‘This Case is Distractions on Top of Distractions,’ Defense Argues in Homicide Trial

A defense attorney argued that prosecutors’ case was only distractions during closing arguments in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 5 and 6.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession with a prior conviction, first degree burglary, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE on July 7, 2023. Edwards was shot in the left arm, thigh, abdomen, and back..

“Nolan Edwards was beloved,” stated prosecutors to begin closing arguments.

The prosecution claimed the defense “lied” to the jury in their opening arguments about why Tyler went to an apartment building. White claimed Tyler went to pick up his clothes from his friend’s apartment, but the prosecution disputed that no witnesses saw Tyler leaving with clothes.

The prosecution highlighted the testimony of several neighbors in the building. Witnesses saw a suspect running from the apartment complex after they heard shots fired and then heard someone run down stairs, asserted prosecutors.

Prosecutors also highlighted physical evidence found at the crime scene, including the bullets found from two different guns, and blood stains on a box in the apartment. According to prosecutors, the bullets embedded in the wall and on the ground point to Edwards trying to back away from the gun shots.

The prosecution presented camera footage they said showed the defendant traveling to and from the Ames Street area around the time of the shooting. Prosecutors argued the footage, along with phone records and location data, placed Tyler in the area shortly before and after the homicide.

They also pointed to phone data from the woman who had been with Tyler that day, arguing messages about money and drugs supported their theory that the pair were seeking both before the shooting. Prosecutors told jurors the evidence showed the defendant had “the motive, the means, and the opportunity.”

Defense lawyer Kevann Gardner focused his closing on the burden of proof, reminding jurors that Tyler is presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“You begin in the land of innocence,” Gardner said, arguing the prosecution failed to move Tyler from that position.

Gardner argued there was no clear motive for Tyler to commit the crime and said the prosecution’s theory relied on speculation. He suggested Edwards’ apartment, which was described during trial as a marijuana operation, could have been a target for robbery by others.

He also pointed to surveillance footage shown during the trial, arguing Tyler’s behavior while driving before and after the shooting appeared normal rather than consistent with someone fleeing a violent crime. Gardner noted that Tyler did not attempt to run or hide after the incident.

Gardner criticized the investigation, questioning why the lead investigator did not testify at trial. He argued police focused too quickly on Tyler and failed to meaningfully investigate other possible leads connected to Edwards’ drug operation.

“This case is distractions on top of distractions,” Gardner told the jury.

Gardner claimed there were weaknesses in the forensic evidence. He argued there was no direct physical evidence tying Tyler to the shooting, no witness directly identified him as the gunman, and eyewitness descriptions did not clearly match him.

Gardner questioned prosecutors robbery theory, noting that Tyler and Edwards were neighbors and arguing it would have made little sense for Tyler to rob someone who lived nearby.

Gardner urged jurors to return a verdict of not guilty.

The prosecution rejected Gardner’s arguments during their rebuttal and said the evidence clearly pointed to Tyler.

Referring to Gardner’s remarks about the “land of innocence,” prosecutors told jurors the defense had instead created a “land of illusion,” describing Gardner as a “master illusionist.”

They also pushed back on claims that investigators mishandled the case or ignored other suspects, arguing detectives were expected to pursue leads aggressively.

“Would you want a detective to be passive and let important leads slip away?” the prosecution asked.

Prosecutors also dismissed the defense’s theories about missing or mishandled evidence, including arguments about footprints and a bullet possibly striking Tyler, describing them as speculation unsupported by testimony. They urged jurors to focus on the evidence presented at trial.

“Don’t be blinded by a smoke screen,” prosecutors said.

Without the jury present, Tyler’s attorneys, Gardner and Elizabeth Paige White, motioned for judgement of acquittal. White’s motioned on grounds that there was a lack of evidence presented by the prosecution. White argued that none of the evidence was tangible and it was all circumstantial. She continued with pointing out flaws in witness identifications and no evidence of Tyler possessing a firearm.

White concluded “grave suspicion is not enough.”

