In a separate case, Wilkins was charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. These counts stem from his alleged involvement in shootings that occurred on the 1100 block of Holbrook Terrace, NE and the 1600 block of West Virginia Avenue, NE on Jan. 20, 2024. No one was injured as a result.

Wilkins pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, stemming from the incident on Aug. 20. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss the charges for the Jan. 20 shootings.

During the hearing, prosecutors requested Judge Park sentence Wilkins to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. They stated that this sentence is “relatively low” due to his age and work as an accomplished musician in the community, and will “hopefully interrupt the cycle that Mr. Wilkins has gotten himself into.”

According to the prosecution, Wilkins shot at four innocent people in a car, one who sustained a gunshot wound to the ankle while holding her one-year-old son in her arms. Prosecutors called the victim “extremely lucky.”

Varsha Govindaraju, Wilkins’ defense attorney, argued for Wilkins to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

She argued that growing up, most of Wilkins’ role models passed away from gun violence and “it felt like everyone was dying around him.”

Govindaraju stated that on the day of the incident, Wilkins shot at that vehicle because he thought it was the same car he saw when he sustained a gunshot wound on Jan. 20.

“He did not have the ability to process both fear and paranoia,” Govindaraju said, adding that he “turned to what others in his community have turned to.”

Judge Park ruled that the YRA would not apply, stating that Wilkins’ conduct in this case “gives the court a lot of pause.”

The defense also requested Judge Park recommend Wilkins for two separate rehabilitation programs, stating that “he now recognizes the importance of mental health services.” Judge Park agreed and will recommend that Wilkins be screened by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

Wilkins was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release. He must also register as a gun offender and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund.

No further dates were set.

‘Hell Yeah, I Ran,’ Says Homicide Suspect After Hearing Gunfire

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom heard testimony from a detective and a DNA expert in a four year old ago homicide during a hearing on March 27.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who said he used MPD surveillance cameras, Metro bus cameras, and a Domino’s security camera to reconstruct events before and during the incident and track suspects.

Nearly a year later, he helped execute a search warrant of Gibson’s apartment, where police allegedly found a loaded firearm, a black ski mask, and “Purple” brand jeans. The detective noted that the Purple jeans are distinctive due to a large white cloth tag hanging from the back pocket. These jeans, the detective said, were seen on the surveillance footage from the crime scene.

That same day, the detective and his partner interviewed Gibson at the MPD’s third district office, where Gibson identified himself in a still photograph taken near the crime scene, according to the detective. During this interview, the detective testified, Gibson recounted his experience from that day, saying he had been walking to pick up his cousin from school when he heard a series of gunshots.

In the interview video played before the court, Gibson is heard saying, “Hell yeah, I ran. I was shell shocked, I’ve been shot before.”

When asked if he knew the victim, Gibson said no and claimed he only knew someone had been shot, not that they had died. Upon learning of King’s death, he let out a large sigh, covered his mouth, and offered condolences.

Before the interview ended, Gibson stated he promised his mother and daughter he would “not get caught up in a mess like that,” which the detective interpreted as shootings.

The prosecution also called a DNA expert from Signature Science who testified that most of the shell coverings she tested from the crime scene contained a possible DNA match to Gibson, based on buccal or mouth swab samples she received.

She also analyzed DNA swabs taken from a firearm, which she compared to the samples from Forte, Gibson, Tre’quan Nelson, 25, recently severed as a defendant in this case, and the victim, King. She found no definitive match but confirmed that a male had handled the gun.

During a brief cross-examination, Forte’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, asked which shell casings the prosecution had sent her to test. She said she analyzed 13 of the 21 shell casings, with five yielding inconclusive results. None of which matched Forte’s DNA.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 31.

‘I’ll Lock You Up,’ Says Judge to Homicide Co-Defendant Under Release Scrutiny

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a co-defendant in a homicide to comply with a stay–away order outlined in his monitored release program or face the consequences in a hearing on March 27.

Roy Jordan, 22, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convict, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Gary Lavon Love III on the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW, on Nov. 20, 2023.

Donell Thomas, 33, is charged with accessory after the fact for assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in helping Jordan avoid prosecution.

A representative from the DC Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) informed Judge Brandt that Thomas had been non-compliant with his stay away zone, which could limit his access to GPS monitoring.

Thomas’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, said he wanted to “clear the air” that his client hasn’t returned to the crime scene, and instead, every time he visits his children, who live in the zone, the monitor alerts PSA. Winograd also said that this is something Thomas has discussed with his assigned case manager, but that he never received clear orders on how to proceed.

Judge Brandt said she would officially give Thomas precise notice to stay away from the zone completely, or “I’ll lock you up.”

She suggested that Thomas’s family go see him, not the other way around.

The defendants moved on to officially waive their right to the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) which ensures preservation of evidence and grants defendants the right to test DNA evidence to support claims of innocence. A full waiver means the defendants have agreed to forgo independent evidence testing in preparation for their April 2026 trial.

The prosecutor explained to the court that the pieces of evidence the defendants are choosing not to test, but the prosecution will, is a firearm, allegedly used in the incident, shell casings, and articles of clothing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 11.

Carjacking Defendant Evaluated for Trial Competence

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted Todd Baldwin’s request on March 31 that his client, Derrick Curtis, receive a forensic competency evaluation to determine his mental status.

Curtis, 22, is charged with carjacking for allegedly pushing a driver off his moped at the intersection of 16th Street and Benning Road, NE, and fleeing on the stolen scooter. The incident occurred on Dec. 30, 2024.

According to court records, a relative of Curtis identified him from surveillance camera footage taken at the scene of the incident immediately before it occurred.

A forensic competency evaluation is conducted to determine whether a defendant understands the judicial process sufficiently to assist an attorney in mounting a legal defense. Defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial receive psychological treatment and education to restore their competence.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for April 4.

Expert Testimony Continues in Non-Fatal Shooting Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson and the jury continued to hear testimony in a non-fatal shooting and assault trial on March 27.

Roger Jones, 42, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, simple assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure a person, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing from law enforcement. This is for his alleged involvement in a shooting and assault that left two victims injured on the 1400 block of Okie Street, NE on Jan. 22, 2022.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who worked in the digital forensics unit continued his testimony about extracting data from Jones’ co-defendant, Riley Benjamin’s phone.

He said the two phones of interest were “in the general area of the crime scene,” with it not being uncommon for phones to bounce between towers in a city because of obstructions. However, he stated he could not pinpoint the exact location of each phone.

The responding MPD officer also testified about interviewing witnesses on scene and collecting seven casings.

When asked by one of Jones’ attorneys, Errin Scialpi, about other crimes he has responded to in that neighborhood, the MPD officer replied that he has responded to “quite a few shootings” in the area.

The parties are set to reconvene on March 31.

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