Defense in Co-Defendant Shooting Wants DNA Testing First, Fearing Prosecution Could Destroy it

Attorneys for two shooting defendants asked DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 17 to reverse the traditional DNA testing process and require prosecutors to wait to test their own evidence.

Donte Bennett, 28, and Demarco Hayes, 23, are both charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business. Hayes is also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from a July 24, 2024 incident in which prosecutors allege Bennett and Hayes blocked in a man’s car on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Street, SE, and then shot him in the neck.

According to a filing from prosecutors on March 6, the testing they planned to conduct on the firearms recovered in the case might destroy the DNA evidence.

Mani Golzari, Hayes’ attorney, filed a motion on March 13 asking the judge to prevent prosecutors from destroying the evidence. Golzari requested instead for lab workers to split the evidence in half to preserve part of it so that the defense could exercise their right to independently test it under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). If they could not do that, Golzari requested in his motion that the scientists at the lab record extremely detailed notes on every step of the procedure.

Judge Kravitz denied Golzari’s motion in its entirety in a written order on July 16, ruling that there was no legal basis for the court to force a lab to test DNA evidence in a specific way.

In court, Golzari requested that the defense be allowed to test the DNA on the firearms before the prosecution in order to protect Bennett and Hayes’ IPA rights.

Judge Kravitz noted that this would be highly unusual, since the firearms were the prosecution’s evidence and they would therefore usually have the right to test their own evidence first.

To solve the issue of limited DNA on the guns, Judge Kravitz wanted both parties to agree upon one lab to do testing for both. However, prosecutors indicated that the attorneys assigned to a case do not have any control over which lab performs DNA testing.

Steven Kiersh, Bennett’s attorney, suggested that they use a lab outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but prosecutors indicated that they had a bad relationship with the person who runs that facility. Parties did not reach an agreement on a lab to use for testing.

Judge Kravitz did not make a ruling at the hearing as to the defense’s request to test the evidence before the prosecution.

Parties are set to reconvene to settle the issue on Oct. 16.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 5 Charges, Trial Set for October 2027

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to five charges during his felony arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on July 21.

Richard Holmes, 36, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 31-year-old Franck Foute Mohdjiom. The incident occurred on Aug. 26, 2025 on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE. Mohdjiom sustained one gunshot wound to his lower back.

At the hearing, the court read Holmes all five charges. His defense attorney, Michael Bruckheim, informed the court that Holmes pleaded not guilty to all charges and requested to set a trial date. Holmes’ trial was scheduled for Oct. 5, 2027.

The prosecution stated that they expected the trial to last around a week-and-a-half. Additionally, they noted that they had filed three unopposed motions for protective orders and have had no issues regarding evidence disclosure.

Judge Brandt scheduled a status hearing to discuss if Holmes will assert his rights under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to independently test forensic evidence after testing has been completed. The prosecution estimated that results would be concluded in September.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 6.

Defendant Withdraws Former Plea, Accepts New Deal in Shooting and Stabbing Cases

A non-fatal shooting and stabbing defendant entered into his second plea agreement after a decision from the DC Court of Appeals before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 17.

Alvin Jackson, 32, was originally charged with conspiracy while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of criminal street gang affiliation, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 2, 2020 on the 5000 block of H Street, SE. According to prosecutors, Jackson drove an accomplice to the intersection and the passenger fired multiple shots, injuring one individual in the wrist and another in the leg.

Jackson was also charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Aug. 5, 2022, at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. According to prosecutors, Jackson “repeatedly” stabbed another inmate.

At the hearing, Jackson accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in the shooting case and assault with a dangerous weapon in the stabbing case.

Jackson originally accepted a plea deal in both cases on April 20, 2023 and was sentenced to a total of 12 years imprisonment. However, the DC Court of Appeals overturned a prior judge’s decision on March 13 to deny Jackson’s request to withdraw his guilty plea. In a hearing on May 19, prosecutors said they would not oppose Jackson’s withdrawal of his original plea.

Jackson’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, moved to withdraw Jackson’s former guilty plea and enter a new one based on the terms of the current plea agreement. He asserted that the parties were prepared for sentencing at the hearing, but Judge Edelman asked for more time to prepare.

