The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Feb. 4 in the 3500 block of 6th Street SE. The incident resulted in the death of Izaiah Huggans, 17 and left 1 surviving victim with non-life-threatening injuries. The case remains under investigation.
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The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Oct. 18, 2024 on the 4300 Block of Brooks Street NE, Washington DC. The Victim, identified as Chandra Brown, 34, was found decreased, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Cameron McMillian, 35 in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 24 in Southwest Washington, D.C. The victim, an adult male, was found with a gunshot wound at the intersection of 3rd Street and K Street after fleeing from the 1100 block of 4th Street. McMillian has been charged with Aggravated Assault and Possession of Weapons During Commission of Crime of Violence.
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The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update on a 2022 shooting incident that has now been ruled a homicide. On July 29, 2022, two adult males were shot in the 100 block of Darrington St SW, and one victim, identified as 45-year-old Thyjuan Bostic, succumbed to his injuries on Aug. 22, 2024. The case is under investigation, and the MPD is seeking information related to the incident.
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Based on a scientific evaluation an expert testified that the fingerprints on evidence he analyzed “provided extremely strong support for identification” of both co-defendants in a shooting trial. The Feb. 5 proceeding is ongoing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.
Chantel Stewart, 33, and Daniel Cary, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020 on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.
The victim suffered a collapsed lung. The victim previously testified she and Stewart “had an okay relationship.” The victim’s sister’s ex-boyfriend had previously dated Stewart.
The fingerprint analyst testified he was given nine pictures of latent, unknown, prints from the rearview mirror and a Gatorade bottle, eight of which were compared with Stewart’s and Cary’s known prints. Using his in-depth procedure of fingerprint analysis, he was able to likely match six prints to Stewart, one print to Cary, and one print was excluded to both individuals.
During cross examination, the specialist admitted that he was not present when the prints were collected, he cannot tell when the prints were deposited, and he can’t determine what a person was doing when they left the print.
The victim’s sister was also called to testify, and shared her perspective. She recalled an earlier fight between the victim and Stewart, in which she tried to intervene. The altercation only ended when the police arrived.
Later, the victim’s sister testified she overheard a heated phone conversation between the victim and Stewart, in which they agreed to meet up for another fight. She also emphasized that she had never seen her sister with a weapon.
A detective, who was a police officer in 2020, provided testimony regarding her role following the shooting. Bodyworn camera footage depicted the victim being pulled out of the car shortly after the officer’s arrival, placed on a stretcher, and transported into the hospital. She also noted that another one of the victim’s sisters, who was with her during the shooting, stated, “somebody shot her.”
An MPD officer explained that the shell casings found at the scene were identified as rifle shell casings, which likely matched the type of firearm used by the perpetrator.
Trial is set to resume Feb. 6.
The trial of a homicide defendant charged in two burn deaths linked to multiple fire code violations in his building continued on Feb. 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.
James Walker, 66, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged involvement in a fire that caused the deaths of 40-year-old Fitsum Kebede and nine-year-old Yafet Solomen at the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW, on Aug. 18, 2019.
“It felt like my skin was on fire,” a responding officer testified recalling how difficult it was to breach locked doors of the residence prior to firefighters arriving on scene.
Another officer testified that while the fire was raging in the building, Walker seemed frantic. Body-worn camera footage was shown of Walker saying to the witness “that’s my property, I have the key,” although the witness did not recall seeing a key in Walker’s hand.
The footage showed the witness telling Walker to stop trying to go near the door, all while firefighters were using a saw to get it open. The witness testified that it was dangerous for Walker to be close to where the firefighters were working due to large amounts of smoke.
The witness also stated that Walker seemed “concerned with the people inside.”
The deputy fire chief at the time of the incident also testified, further confirming for the jury that Walker was not licensed to have rental tenants in the property.
Prosecutors also called on the forensic pathologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed the autopsies on Kebede and Solomen. The doctor testified that they both suffered from heat and inhalation injuries.
The witness stated that 20 percent of Kebede’s body was covered in first, second, and third-degree burns, and Solomen had first and second-degree burns on 50 percent of his body. They both had blunt force trauma to their backs and left hips, possibly from banging their bodies against a door in an attempt to escape, according to the doctor.
Prosecutors called an employee of the Department of Buildings (DoB) who is in charge of construction inspections. The witness had written a report based on his observations of the property’s interior and exterior. He said there were no smoke alarms, ventilation, sprinkler systems and exit signs in most of the building.
He explained walls are meant to act as barriers that prevent the spread of fire, but one room had a wall that was too short to reach the ceiling.
