Full Mental Evaluation Ordered in Shooting Case

An order for a full mental competency evaluation for a shooting defendant was entered by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Feb. 13.

Tykeia Hickson, 28, and Malik Simmons, 30, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on the 4000 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on Nov. 16, 2024. Simmons is additionally charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. No injuries were reported.

In court, Judge Salerno read a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) recommending doctor Hickson have a full mental competency evaluation. If Hickson is deemed competent to stand trial, meaning she understandings the proceedings, the case will continue as a co-defendant matter.

Atiq Ahmed, Hickson’s attorney, asked the court to consider reviewing the conditions of Hickson’s release, stating she will waive a preliminary hearing if she receives outpatient medical treatment. Judge Salerno stated that he did not want to rule on release conditions in the midst of a competency hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Judge Orders Suspect Accused in Motorcycle Carjacking, Fight Jailed

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann decided to hold a carjacking defendant in jail on Feb. 14,–that after he agreed to waive a preliminary hearing.

Jaiquan Moore, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in stealing a delivery food driver’s motorcycle after allegedly punching him on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE on Dec. 30, 2024.

Theresa Jenkins, Moore’s defense attorney, stated he intended to waive his right to a preliminary hearing during which evidence would have been presented to determine if the case should proceed.

Jenkins also asked that the court consider release, arguing Moore had no prior conviction and this was his first contact with the criminal justice system.

The prosecution opposed, stating that the evidence was strong since the defendant was caught on video wearing an outfit similar to the attire ascribed to him in a previous arrest.

Judge Hermann denied the request for release, citing there were no conditions that would ensure the safety of the community if Moore were released.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 26.

document: MPD Investigating Knox Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 16 in Southeast Washington, D.C. The victim, identified as 37-year-old William Williams, was found with gunshot wounds in a residential building on the 2900 block of Knox Place and was pronounced dead despite lifesaving efforts. The case remains under investigation.

Document: MPD Searching for Northwest Carjacking Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in locating a suspect involved in a carjacking incident that occurred on Feb. 3 in the 3800 block of Davis Place, Northwest. The suspect assaulted the victim while they were entering their vehicle, stole the keys, and fled with the car, which was later recovered. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage.

Document: MPD Investigating Triple Shooting That Left Two Dead in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a triple shooting on Feb. 16 in Northeast D.C. that left two men dead. The deceased victims have been identified as 29-year-old D'andre Williams of Waldorf, MD, and 24-year-old D'ontae Bryant of Northeast, D.C. There is 1 surviving victim.

Document: October Robbery Victim’s Death Ruled Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that the death of Bryan Smith, 39, from a robbery incident on Oct. 27, 2024, has been ruled a homicide. Smith was found unconscious in the 500 block of T Street, NW, and later died from blunt force trauma. Two juvenile suspects, aged 16 and 14, previously arrested for related robbery and assault charges, may face additional charges following this new ruling.

DOCUMENT: MPD Makes Arrest in Jay Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 19-year-old Rodney Whiting, alleged to be involved in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Jan. 25 in the 3800 block of Jay Street, Northeast. Whiting has been charged with First Degree Murder while Armed.

Shooting Victim Testifies Incident Stemmed from Dispute with Defendant’s Sister

A shooting victim testified the incident stemmed from a verbal dispute with the defendant’s sister before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 13.

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 sustained injuries.

Prosecutors called on a resident who lived at the apartment complex, the location of the shooting. She said a verbal altercation escalated when Henderson’s sisters allegedly spat on the witness and her daughter from their apartment balcony. Her daughter retailed by spraying mace on the sisters.

In her testimony, she claimed the surveillance footage shown from the apartment complex was altered. The prosecution later clarified the videos shown were genuine and not doctored, as part of their stipulations to the jury.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer revealed he found three shell casings near the apartment’s balcony and a live bullet in a children’s room. Another MPD officer, who worked for the firearms registration branch, testified Henderson did not have a permit to carry a firearm, nor any firearm registered.

Prosecution also called a detective, who testified another witness at the scene selected a photo of Henderson as a suspect during a blind photo array identification procedure.

During the hearing, Judge Pipe granted the defense’s motion for judgement of acquittal of carrying pistol without license outside home or business. The judge ruled there is no concrete evidence to support Henderson fled the scene with the firearm.