The prosecution agreed the evidence was circumstantial, but said all the evidence pointed to Tyler as the suspect. Prosecutors also said there was evidence Tyler had a gun when entering Edwards’ apartment, and was surprised that Edwards had a gun himself, resulting in the shooting.

White rebutted that no evidence on the record proved this happened and urged Judge Park to rule for acquittal.

Judge Park stated circumstantial evidence is enough to convict the defendant. He denied the acquittal, asserting that a juror could find Tyler guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Parties will reconvene once the jury reaches a verdict.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Felony and Misdemeanor Chargers

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty to a felony and misdemeanor charge before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 5.

Tara Bellinger, 40, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the unit block of Forrester Street, SW on Feb. 10.

During the hearing Bellinger pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and misdemeanor assault on law enforcement. In return the prosecution agreed not to seek further indictments.

According to the prosecution, the maximum sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 10 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine followed by seven years of supervised release. The misdemeanor assault on law enforcement maximum penalty is 180 days confinement and/or $1,000 fine.

After determining Bellinger understood her rights and knowingly pleaded guilty, Judge Hertzfeld accepted her guilty plea.

If the case would have proceeded to trial, the prosecution stated that they would be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Bellinger stabbed the victim in the hand when he was restraining her from attacking someone else. Later, when officers placed Bellinger under arrest, she spat on an officer.

Louis Kamara, Bellinger’s attorney, requested Judge Hertzfeld release Bellinger to a halfway house pending sentencing. Kamara argued that Bellinger has four children, one of whom has special needs, and her only other conviction was ten years ago.

“I just wanna be there for my son, I need to take care of him,” Bellinger stated.

The prosecution opposed the release, saying “there’s a lot more to this case.” The attorney argued that placing Bellinger in a halfway house would create a risk for the community because “she could walk out at any point.”

Judge Hertzfeld denied the request for release.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 12.

Teen Pleads Guilty in Carjacking Case

A defendant pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a prohibited weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 5.

Makai Bridges, 17, was initially charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of armed robbery for his involvement in a carjacking on the 1400 block of Otis Street, NE on May 7.

Bridges is being tried as an adult under Title 16, a DC law that gives prosecutors the discretion of charging juveniles as adults for certain serious crimes.

During the hearing, Bridges pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, and possession of a prohibited weapon. As part of the plea agreement, Bridges also pleaded guilty to simple assault in a different case. In return the prosecution agreed to not bring forward any greater charges and drop any remaining charges.

According to the DC Sentencing Commission’s Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, the maximum penalty for unarmed carjacking is 21 years confinement with a minimum of 7 years in prison. Armed robbery holds a maximum of 15 years in prison with a minimum of 2 years confined. The maximum for possession of a prohibited weapon requires 1 year in prison and the maximum for simple assault is 180 days.

After finding Bridges understood his rights and knowingly pleaded guilty, Judge Hertzfeld accepted his guilty plea.

If the case went to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the day of the offense Bridges stole the victim’s car keys and car. The car was pulled over by officers because it was reported stolen. During the vehicle stop, officers observed five individuals flee from the scene.

Defense attorney Joseph Fay asked if Judge Hertzfeld would consider the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) in her sentencing. She stated she will address this at sentencing.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 11.

Jury Can Determine Video’s Credibility in Shooting Trial, Says Judge

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled the defense could show the jury video footage of a witness potentially contradicting how she claimed to identify a shooting suspect on March 6.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the patio of an apartment on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on April 15, 2024. The victim sustained one gunshot wound.

Without the jury present, Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued in favor of admitting an officer’s body-worn-camera footage of a witness present at the scene. According to Thomas, the video will show the woman telling a police officer she knew Gladden was the shooter because a neighbor had told her so. Thomas said this contradicted a later statement the woman made claiming that she identified Gladden from his voice after hearing him argue with the victim.

Prosecutors argued that the video does not negate her later voice identification and she simply failed to mention hearing the argument at the time. They also noted that, in the video, the woman is speaking through layers of hearsay, citing something she heard from a neighbor that they claimed to hear from a police officer.

Judge Brandt said she would admit the video, not because it served as identification, but to give the jury the opportunity to evaluate it and decide what they believe.

