Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Request for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ruled to keep a homicide defendant in custody before his trial on June 6 because of safety concerns for the community.

Derek Turrentine, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old James Price on Sept. 15, 2024 on the 400 block 50th Street, NW.

According to court documents, members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) located the victim in an alleyway suffering multiple gunshot wounds to the head and neck.

Shawn Sukumar, Turrentine’s attorney, requested to release Turrentine into a residential treatment program and then be placed into 24 hour surveillance home release as the least restrictive means of detention. Sukumar argued that Turrentine has important ties to the community and has every incentive to follow the conditions.

“The weight of the evidence is quite strong,” countered the prosecution. He claimed that Turrentine has support for release but his release can’t ensure the safety of the community.

The prosecution also brought up Turrentine’s past charges of possession of PCP and carrying a firearm without a license. According to the prosecution, Turrentine was determined under the influence of PCP during the crime which enhanced its violent nature.

Judge Edelman agreed that there are no conditions of release for ensuring the safety of the community and concluded that Turrentine should be put in detention before his trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 11.

Judge Reschedules Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt set a new trial date for Karlos Bibb after the previous trial date of June 9 was cancelled to allow continuing investigation for undisclosed reasons.

Karlos Bibb, 25, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in deliberately inflicting fatal injuries in a vehicle collision on July 3rd, 2021, on the 900 block of 14th Street, N.W. Jamya Williams was found unconscious in the driver’s seat after she was struck by Bibb’s vehicle.

DNA testing results from the vehicle involved in the incident are anticipated at the next status hearing. Both the prosecutor and Bibb’s defense counsel, Jason Clark and Shawn Sukumar, agreed to a new trial date in January of 2026.

The next status hearing date will be held on September 15.

Defendant Who Menaced Elderly Carjack Victim Gets 90 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced Donovan Adams to almost 90 months in prison for his involvement in a carjacking during a hearing on June 5.

On April 3, Adams, 31, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, robbery and unauthorized use of a vehicle for his involvement in a Sept. 27, 2024 incident, which occurred on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked for a sentence at the top of the guidelines, pointing to the seriousness of the crimes and Adams’ prior convictions – which included robbery convictions in 2017 and 2018.

They identified the victim in this case as a 66-year-old woman who Adams repeatedly threatened with a gun, aiming at her stomach and face. According to the prosecution, the victim waived her right to provide a victim impact statement due to the ongoing trauma and difficulty speaking about the incident.

Alvin Thomas, Adams’ attorney, focused on Adams’ difficult circumstances and efforts to control his drug use. Thomas requested leniency in the ruling.

“I apologise for my actions,” said Adams, as Judge Di Toro asked him if he had any words before she delivered his sentence.

The judge admitted that Adams had faced hardship and that this could have influenced his criminal behavior and drug use. She was sorry to hear about the death of his daughter and expressed sympathy for his ongoing mental health issues and struggle to support his mother.

“You’ve clearly had a difficult road,” she said.

Di Toro gave Adams 70 months for the robbery charge with a $300 contribution to the Victim’s of Violent Crime Fund. This was followed by a current 70 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence with a donation of the same amount. Adams also has to serve 3 years supervised probation for each charge.

For the unauthorized use of a vehicle while under the influence of PCP, the judge added a further 20 months to be served concurrently to the other sentences.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Released After Expressing Remorse For Crime in 2019

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman pronounced murder defendant Carlos Turner’s, 27, sentence on June 5, suspending all but time served, effectively releasing him.

Turner pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Michael Taylor, 21, in a shooting that took Taylor’s life and injured two additional victims on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE, on Jan. 12, 2019.

According to court documents, Turner was spotted on apartment surveillance, armed with a black hand gun and an extended clip. At 2:02 p. m. Turner approached the building, standing at the base of the stairs, aiming up, and firing into the building.

Family members of Taylor, as well as another victim, attended the hearing remotely. They have followed through with the case since its inception, and are unhappy with how long they’ve waited for resolution. Turner’s arresting officer also appeared in person in support of the victims.

