The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a homicide suspect related to an incident on Sep. 15, 2024. James Price, 44, was found deceased from a gunshot wound in the 400 block of 50th Street, NE. On March 24, 2025, Derek Turrentine, 42, of Bryans Road, Maryland, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated).
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two suspects following a shooting incident in the Eckington neighborhood on March 21. Surveillance footage revealed De’Adrian Davis, 19, allegedly firing a handgun, leading to his arrest and charges of Endangerment with a Firearm and Carrying a Pistol without a License. Additionally, Juan Anthony Yates, 26, was charged with Simple Assault after being identified as the suspect who assaulted an adult female victim before the gunfire. Two handguns were recovered during the investigation.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Zion Prince, 18, who is alleged to have been involved in an unarmed carjacking of a moped on March 24 in the 1100 block of T Street, NW. The victim was attacked but refused medical treatment, and the suspect fled the scene on the moped. Prince has been charged with Unarmed Carjacking.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying suspects involved in an armed carjacking on March 25 in the Navy Yard area. The suspects first attempted to carjack a victim on the 400 block of K Street, SE, but fled when the victim sought help. They then successfully carjacked a second victim at 3rd Street and K Street, SE, after displaying a handgun. The suspects were captured on surveillance footage.
During opening statements in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 24, the prosecution referred to two co-defendants as cowards for their alleged involvement in the homicide of a 34-year-old man.
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.
During their opening statements, the prosecution claimed that King was “outmanned and outgunned” when he was shot by “two armed cowards” in the abdomen and head.
The trial was set to include 27-year-old Tre’quan Nelson, but he is no longer being tried in this case. However, the prosecution will continue to include him in the evidence they bring forth due to his alleged involvement in the conspiracy charges regarding Gibson and Forte.
The prosecutors told the jury that at least 21 shots were fired with tree trunks and gutters “chewed up” by the gunfire.A stray bullet struck another individual in the arm only “inches from his heart,” the prosecutor said. “It was a miracle that King was the only one killed that day.”
Prosecutors also claimed that another bullet went through a third-story metal window, nearly hitting a “profoundly autistic man.” The bullet shot through the window and landed inside a TV, according to the prosecution.
Prosecutors stated there is “lots” of video evidence and told the jury that they will “see these men clear as day.” The prosecution said the video evidence shown throughout the course of the trial will prove Gibson’s guilt and Forte’s involvement as “the lookout.”
Prosecutors also told the jury that when police searched Gibson’s apartment in 2023, they found the same brands of ammunition used in the November incident and multiple clothing items seen on the suspects from the videos. The prosecutor said DNA evidence taken from the scene is “off the charts” for Gibson, and “no matter how you cut it, they are guilty.”
Gibson’s defense attorney, Elizabeth Paige-White, told the jury there was no plan to kill King, nor was there a conspiracy. She said Gibson acted in self-defense as he came “face to face with a man high on PCP and widely known as violent in the neighborhood.”
The defense attorney also said King had a history of random stabbings and drug use and was armed with a large hunting knife at the time of the incident, which he allegedly attempted to use toward Gibson, forcing him to “make a split-second decision” to protect himself.
Forte’s defense attorney, Russell Hairston, elaborated on White’s statements of there being no conspiracy because there was no communication between the defendants before or after the homicide.
Hairston said the prosecution cannot prove to the jury that his client was acting as a “lookout” because of unreliable video and audio clips.
Following opening statements, an eyewitness called by the prosecution testified that she observed the shooting while walking up 14th Street. She stated that two young men wearing pullover masks crossed the street and split up, with one walking ahead of her and one walking behind her. She recalled them wearing hoodies and dark-colored jeans.
The witness stated that eventually, the two men came together and walked “a few feet” in front of her. She claimed that one individual held up a firearm and moved his arm in a semi-circle, seemingly “announcing what was about to happen to the people around.”