According to the plea agreement, the prosecutors will dismiss any additional charges, and the plea will carry a total sentence of 10 years imprisonment. Without the agreement, the maximum sentence Jackson could serve for his charges is 40 years in prison, according to Judge Edelman. Prosecutors did not oppose credit for time served.

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 7 for sentencing.

‘With Family Things Get Messy,’ Says Victim of Domestic Violence Stabbing

The victim and father of the defendant’s children requested no confinement or stay-away order be issued in his statement during sentencing before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on July 17.

Barbara Huff, 34, pleaded guilty on May 12 to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a domestic dispute. The incident occurred on the 1800 block of Maryland Avenue, NE on Feb. 11. The victim sustained a laceration to the right side of his forehead.

At Huff’s sentencing, the prosecution presented a written victim impact statement. The victim identified Huff as the mother of his children. He wrote that he never wanted charges pressed against Huff, claiming that “with family things get messy.”

Additionally, the victim said that he did not want a stay-away order issued and protested any confinement for Huff.

The prosecution requested that a sentence of 18 months in prison, all suspended but six with credit for time served be imposed. They argued that the knife Huff used was swung wildly, and that injuries could have been much worse if the weapon hit the victim’s eye or neck area.

Huff’s defense attorney, Damon Catacalos, claimed that Huff was off of her medication and dealing with substance issues at the time of the incident. He argued that she is now currently taking medication and doing better. Additionally, Catacalos noted that this offense was Huff’s first serious or aggressive offense. He requested probation, claiming that this sentence would be better for both Huff and her children.

When given the opportunity to speak, Huff told the court, “I take responsibility… whatever consequences I get, I accept.”

Judge Pipe sentenced Huff to 18 months in prison, with all suspended but time served, in addition to one year of probation. The judge also ordered that Huff comply with mental health services.

No further dates were set.

Co-Defendants Sentenced for Shooting That Injured Student at Local High School

DC Superior Court Judge Micheal Ryan sentenced two non-fatal shooting defendants to five years in prison under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) on July 16.

Saki Frost, 19, and Azhari Graves, 20, pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2025 to aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. These charges stem from their involvement in a shooting on May 3, 2024, at Dunbar High School, at the 1200 block of Kirby Street, NW. The victim sustained a graze wound deep enough that her skull was visible on the right side of her forehead.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed that the sentences for each charge will run concurrently.

At sentencing, Judge Ryan noted that Frost and Graves fired their guns at a vehicle, but bullets unintentionally hit Dunbar High School. A bullet grazed a student’s head after it entered a classroom window. Judge Ryan emphasized how the defendants’ actions caused serious bodily injury and were not justified by self-defense.

Judge Ryan then discussed both defendant’s pre-sentence reports. When Graves was 12-years-old, his brother was fatally shot. Graves himself was hospitalized in 2020 after sustaining a gunshot wound. Judge Ryan quoted Graves from the report, reading, “After I got shot I felt like I needed a gun.”

Frost had also lost friends to gun violence and was a victim of a robbery, Judge Ryan read from the report. Frost lived with his paternal grandmother, who died while he was incarcerated. He attended her funeral through Zoom, said the judge.

The prosecution presented video footage from a news report about the shooting, emphasizing that six bullet holes were discovered in the high school building.

“The victims in this case are the entire community,” the prosecution stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the injuries sustained by the young student. Due to these reasons, the prosecution argued that sentencing under the YRA would not be appropriate.

The YRA is a DC law which provides judges with greater flexibility to sentence individuals who commit a crime under the age of 25. The YRA, allows judges to sentence defendants below the mandatory minimums and for their convictions to be sealed upon successful completion of sentence requirements.

Frost’s attorney, John Iweanoge, discussed the hardships Frost experienced during his childhood and the struggles he faced. Iweanoge called Frost’s high school football coach to read a character letter.

The coach said he traveled from another state on his own accord to support Frost, explaining that Frost was the only person who made him feel included when he was new to DC. While holding back tears Frost’s coach read, “Saki is like my younger brother. We may not look alike but he taught me what family is.”