In their allocution recommendation, the prosecution claimed that the incident “is a tragedy,” however, Turner “appears to have taken responsibility for his actions.” Prosecution recommended Turner receive 132 months incarceration with five years of supervised release.

Turner’s defense, Michael Bruckheim, provided evidence in favor of the defendant, in the form of a letter from the Hope Foundation re-entry network. Bruckheim agreed with the prosecution’s sentence recommendation.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions” and “I want to show you that I will continue to learn and grow from my mistakes,” Turner said.

Judge Edelman sentenced Turner to eleven years of confinement, five years of supervised release and three years of probation for second-degree murder while armed. Additionally, Turner was sentenced to three years of confinement, three years of supervised release and three years of probation for conspiracy to commit a crime of violence.

However, all but the time already served by Turner has been suspended by the court, effectively freeing Turner, and condensing his sentence to three years of probation.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on June 9.

Daniel Brache, 39, was originally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on April 13 on the 1900 block of C Street, SE, leaving two individuals injured. One individual sustained stab wounds.

According to court documents, Brache allegedly struck the victim after the two had an argument inside an apartment. When the victim asked Brache to leave and he attempted to re-enter, Brache assaulted her again outside the apartment when a security officer attempted to intervene. Attempting to separate Brache from the victim, the security officer was also allegedly assaulted by Brache with a knife and received multiple injuries on his hands.

Defense attorney Joseph Molina alerted Judge McLean of Brache’s intent to accept the plea deal. As part of the plea deal, Brache pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and misdemeanor simple assault. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to not seek an indictment.

Judge McLean said that the maximum sentence for the plea was three years of incarceration.

Sentencing is slated for August 22.

Assault Defendant Gets Second Chance at Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt decided not to revoke William Johnson’s probation on June 6, after a probation officer reported that Johnson failed a drug test upon release and missed a court hearing due to being hospitalized at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW).

Johnson, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill on Feb. 23, 2022, for his involvement in a stabbing on Dec. 23, 2021, on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE. He was sentenced to 66 months’ imprisonment, with 18 months suspended and credit for time served, followed by two years of probation.

According to the probation officer, Johnson contacted his case manager after being discharged from PIW. The probation officer requested that Johnson undergo a spot drug test on the day of the hearing and appear for drug tests weekly.

After Judge Brandt ordered drug testing for Johnson as requested, the prosecution agreed that Johnson could continue on probation.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Requests Trial

At a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman, a defendant rejected the terms of the plea deal outlined by the prosecution, instead requesting to move forward with a trial on June 6.

Keimontay Holston, 22, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and first-degree burglary while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE,, on Jan. 2.

According to court documents, Holston was caught with a sharp object by prison surveillance entering the victim’s cell as the door opened. He was identified as the person repeatedly stabbing the victim as two other individuals exited the cell. Afterward, Holston allegedly fled the cell, and took his shirt off before being chased by corrections officers.

During the hearing, Damon Catacalos, Holston’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to reject a plea deal extended by prosecutors. The deal would have required Holton to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for all other charges being dropped.

Instead, Holston asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Homicide Co-Defendants Accept Plea Deal

Two homicide co-defendants accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on June 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Antonio Hensley, 33, and Darius Robertson, 32, were originally charged with second-degree murder for their involvement in the death by blunt force trauma of Andre Robertson, 33, on the 200 block of 53rd Street, NE, on Oct. 1, 2021.

Hensley also faced simple assault in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Michael Madden, Robertson’s attorney, and Kevin Robertson, Hensley’s attorney, alerted Judge Edelman of the defendants’ plan to accept a plea offer from the prosecution. According to the parties, the deal required the defendants plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed Hensley will be sentenced to 72-to-144 months of incarceration. No range was set for Robertson.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19 for sentencing.

Jury Convicts 2021 Murder Defendant

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom convicted a murder defendant on June 5.

