Judge Questions Prosecutor’s Credibility Over Missing Witness Statements

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean criticized the prosecution for failing to provide eyewitness testimony to the defense in a stabbing case on March 7.

Dontrell Harrison, 47, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on April 22, 2024 on the 300 block of Livingston Terrace, SE.

The prosecution indicated they were ready to proceed with trial on March 31, but Harrison’s attorney, Christen Philips, informed Judge McLean that the defense received new information about witness testimony on March 6 that hadn’t been reviewed.

Phillips received the transcript submitted to the grand jury from an eyewitness who claimed to have seen the entire altercation between Harrison and the victim. The transcript is dated June of last year– before the case was indicted.

There are reportedly three additional testimonies from the grand jury dated June, 2024, that were never disclosed to the defense, according to Phillips, including from a detective and a witness who claimed to have entered the apartment where the altercation took place.

Phillips said, “It is essentially a selective withholding of certain transcripts in the case, where it is the routine practice of this United States Attorney’s Office to turn over all grand jury transcripts after a case is indicted, sometimes even before.”

According to Phillips, the eyewitness to the crime was allegedly intoxicated at the time. Additionally, Phillips reported inconsistencies between the eyewitness’s testimony to the grand jury and his statements to police at the crime scene of the crime.

The prosecution said three of the statements were on servers not accessible to the prosecutors and that were never incorporated into the file. They further clarified that it was “absolutely an oversight by the [prosecution].”

Judge McLean cautioned the prosecution, “that your credibility before me is very important and that you should be really considerate about what you choose to say and how you choose to characterize things.”

Judge McClean worried that the prosecution has had transcripts for eight-to-nine months for a trial that is supposed to happen in three weeks which needs to be fair to the defendant.

She may come up with a new trial date depending on what’s in the previously unreleased transcripts.

The judge said the prosecution must provide the transcripts to the defense no later than March 11, and the defense has to issue the brief by March 19, discussing what remedies might be required.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 31.

Judge Denies Release Calling Stabbing Incident, ‘Very Troubling’

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildam denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release during a hearing on March 11.

Isatou Kah, 21, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on Nov. 20, 2024 on the 3000 block of Langley Court, NW. One individual sustained two puncture wounds and a collapsed lung.

Andrew Ain, Kah’s defense attorney, alerted the court of her intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing, and requested release with GPS monitoring and a stay-away order from the incident location. He argued Kah has no previous convictions and has “moderated her behavior.”

The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the case in which the defendant went on two dates with a man she met on a dating app and allegedly began stalking him.

The prosecution stated that she made a swatting, or prank emergency call, to the man’s apartment seven months before the stabbing, and claimed there was someone committing suicide inside. Officers responded to the scene without result.

On the night of the incident, Kah allegedly went to the man’s apartment complex, waited outside his door, and refused to leave. His neighbors, including the victim, allegedly told Kah to leave multiple times. In what may have been a case of mistaken identity, the victim turned to enter her apartment, and Kah allegedly stabbed her in the back with an ice pick.

In court, Kah’s hearing was delayed because she was experiencing an emotional outburst.

Judge Hildam expressed doubt she would return to court and considered her behavior as stalking. He called the case “very troubling” as he denied Kah’s request for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 2.

Defendant Guilty of Shooting Mom in Quarrel Over Child

A jury found a shooting defendant guilty on all eight counts in front of DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on March 11.

Diamond Early, 32, was found guilty of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, simple assault, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for her involvement in a shooting that left one victim injured in the leg on July 31, 2023 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors provided evidence that proved Early shot at a woman after she quarreled with Early for hitting her child.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27 for sentencing.

Jury Acquits on Murder, Unable To Resolve Four Remaining Charges in Homicide Trial

A jury found a homicide defendant guilty of six charges but was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the most serious counts in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 7.

Jerome Israel, 21, was originally charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful discharge of a firearm, two charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the murder of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022 on the 2300 block of Minnesota Ave, SE.

After two days of deliberation, the jury found Israel guilty of unlawful discharge of a firearm, unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of destruction of property $1000 or more, and two counts of carrying a pistol without license outside of a home/business.

However, they were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the charges of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without license outside of a home/business.