“It would be wrong of me to allow one side of the story to go to the jury,” Judge Brandt said.

In addition, Judge Brandt said the video could demonstrate when the reported fight between Gladden and the victim occurred in relation to the shooting.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 9.

‘Time Isn’t Going to Change Anything’ About Homicide Defendant’s Mental State, Says Defense

Defense attorneys requested that DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman find a homicide defendant mentally incompetent to proceed with his case on March 5.

Alberto Valle-Carranza, 56, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal domestic stabbing of Reyna Garcia Lopez, 31, on the 1200 block of 11th Street, NW on Dec. 19, 2023.

According to court documents, Garcia-Lopez was found unconscious with several stab wounds throughout her body after a domestic disturbance. Valle-Carranza fled the area, was arrested in Michigan City, Indiana and extradited to the District for trial.

The hearing was in regards to Valle-Carranza’s mental competency and whether it can be restored. A defendant must understand the charges against him and have the ability to assist a lawyer in their defense.

Judge Edelman stated that two doctors who testified at a previous hearing agreed there are two main issues regarding facing Valle-Carranza, his hearing ability as well as his communication and language skills.

Valle-Caranza’s attorney, Andrew Ain, argued that “time isn’t going to change anything” and his client is unlikely to ever be restored to competency. Ain based his conclusion on testimony given by a doctor at the last hearing and said Valle-Carranza made no progress since his hearing in December.

The defense asked for a “Jackson finding,” pursuant to Jackson v. Indiana (1972), that established a defendant could only be held for a reasonable period to determine if they will regain competence in the foreseeable future. If the court ordered a Jackson finding, Valle-Carranza would either be civilly committed or released.

The prosecution disagreed that Valle-Carranze had made no progress, stating that restoring mental competency “just takes time” and determining if he needs a hearing aid would help.

A forensic psychologist, who attended the hearing remotely said that if Valle-Carranza’s hearing issues are addressed, his communication and language concerns could be partially resolved. She suggested performing an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test to determine if Valle-Carranza needs a hearing aid and what kind of speech therapy would benefit him.

Judge Edelman delayed his decision on the Jackson finding. He requested bi-weekly updates from both parties as well as the forensic psychologist regarding Valle-Carranza’s speech and language therapy and audio progress to keep it “top of mind.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 24 for another mental observation hearing.

Teen Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Market Shooting

A young shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 6.

Joshua Anderson, 17, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting on Nov. 11, 2025 at Kenilworth Market on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE. The victim sustained four gunshot wounds to his shoulder, armpit, and two to his abdomen.

Anderson is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

Todd Baldwin, Anderson’s attorney, said his client accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The prosecution agreed not to seek an indictment with additional charges.

The prosecutor said if the case proceeded to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that amid an argument in Kenilworth Market, Anderson pulled out a black handgun with an extended magazine and pointed it at the victim. The victim raised his hands, ran away, and a struggle ensued. Anderson shot the victim four times with the apparent intent to kill him without legal justification.

The assault and possession charges each carry a maximum of 15 years imprisonment. However, prosecutors agreed to request the sentences run concurrently.

Anderson is also eligible for the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed or cleared after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility for the defendant. If granted the YRA, Anderson could receive a sentence below the guidelines.

Judge Edelman found Anderson entered the plea knowingly and voluntarily with a factual basis.

Anderson’s sentencing is scheduled for May 14.

She was, ‘Messing With Another Man,’ Says Husband of Homicide Defendant’s Lover

The prosecution called the husband of a homicide defendant’s lover along with several other witnesses in a case before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 4.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and first-degree burglary while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred in an apartment located on the 4000 block of Ames Street NE on July 7, 2023. Nolan Edwards, 34, sustained four fatal gunshot wounds.

The prosecution first called the husband of Tyler’s former lover. He testified to being the owner of the car his wife and Tyler were in shortly before the shooting.

The husband also testified about when he learned of the affair. He told the jury that he found evidence on her phone that she was “messing with another man.” The prosecution asked “Did you learn the other man’s name?” He told the jury, “Chris.”

