Judge Order Full Mental Evaluation for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a full mental competency evaluation for a shooting and carjacking defendant on Feb. 21.

Anardo Little, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting and carjacking that occurred on Oct. 14, 2024 on the 1200 block of H street, NE One individual suffered injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Susan Ellis, Little’s attorney, requested Judge Pipe order a full mental competency exam for Little following conversations with a psychiatrist.

There were no objections from prosecutors and Judge Pipe agreed with the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 14.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann accepted a stabbing defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing, and denied his release during a Feb. 24 hearing.

Charles Proctor, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that left an individual injured on Feb. 20 at the unit block of Danbury Street, SW. The victim sustained injuries to his upper right arm and the right side of his back.

Proctor’s attorney, John Sample, alerted Judge Herrmann that Proctor wished to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested his release, arguing that Proctor was acting in self defense, reacting to the victim’s use of pepper spray during the dispute.

The prosecution opposed the request emphasizing the severity of the attack, the lack of evidence that the spray was an irritant, and Proctor’s prior criminal record.

Ultimately, the judge denied his release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 10.

Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno in a status hearing on Feb. 20.

Antoine Lee Johnson, 34, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 22 on the 3300 block of 6th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim reported to police that the suspect, who was later identified as Johnson, allegedly put a gun to the victim’s head and forced him to leave the scene. The victim’s vehicle was located moments later, and Johnson was arrested.

The prosecution offered Johnson a deal to plead guilty to robbery while armed, with a decision due by the end of day. Through the deal, the prosecution would agree not to seek an indictment on additional or greater charges.

After taking the lunch break to consider his options, Johnson rejected the offer, choosing to set a trial date instead.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Guilt, Sentenced to 96 Months

A carjacking defendant was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow to 96 months of incarceration on Feb. 21.

On Nov. 13, 2024, Raymond Davese, 38, pleaded guilty to carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an armed carjacking incident on the 200 block of Tingey Street, SE that occurred on June 7, 2024. One individual sustained injuries to the right side of her neck by an electrical shock.

Through the plea deal, both parties agreed to a sentencing of 96 months. Davese received 78 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 96 months for armed carjacking, which are to run concurrently. In addition, he is required to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

There are no further dates scheduled.

Judge Denies Release for Woman Who ‘Lost Her Basketball Community’

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a request for release for a female carjacking defendant on Feb. 19.

Amiya Hilliard, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in attempting to steal a motor vehicle using force while in possession of a firearm on Nov. 5, 2024, on the 4900 Block of Jay Street, NE.

Elizabeth Paige White, Hilliard’s defense attorney, asked Judge Pipe for 24-hour home confinement for Hilliard. White stated that Hilliard is 19 years old, and she “lost her [basketball] community,” when she became injured prior to the incident.

White argued that Hilliard has support from home, and her basketball coach offered to mentor her if she were released.

The prosecution claimed Hilliard and another suspect robbed three victims at gunpoint and stole their car. The other suspect had fled when police responded, and Hilliard was arrested with a firearm allegedly in her jacket pocket.

Judge Pipe denied the defense’s motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 31.

Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant Despite Father’s Plea For Leniency

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a shooting defendant to 32 months in jail after she accepted a plea on Feb. 20.

Octavia Howard, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her involvement in a shooting on the 700 block of Yuma Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries in the incident.

Howard accepted a deal on Dec. 19, 2024, pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon while dismissing her other charge.

During the sentencing hearing, Howard’s father took the stand in his daughter’s defense. He discussed his own substance abuse problem, and how it affected Octavia Howard’s childhood. Howard’s father told Judge Salerno a judge had given him a second chance, and now he is 25 years sober.

Howard’s father stated “I know she wouldn’t have did that under normal circumstances,” bringing up Howard’s intoxication during the crime.

Howard’s attorney, Adam Harris, highlighted Howard’s involvement in the community and drug programs she completed while incarcerated.

However, Judge Salerno stated that Howard’s actions amount to “incredibly serious conduct.” Howard was sentenced to 60 months, with all but 32 months suspended and required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Howard will be on probation for two years once released, and will be required to register as a gun offender in DC and participate in a drug treatment program.

No further dates were set.