In closing, prosecutors argued Israel chased down and murdered Barbett and then returned to the scene in the early hours of Aug. 25, 2022, firing the same gun 14 times before fleeing in a stolen suspect vehicle, which crashed shortly thereafter.

Israel’s defense challenged the credibility of the only person to identify Israel in that he faced criminal charges, and could get a financial reward for his testimony.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.

Murder Defendant Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a release request for a murder defendant, citing the seriousness of the allegations on March 11.

Franklin Dorn, 45, is charged with murder one for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Antonio Brown, 28, on Aug. 6, 2023 on the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

Dorn’s attorney, Kevin Irving, requested Dorn be released while awaiting trial. Judge Ryan declined to consider release due to the violent nature of the offense.

Additionally, Judge Ryan continued the hearing in order to give the defense and prosecution additional time to submit documents.

Parties are slated to reconvene Mar. 14.

Murder Defendant on Release Awaiting Trial

A murder defendant will remain out of jail on his own recognizance with a promise to appear at trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 11.

Julian Ruffin, 34, is charged with murder two while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Alphonso Lee, 38, on Oct. 7, 2022 on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE.

A trial date is set for April 1, and all parties indicated they are ready to proceed.

During a March 11 hearing, there was discussion over an outstanding protective order concerning identification of individuals seen in body-worn camera footage. Judge Ryan indicated that he will review the evidence, including transcripts and video footage, and issue a decision from chambers.

Ruffin in spite of his technical release will stay on GPS monitoring.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 11.

Marquita Holloman, 36, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill and two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed for her involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 13, 2023 on the 2000 block of Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, SE.

Holloman pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, while the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges. By pleading guilty, Holloman waives her right to a trial and an appeal.

The maximum sentence for aggravated assault while armed is 30 years in prison and/or a $75,000 fine. Holloman faces 48-to-120 months in prison due to her criminal history score.

The prosecution asked that the defendant remain held, despite her lack of a criminal history, as this was an extremely violent offense. The two victims sustained serious injuries, including nerve damage and the loss of an eye, according to the prosecution.

Sentencing is set for May 13.

Jury Reaches Guilty Verdict For Homicide Defendant

A jury found a murder suspect guilty in a five-year-old shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 10.

Guy Johnson, 57, was originally charged with first-degree murder premeditated 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 murder of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

Following deliberations, Johnson was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

With recovered bullet fragments, personal and expert witness testimony, and camera footage from the night of the incident, prosecutors claimed they provided extensive evidence to prove Johnson’s guilt. “Johnson intended to kill Kriston” said the prosecution.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, claimed that the prosecution concocted a story and failed to present substantive evidence proving Johnson responsible for Robinson’s murder.

“Not one person identified Johnson as the shooter,” said Mosley.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 23 for sentencing.

Shooting Investigation Leads to Arrest in Northwest Firearm Offenses

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 20-year-old Amon Ward in connection with multiple firearm offenses in Northwest D.C. On Feb 17, officers responded to gunfire on the 3000 block of 14th Street, where Ward allegedly fired a gun and fled. He was later apprehended and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, among other charges, after a search of his residence revealed stolen property and firearm components.

CORRECTION: 02.19.25 MPD Arrests Southeast Shooting Suspect

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

02.19.25 MPD Investigating Northeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb 19 in Northeast Washington, D.C. Officers found 23-year-old Jaydon Parson of Northwest, DC, with gunshot wounds on the 700 block of H Street, Northeast. Despite life-saving efforts, Parson succumbed to his injuries.

Carjacking Suspect’s Release Pending, Co-Defendant Remains at Large

A shooting defendant appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean to discuss release for a parole hearing on March 11.

Peguy Sikadi, 31, and Lamar Stephens, 37, are charged with armed carjacking, five counts of robbery while armed, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, eleven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for their alleged involvement in a May 26, 2024 carjacking on the 2000 block of 13th Street, NW.

Sikadi failed to appear and is being pursued under a bench warrant.

Stephen’s attorney, Marnitta King, requested his release so that he could attend a US District Court hearing concerning his parole. The judge opted to take the matter under advisement. Judge McLean will issue a decision from chambers next week.