Elizabeth White, Tyler’s attorney, asked the witness if he felt he had anything to do with the case. [I’m]“trying to figure out why I’m here,” he said, agreeing with White that he felt pressured.

Edwards’ downstairs neighbor and friend testified to seeing an old man and woman on multiple occasions trying to gain access to the apartment.

The neighbor also told the jury that on July 7 she was working from home in her room when she heard gunshots, a woman screaming, and a low rumbling sound. She said she called 911.

Later that day the neighbor called Edwards for more information, “It just rang and the voicemail was full.” “It never occurred to me it was him,” she said of the victim.

On cross examination, White asked the neighbor about the nature of her relationship with Edwards. She said he had asked her to refer people to him to buy drugs, but she never did.

Prosecutors called a Litigation Technology Specialist from the US Attorney’s Office to create a video compilation of surveillance footage surrounding the incident that the prosecutors played.

The video followed a dark SUV, which is presumed to be the husband’s vehicle, over multiple cameras. The SUV eventually parked and a figure emerged, went to a liquor store nearby and returned to the car.

The prosecution selected the videos and gave them to the specialist to make the compilation.

According to defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, there was footage from a nearby elementary school that could have been used in the compilation.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 5.

Judge Admonishes Stabbing Defendant to Obey Stay-Away Orders

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a stabbing defendant to comply with stay-away orders during a probation show cause hearing on Feb. 26.

Manuel Yeager, 41, was sentenced on Jan. 9 to three years imprisonment, all suspended, in favor of one year of probation for assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from a stabbing on the 2300 block of Q Street, SE, on June 3, 2025.

As part of Yeager’s probation, Judge Pipe issued a stay-away that required Yeager to stay-away from his brother and his brother’s house.

According to court documents, Yeager stabbed his brother in the shin after an argument.

During the hearing, Judge Pipe detailed Yeager’s non-compliance. According to the judge, Yeager’s brother called 911 after Yeager went to his house. Judge Pipe told Yeager that the stay-away order applied to his brother as well as his brother’s house.

Judge Pipe discharged the show cause order for non-compliance against Yeager and told him to adhere to his probation requirements.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 9.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor, Receives Time Served Sentence

A carjacking defendant accepted a plea deal and received a sentence of time already served before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 5.

Taya Johnson, 27, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, armed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property $1,000 or more for her involvement in an incident at the intersection of 14th and V Streets, NW on Jan. 16, 2025.

In an offer from the prosecution, Johnson agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor destruction of property less than $1,000. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to drop all remaining charges and cap her sentence at time served.

The prosecution stated that if the case went to trial they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that on the date of the offense, Johnson was armed with a knife when she inflicted damage on the victim’s car and slashed the tires.

After Judge Hertzfeld found that Johnson willingly accepted this plea offer and understood the rights she was giving up to enter this agreement, she accepted the guilty plea.

The parties proceed directly to sentencing. The victim was notified by prosecutors that they could make an impact statement prior to the hearing, however they were not present.

The prosecution stated that time served would be an acceptable sentence and Johnson’s attorney Andrew Clarke agreed. Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Johnson to time already served.

No further dates were set.

Prosecutors Demand Absentee Stabbing Defendant Appear in Court

The prosecution asked DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to instruct US Marshals to use force on a stabbing defendant who refuses to appear in court on March 3.

Rubin Holman, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE on Oct. 4, 2022.

According to court documents, the stabbing occurred in a local CVS pharmacy. The victim worked at the store and reportedly called out Holman for attempting to steal sodas and a bag of Doritos.

The victim reported that he warned Holman he would call the cops. Court documents state that Holman allegedly replied,“I’m not one of those regular dudes! I’m gonna kill you!” When Holman was asked to leave by the victim, he allegedly attacked and stabbed the victim in the neck.

According to court records, Holman refused to attend court or had a medical scratch for at least 12 hearings, since the case was opened in December 2023. Judge Kravitz said the only recent appearance in court by Holman was so he could receive new counsel.