Alvin Cruz-Garcia, 27, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating of Ramon Gomez-Yanez, 38, on March 23, 2021 on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW. Throughout the trial, the prosecution provided evidence that showed Cruz-Garcia beat Gomez-Yanez to death by repeatedly kicking him on the head and neck.

Julie Swaney, Cruz-Garcia’s attorney, claimed the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Cruz-Garcia was the perpetrator.

Following a day of deliberations, the jury returned a guilty verdict.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on Aug. 1.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a carjacking defendant to undergo mental competency evaluations during a hearing on June 2.

Shannara Macku, 37, is charged with unarmed carjacking and assault on a police officer for her alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Oct. 19, 2024, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Macku allegedly crashed a bicycle into an uber car’s rear driver’s side tire, stopping the vehicle, then allegedly screaming angrily, calling for the driver to come out of the car, and proceeded to open the car’s passenger doors.

When the driver stepped out and attempted to talk to Macku, she allegedly got into the driver’s seat, closed the door, and backed into a parked car before driving away, forcing the uber passengers to abandon the vehicle.

Macku allegedly crashed the car into three other vehicles, leaving the scene without stopping or identifying herself. Finally, she was stopped by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, and allegedly spit in the face of a sergeant, causing another officer to deploy a so-called spit hood, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Macku’s presence was waived by her attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh. She explained that Macku was in urgent care completing a mental health evaluation, which also caused her to miss a court appearance earlier in the morning to install a GPS monitor. That hearing was canceled.

Judge McLean ordered a mental observation hearing to determine competency to stand trial.

The court is currently looking for a facility to place Macku for treatment.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 18.

Nonfatal Shooting Co-defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to a formal reading of their charges stemming from a nonfatal shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 6.

Demarco Hayes, 22, and Donte Bennett, 27, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The shooting took place on July 24, 2024 on the 1800 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, at approximately 6:50 p. m., police responded to a car crash. They found a man with a gunshot wound in the neck inside a wrecked blue Hyundai Sonata – later determined to be stolen. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

Police executed a search warrant on Aug. 28, 2024, on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE. They found Hayes allegedly with a loaded 9mm gun, 125 grams of marijuana, pills in baggies, a cleaning kit, and labeled shooting targets.

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Hayes’ attorney, and Steven Kiersh, Bennett’s attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz of their intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Judge Kravitz also addressed several issues related to Hayes’ pretrial release. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) recommended revoking his release after he tested positive for marijuana, violated his curfew on May 11 and 12, and moved next door to the Bennett’s home after an eviction despite having a stay-away order.

Judge Kravitz explained that he did not prohibit Hayes from consuming marijuana after a March 21 hearing. Bunke said the curfew violations did not resemble a pattern and were simply due to traffic, which Hayes reportedly documented. Judge Kravitz and the PSA representative agreed that Hayes may remain at his current residence as long as he abides by the stay-away order.

The defense plans to file a motion about imposition of the curfew, arguing that Hayes is responsible for childcare for his nieces and that the curfew should be adjusted to normal hours.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 18.

Bench Warrant Issued For Defendant With Several Probation Violations

A bench warrant was issued for Johnathan Davis after his failure to appear in court on June 4 endangering his probation.

On April 22, 2022, Davis, 27, was sentenced to six months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 30, 2021 at the Union Metro Station on the 700 block of First Street, NE.

According to court records, since Davis’ release in late 2022, he has had multiple notices of non-compliance and had failed to follow court orders. He has also been rearrested in Virginia. Though Davis completed several conditions of his probation, the re-arrests have stalled this progress.

The court has continued Davis’ case multiple times and is waiting on the outcome from the Virginia cases.

At the time of the hearing, Davis’ Attorney, Adgie O’Bryant was told if Davis did not appear at his next hearing he would risk having his probation revoked.

“He has missed his hearing by forty minutes,” said DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean after O’Bryant asked for more time.

Judge McLean issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Parties are slated to reconvene when Davis is taken into custody.

