Judge Finds Probable Cause in Shooting After Detective’s Testimony

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann found probable cause that a defendant likely committed a shooting after a detective’s testimony during a preliminary hearing on June 20.

Elijah Hernandez, 20, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a two perpetrator non-fatal shooting on the 3300 block of 14th Street, NW on April 23, 2024. An individual sustained an injury to their left leg as a result.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who investigated the shooting, recounted the scene and said one shooter was behind parked cars and the other shooter fired in the same direction from further north on the block.

The detective said both shooters were tracked via GPS monitoring devices previously installed on them. Hernandez’s GPS allegedly put him at the location of the shooting as it happened, with his movements following the first identified shooter after the incident.

Hernandez’s defense attorney, Joseph Fay, criticized the accuracy of the GPS data used, noting the evidence only put Hernandez in the areas indicated, but could not pinpoint his exact location.

Fay further argued that no witnesses identified Hernandez as one of the shooters. The detective confirmed that Hernandez did not clearly match witness descriptions, but he said one of the shooters was wearing a hood at the time of the incident.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 3.

Defense Calls Neurologist to Challenge Defendant’s Competency

The defense for a stabbing defendant called a forensic neurologist for direct examination before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park during a June 20 hearing to challenge the competency of a man charged with stabbing a 2-year-old child.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, cruelty to children, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a May 27, 2020 stabbing of a 30-month-old child on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Defense attorney Laura Rose questioned the expert, who was identified as a doctor on neurology and psychiatry, about Wright’s mental condition following a traumatic brain injury sustained at the time of his arrest.

Wright has since appeared in numerous mental observation hearings focused on his difficulty responding to open-ended questions and engaging in court proceedings.

Initial CT scans after his injury found no severe brain damage – but the expert testified that the results of the scan possibly show signs of subtler injuries.

Wright reported tenderness in his neck and lower head region, headache, and dizziness following the incident leading to his arrest, which are symptoms consistent with post-concussive syndrome, according to the witness. The expert said Wright likely experienced a brain contusion, leading to anterograde amnesia, or an impaired ability to form new memories.

Rose also questioned the expert about schizophrenia.

The witness stated that while difficulty with open-ended questions and new tasks can align with symptoms of schizophrenia, there remains the possibility that Wright had “secondary reasons” for not engaging in court proceedings like a lack of motivating behavior, which he said was a symptom frequently experienced with many people experiencing a psychoeffective disorder.

The next hearing is slated for July 11.

Victim’s Family Challenges Defendant’s Second-Degree Murder Plea Deal

A victim’s family challenged a plea offer given to a homicide defendant on June 20.

Keyon Slaughter, 27, was initially charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, first-degree burglary while armed and unlawful possession of firearm with prior conviction. The charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Dana Bailey Jr., 38, on Dec. 5, 2022 at 3300 block of E Street, SE.

He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed. According to the plea agreement, Slaughter could be sentenced to a maximum of life imprisonment or $250,000 fine.

Slaughter is currently held without bond. His attorney, Theodore Shaw, said Slaughter was willing to accept the second-degree murder charge on the grounds that the prosecution would dismiss an indictment.

By taking the plea Slaughter waived the right to a trial in exchange that any further charges against him, in this case, be dropped. He would also be classified as a registered gun offender.

In the midst of Judge Dayson weighing whether to accept the plea, members of Bailey’s family were sitting in the audience. They had come to speak on behalf of their loved one, whose presence was sorely missed.

He was a “stand up guy… who’s biggest flaw was trying to help others”, said his mother, in conversation with the D.C. Witness.

On the stand, she told the judge that the killer had “followed my son” and “murdered my child in his home”.

Her deep sadness permeated the courtroom.

Bailey’s mother and sister both said they believed the circumstances of his death meant the killer should be charged with first-degree murder. They both said the killing had been planned and premeditated.

“I’ve been the detective in this case,” said Bailey’s sister. She claimed that Slaughter had been part of a set up to kill Bailey. The family also claimed that Bailey identified Slaughter to one of his family members with his last words.

“He has 6 kids. That’s traumatizing to them,” she said. “I don’t understand how that would be an option,” she said, explaining that there was evidence that showed Slaughter’s action was intentional.

Judge Dayson acknowledged the testimony of the family and how hard it must be hard for them to speak. However, she said that her decision on whether to accept his plea definitively will be the result of a number of factors at the time of sentencing.

Both Bailey’s mother and his sister promised to be there, on his behalf, at the time of sentencing. They want to see a fair sentence served.

Slaughter’s sentence is scheduled on Aug. 29.