When Holman was not present for the hearing, US Marshals reported he was once again a medical scratch and not brought from the DC Jail.

Due to his history of not attending hearings, the prosecution argued Holman should have his right to a speedy trial waived and asked Judge Kravitz to “instruct the US Marshals to use force to bring Holman to court.”

Holman’s attorney, Terrence Austin, disagreed and emphasized that forcing Holman to attend would likely result in an unproductive hearing.

Austin told the court that he intends to speak with his client at the jail and encourage him to come to court, reporting that Holman requested a new attorney. However, Austin cannot withdraw from the case unless Holman appears in court.

Austin requested Judge Kravitz give him one more chance to convince Holman to appear in court.

Judge Kravitz granted the request, restraining the US Marshals until the prosecution filed legal arguments to support their request.

“Without knowing what the law is on this, it would not be wise to issue an order,” Judge Kravitz said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 11.

No Probable Cause For Juvenile Shooting Suspect in Union Station Confrontation

Prosecutors failed to meet the baseline standard of probable cause in a juvenile shooting incident at Union Station according to a ruling by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 2. However, the case remains under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

A juvenile defendant, 17, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to murder while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on Feb. 6 outside of Union Station at the unit block of Massachusetts Ave, NE. A juvenile victim sustained one shot to his foot in a confrontation between rival groups of youth.

At that point, the defendant was originally charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.

Previously, the prosecution attempted to establish a connection between a robbery on Feb. 5, the day before the incident, and the shooting because many of the same individuals were involved.

Defense attorney Terrence Austin questioned a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective about the robbery and asserted that the incidents were not related because the defendant and the victim were not involved in the robbery. The detective however, believed they were connected because some individuals were involved in both incidents.

The defense then used surveillance footage to show that the victim and the defendant were supposedly in two different groups, before, after and during the shooting. Before the incident, surveillance footage showed the victim punching a person identified as the defendant twice inside of Union Station. The victim’s group was larger, and appeared to then follow the defendant’s group outside of Union Station, while mocking them.

The prosecution played a police interview that the defendant, where he claimed that he wasn’t the shooter and had never held a gun saying that “[his] truth” was the truth.

Additionally, the prosecution played a video of the victim discussing the incident while in an ambulance after getting shot. The detective explained that the victim said he was in the Union Station McDonald’s when his friends began to confront another group. The victim’s group reportedly wanted to fight inside the station, whereas the other group wanted to take the fight outside. After throwing a punch, the victim says he stepped outside and was shot.

The defense then called an investigative specialist for the Public Defender Service (PDS), who worked with Austin on the case. The investigator used a tool to measure the distance between the defendant and the victim at the time of the shooting. The distance between the defendant’s location at the intersection of North Capitol Street and Massachusetts Avenue, NE, and the victim’s location at a road sign on the unit block of Massachusetts Avenue, NE, was approximately 121.1 feet, not in close proximity.

The prosecution challenged the investigator’s determination by using video footage recovered from a Tesla, arguing that the victim’s position was not completely in line with the road sign, making the measurement inaccurate.

The prosecution argued for probable cause, claiming that the actions of the victim and his group of friends did not justify the degree of force used by the defendant. Additionally, the prosecution argued that the defendant and his friends beckoned the victim towards the intersection before opening fire.

According to prosecutors, the defendant had sufficient time to flee the scene if he felt threatened, but chose not to.

Austin argued that prosecutors were “cherry picking” only the evidence that supported their case. Austin claimed that the defendant was punched twice in the head, which the victim allegedly admitted on video, and was pursued by a “mob” down the street.

Thus, the defendant’s actions demonstrated “imperfect self-defense,”weakening the assault with intent to murder charge.

Judge Kravitz described the incident as a “disturbing sequence of events,” saying it reflected poorly on how some parents in DC are raising their children, and that there are “too many guns on our streets.”

However, the judge didn’t find the probable cause given the immediate danger the victim posed to the defendant and his group of peers. Further, Judge Kravitz said the defendant had already been hit in the head by the victim, and was being followed by a group of more than 20 people who were shouting at the defendant in a “menacing” manner.