Graves’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, requested a sentence of 60 months in prison, with all but 40 months suspended, which would suspend all but the minimum guideline requirements. Claudio argued that many of the circumstances that led Graves to the offense were “absolutely out of his control.”

Claudio stated that Graves first witnessed a shooting when he was seven-years-old. At age 12, Graves’ brother was shot and killed. Claudio claimed Graves did not leave his home for nearly a year after his brother’s death. When he finally began leaving his house again, Claudio said Graves was shot in the knee and rushed to the hospital.

When addressing Graves possession of a firearm on the day of the incident, Claudio stated, “we may not agree with it, but it is not hard to understand.”

According to Claudio, Graves was horrified when he learned that a bullet had struck a student and later discovered that the victim was actually his friend. She added that the victim forgave Graves. Claudio said that multiple teachers and staff members from Dunbar High School spoke positively about Graves and stated they would gladly welcome him back.

Claudio also noted Graves’ recollection of the incident. She stated that Graves believed the vehicle he and Frost fired shots at contained four individuals wearing ski masks, gloves, and was driving recklessly on the wrong side of the road.

Judge Ryan emphasized that self-defense was not established in this case. Claudio clarified that she was attempting to point out that Graves’ reacted unjustifiably to a perceived threat, not in self-defense.

Claudio reiterated that she did not believe a lengthy sentence was appropriate for Graves. She argued that Graves had already faced significant consequences, including missing his prom, graduation, and losing the opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter.

In addition, Claudio described this case as a “unique opportunity” for the court to give the defendants a second chance. Claudio argued that sentencing under the YRA was necessary for “kids like this.”

Judge Ryan recognized that both defendants had no prior criminal history and have expressed remorse. The judge granted Claudio’s request for suspended time for both defendants.

For the aggravated assault while armed, Frost and Graves were each sentenced to seven years in prison, with all but five years suspended, followed by two years of supervised probation. For assault with a dangerous weapon, Frost and Graves were each sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with all but two years suspended. For carrying a pistol without a license, they were each sentenced to 14 months, all but one year suspended. All sentences will run concurrently.

The conditions of their probation include assistance with employment and education, mental health evaluations, payment of $300 from each defendant to the Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Fund, registration as gun offenders, and completion of 90 hours of community service.

Judge Ryan wished both defendants good luck and expressed hope that they would make better choices in the future.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Enters Guilty Plea, Denied Release, Awaits Sentencing

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on July 20.

Yavonee Williams, 29, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on Feb. 1 on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE. The victim sustained two swounds to her back.

At the hearing, Williams accepted a plea deal that required her to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to not seek an indictment with any additional or greater charges.

Had Williams’ case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that she stabbed the victim in the back twice after a fight broke out between them.

Judge Hertzfeld was satisfied that Williams entered the plea knowingly and voluntarily.

Williams’ attorney, Russell Hairston, requested Williams be released on home confinement, noting that she has a two-year-old son and that her father is currently hospitalized. The defense added that Williams would have employment upon release and agree to stay away from the victim.

The prosecution opposed this request, noting that Williams had previously sought release at an earlier hearing in front of Judge Hertzfeld and was denied. The prosecution also highlighted the seriousness of the crime Williams pleaded guilty to and her criminal history.

The judge denied Hairston’s request to release Williams due to the violent nature of the offense to which she admitted guilt. However, Judge Hertzfeld noted that she would reconsider the request after reviewing the pre-sentence report.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 4 for Williams’ sentencing.

Judge Won’t Sentence Shooting Defendant Under Youth Act

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) for a shooting defendant after hearing arguments from the prosecution and defense at a July 17 sentencing.

Xavier Anderson, 23, pleaded guilty on April 8 to aggravated assault, for his involvement in a shooting, on the 600 block of Galveston Street, SE on July 11, 2025.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentence of four years in prison with three years of supervised release, which Judge Di Toro agreed with at sentencing. However, whether Anderson would be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) remained at issue.

The YRA is a law in DC law that allows courts more flexibility when sentencing individuals who commit a crime under the age of 25. The statute allows judges to sentence defendants below the mandatory minimums and for their conviction to be sealed upon successful completion of sentencing requirements.