After Appeal, Prosecutors Dismiss Firearm Charge in Domestic Homicide

Prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the remaining charge in a homicide case against a woman who claimed she acted in self-defense in a hearing on Feb. 21 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Tamika Green, 37, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business for her alleged involvement in the death of 37-year-old Bryan Tate Jr. on Feb. 20, 2020 in an apartment on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

Green’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, successfully argued during a three-week trial that Green, as well as other women, had been abused by Tate with whom she was in a domestic relationship, and that she shot him in self-defense.

On Aug, 24, 2024 Green was acquitted of murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. However, Green was found guilty of carrying a pistol without a license and sentenced to 24 months.

Then on Jan. 31, the Court of Appeals reversed the conviction, and stated, “This matter is remanded for a new trial on the charge of carrying a pistol without a license.”

During the Feb. 21 hearing, the prosecution requested to dismiss the charge without prejudice meaning the case can be reopened at a future date.

Judge Dayson granted the request.

No further dates were set.

Missing Co-Defendant Delays Stabbing Trial

During a hearing on Feb. 21, DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean vacated the trial date in a stabbing case and released co-defendant Josue Yanez-Diaz after prosecutors confirmed his co-defendant Vidal Marlon remains missing.

Yanez-Diaz, 25, and Marlon, 38, are charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and simple assault for their alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on June 9, 2024, at 801 Rhode Island Ave, NE.

Prosecutors updated Judge McLean on efforts to locate Marlon, whose whereabouts have yet to be determined either via lawyers or the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) since June of 2024. As a result a bench warrant was issued for Marlon.

Despite both parties stating they would be ready on the set trial date, the prosecution wants to try both defendants together and requested an additional good-cause continuance. Judge McLean gave the parties 60 days to try to locate Marlon.

Joseph Molina, Yanez-Diaz’s attorney, requested his case be dismissed, stating his client’s constitutional right to a speedy trial has been violated looking for Marlon. Instead, Judge McLean ordered Yanez-Diaz placed on limited release.

Judge McLean granted the prosecution’s request to install a GPS ankle monitoring device on the defendant, despite the defense counsel’s concerns about charging the tracking device given that Yanez-Diaz is homeless and will be staying in a shelter.

Judge McLean made note of the special circumstances in case of future non-compliance alerts.

Yanez-Diaz was instructed to attend an orientation with PSA on Feb. 24.

Marlon remains the subject of an active bench warrant.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Non-Compliance Sparks Pre-Trial Warning for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean warned a shooting defendant to remain in compliance with stay away orders as part of her release conditions during a hearing on Feb. 21.

Ni’jhae Curry, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE.

The court reviewed notices against the defendant, including a GPS close proximity alert from Curry’s ankle monitor, which pinged her in the general location of the shooting incident against whom she has a stay-away order, as well as contact between Curry and the victim via social media.

Defense attorney Jonathan Love clarified the stay-away order was issued for a location half a mile away from Curry’s father’s store–her destination when the alert was triggered. He also argued the victim posted an image of Curry on social media in an antagonistic manner, prompting the alleged contact.

Judge McLean reminded Curry of her release conditions, which include a stay-away order prohibiting physical and social media interaction with the victim. The judge also warned that any future non-compliance could be considered in a sentencing decision.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 11.

Jailed Witness Testifies, ‘I Never Agreed To None Of This,’ in Murder Trial

An incarcerated witness in a homicide trial refused to answer questions and faced the threat of being held in contempt of court before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 24.

Darrell Moore, 47, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Julius Hayes, 37, on April 3, 2021, at the 300 block of 18th Street, NE.

The jailed witness testified he knew Moore and Hayes, and allegedly was on the scene of the shooting. However, the witness initially refused to answer questions asked by the prosecution.

Calling the trial unfair, the witness said, “I never agreed to none of this.” After speaking with his attorney about the consequences of being held in contempt of court, the witness complied.

The prosecution talked the witness through an interview in April of 2021 with the lead detective on the case. The witness testified that he remembers the interview, but admitted to lying throughout much of it to protect his family. When asked about many of the events of April 3, 2021 in court, the witness stated he did not remember.

