Judge Grants Relaxed Release for Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted a motion to relax pretrial release conditions for a defendant in a shooting case on Feb. 19.

Demetry Ferguson, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of a victim on Sept. 8, 2024, on the 4400 block of E Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was Ferguson’s child’s mother’s new boyfriend.

Ferguson is currently on release with GPS monitoring, and a 10-p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew as well as a stay away order from the victim and location of the incident. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) noted that there has been no violation of these guidelines.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh requested Judge Edelman allow Ferguson to spend up to three days a week at his grandmother’s home to assist in her care. The prosecution was opposed based on the circumstances of them.

Judge Edelman granted the motion, with the stipulation that Ferguson must give his PSA officer at least 24-hours notice if he intends to spend the night at his grandmother’s house.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 20.

Prosecution Emphasizes ‘Randomness of the Attack’ in Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann on Feb. 20.

Tywanna Johnson, 33, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stemmed from her alleged involvement in a robbery on the 400 block of 15th Street, NE on Jan. 23 that left one person with a stab wound to his right side.

During the hearing, Johnson’s defense, Derrick Page, alerted Judge Herrmann of Johnson’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing. Page also requested she be released as she awaits further proceedings.

When opposing the release of Johnson, the prosecution noted the weight of evidence against Johnson, stating that CCTV footage showed the incident occurring, catching an individual, identified as Johnson, telling the victim to, “Give me your f***ing phone before I f***ing kill you.”

The prosecution highlighted the “randomness of the attack,” and that Johnson allegedly admitted to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer that she had robbed and stabbed the victim.

Page pointed out that Johnson is being treated for mental health issues. Additionally, she’s reconnecting with her family and securing housing and employment.

However, Judge Herrmann found that there were no release conditions to ensure the protection of the community and denied release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 3.

Document: MPD Investigating Fairlawn Avenue HomicideDocument:

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Dec 26 in the 2700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, Southeast. The victim, identified as 41-year-old Lamar Edmonds, was found unconscious and not breathing, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecution Says They Plan to Add Co-Defendants to Gang Murder Case

Prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Feb. 14 that they intend to indict additional individuals in a case concerning a homicide defendant allegedly connected to the “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13) international criminal gang.

Pedro Joya Argueta, 25, also known by the nickname “Peluche,” is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and conspiracy for his alleged involvement in the execution-style killing of Eberson Guerra-Sanchez on April 27, 2019 on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW.

During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that they are planning to add more suspects. They said that they have already provided evidence supporting their intentions to the defense but that there is more evidence concerning the potential co-defendants. According to the prosecution, this information will be disclosed if and when the potential co-defendants are indicted.

The defense requested that the prosecution provide grand jury transcripts before the other individuals are indicted, and the prosecution didn’t oppose.

Parties are expected to reconvene on May 2.

Prosecution’s Argument Ignores Logic and Physics, Claims Defense

Parties presented closing arguments in a shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 18.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and endangerment with a firearm, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE on May 11, 2024. No one was injured.

According to court documents, and witness testimony, the shooting stemmed from a verbal disagreement between the victims and Henderson’s sister. Prosecutors claimed the victims were spat upon by Henderson’s sister, and when they maced the sister, Henderson allegedly shot at them.

During closing arguments, Henderson’s attorney, Daniel Kovler, argued that this case was one of self-defense and defense of others and alleged that Henderson and his family were under attack.

The defense added that the prosecution was asking the jury to ignore logic and physics, citing the lack of physical evidence and the dubious reliability of the prosecution’s eyewitnesses.

Kovler argued that the absence of bullets and bullet holes at the scene of the crime was a reason to doubt that the gun was pointed at the complainants. He said that the height of the gun when it was used in relation to Henderson’s height would result in an unnatural and unlikely shooting position.

“The [prosecution] is asking you to believe the physically impossible based on unreliable eyewitness testimony,” Kovler said.

The prosecution argued that Henderson was attempting to injure and was not acting in self-defense.

They said that there is eyewitness testimony supporting the argument that the gun was pointed directly at the complainants rather than elsewhere. According to the prosecution, the eyewitnesses identified the type and color of the gun.

“The law does not reward someone for bad aim,” the prosecution said.

Even if Henderson was acting in self-defense, the prosecution argued that the use of deadly force was unnecessary in this context.

They said that the danger of mace is not proportionate to the danger of a firearm and that Henderson used greater force to act against the victims.