The prosecution opposed the YRA for Anderson. The prosecution informed Judge Di Toro that Anderson had already received a sentence under the YRA five years prior but violated the terms.

The prosecution said that Anderson’s actions in the shooting demonstrated an escalation since his previous YRA sentence was for a robbery. They added that Anderson displayed issues complying with court orders by failing his supervision requirements for a 2025 misdemeanor.

Prosecutors further emphasized the severity of the shooting by playing CCTV footage of the incident. They argued that the victims were not a threat to Anderson and stated they would have argued for a longer sentence if they were not concerned about evidence issues like securing witnesses for trial.

The prosecution also read an impact statement from the victim where she shared that her sense of “peace and normalcy” was taken away as a result of the emotional trauma from the incident. She also noted the severe physical pain she experienced.

The prosecution noted that the victim needed surgery to remove bullet fragments that still caused her severe pain months later.

Thomas Lester, Anderson’s attorney, argued why Anderson deserved a second chance at the YRA.

Letser argued that Anderson is now an older and a more mature man than he was when he first was sentenced under the YRA. Lester told the court that Anderson had no stable home growing up and was “bounced around” from different family members before being “abandoned.”

As a result, Lester said that Anderson raised himself in the streets starting at around age 13. According to Lester this, non-unexpectedly led to a warped view of how to function in the world.

Despite his history, Lester argued his client still has many redeeming qualities and “skills that are wonderful.” Lester also emphasized that while an intellectual assessment of Anderson showed some shortcomings, these could be explained by a lack of education which Anderson has worked to rectify by receiving his GED.

After hearing both arguments, Judge Di Toro agreed to the sentence. In addition, she ruled against a YRA sentence, noting that this is “among the most serious crimes” she presides over in her courtroom.

However, Judge Di Toro said she would require Anderson to complete 90 hours community service on release that is required as part of the YRA. Judge Di Toro said she ordered this in accordance with previous case law that allows defendants to petition the court for retroactive sentencing under the YRA if they successfully complete all the requirements.

Additionally, Anderson will be required to complete a substance use assessment and any required treatment, as well as a job readiness program upon release.

No further dates were scheduled.

Felony Stabbing Defendant’s Case Becomes Domestic Misdemeanor Charge

The case against a domestic violence stabbing defendant was transferred out of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro’s courtroom after the defendant was arraigned for a misdemeanor charge on July 17.

Matthew Harrison, 57 was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing, on the 200 block of 37th Street, SE, on Oct. 13, 2025. According to court documents, the altercation left Harrison’s brother with a laceration across his chest.

After his initial arrest, Harrison faced felony charges, however, he was arraigned at the hearing on misdemeanor simple assault, to which he pleaded not guilty. As a result, Harrison’s case will be moved to the domestic violence docket and will proceed in front of a new judge.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 3 before DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna.

Case Acquitted: Judge Allows Testimony From Victim’s Family in Domestic Homicide Trial

Editor’s note: Rayvon Slye was acquitted of all charges by a jury on August 5, 2026.

Parties argued over the relevance of witness testimony from a homicide victim’s family before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on July 16.

Rayvon Slye, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Andrea Bond, 30, that occurred on March 7, 2023, on the 1100 block of D Street, NE. Bond sustained one stab wound to her chest.

According to court documents, Slye and Bond were in a romantic relationship and had an infant together at the time of the murder.

Court documents alleged that the couple was repeatedly physically violent with each other, resulting in Slye’s reported four previous arrests for domestic violence offenses against Bond, and Bond’s two reported arrests for offenses against Slye.

The defense filed a motion on July 14 to exclude inadmissible hearsay, lay opinion testimony, and character evidence from Bond’s family.

Kevin Mosley, Slye’s attorney, contended that Bond’s family had “limited interactions” with Slye and “didn’t even know his name.” Slye reportedly stated that the pair had stayed at Bond’s family’s house for a few nights after they were evicted from a family housing program following an altercation.

Mosley further asserted that the family formed their negative opinions after Slye was charged with Bond’s murder.

The prosecution argued that Bond’s family’s “feelings” about Slye were relevant to their testimonies and the case as a whole.