Stabbing Defendant Considers Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant requested more time to review a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro during a hearing on June 25.

Hashim Bright, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1350 block of New York Avenue NE on May 25. The victim suffered two stab wounds to his left abdomen and right lower back and has undergone surgery for his injuries.

Bright’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, mentioned that Bright anticipates accepting a plea offer extended by prosecutors. The deal would require Bright to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, with a sentence range of six-to-20 months of incarceration. Through the deal, the prosecution would agree to not seek an indictment.

Dorsey also requested for Bright to be released pending further procedures. The prosecution objected to the request, citing the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Judge Di Toro denied Bright’s release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 14.

Document: Vehicle Sought in Kenilworth Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a vehicle involved in a shooting on June 10 in the 4400 block of Quarles Street, Northeast. An adult male was found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital. The suspects’ vehicle was captured on surveillance video, and the community is urged to help locate it.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in Fatal Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in a fatal stabbing that occurred on June 13 inside an apartment in Southeast. The victim, identified as 30-year-old Devante Offutt of Gaithersburg, MD, was found deceased at the scene. Deja Hines, 25, of Southeast, DC, was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed. The incident was determined to be domestic in nature.

Document: MPD Investigating Newton Place Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Newton Place, NW, on June 14. During a domestic disturbance response, 43-year-old, Nashell Sowells allegedly brandished a firearm and was subsequently arrested after an officer discharged their weapon without causing injury. Sowells faces charges including Possession of an Unregistered Firearm and Simple Assault. The involved officer is on administrative leave, and the incident is under review by the Internal Affairs Bureau and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on June 15 in Northeast Washington, D.C. Officers responded to a shooting in the 1000 block of 16th Street, where they found 33-year-old Decordre Chiles of Oxon Hill, MD, deceased from a gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect information is available at this time.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Glover Park Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 39-year-old Lorenzo Belton in connection with a shooting that occurred on June 13 in the 2300 block of 37th Street, Northwest. The victim, an adult male, was found conscious with gunshot wounds and transported to a hospital. Belton was apprehended with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service and charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Benning Road Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 22-year-old Kyre Robinson, of Southeast, DC, in connection with a shooting on December 16, 2024, in the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast. The incident involved an adult male victim who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Robinson has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun).

Document: MPD Arrests Northeast Homicide Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 58-year-old Richard Lionel Dyson, is charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed in relation to the homicide of 62-year-old Donella Bryan. The incident occurred on April 19 in the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast, where Bryan was found deceased in a dumpster. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma and asphyxiation, and the case was ruled a homicide.

Document: MPD Investigating New York Avenue Fatal Pedestrian Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on June 16 in Northeast Washington, D.C. Sierra Nichole Smith, 39, was struck by a semi-trailer truck and a Chevrolet Suburban on New York Avenue. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers remained on-site, and the MPD’s Major Crash Investigations Unit is leading the investigation.

Document: MPD Investigating East Capitol Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on June 10 in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Marcellus Smith of Southeast, DC, was found with a gunshot wound in the 1200 block of East Capitol Street, Southeast, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

‘I Just Feel Discriminated Against,’ Says Mass Shooting Defendant Demanding Mistrial

A defendant in a six-defendant trial demanded a mistrial based on fears the jury would be unfair in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 24.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW, on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, are charged with accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants discard evidence and avoid arrests.

The trial was delayed for five hours due to Queen’s being hospitalized for unspecified reasons. Judge Kravitz stated he could not allow the trial to proceed without Queen.

Meanwhile, Rezene raised concerns the jury was biased against him. “I just feel discriminated against,” he stated, adding “I want a mistrial.”

During a recess, Rezene elaborated specifically that the prosecution attempted to connect his phone number to another homicide. “I feel the way [the jury] be looking at me,” Rezene said. “There’s no way I can be heard and feel validated,” he added, stating the prosecution’s actions may have adversely impacted the jury’s ability to make a fair decision.

Judge Kravitz denied the motion for a mistrial and alerted the jury of prior convictions for Johnson-Lee, Queen, and Rezene. He added that two of the surviving victims had convictions and were connected to the Kennedy Street Crew, which prosecutors say is a street gang responsible for committing violent crimes throughout the city.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 25.

Document: MPD Makes Arrest in DC Jail Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 26-year-old Marquise Jones, who was charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed in connection with a fatal stabbing at the DC Jail on May 12. The victim, identified as 29-year-old Carlos Shelley of Southeast, D.C., was found deceased at the Central Detention Facility in the 1900 block of D Street, Southeast.

Search