Due to the defendant’s youth, DC Superior Court lacks jurisdiction over the remaining possession charges, therefore the case will be transferred to juvenile court.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 5 to determine whether they will schedule a hearing in juvenile court.

Judge Partially Grants Defense’s Motion to Compel Additional DNA Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park heard arguments from both parties regarding the defense’s motion to compel the release of outstanding DNA evidence on March 3.

Dion Lee, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Pamela Thomas, 54, on the 500 block of Division Avenue, NE, on Feb. 9, 2022.

Rashod Dunbar, 26, is charged with accessory after the fact for his alleged involvement in the matter, but was not present at the hearing.

At the hearing, the defense filed a motion to compel additional materials related to DNA testing. This includes the raw data for the reports already provided, as well as validation summaries and supporting materials for other DNA testing methods used.

Validation summaries are the documents that show how a DNA testing method was evaluated before use to confirm its accuracy and reliability.

Judge Park initially denied the motion due to the defense’s failure to provide a reason to doubt the DNA testing information they had already received.

However, Lee’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, argued that the defense’s expert witness cannot complete her analysis of the DNA evidence without the underlying data because she needs the corresponding data to analyze the prosecution’s unlabeled graph showing the likelihood of the ratio of false positive results.

The prosecution said they have already provided enough data. The prosecutor also said that the prosecution typically does not provide underlying validation data unless the defense can prove it is needed.

Prior to discussing the motion, the prosecution revealed they had only provided required validation summaries that morning after being alerted to do so by the defense. The prosecution says this was an inadvertent mistake.

Judge Park asked the defense why they did not include these arguments in their original motion. Bunke said Wednesday’s arguments were based on information in the prosecution’s opposition and data they had just received. .

Additionally, Bunke said the defense and their expert witness were not expecting any pushback from the prosecution to compel release of the information.

Judge Park ordered the prosecution to turn over the spreadsheet related to the unlabeled graph. However, he said, at this time, he did not find a reason for other data to be turned over.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 8 to continue discussing DNA materials and other pretrial motions.

Parties Delay Murder Hearing Amid Discovery of a Possible Confession

The prosecution alerted parties of a possible confession from a homicide defendant caught on camera in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 2.

Royale McGlenn, 19, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Christopher Riles at the 100 block of Irvington Street, SW on May 17, 2025.

According to court documents, the shooting took place in a residential area. Two witnesses reported that they were with Riles when a man in all black clothing approached, shot Riles four times, and fled the scene.

Another witness, McGlenn’s relative, court documents state was interviewed by detectives and allegedly identified McGlenn as the figure depicted in the surveillance footage. The relative, who had known McGlenn since his birth, apparently did not want to talk about him, beginning to get teary eyed and referred to him as a “little boy” who gets on the relative’s nerves.

At McGlenn’s scheduled preliminary hearing, the parties prepared to present evidence and arguments on probable cause. Before the hearing began, however, the prosecution approached Carrie Welletz, McGlenn’s attorney, to discuss a private matter.

When the parties returned, the prosecution informed Judge Edelman that there was new evidence, investigative information vital to the case, that she shared with the defense. According to the prosecution, there was a potential confession from McGlenn caught on officers’ body-worn camera footage.

Welletz requested to delay the hearing to a later date so she could review the new evidence.

Judge Todd Edelman granted the request and parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

‘The Anger Got the Best of Him,’ Prosecutors Say in Shooting Trial Openings

Prosecutors alleged a defendant shot his mother’s neighbor over a financial dispute before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 3, while his defense argued he fired in self-defense.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in shooting a man on the patio of his apartment on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on April 15, 2024. The victim sustained one gunshot wound.

Prosecutors claimed Gladden was angry with the victim because he believed the victim owed him hundreds of dollars for a vehicle. They said Gladden approached the victim on his patio, pulled out the gun, demanded money, and then shot the victim in the chest.

“The anger got the best of him,” a prosecutor said in their opening statement.

Prosecutors said doorbell camera footage will show Gladden leaving the scene with one pink bag and one black bag.