She testified that shortly after showing his gun, the individual started firing at the man standing in front of them, stating she heard no arguments or dialogue and that the victim’s back was to her and the shooters.
The witness told the jury that she crouched behind a car and observed both individuals flee the scene down Gerard Street. “I honestly lost time at this moment,” she said. However, the witness was still able to make a 911 call to inform officers that she saw the direction in which the suspects ran.
During the cross-examination, Kevann Gardner, Gibson’s defense attorney, told the jury that it was “not true” that one of the individuals waved his gun in the air prior to the shooting. A surveillance video taken from the intersection of 14th Street and Gerard Street, NW showed the two individuals crossing the street without anything in their hands. The witness was 20-to-30 feet behind them.
The witness claimed that she “misspoke” when she estimated the distance between her and the shooters. She clarified that the gun was raised when the two men were “approaching the intersection.”
When asked by Gardner why she kept following the two individuals after they flashed a gun in the air, the witness responded by stating the stunt “seemed theatrical.”
Gardner also asked the witness about her alleged “memory issues” that stem from surviving a three-story fall. The witness stated that the injury happened in 2013 and that it “has not posed any ongoing memory issues from my doctor’s perspective.”
Following the eyewitness’ testimony, the prosecution called the victim’s mother to testify about her son’s drug use. The mother said she knew of one incident during which King allegedly stabbed an individual.
The prosecution also called a Secret Service lieutenant, who was the first to respond to sounds of gunfire, in the area while on patrol. He testified that once crime scene technicians were at the scene and offering the victim medical attention, he recovered a hunting knife tied to the victim’s waist by a string.
When answering the question as to why he didn’t mention the string until now, the witness confirmed he only informed his Secret Service staff, and not the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives, who took over the scene that afternoon.
Parties are slated to continue the trial on March 25.
Defense in a fatal shooting case had their request for a postponement of the trial granted by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park after claiming that the prosecution withheld information on March 25.
Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on the 300 block of M Street, SW. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023.
According to court documents, Ofori was shot and killed on a Metro train, and his body was recovered at the Navy Yard Metro Station.
Williams’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, requested for the trial to be postponed due to the prosecution’s evidence violations, wherein prosecutors must share evidence with the defense even if it were to support the defendant’s claim of innocence or threaten the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses.
Smith accused the prosecution of partaking in “active suppression of information” regarding an eye witness’ criminal record and substance use, both of which threaten the witness’ credibility. According to the defense, the prosecution plans to introduce her as a key witness during the trial.
Smith noted that during the Grand Jury, the prosecution asked multiple witnesses if they were under the influence at the time of the incident or when interacting with police or the prosecution. However, the prosecution did not ask the eyewitness that question, despite her alleged irregular behavior during and after the incident.
The prosecution similarly brought up issues they had with the defense’s cooperation, arguing the defense has been filing requests late at night or orally during hearings, which prevents the prosecution from being able to craft a response. The prosecution said the information was given in a timely matter regarding the witness. According to the prosecutor, the defense was informed of the witness about two days after their first contact with her since the Grand Jury.
Judge Park stated that it was not clear if the prosecution had evidence violations, but he would grant a continuance to allow for an investigation.
Smith also requested for Williams to be released.
She highlighted the poor conditions at the DC jail, citing common instances of drug use and assaults. She also pointed out that Williams has no previous criminal record, has had stable support, employment, and housing, and is a primary caregiver for a relative.
The prosecution opposed this request due to the randomness of the attack.
Judge Park denied the request, citing that there were no conditions to ensure the safety of the community.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 1.
A murder defendant waived her right to conduct independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 21.
Yazmin Owens, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the death of 26-year-old Nakysia Lemon-Williams on Nov. 14, 2023, on the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.
During the hearing, Owens’ attorney, Sylvia Smith, notified the court of Owens’ intention to waive her right to independently test DNA evidence.