“Bias is always relevant,” Judge Dayson said.

Judge Dayson concluded that the testimonies of Bond’s family were admissible, reminding Mosley that bias differed from character evidence and he could cross-examine their claims at trial.

Judge Dayson also denied a defense motion to suppress evidence acquired when police spoke to Slye at the scene and when he was brought in for questioning.

Judge Dayson found that Slye was not officially in custody when the evidence was gathered and that he was not pressured or coerced into providing any information. She ruled that the evidence was admissible in Slye’s trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on July 20 to begin the trial.

Defense Challenges Finding That Police Stabbing Suspect is Mentally Competent for Trial

A defense attorney said in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on July 17 that he plans to challenge a mental competency evaluation from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found a stabbing defendant mentally competent to stand trial.

Ian Zephyrin, 46, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly grave-risk while armed, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault on a police officer, possession of a prohibited weapon, attempt to commit robbery, and second-degree theft. All violent offenses carry an additional penalty of allegedly being committed after Zephyrin had at least two felony convictions.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 24, 2025 at the intersection of Florida Avenue and Bohrer Street, NW. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer sustained a cut on his forehead that resulted in approximately 30 stitches to close.

To stand trial, Zephyrin must be deemed mentally competent, meaning he must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

Zephyrin’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, said the defense is challenging the findings from a July 15 DBH report. According to the report, Zephyrin appeared to have a “factional and rational understanding of the proceedings” and noted “substantial” evidence of his “apparent motivation to appear incapable at opportune times.”

Baldwin said he has contacted doctors to independently evaluate Zephyrin’s competency. The prosecution did not challenge the report’s findings.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Oct. 15 to hear from defense’s experts at a contested competency hearing.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Release Despite Gunshot Injuries, No Evidence He Fired Shots

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Hermann denied release for a defendant in a shooting case on July 14 despite both parties acknowledging that there was no evidence he fired shots.

Jobriel Cooper, 26, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a shooting on July 9 at the 1900 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

According to court documents, officers reportedly found Cooper with a black handgun and an apparent gunshot wound to his abdomen. At the scene, officers arrested Cooper and another suspect, 26-year-old Khalil Gibbs.

Gibbs is charged in a misdemeanor case with possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in the same incident. However, Gibbs was not present at the hearing and the prosecution said they were unaware of a pending case against Gibbs.

Court documents also state that a victim sustained two gunshot wounds to her legs and her right shoulder during the incident.

After Cooper waived his right to a preliminary hearing, his attorney, Joseph Fay, asked for his release and said he would follow GPS monitoring. Fay cited that Cooper sought better medical treatment for his gunshot injuries than the treatment provided by the DC Jail.

Fay clarified that despite evidence of gunfire at the scene, it was neither from Cooper nor Gibbs.

The prosecution pushed for Cooper’s continued hold, but agreed with the defense that there is no evidence that the defendant discharged the firearm. They cited the violent nature of the case, and that although the defendant may not have discharged a firearm, there were reported gunshots at the scene.

The prosecutor described how officers followed a blood trail at the scene, from outside into the apartment, where they reportedly found Gibbs with four juveniles in a building complex.

The prosecutor argued the weight of evidence in the case was strong. CCTV footage also showed individuals reportedly identified by police as Cooper and Gibbs walking towards the apartment with guns.

Fay argued there is no way to tell if the footage of the suspects walking was before or after the shots were fired. He claimed that Cooper and Gibbs were on the other end of an ambush. However, Judge Hermann dismissed this claim because she said that there’s no possible way to determine who was the aggressor.

Judge Hermann expressed “concern” about the group of people with guns, and noted that Cooper was incapacitated after his gunshot wound and likely would not be able to make it inside the apartment without appearing noticeably wounded on the CCTV footage.

In response to Judge Herrman’s concerns, Fay’s argument was, “we don’t know how this unfolded.”

Judge Hermann questioned when Cooper was shot. She also said that “we have bullet holes inside a vehicle outside,” and argued that they didn’t know the timeline when the shots were fired.

“We don’t know time, this could’ve happened four hours before shooting,” Judge Hermann said.