Prosecutors said an “arsenal” of weapons and ammunition was found in Gladden’s home, which match a bullet casing Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers found at the scene. They also noted that the gunshot could have been fatal, but the victim survived after being one of the first DC residents to receive a blood-transfusion in ambulance transport.

Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, said Gladden did not fire out of anger, but in self-defense after the victim became irate when Gladden mentioned the money and pulled out a knife. Thomas disputed prosecutors’ claim that Gladden shot the victim in the chest with the intent to kill. According to Thomas, the shot hit the victim’s shoulder.

Thomas pointed out that there is no clear evidence about the circumstances of the shooting, noting that witnesses who heard the argument initially thought the two were fighting about sports.

“In this case, what you don’t see is just as important as what you do see,” Thomas said.

After openings, prosecutors examined a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who was the first to respond to the shooting. He said that when he arrived, a witness flagged him down and brought him to the apartment’s back patio.

Prosecutors showed the officer’s body-worn-camera footage, which showed the witness calling to the officer and a gray Audi leaving the parking lot. The footage then showed the victim on his hands and knees bleeding from his back with someone holding a cloth to his wound.

“He was slow to respond and appeared to be in pain,” the officer said about the victim.

The officer said he prepared to perform first aid but the ambulance arrived soon after. While the victim was carried into the ambulance, the officer patted him down searching for an ID card and did not find any weapons in his pockets.

That evening, when the officer returned to the crime scene, he found a bullet casing near the patio. Prosecutors claim this casing matched ammunition found in Gladden’s home.

The officer also showed the victim’s bloody shirt to the jury, which was cut down the middle by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) while administering care. Zoomed-in photos of the shirt showed a small hole near the left shoulder, noted the officer.

On cross-examination, Thomas confirmed with the officer that this hole was “more towards the shoulder area” than the chest.

“The scene was chaotic,” the officer said. While being cross-examined, he affirmed that he was not watching all of the civilians present and did not know what they each were doing.

Prosecutors then called a DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) sergeant who responded to the scene. He said the victim had injuries to the left side of his upper chest and midback consistent with a gunshot wound. He gave the victim a blood transfusion in the ambulance as he was displaying symptoms of hemorrhagic shock, which causes low blood pressure and limits blood flow to the brain, and can lead to death.

The sergeant explained how he treated the victim with “whole blood,” which can be used for a transfusion on anyone, regardless of blood type, without an adverse reaction. The victim was one of the first people in DC to receive this treatment while in transport, as DC had only begun providing whole blood in transport in April 2024, the sergeant said.

The sergeant said the victim’s whole body was evaluated during a rapid trauma assessment and no weapons were found. “If we found something that way, we would remove it in a safe manner,” he said.

EMTs also did not find any weapons in or around the ambulance, according to both the MPD officer and FEMS sergeant.

The sergeant said the victim had air and blood trapped around his lung, indicating a collapse. “You’re basically removing 50% of your ability to breathe,” he said.

During cross-examination, the sergeant said he was not on scene when the incident began and was not qualified to determine what angle the bullet entered the body.

When Thomas asked if blood flow could be reduced by alcohol use, the sergeant said it is not possible. “That’s an old-wives’ tale,” he said.

Thomas also confirmed with the sergeant that the wound was nearer the collarbone than the heart or chest.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 4.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea, Receives Time Served Sentence

A defendant accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to jail for a stabbing before DC Superior Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on March 2.

Eric Davis, 62, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for his involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 Block of D Street, SE on Nov. 2, 2024.

At the hearing, Davis’s attorney, Craig Ricard, stated that his client accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to simple assault and possession of a prohibited weapon. In exchange, the prosecution dismissed the greater and remaining charges against Davis.

If the case had gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Davis struck the victim, causing two lacerations in his back, following a verbal confrontation between them earlier that day.

The prosecution asked for Davis to be sentenced to 180 days of incarceration for simple assault and one year for possession of a prohibited weapon. The prosecution added that this was not Davis’ first offense and that over the years he “created multiple victims along the way” during his crimes.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Davis to time he already served for both counts.

No further dates were set.

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