Judge Kravitz reviewed the rights Owens would be giving up and asked her questions to ensure her decision was knowing and voluntary.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 12.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz modified a murder defendant’s release conditions to facilitate his job search endeavors on March 21.
Lamar Wright, 21, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Derrick Thomas on May 2, 2023, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, NE.
During the hearing, Wright’s attorney, Sylvia Smith, requested a reduction in Wright’s release conditions from home confinement to a curfew. Smith said that home confinement has significantly restricted Wright’s ability to apply to jobs and has caused him to miss interviews. Wright was not allowed to leave confinement under any circumstances.
Smith added that Wright’s mother has discussed how difficult it is to take care of Wright and her other children as she is the only person earning an income. Furthermore, Smith said that Wright has expressed feeling guilty about not being able to support his family.
The defense additionally requested that Wright be taken off home confinement to participate in a job search and training program with the Free Minds Book Club. An employee from the Office of Rehabilitation and Development told the court that Free Minds would prefer Wright to attend in-person rather than virtually, as he had been doing.
Fairly new to the case, Judge Kravitz said that he doesn’t know enough about the facts and the strength of the evidence to make such a large modification of the release conditions.
However, he said he will change the conditions, so Wright is allowed to leave home confinement with permission from his probation officer to pursue job opportunities, including at the Free Minds Book Club.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 10.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz modified the release conditions for a non-fatal shooting co-defendant on March 21.
DeMarco Hayes, 22, and Donte Bennett, 26, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowing while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting where one victim sustained injuries at the intersection of Marion Barry Avenue and 18th Street, SE on July 24, 2024.
At the start of the hearing, Judge Kravitz notified the parties of two positive marijuana tests that were flagged as violations of Hayes’ release conditions.
An officer from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said that Hayes had been ordered to submit to a full screen drug test.
Bunke argued that the positive marijuana tests should not be considered violations as Hayes was never ordered to not use marijuana and he is over the legal age to use marijuana. She said that Hayes had been addicted to a different drug, and the purpose of the drug test was to ensure that he was not using the illicit substance that had been the source of his addiction.
The prosecution said it would be helpful to clarify what he was allowed and not allowed to do.
Bunke explained that when Hayes was released, he entered a 28-day out-patient program. However, when he reached the 28-day mark, the program stopped providing transportation, so continuing to participate became more difficult. Bunke argued that he has reached the end of treatment and returning to the program would only be a burden.
Judge Kravitz agreed that Hayes should not need to return to treatment as long as he continues to test negative for the drugs he was previously addicted to.
Bunke requested a modification to Hayes’ release conditions and argued that expanding the hours of his curfew would allow Hayes to look for a job and take care of his family. Hayes is currently allowed to leave his home from 1pm-5pm Monday-Friday. Bunke said that he has never violated his release conditions, has no record, and would remain on a GPS monitor.
Judge Kravitz denied this request saying that the current curfew has accomplished what it was intended to do and it has only been in practice for two weeks.
Bunke requested that Hayes be allowed to leave his house between 1pm-5pm on the weekend as well. Judge Kravitz granted this request.
Parties are expected to reconvene on June 6.
The defense called on an expert witness in adult and forensic psychiatry to discuss a defendant’s competence to stand trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 21.
Darryl Thompson, 35, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice, and threats to kidnap or injure a person.
The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the death of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr., who was shot and killed on July 30, 2016, on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. He’s also charged for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyler McEachern, which occurred on Aug. 29, 2016, on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.
At the last hearing, a psychiatrist from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), who had evaluated Thompson multiple times, stated that Thompson was not mentally ill but had antisocial personality disorder, which may lead to impulsive behavior without regard for safety. However, the psychiatrist maintained that this did not render Thompson incompetent to stand trial.
In Friday’s hearing, the defense’s witness disputed the diagnosis, asserting that Thompson had symptoms consistent with delusional disorder. Having followed the case since 2021, it was the witness’s opinion that Thompson is unable to rationally help his counsel due to his lack of understanding.