“He determined what is just, and our law has no room for that,” the prosecutor said.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Shooting Case Delayed Over Pretrial Evidence Motions

Pretrial motions arguments commenced on Feb. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur regarding the suppression of tangible evidence and statements made by a defendant in a shooting case.

Dupre Jones, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4500 block of First Street, SW, on Oct. 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

Defense attorney Adgie O’Bryant filed motions to suppress tangible, or physical, evidence and statements made by Jones on the grounds that he was illegally stopped, searched, and arrested.

The prosecution called on the officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that detained Jones on the night of the incident to testify.

According to the officer, he received the ShotSpotter notification of gunfire, began driving towards the scene, and received another message from dispatch identifying the shooter as a Black male with a white shirt and blue pants.

The officer stated he saw a male, later identified as Jones, that fit the description at a bus stop near the location of the shooting. The officer claimed ones was tugging at his waistband.

According to the officer, the description of the shooter, the proximity of Jones to where the shots were fired, and the tugging of the waistband were the “totality of circumstances” he used to make the call to stop Jones. They ended up allegedly finding a gun wedged in his pant leg, not in his waistband.

O’Bryant argued that the circumstances did not warrant probable cause to stop Jones. He stressed that tugging at a waistband is not illegal and does not imply suspicion. He also noted the aggression of the stop, insisting the officer jumped out of the car, grabbed Jones’ arm, and pressed him against the fence.

O’Bryant argued that is the approach for when someone is considered “armed and dangerous,” which was all just an assumption. He tried to undermine what the officer thought was probable cause to just a “hunch” that Jones was the shooter.

Additionally, O’Bryant questioned why Jones’s was physically restrained and not that he was not free to leave, which classifies as a seizing of the defendant. At no point did any of the officers present inform Jones of his rights, according to O’Bryant.

During the interaction, Jones allegedly volunteered to get a firearm out of his pant leg. O’Bryant insisted that the statement, which the prosecution intends to use in trial, should not be admissible because Jones had not yet been Mirandized, or read his rights, and did not understand the statement could be used against him.

Due to time constraints, parties were unable to conclude their motions arguments

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 28.

‘I Don’t Believe What You’re Saying Is The Truth,’ Judge Tells Murder Defendant about Release Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman oversaw a motion hearing for co-defendants in a murder case, granting one for bond review and denying the other on Feb. 20.

Charles Jeter, 39, and Kevin Sewell, 33, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, burglary while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 46-year-old Kevin Robinson on Nov. 30, 2014, on the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE. Robinson was Sewell’s father.

Joseph Fay and Edward Gain, Sewell’s attorney, as well as Carrie Weletz and Alvin Thomas, Jeter’s team had previously submitted a motion for bond review which Judge Edelman addressed in court.

Fay and Gain requested that Sewell be stepped-down from home confinement and released on curfew. They emphasized that Sewell has complied with his release terms and should be granted a curfew to help provide for his family and get a job.

Although the prosecutor opposed the request, highlighting that Sewell has a record with firearms and drug use, Judge Edelman granted the motion, with the condition that Sewell remains on GPS and abides by the curfew order.

Thomas and Weletz requested the same curfew, saying Jeter had a perfect record for his recent compliance. However, the prosecutor opposed their request, presenting to Judge Edelman three separate violations that comprise their request for revocation.

Weletz addressed these GPS violations, stating that two of the three offenses were because Jeter had gone to a convenience store to purchase over-the-counter medication, while the other violation was when he was attempting to find a way home.

Judge Edelman was not convinced by Weletz and Thomas’ justifications for the infractions and told Jeter “I don’t believe what you’re saying is the truth.” The bond review was denied and Judge Edelman delayed further action until the next hearing.

Parties are slated for March 7.

Prosecutor Calls Rooming House a ‘Cage’ and a ‘Death Trip’ in Fatal Fire Closing

Parties delivered closing arguments for a double homicide fire case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 19.

James Walker, 66, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged involvement in a fire that caused the deaths of 40-year-old Fitsum Kebede and nine-year-old Yafet Solomen at the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW, on Aug. 18, 2019.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution described the property as a “death trap” and highlighted Walker’s history of code violations across multiple properties. Walker’ properties have been subject to multiple violations and failed inspections from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), starting back in 2004 and continuing until just five months before the Kennedy Street fire. He also lost another property to fire in 2010.

The prosecution referenced police bodycam footage from the day of the fire, showing officers struggling to break through a locked gate while residents screamed for help. The prosecution also displayed virtual renderings of the property’s layout, illustrating the obstacles that prevented Kebede and Solomen from escaping, emphasizing that the fire was survivable and it was Walker’s code violations that allegedly killed them.