During the interview the witness allegedly said that Moore “was out there that day” and identified him from a photo array.

“I lied, man. I lied,” confessed the witness in testimony listening to a series of clips from the interview detailing the afternoon of the homicide.

The witness said he remembers so little from that day, revealing his drug addiction problem and saying he only does things ,“to get to his next hit.”

Due to time constraints, the defense will conduct their cross-examination of the witness on the next trial date.

The prosecution also called a forensic pathologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who identified the five gunshot wounds that resulted in Hayes’ death highlighting the lethality of each shot. One bullet in particular entered and exited the right side of Hayes’ torso, injuring the liver and the main artery of the heart resulting in massive blood loss.

The witness ruled the cause of death of Hayes to be multiple gunshot wounds from a homicidal shooting.

Trial is scheduled to continue on Feb. 25.

Family Emergency Delays Stabbing Defendant’s Sentencing a Third Time

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park continued the sentencing of a defendant in a stabbing incident on Feb. 21, following a family emergency.

On Nov. 8, 2024, Alexis Gray, 34, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing of two victims on Sept. 5, 2024, at the 800 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. During this incident, Gray sustained injuries as well.

Defense attorney, Edward Gain, requested Gray’s sentencing to be continued to a later date, as they were notified that her family was in a car accident on the way to the courthouse.

The prosecution did not object but said they would object to further postponement if this happens again, as this is the defense’s second time asking to reschedule.

Parties are set to return for a sentencing hearing on March 6.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and requested pre-trial release on Feb. 18, before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann.

Alexander Evans, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon his alleged involvement in two shootings – one on Dec. 9, 2024, on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE, and another on Jan. 13 on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

According to court documents, during the Dec. 9 incident, Evans allegedly fired a gun into the air twelve times after an argument with an individual, and during the Jan. 13 incident, Evans allegedly shot an individual on the hand.

During the hearing, Evans’ defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested Evans be released pending further proceedings, stating that Evans earned his GED, was studying to be a nurse, and had been employed before his arrest.

Simmons requested that Evans be released to his mother’s home in Maryland.

However, prosecutors argued that Evans had previously been given opportunities for probation and doubted that he would follow release conditions.

Judge Herrmann voiced her concerns about Evans’ prior felony conviction and a firearm possession charge in Maryland, and denied the request for release. Meanwhile, Evans faces a possible indictment for the new charges.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene March 6.

Stabbing Defendant Requests Cases be Tried Together

A stabbing defendant requested that his charges from different cases be tried together before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann on Feb. 19.

William Brock, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the DC Jail on the 1900 Block of D Street SE on Jan. 22. One victim suffered lacerations and was transported to a nearby hospital.

In court, Atiq Ahmed, Brock’s attorney, stated Brock intended to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and added they were not seeking release.

Ahmed requested that Goodman’s stabbing charge be heard at the same time as a pending bank robbery incident that occurred on Nov. 15, 2021. Judge Herrmann stated that could be possible and made sure to schedule a hearing for Goodman’s stabbing case before the trial in his robbery case.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 24.

Carjacking, Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

A carjacking defendant waived the right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 20

Jerrell Smith, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, and two counts of armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking turned stabbing incident on June 7, 2023 at the intersection of South Capitol Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries.

During the hearing, the prosecution told Judge Ryan they collected evidence which they are not testing including a tank top, jersey, knife and buckle swab.

Hannah Claudio, Smith’s defense attorney, told the court he has decided to waive his rights to independent DNA testing and to go ahead and set trial dates.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 27.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Release After Mistrial

A homicide defendant’s request for release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb 20.

Terrance Stoney, 31, 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 fatal shooting of Donte Tiller, 43. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE, on March 17, 2023.

On Feb. 19, the jury, which had been deliberating for a week, alerted Judge Ryan they were unable to reach a unanimous verdict, and Judge Ryan granted a mistrial. A new trial date was set for Sept. 22, 2026.

During the hearing, Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, requested for Stoney to be released, citing that conditions have changed since the last bond hearing. She stated his family his family had been present in court everyday and they behaved respectfully suggesting that Stoney had a stable home life.

Judge Ryan denied the motion, citing trial testimony indicating Stoney’s dangerous behavior.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 17.

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