Carjacking Defendant Wants Amended Release to Prevent Eviction

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow didn’t ease the release conditions for a carjacking defendant on Feb. 10 but took the question under advisement.

Alvin Halmon-Daniels, 19, is charged with robbery while armed and armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 200 block of 13th Street, NE, on June 16, 2023.

On Jan. 25, Patrick Nowak, Halmon-Daniels’ attorney, filed a motion for bond review, following Halmon-Daniels’ release to home confinement since June 20, 2023.

Nowack highlighted Halmon-Daniels’ financial struggles and responsibility for supporting his mother. Additionally, Nowak emphasized that returning to the community to secure additional employment would help him provide for himself and his mother, while potentially preventing an impending eviction, reportedly set for Feb. 14.

The prosecution stated they had no objection to modifying the release terms if the defense could provide proof of the eviction notice and confirmed employment.

The defense couldn’t substantiate the basis of their request during the hearing.

Judge Pasichow maintained the current release conditions and is allowing the defense to submit the necessary documentation for her review.

A trial readiness date for trial is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Judge Reissues Mental Eval Order for Convicted Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reissued an initial mental evaluation for a defendant convicted of first-degree murder on Feb. 7.

Ky’lee Palmer, 25, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, malicious destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for his involvement in a drive-by shooting that led to the death of 60-year-old Barron Goodwin on Feb. 12, 2020, inside a residence on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.

Palmer’s co-defendant Aaron Adgerson was acquitted before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 11.

Palmer’s attorney, David Akulian, requested a second preliminary competency screening order after Palmer refused to show up for the initial exam. Akulian claimed it was needed and promised Palmer would “interact appropriately” this time. In order to be considered mentally competent to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to participate in his defense.

Judge Brandt accepted this request, reissuing an order for preliminary screening to determine Palmer’s competency.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Judge Tells Stabbing Defendant He Has a ‘Twisted’ View of Love

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to 15 years in jail on Feb. 7 for his involvement in a stabbing.

Devan Green, 30, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and simple assault for his involvement in the stabbing of his girlfriend, 21 times on Sept. 19, 2023. This incident took place on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Green locked his girlfriend and her five-year-old son in an apartment, then stabbing his girlfriend once in the chest and then 20 more times.

At the sentencing hearing, Green’s girlfriend stated that the incident had left her suffering from permanent injuries and traumatized her son and family as they are constantly worried for her safety.

“There is no amount of jail time [Green] could serve that could equal the pain I have suffered,” the victim said.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 15 years incarceration based on what they believed is fair punishment in consideration of the victim and the community.

Lee Smith, Green’s attorney, highlighting Green’s lack of a criminal record, argued this was an isolated incident and that he does not pose an ongoing threat to the community.

Green was remorseful for his actions and claimed that he loves the victim and will continue to love her unconditionally, calling her the “woman of his dreams.”

Judge Brandt addressed Green telling him he has a “completely twisted…understanding of what love happens to be.”

Judge Brandt sentenced Green to 15 years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. She also ordered him to pay $450 to the Victims of Violence Crime Fund.

No further dates have been set for this case.

Stabbing Defendant Declared Mentally Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel deemed a stabbing defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial on Feb. 7, following reports from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim suffered a cut to the left side of his jaw for which he was hospitalized with the blade was still lodged inside his mouth.

Due to the finding, Judge Israel ordered Burke remain detained at St. Elizabeths Hospital to receive psychiatric treatment aimed at restoring mental competence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 18.

Prosecution Should ‘Apologize for Wasting Your Time,’ Says Defense in Homicide

During closing statements for a fatal shooting, the defense complained that the prosecution was wasting the jury’s time before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 5.

Ronald Wallace, 48, and DeAngelo Glover, 30, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tyrone Wright and wounding of another on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution stated that the killing of Wright was a “life for a life” due to his rumored involvement in the death of Marcus Wallace, Ronald’s brother.

The prosecution said Wallace’s phone number had been tracked and showed him frequenting the area of the incident. The tracked calls and location lined up with the “plan” Wallace had to kill Wright that a family member corroborated. The number was disconnected just one day after the shooting, indicating Wallace’s acknowledgment of guilt, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution claimed surveillance footage back up his phone’s location, and showed his movements on the day of the incident, including Wallace fleeing the scene after the shooting. They claimed Wallace shot Wright 16 times.

As for Glover, the prosecution stated, he was allegedly captured in surveillance footage firing down on Wright after he collapsed, contradicting the defense’s argument that Glover was shooting at the shooter as he ran away. They claimed Glover fired two shots, which were consistent with being shot by a person standing over Wright.

Michael Bruckheim, Wallace’s attorney, said that the prosecution “could have gotten better evidence” to present to the jury. Further, the individual followed in the surveillance has never been definitively identified as Wallace. Even if that individual was Wallace, Bruckheim insisted, he was only seen before and after the murder in the area and everyone was running from the shooting.

Bruckheim claimed the prosecutors failed to provide DNA evidence, and an exact location of Wallace’s whereabouts from his cellphone. Bruckheim also reminded the jury the murder weapon was never recovered.

The lawyer pointed out flaws in the theory for Wallace’s motive. A former partner of Wright’s described Marcus Wallace as the “best cousin ever,” so it would be odd for Wright to kill him. Additionally, a man was charged with the murder, so there was no clear reason to suspect Wright’s involvement, Bruckheim stated.

Bruckheim attempted to discredit a key witness, who he claimed only came forward for the reward money.

David Knight, Glover’s attorney, acknowledged that Glover was in fact a shooter, but he was aiming for the fleeing killer out of concern for his family. Given Wright was already shot 16 times there was no reason to shoot Wright.

There was no evidence to indicate that Glover and Wallace were even close, let alone collaborators on the murder.