The defense called Henderson’s sister to provide context for what happened inside their apartment. She claimed the altercation was pure words and neither of her sisters spat on the victim and her daughter. When the mace was sprayed, she testified, her whole family was hit, including her young children.

During the redirect, prosecution inquired whether Henderson was the one who shot the gun and if he fled with the firearm, to which the witness answered “Correct.”

William Conlow, Henderson’s attorney, clarified she did not actually see that herself and only made assumptions.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 18.

Wheelchair-Bound Stabber and Godson Plead Guilty, Face 3 Years in Prison

Delvin Martin and Kenneth Watkins pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon before D.C. Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb. 14.

Martin, 47, and Watkins, 38, were originally charged with assault with significant bodily injury, and Martin was additionally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, for a stabbing incident on Dec. 31, 2024, on the unit block of M Street, SE, that left one person injured.

Martin and Watkins accepted a plea deal that was wired, meaning both defendants had to accept it for the prosecutor to honor it.

In return for Martin’s and Watkins’ guilty pleas, the prosecutor agreed to dismiss all other charges related to the case. He also agreed to request sentences at the midpoint of the sentencing guidelines for Martin and in the lowest third of the sentencing guidelines for Watkins.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of $12,500, with a three-year period of supervised release and a payment of $100-to-$5,000 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Watkins admitted to punching the victim repeatedly, fracturing his ribs. Martin admitted to striking the victim on the head multiple times with a bottle, causing lacerations that required stitches.

Court documents state Martin was in a wheelchair at the time of the assault. According to arrest documents, Martin visibly damaged the arresting officers’ vehicle by kicking it and smashed the window of his jail cell with an arm he broke off his wheelchair.

T. Gail Maddox-Levine, Watkins’ attorney, asked Judge Arthur to release Watkins pending sentencing. She argued Watkins is Martin’s godson and attacked the victim only because Martin was bleeding from the head and said the victim caused his injury.

The prosecutor opposed Watkins’ release based on the violence of the incident. He said Watkins punched the victim for several minutes, knocking him down each time he got up from the ground until he finally collapsed.

Judge Arthur denied the request for Watkins’ release.

Martin’s and Watkins’ sentencing is scheduled for April 18.

Judge Holds Shooting Defendant Citing Previous Offenses

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann ruled to hold a defendant accused in a non-fatal shooting in a hearing on Feb. 14.

Jose Navarro, 40, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in shooting six rounds from a gun in the middle of the night. The incident occurred on the 1800 block of Hamlin Street, NE, on Feb. 12.

Joseph Molina, Navarro’s attorney, informed the court of Navarro’s intention to forego a preliminary hearing and Judge Herrmann accepted Navarro’s waiver in that he understood it would have been an opportunity to determine if there were sufficient reason to proceed with the case.

Molina also asked that Navarro be released, asserting that there was no indication he threatened or assaulted anyone with his weapon or robbed any individual. Navarro also has never been subject to a bench warrant.

The prosecution argued against release claiming the evidence against Navarro is strong, including body camera footage said to show officers finding him on the scene and recovering his gun. Navarro also has three prior firearm-related offenses and an active warrant in Maryland for assault, according to the prosecution.

Judge Herrmann denied Navarro’s release on the grounds he is unlikely to abide by the court’s conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 28.

Uncooperative Witness Causes ‘Slight Hiccup’ in Shooting Case

Prosecutors in a non-fatal shooting case told DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 12 that one of their witnesses, whose relationship to the case was not disclosed in court, is being uncooperative.

Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, 2024 and two individuals suffered from gunshot wounds.

In a status hearing set for relevant medical records, the prosecution alerted the court that there had been a “slight hiccup,” as their witness recently become reluctant to testify. The prosecution indicated they would speak with the witness’ lawyer or file a motion to release in lieu of receiving the witnesses’ medical records.

An additional hearing was scheduled regarding DNA testing.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 20, with a trial date set for April 21.

Convicted Stabbing Defendant Cited for Non-Compliant Probation

A Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative indicated to DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe that a convicted stabbing defendant continues to be non-compliant to the terms of his probation during a hearing on Feb. 12.