Prosecutors Dismiss Murder Defendant’s Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the prosecution’s request to dismiss a homicide case on June 6.

Desmond Gaskin, 39, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree theft, tampering with physical evidence, and destruction of property less than $1,000. These charges are in connection to his alleged involvement in the murder of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. that took place on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, SE.

According to court documents, Whittington was found dead in a pool of blood on the street in close proximity to the rear driver’s side of a vehicle when police arrived at the scene. An autopsy showed that Whittington died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Gaskin was scheduled for a motion hearing on June 6, however the prosecution filed a motion to dismiss Gaskin’s case without prejudice, meaning it could be refiled later.

Judge Ryan dismissed all of the charges that same afternoon.

No further dates were set.

Defendants Consider a Wired Plea Deal in 2019 Northeast DC Homicide

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz they had extended a wired plea offer to three homicide co-defendants during a hearing on June 6. The trio would have to mutually agree on the terms for the agreement to be valid.

Tyler Stringfield, 26, Raymond Avent, 25, and Keith Baham, 25, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of destruction of property $1000 or more, fleeing a law enforcement officer, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, conspiracy, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, leaving after colliding property damage/injury to animal, destruction of property less than $1000, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The shooting left 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins dead on March 23, 2019, on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road NE.

The prosecution proposed a deal in which all three defendants would plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would agree to a 16 year sentence. According to prosecutors, Baham would have faced an 18-year sentence, but that was reduced after one of his prior convictions was vacated.

Baham’s attorneys, Morgan Leigh and Brian Shefferman, claimed that they had reached a verbal agreement with prosecutors on the plea deal, which is expected to be formalized soon. Attorneys Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, representing Stringfield, stated that they are also in active discussions. Avent’s counsel, Elizabeth Weller, stated that she has not yet had the opportunity to confer with the defendant about the updated offer.

Judge Kravitz granted additional time for the defense to make a decision. Prosecutors estimate that a trial would take approximately three weeks if the plea deals are rejected. Defense attorneys agree with that estimate.

The next status hearing is scheduled for June 27.

Judge Denies Severance Request in a Deadly Mass Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a severance request from one of two defendants charged in a 2021 mass shooting that left one man dead and three others injured outside a convenience store in Southeast DC, during a hearing on June 6.

Aaron Adgerson, 21, and Terrance Oxner, 26, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed. Their charges stem from their alleged involvement in a Jan. 25, 2021, shooting on the 1400 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE.

The incident resulted in the death of 22-year-old Edward Wade.

Prosecutors allege that Oxner exited a stolen white Honda Accord and began shooting, while Adgerson posed as a lookout and helped identify the target.

During the hearing, Adgerson’s defense attorneys, Michael Madden and Stephen LoGerfo, motioned for severance, arguing that he should be tried separately due to his lesser role in the incident. They referenced video surveillance in which Adgerson left the vehicle before the shooting to allegedly purchase marijuana and reentered shortly after.

According to Madden and LoGerfo, a witness is expected to testify that Adgerson frequented the area to purchase marijuana and was not involved in the shooting.

Adgerson’s defense proposed severance due to conflicting defense theories and a disparity in the evidence, with Oxner’s counsel, Madalyn Harvey, expected to cross-examine and attempt to discredit the witness in court. Prosecutors responded that it is unlikely for a jury to convict Adgerson solely due to the conflict in the defense.

Responding to the alleged disparity, prosecutors cited fingerprint evidence on the removed license plate of the stolen car and a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer from the Seventh District, familiar with Adgerson from previous encounters, who is prepared to identify him in surveillance footage. They argued that there is a significant amount of evidence supporting Adgerton’s role as a co-conspirator.

Judge Kravitz denied the severance motion without prejudice, stating that although Oxner allegedly played a more direct role in the shooting, the conspiracy evidence against Adgerson remains substantial. He noted that even if the trials were severed, the same evidence would be presented.

A status hearing is scheduled for Oct. 17.

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