Stephens remains in custody.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 8.

Courtroom Disruptions Complicate 2021 Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park reminded courtroom visitors to stay calm and avoid interacting with witnesses after a fight broke out during a turbulent murder trial proceeding on March 11.

Nyjell Outler, 22, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Demetris Johnson, 21, on March 20, 2021 on the unit block of Madison Street, NE at a gender reveal party. The incident also left another victim injured in both legs. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Outler’s release in another matter.

The prosecution called Johnson’s best friend as an eyewitness to the shooting after he previously tried to plead the Fifth Amendment during grand jury testimony. After receiving immunity, he ultimately agreed to testify, and his defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, was present.

The witness identified both victims and the defendant but claimed that his memory was unclear from that night because he was “traumatized” after seeing his friend’s death. The memory lapse left him unable to recall whether anyone had a gun or what prompted the shooting.

Outler’s attorney, Gemma Stevens, used the memory lapse to argue that the witness could not confirm if they had actually planned to rob Outler, supporting the defense’s claim of self-defense.

Near the end of the witness’s testimony, one of Johnson’s family members stormed out of the courtroom, saying that the witness, “couldn’t believe he would say that.”

After the testimony, a shouting match broke out among the audience, prompting several US Marshals to restore order. Judge Park paused the trial to remind everyone of the courtroom rules, including no interaction with witnesses.

Prosecutors also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective assigned to the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), who described efforts to locate Outler after a warrant was issued for his arrest in February of 2022.

According to the detective, Outler was added to the US Marshals Service’s “15 Most Wanted” list, leading to a nationwide search, including California and Florida, where Outler had known associates.

A Palm Beach Police Department (PBPD) sergeant testified that an anonymous tip led to Outler’s location at an apartment complex in the city. After a brief surveillance, he was apprehended.

The prosecution called on a former MPD officer who monitored Outler’s social media accounts in 2022, including an Instagram Live video, which helped identify Outler and his possible location.

Prosecutors also called on an inmate who allegedly interacted with Outler while both were incarcerated. The witness refused to cooperate, claiming he was forced to be there despite knowing nothing about the case and having never seen Outler.

He accused the prosecution of intimidating him and “trying to force him to say things.” He requested his attorney and could not recall his previous testimony given to a grand jury.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 12.

Drive-By Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A defendant accused of a drive-by non-fatal shooting pleaded not guilty at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on March 11.

Jeremiah Downing, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured one individual on Nov. 27, 2022, on I-395 Southbound at the exit of Maine Avenue, SW.

According to court documents, Downing allegedly shot the victim through the passenger window of his white pick-up truck.

Brian McDaniel, Downing’s attorney, informed the court that Downing is currently a student at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, where he lives with his parents. McDaniel requested the trial date to accommodate Downing’s school schedule.

Downing, present via Webex, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 14.

Judge Revokes Stabbing Defendant’s Jail Phone Privileges

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt revoked a stabbing defendant’s phone privileges while he’s detained at the Department of Corrections (DoC) in DC during a hearing on March 12.

James Callen, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a July 13, 2024 stabbing incident on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE.

On March 8, prosecutors filed a motion to revoke phone privileges for Callen, citing he has continuously called the victim from jail despite being ordered to stay away and not contact her. Prosecutors claimed Callen has called her up to 12 times a day, and had other people the victim doesn’t know reaching out to tell her she should speak with Callen.

According to the prosecution, Judge Brandt previously admonished Callen against calling the victim, so the only sanction that would guarantee he follows the no contact order would be to prohibit him from using the phone at the jail.

Alvin Thomas, Callen’s attorney, stated he hadn’t had a chance to listen to the calls so he was not denying or admitting that he made them, but requested Judge Brandt only warn Callen so he can continue to communicate with his family and loved ones in the community.

Judge Brandt reiterated he was sanctioned in October of 2024, and had been originally alerted by DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover in July. “That’s the one and only bite he’ll get out of this apple,” Judge Brandt stated, adding “at this time, I am revoking his telephone privileges.”

Judge Brandt added if he continues to find a way to have people contact the victim for him, she will request DoC put him in administrative segregation.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 28.

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