During cross-examination, Walker’s defense attorney, Elliot Queen, questioned the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ (DCRA) attempts to previously inspect the property based on complaints. The witness testified they were unable to inspect the property before the fire because they did not have access to enter. He confirmed they did not contact the owner after these efforts, meaning Walker was not formally informed of the violations.
The prosecution established with the city employee that the owner of the property is responsible nonetheless for the safety codes, even if they were not contacted.
Prosecutors then called on a resident of the property. She explained the various keys needed to open doors throughout the building, such as one right before the stairwell.
The witness further shared Kebede was previously homeless and was going through a rough time. Other residents, who were part of his church community, allowed him to stay in the building. She was informed they eventually ran out of money and Kebede had to move to the basement.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 11.
Two shooting defendants alerted DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson they intended to waive their rights to independently test DNA evidence during a hearing on Feb. 5.
Tyshay Moore, 27, and Javonee Jackson, 25, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, conspiracy, and simple assault in connection to a non-fatal shooting on May 10, 2023 on the 700 block of 7th Street, NW.
According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a domestic disturbance between Jackson and her child’s father, during which Moore allegedly shot him.
The prosecution said they had recovered a firearm and were planning to have it tested for both DNA and bullet testing.
When Judge Dayson asked, both Jackson and Moore waived their rights for their own evaluation of the evidence.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a motions hearing on March 7.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a felony assault defendant to 20 months but no jail time for an attack with a spoon in a hearing on Feb. 4.
Aziz Osmani, 31, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in assaulting his victim with a spoon, severely cutting his face and head. The incident occurred at a food truck on the 2300 block of Reynolds Place SE on April 21, 2024.
Defense attorney Raymond Jones said Osmani has been dealing with mental health issues his entire life, adding Osmani has taken accountability, and his primary concern is continuing mental health treatment.
Judge Park acknowledged Osmani’s mental health struggles and when not properly managed its impact on others..
Osmani was sentenced but with all time suspended, and 12 months of probation. During probation, Judge Park said, Osmani must participate in drug and mental health assessments, as well as anger management classes provided by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).
His probation will continue in Virginia after participating in the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), an outpatient treatment program for offenders.
No further dates were set.
According to D.C. Witness data, as of Feb. 6, there were eight homicide incidents and 10 homicide victims in the District in January. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced two arrests made in relation to homicides that occurred during the month.
D.C. Witness found that there was an 11 percent decrease in homicides compared to January 2024, which had nine homicide incidents.
According to MPD documents, in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, MPD officers responded to the report of an armed suspect inside the lobby of a residential building on the 300 block of Florida Avenue, NE. A struggle ensued between MPD officers and the suspect, with three officers sustaining injuries.
Derrick Williams, 45, was identified as the suspect. He died on scene as a result of his injuries.
On Jan. 26, according to MPD documents, officers received a report of a shooting on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile boy suffering from gunshot wounds. Myron Smith, 14, died from his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The MPD made three arrests in connection to the shooting, including two 16-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy.
Police have not made any arrests for the remaining six homicide incidents. The MPD is offering a reward for information on any unsolved cases.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a short continuance providing the defense counsel more time to respond to two additional expert witnesses to contest a mental competency finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Jan. 31.
Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.
Wright has undergone dozens of mental health evaluations over the past five years that provided contradictory results. The defendant had initially been ruled incompetent with the possibility of restoration. That has since been changed to competent, but the prosecution claimed there was a lack of effort from the defendant in achieving restoration so he could stand trial
Christen Phillips, Wright’s attorney, previously alerted Judge Park of his intent to challenge the findings, and requested a short continuance of three to four weeks to have more time to speak with new experts that are expected to testify at the trial. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the defense should have been prepared for any possible witness testimony. Nonetheless, Judge Park granted the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 18 for another mental observation hearing.
DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the defense’s request to move the trial date in a stabbing case on Feb. 5, due to delays in DNA testing.
Herbert Young, 41, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed of a senior citizen, aggravated assault knowingly while armed of a senior citizen, assault with a dangerous weapon of a senior citizen, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 4, 2023, on the 2500 block of N Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, the victim was hospitalized in critical condition with nine stab wounds, including one to the neck.
In court, Hannah Claudio and Damayanti Desai, Young’s attorneys, motioned to move the trial date from the original date of March 10 due to DNA testing which wouldn’t be finished until the end of March to early April. Judge Ryan granted this motion, setting a trial date for Aug. 26.
Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.
A wound damage expert explained the severity of a gunshot wound to a homicide victim before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom, on Feb. 5.
Terrance Stoney, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, 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 Donte Tiller, 43. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE, on March 17, 2023.