The prosecution called it a “cage that James Walker created.”

Douglas Evans, Walker’s attorney, urged the jury to “deliberate with your focus on justice.” Evans asserted that “it was not the gate that kept them [Kebede and Solomen] from safety, it was the fire.” The victims were found 12 feet from the interior gate, with Evans citing that there are “too many variables” to convict Walker.

During their rebuttal, the prosecution insisted that the cause of the fire does not matter, as “this is the real world, bad things happen.” They highlighted Walker’s 26 housing code violations, asserting that this was “an avoidable tragedy” as a result of “choices that he [Walker] made and maintained for years.”

The violations included no certificate of occupancy for tenants, only one working smoke alarm, and failure to provide emergency escapes. F

Parties are stated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

‘It’s Not Really A Choice,’ Says Judge to Stabbing Suspect About Release Compliance

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur warned a stabbing defendant of the consequences of not following her conditions of release in a felony status conference on Feb. 18.

Tyra Redad, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in the stabbing of a victim on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW, on Dec. 1, 2024.

Redad appeared for her felony status conference via Webex video on Feb. 18 due to issues with transportation to the courthouse. Defense attorney Chantal Jean-Baptiste requested another status hearing so that Redad could be present in person. When confirming the next court date, defense asked Redad if Feb. 28 would work for her.

“It’s not really a choice,” said Judge Errol Arthur. He also demanded that Redad resume her drug testing, as she has skipped her last few.

There is currently an open plea for Redad to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment, and the plea will remain available through the next status hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 28.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Guilty Plea, Sentenced to 180 Days

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal on Feb. 18 before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi M. Pasichow.

Michael Hudley, 56, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Jan. 15 on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Carrie Weletz, Hudley’s attorney, alerted Judge Pasichow of his intent to accept a deal, which would require him to plead guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Both charges are classified as misdemeanors, while the original charge of assault with a dangerous weapon is a felony.

Hudley was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with all but 60 days suspended, for each charge, and is required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Hudley will be on probation for 12 months once released, and will be required to participate in anger management classes and a drug treatment program.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Investigating Quebec Place Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Feb. 18 on the 700 block of Quebec Place, NW. Officers conducting a traffic stop observed two individuals firing weapons and responded by discharging their service weapon, though no one was hit. Three suspects were involved, and the officers are on administrative leave as the Internal Affairs Bureau and the U.S. Attorney’s Office review the incident.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 19 in Northeast. The victim, identified as 23-year-old Jaydon Parson, was found with gunshot wounds on the 700 block of H Street, NE, and was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. No suspect information is available at this time.

Document: MPD Investigating Georgia Avenue Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Feb. 18 on the 3500 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

The incident began when an individual, identified as Surafel Zerihun, 29, collided with a police cruiser, threatened an officer with a knife, and attempted a carjacking. Officers fired their weapons, resulting in Zerihun’s death. The Internal Affairs Bureau’s Force Investigations Team is handling the case, and the involved officers are on administrative leave.

Document: MPD Arrests Southeast Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a 14-year-old juvenile male in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 15 on the 100 block of 1st Street, Southeast. The suspect allegedly fired shots at several victims, but no injuries were reported. The juvenile has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

Judge Ponders Appropriate Location to Detain Teen Murder Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan acknowledged he needs to consult the counsel for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) to find out where a murder defendant must be held in a hearing on Feb. 13.

Ronald Henderson, 19, is charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022 on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

Henderson was 17 when he allegedly committed the crimes, so he was detained in the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS). Two months after he turned 18, he was transferred to the DC Jail for imprisonment.

During the hearing, Nathaniel Mensah, Henderson’s attorney, argued that Henderson should go back to DYRS until he’s 21, given that the crimes he’s charged with were committed when he was a minor. The defense cited the Comprehensive Youth Justice Amendment Act (CYJAA), which states that juveniles charged under Title 16, or tried as adults, should be transferred to the custody of DYRS.

The prosecution argued that DC law requires defendants with Henderson’s serious criminal history be detained, but later stated they don’t care where, as long as he’s not out in the community.

“I think it’s a mess,” said Judge Ryan. The ambiguity required that Judge Ryan summon the General Counsel for DYRS. He hopes to issue an order by next week, speak with counsel, and determine whether to keep Henderson at the jail or allow him to return back to DYRS.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14.

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