Dejohn Dohawk Jr., 23, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to six months confinement with four months suspended as well as supervised release for three years, for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Aug. 8, 2023 on the 1700 block of 28th Street SE.

In a probation show cause hearing, the representative from CSOSA stated the defendant failed to report for three scheduled drug tests, didn’t attend orientation for his mandatory domestic violence training program, and struggles to effectively communicate with his parole officer.

There was also mention that in December 2024, Dohawk received an additional 12 months of probation following a notice of non-compliance.

Dohawk countered that he has a busy schedule with three children and his new enrollment in an educational program.

CSOSA stated they have attempted to accommodate his schedule, but Dohawk has not reported to in-person or virtual meetings and has not properly communicated with them.

Due to lack of compliance, Judge Pipe stated she plans to revoke his probation, but kept Dohawk on release so he can arrange his affairs pending re-sentencing.

An additional probation show cause hearing was scheduled to assess any changes in compliance from the defendant. If there is no improvement, Judge Pipe plans to have Dohawk serve the remaining four months of his sentence.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 10.

Stabbing Defendant Deemed Competent After Allegedly Telling Victim, ‘You’re Going to Hell Tonight’

A stabbing defendant accused of making a death threat was found mentally competent before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on Feb. 12.

Lukas Nawrocki, 19, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Feb. 1, 2025, at the intersection of 23rd Street and L Street, NW.

According to court documents, Nawrocki is accused of stabbing a random victim with a pair of scissors after arguing with his parents the night of the incident.

During the hearing, Judge Israel alerted the parties of the finding in a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and no one objected to the conclusion that Nawrocki is competent to stand trial.

Nawrocki’s defense attorney, Martin Rosendorf, requested the defendant be released as he has no criminal history and does not pose a threat to the community.

However, the prosecution said they are investigating other incidents that allegedly involve the defendant the same night as the stabbing. The prosecutor also said, although Nawrocki has no priors, the attack was violent and, “he only stopped because the police arrived.”

The prosecutor said the victim stated Nawrocki told him, “You’re going to hell tonight” during the attack.

The request for release was denied by Judge Israel.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 19.

Homicide Defendant to Conduct Independent DNA Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted the defense a postponement in order to conduct independent DNA testing for a stabbing case on Feb. 12.

Ravon Slye, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for allegedly fatally stabbing his then-girlfriend, 30-year-old Andrea Bond, on March 7, 2023, on the 1100 Block of D Street, NE.

Slye’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, told Judge Dayson that Slye is planning to exercise his right to conduct independent DNA testing on the evidence starting by the end of next week.

Mosley stated that he and the defendant are still in discussions regarding which pieces of evidence to test.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 7.

Jury Acquits Homicide Suspect of All Charges in Crew-Linked ‘Beef’

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson’s courtroom acquitted a homicide defendant of all charges stemming from an ongoing feud on Feb. 11.

Aaron Murchison, 28, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

During the ten day trial, defense attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Bernadette Armand, argued there was no photo or video evidence placing Murchison at the crime scene described as “the cut.” They also claim there were no witnesses to connect him to Brown’s shooting.

The prosecution’s lead witness, a juvenile, testified seeing someone in “all black” around “the cut” behind a building. However, apartment security footage shown to the jury indicates Murchison was wearing a white tee shirt and dark jeans on the night of the incident.

The prosecution argued that Murchison was motivated to kill in response to ongoing “beef” between the Wellington Park and Stanton Oaks rival “crews,” loose associations often associated with criminal activity.

In opening statements prosecutors said that Murchison was in an apartment in Wellington Park on the night of the incident, when a group of men from The Oaks, including Brown, parked a car behind the complex, got out, walked to the front of the buildings, and began to fire their weapons.

According to court documents, Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found on a sidewalk lying on his back with his hands above his head. There was a handgun found on the victim.

Prosecutors say Brown came to Wellington Park to cause havoc by shooting into a lot where crew members parked their cars as part of an ongoing conflict. They argued that’s why Murchison “left the safety of the apartment” and was ready to shoot back when Brown opened fire into the neighborhood.

This “beef” and retaliatory behavior was corroborated by testimony from multiple Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and detectives.

Following the acquittal, Judge Dayson ordered Murchison be released from jail.

No further dates were set.