The prosecutor clarified that Cooper is only charged with carrying a pistol without a license, and that the evidence for that charge is strong. While acknowledging this, Judge Hermann explained that the CCTV footage was important because temporary possession of a gun in the act of self-defense is legal.

Judge Hermann denied the defense’s requests for release, emphasizing that under the circumstances there are no conditions she could set that would reasonably assure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 3.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in 11-Year-Old Homicide Case After Appeal

A homicide defendant rejected a plea offer at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on July 17 after his case was reopened based on a ruling from the DC Court of Appeals.

Sean Green, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Derrick Black on July 30, 2015, on the 3300 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. Black sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head and back.

A jury convicted Green in 2018 for his involvement, but court documents indicate that the case was remanded from the DC Court of Appeals because Green was “not adequately advised of his Miranda rights” against self-incrimination during his arrest. According to the appellate court, Green’s statements “should not have been admitted into evidence at trial.”

In an unrelated case, Green is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that injured a fellow inmate at the DC Jail on Feb. 5, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. According to court documents, the victim sustained three “minor” stab wounds.

Green’s attorney, Matthew Covert, alerted Judge Edelman that Green intended to reject a plea offer which would have required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in the fatal shooting case. According to the plea agreement, prosecutors would dismiss all other charges, including Green’s pending jail stabbing case.

Judge Edelman found Green’s plea rejection knowing and voluntary. Green’s retrial date in the homicide case is scheduled for July 12, 2027.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 4 for the homicide case.

Dupont Circle Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Will Go to Trial in 2028

A stabbing defendant told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on July 17 that he was rejecting a plea offer that would have dismissed a second-degree murder charge against him.

Donald Shields, 48, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Dominique Ratiff, 36, in the neck on Dec. 30, 2024 on the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW in the DuPont Circle neighborhood.

Prosecutors offered to dismiss both charges and the possession charge and agreed that Shields’ serve between 11-and-14 years in prison if he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

Shields told Judge Kravitz he had spoken to Bernadette Armand, his attorney, about the plea offer and maintained his rejection.

Due to a busy court calendar, Judge Kravitz set Shields’ trial date for Jan. 10, 2028.

“That seems crazy but that’s the best we can do,” Judge Kravitz said.

Parties are set to reconvene Sept. 11 for a status hearing.

Homicide Defendant Accused of Stabbing Victim 14 Times Rejects Plea Deal, Proceeds to Trial

A fatal stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt during a hearing on July 17.

Ronald Levi, 51, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or a business for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 60-year-old Gary Day on June 18, 2024 on the 5200 block of Foote Street, NE. Day sustained 14 stab wounds to the torso, back, arm, and neck.

The plea deal would have required Levi to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed with a sentencing range of 16-to-22 years in prison, subject to Judge Brandt’s approval at sentencing. In exchange, prosecutors would have agreed to dismiss all greater or remaining charges.

Levi also waived his right to additional testing of forensic evidence as permitted under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). According to prosecutors, the evidence includes a lighter and old clothes that prosecutors believe Levi wore the day of the homicide.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Nov. 6 for a trial readiness hearing.

Judge Finds Defendant Accused of Fatal Metro Shooting Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

All parties agreed that a homicide defendant is mentally competent to stand trial after reviewing a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on July 17.

Isaiah Trotman, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravated circumstances, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 13 counts of kidnapping while armed, and 27 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

These charges are related to Trotman’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Robert Cunningham outside of the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, located on the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, on Feb. 1, 2023. Two additional victims sustained gunshot wounds.

At a hearing on April 3, Judge Ryan ordered a full mental competency examination for Trotman. To stand trial, Trotman must understand the charges against him and be able to assist in his defense.

At the hearing, Trotman’s attorney, Ashley Prather Guzman, said Trotman was found competent in an April 27 DBH report that was filed on May 1. Although the defense expressed disapproval in DBH’s methods used to conduct the report, they did not dispute its result. The prosecution agreed with the findings, and Judge Ryan found Trotman competent to proceed to trial.

Judge Ryan set Trotman’s trial date for Jan. 24, 2028, estimating it will last three-to-four weeks.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 14.

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