During hearings in 2021, Thompson interrupted his counsel several times and disclosed privileged information after being told not to. The expert witness said he could not diagnose Thompson as he has never personally and directly evaluated him but stated Thompson is “likely incompetent” and cannot stand trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28.
A homicide trial was postponed by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park following changes with a witness, allowing the defense to have more time with evidence during a hearing on March 24.
Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on May 28, 2023, on the 300 block of M Street, SW.
A witness wanted a protective order to be vacated as explained to the court by the witness’ attorney, Michael Madden. The protective order had limited the information shared to Williams and his attorneys about the witness’ identity and personal information. Judge Park granted this request.
Williams’ attorneys, Sylvia Smith and Erica Arensman, requested for the trial to be postponed due to the vacated protective order and the late disclosure of police documents from the prosecution.
The prosecution agreed to this request, only noting the complications for scheduling with their witnesses.
The prosecution explained that the witness order will need to change to accommodate the witnesses’ schedules, but that everything else should work.
Judge Park granted the request for a continuance.
Parties are slated to reconvene on March 25.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard a homicide defendant officially reject a plea offer during a hearing on March 21.
Thomas Fields Jr., 37, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, kidnapping while armed, and three counts of tampering with physical evidence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Marquita Lucas, 24, on Aug. 17, 2019, on the 3700 block of Horner Place, SE.
Fields rejected a plea offer that has been open since last November. The deal required him to plead guilty to first-degree murder while armed and kidnapping in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. The deal would have guaranteed a 30-year sentence.
By rejecting the plea offer, Fields could be facing life in prison as a maximum sentence if found guilty in the June trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene on June 6.
DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a non-fatal stabbing defendant to attend outpatient treatment after he left his hearing on March 21.
John Scogins, 53, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024, at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.
A representative of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) stated that Scogins has complied with all the terms of his release but recommended he undergo an “on-site drug treatment plan” after testing positive on three different days for “illicit drugs.”
Scogins addressed Judge Brandt, saying he has not partaken in any narcotics or alcohol since completing his first round of treatment back in January. He said he believes the positive results are from laced cigarettes or skin-to-skin contact, which can happen with phencyclidine (PCP).
Scogins’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said his client would be happy to spot-test today and discuss any next steps after the results were released. Judge Brandt agreed, and the hearing was recalled an hour later.
The test results were negative, and Judge Brandt ordered Scogins to begin the outpatient treatment plan that his PSA officer recommended directly after his hearing.
Parties are slated to reconvene on May 5.
The prosecution in a homicide case said more time was needed to test DNA evidence.
Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on June 22, 2024, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.
During the March 21 hearing, the prosecution also clarified that their DNA testing is still pending, requesting to set another hearing date in 90 days to complete two rounds of DNA testing.
Bonaparte also pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.
Kevann Gardner, Bonaparte’s attorney, told Judge Ryan of her intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted her constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.
Judge Ryan set the next hearing for Sept. 3.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed March 21 a stabbing defendant to continue working past his curfew under new conditions of release.
Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Dec. 29, 2024. The incident left one victim suffering from severe stab wounds to the left side of his chest, arm, and neck.
At a prior hearing, Judge Ryan granted Alvarez release under conditions that included GPS monitoring, a curfew, mental health evaluation and treatment, and a stay-away order from both the victim and the location of the incident.
During the hearing, Judge Ryan noted Alvarez’s compliance with his release conditions and clarified that Alvarez would be permitted to work shifts past his curfew only if he went straight home afterward. However, he is required to alert his case manager from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) beforehand.
At the status conference, Alvarez’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, requested the return of the defendant’s phone, explaining that he could not cancel his phone plan and was still required to pay for it.
The prosecution objected to this request, saying the phone was classified as evidence. Judge Ryan asked both parties to work towards an agreement to facilitate the phone’s return to the defendant.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 11.