Glover had been seen on surveillance walking with a woman, thus had no intention to be involved in a murder but rather had planned to spend the night with his date.

The prosecution’s theory of Glover’s movements and shots fired did not line up with the surveillance videos, Knight claimed.

He argued a bullet could be seen hitting the ground across the parking lot from Glover, which a witness had claimed was fired by an unidentified man approaching from the other way which was impossible to see given the witness’ position.

“What they should do is come up here and apologize for wasting your time,” Knight stated, as he urged the jury to acquit Glover.

“They’re asking you to disregard all the evidence… [to] ignore your own eyes,” the prosecutors told the jury.

The prosecution countered that a witness’ description of Wallace’s outfit from that night clearly matched that of the man in surveillance that they claimed was Wallace. They felt that the testimony, combined with the reiteration that the surveillance aligned with Wallace’s phone records, showed enough proof of Wallace’s identification.

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

Defendant Convinces Judge She Can Finish Probation

A stabbing defendant demonstrated that she is finally entitled to stay on probation before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb. 6.

On Feb. 29, 2024, Tina Calhoun, 65, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident that took place on the 2300 block of 4th Street, NE on Nov. 7, 2023, injuring one person.

On April 30, 2024, Calhoun received a suspended sentence of 12 months of incarceration, with one year of probation.

Following multiple reports of Calhoun’s noncompliance, Judge Arthur ordered a review to ensure that she would comply with court requirements in the future. After six months of hearings to monitor her behavior, Calhoun was successfully discharged to serve the rest of her probation.

No further dates were set.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Detained For Prior Record

A carjacking defendant was deemed too dangerous to release based on his record by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Hermann on Feb. 6.

Parren Hawkins, 33, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on Feb. 2 on the 300 block of 15th Street, NE.

During the hearing, Martin Rosendorf, Hawkins’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his preliminary hearing, and requested his release pending further proceedings.

Based upon Hawkins’ previous charges, which included a gun charge and assault charges, and a history of bench warrants for his failure to appear before the court, Judge Hermann ruled there was no release condition that would ensure the community’s safety and his return to court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 18.

DOCUMENT: MPD Investigating Northwest Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 4 in the 3100 block of 16th Street, NE. The victim, identified as E'Zell Hill,22, from Northeast, DC, was found unconscious and not breathing, suffering from gunshot wounds, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal COngress Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 4 in the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE. The victim, identified as Khamani Hicks, 19 from Rockville, MD, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

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Document: Arrest Made in Multiple Violent Crimes

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 26-year-old Daqwan Baker for multiple violent crimes in Southeast Washington, D.C. On Jan 25, officers responded to a shooting on the 5400 block of B Street, where an adult male was found with non-life-threatening injuries. Baker was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Carrying a Pistol Without a License. Additionally, he was linked to a Jan 1 shooting on the 5300 block of Astor Place, resulting in an Endangerment with a Firearm charge, although there were no victims in that incident.

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Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 31 Count Indictment

A shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan 31.

Jaleel Fowler, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, four counts of robbery while armed, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, conspiracy, ten counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree theft, and four counts of obstruction of justice.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting incident occurring on Dec. 15, 2023, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Fowler’s current case is one of several pending actions against him.

Raymond Jones, Fowler’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 3.

DOCUMENT: 2.5.25 MPD Makes Arrest in Navy Yard Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an arrest in a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 4 inside a residence in Navy Yard. The victim, identified as Darryl Smith, 61, was found with gunshot wounds and later pronounced deceased at a hospital. De'Angelo Goldston, 37, was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder while Armed, with the incident being domestic in nature.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Leon Jones Jr.,24, in connection with a shooting incident on Dec. 8 in the 700 block of 19th Street, NE. The victim, an adult male, survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Jones is alleged to have committed multiple offenses, including Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and is linked to two additional incidents in the area.

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‘I Wish I Could Take It Back, But I Can’t,’ Says Stabbing Defendant At Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a repentant stabbing defendant to 12 months of incarceration on Feb. 7.

On Dec. 4, 2024, Dasean Jones, 26, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing his brother-in-law on the 1200 block of 17th Street, NE on May 26, 2024. The victim sustained eight stab wounds including a punctured lung.

The prosecution requested concurrent sentencing, stating it was appropriate given Jones’ acceptance of responsibility and lack of criminal history.

Jones’ defense attorney, John Sample, argued that “this behavior is not typical of my client” and asked Judge Arthur for Jones to be eligible for probation for his second charge of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.

Jones apologized to the victim and their family before Judge Arthur, admitting “I’m not this type of person” while explaining that he wants to take care of his family and daughter when released. According to Jones, he recalled the victim making mocking references to his dead brother and acted on his emotions in the moment.

“I wish I could take it all back, but I can’t,” Jones said.

Nonetheless, Judge Arthur told Jones, “You put yourself in this position,” and imposed a 30 month sentence, with all but six suspended, for the aggravated assault charge, and 18 months, with all but six suspended, for the attempted assault charge. The sentences will run consecutively, totaling one year of incarceration.

No further dates were set.

Facing Warrant, Stabbing Defendant Detained

A stabbing defendant was detained by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Hermann on Feb. 6, because while on supervised release he’s also being sought on an arrest warrant.

Leonard Hampton, 30, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1700 block of Euclid Street, NW on Jan. 11.

Matthew Davies, the stand-in attorney for Hampton, alerted the court of his intent to waive a preliminary hearing. He informed the court that Hampton’s attorney Thomas Lester did not wish to discuss release conditions, preferring to wait until an upcoming hearing before a scheduled judge.

Judge Hermann overruled the request in that given the current and previous charges, releasing Hampton could be unsafe.

Parties will reconvene on March 9.

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