The analyst, who conducted Tiller’s autopsy for the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), said “the frontal lobe was pretty much destroyed,” describing what the bullet did to Tiller’s brain.
The expert testified that Tiller suffered one gunshot entrance wound on the left side of his forehead with no exit wound. The cause of death was ruled a complication to the gun shot wound and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Meanwhile, Stoney’s boss at a tow truck company, testified a tow slip that Stoney filled out on the day of the incident had missing information. However, he said that was not unusual given the stresses of the work.
Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, also questioned the behavior of a detective who allegedly tried to get Stoney’s boss in trouble with his probation officer if he didn’t cooperate. The prosecution stated that the witness refused to meet with them at all before the trial and did not provide towing records to the detective, but did comply with the defense’s investigation.
A witness who specializes in firearm tool mark examination identification and analysis, examined bullet and cartridge evidence in this case. Due to similar characteristics on the cartridge casings collected, the witness said all of the bullets found at the scene were likely fired from the same gun. He was also able to conclude that the markings on one of the cartridges was consistent with the marks left by a Glock firearm.
A DNA expert testified that there was not enough DNA left on the cartridges to accurately produce a comparison between the DNA lifted from the cartridges and the buccal swab done of Stoney. The only conclusion the expert could make was that there was at least one male contributor of DNA on one group of the cartridges.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6.
A defendant in a non-fatal shooting case waived his right to independently test DNA evidence during a status hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb. 6.
Marvin Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 22, 2022 on the 2400 block of Elvans Rd, SE. One victim sustained life-threatening injuries.
Enumerating the evidence, the prosecution stated they collected items that they believe contain Smith’s DNA. They include a Glock 45 pistol, 13 bullets, blue jeans, shell casings, and an iPhone. It is the defendant’s right to select a laboratory and independently test evidence for DNA content, however, Smith waived that right, allowing the prosecution to proceed examining the evidence.
Jury trial is scheduled to commence on March 27, and parties are slated to reconvene for trial readiness on March 12.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a shooting defendant’s request for release on Feb. 4.
Bryant Howard Jr, 22, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 16, 2024 on the 100 block of Wayne Place, SE.
During the hearing, Elizabeth Paige White, Howard’s attorney, asked that the court consider his release. White argued that Howard did not have any adult criminal history, and this was his first gun offense.
The prosecution opposed the motion.
Judge Salerno denied the request, citing the seriousness of the offense.
Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.
A shooting victim told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt she and one of the defendants knew each other well before the incident, during a trial hearing on Feb. 4.
Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020. At the scene, the victim suffered a collapsed lung caused by a gunshot wound to the back.
Prosecutors called on the victim, who testified she and Cary had known each other for years, and added they had been roommates. “We had an okay relationship,” said the victim.
The victim testified Stewart would sometimes pick up the victim’s child, as long as she was given permission by the victim. On the day of the incident, the victim testified, that she had not given Stewart permission to take her child, but she did so anyway. She realized Stewart picked her kid up while they were on a phone call, which caused the confrontation to escalate.
The victim testified Stewart threatened her, telling her she would get her boyfriend to kill her. When they met so the victim could get her child back, Cary allegedly asked “Where’s your n-word.” The witness said she took that as Cary wanting to fight her boyfriend.
She remembered a fight between her and Stewart as well as the police showing up, but in fear of being arrested, she denied it. As she tried to drive away, the victim testified, she heard shots and realized she had been wounded in the back allegedly by Cary who was in the passenger seat of Stewart’s car.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the victim will finish her testimony on Feb. 5.
Prosecutors called on a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), who testified he completed a phone analysis in connection to the co-defendants’ cellular devices on the day of the shooting.
According to the agent, Stewart’s and Cary’s phones were in the general area of the shooting at the time of the incident, and the analysis showed them leaving the area moments after the shooting.
Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, said the data was vague, that there was no way to know who had the phone, and the agent could not specifically state the defendants were at the exact location of the shooting.
Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, added the agent could not necessarily prove that the defendants’ phones were together, but rather could only show they made similar movements.
Prosecutors also called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who testified he responded to the scene and assisted with the retrieval of surveillance footage of the incident.
According to the detective, a video, shown to the jury, depicted two vehicles speeding away from the scene after what sounded like a gunshot. The detective testified the footage was recovered from a resident’s Ring camera on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.
A witness from the United States Secret Service testified he located the victim’s vehicle after it crashed into the entrance of the United Medical Center (UMC) on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE.
According to the witness, the victim’s vehicle had bullet damage on the rear driver’s side of the vehicle.
He entered the hospital and recovered a tank top from the victim – which had a bullet fragment on it. He also responded to the original crime scene and recovered four shell casings.
The trial will resume on Feb. 5.
