Carjacking Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

A co-defendant in a carjacking case was found mentally competent to stand trial on Feb. 4, before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Eligah Hughes, 35, and Elias Robertson, 30, are charged with armed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 1000 block of F Street, NE on Feb. 25, 2024.

Judge McLean granted Hughes’ request for a mental competency evaluation on Jan. 29.

In court, she alerted the parties that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) report was filed and resulted in Hughes being competent to stand trial. Hughes was absent due to a jail scheduling error.

The prosecution asked to set a date for trial but Joseph McCoy, Robertson’s attorney, asked to set a status hearing date in light of Hughes absence. Judge McLean agreed with the defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb 18.

Bench Warrant Issued For Carjacking, Shooting Defendant After Failure to Appear

A bench warrant was issued for a carjacking and shooting defendant after he failed to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Feb. 3.

Elijah Hernandez, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting that took place on the 1300 block of 13th Street, NW on June 21, 2024. An individual sustained injuries to their buttocks.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant following several violations of Hernandez’s release conditions, including his failure to appear in court. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) agreed with the request, stating that Hernandez was completely loss to contact.

Hernandez’s attorney, Joseph Fay, tried to contact him over the weekend, but he received no response and had no information regarding Hernandez’s absence.

Parties will reconvene once Hernandez is taken into custody.

Co-Defendants Sentenced in Armed Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced two co-defendants on Feb. 4 for their involvement in a carjacking incident.

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 44, were convicted of assault with significant bodily injury for their involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

Johnson was also convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

At sentencing, Judge Arthur said the nature of the offense was serious, concerning, and completely avoidable. Johnson’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, tried to separate Johnson from Patterson, stating Johnson was only an “accomplice” and therefore should be given a shorter sentence. I

In response, Judge Arthur said, “For someone in his 40s, you should know better.”

Johnson was sentenced to 18 months for assault with bodily injury and 18 months for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, which will run concurrently. Patterson was sentenced to 13 months for assault with significant bodily injury. Both defendants will have three years of supervised release following their sentences, and Johnson must register as a gun offender.

No further dates were scheduled for the matter.

Defense Motions for Severance in Five Defendant Homicide Case

Defense attorneys in a five defendant homicide case called for a motion to sever one defendant from the case in order to stay on schedule during a hearing on Jan. 31 with DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Derricko Johnson, 20, Ronald Henderson, 19, and Daveon Robinson, 17, Dionzai Parker, 21, and Demarco Robinson, 20, are charged with 14 counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed 19 counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, six counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and five counts of conspiracy.

Henderson, Johnson, and Parker are also charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed. Johnson is additionally charged with fleeing law enforcement while released. Parker is also charged with two counts of carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or business.

Johnson, Henderson, Parker, Daveon and Demarco’s charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on Feb. 25, 2023. All incidents occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE

During the hearing, attorneys Karen Minor representing Dionzai Parker, Kevann Gardner representing Derricko Jonhson, Nathaniel Mensah representing Henderson, Elizabeth Weller representing Daveon, and Wole Falodun representing Demarco, called for a severance motion to remove Demarco from the co-defendant case – citing Wole Falodun, Demarco’s attorney’s scheduling issues with the previously scheduled trial, which is slated to begin Aug. 18.

The prosecution questioned whether the cause was sufficient to warrant severance. Despite this, the defense is to file severance motions by Feb. 27, with prosecution response by March 27.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 14.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Jan 31.

Amiya Hilliard, 20, is charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in trying to steal a motor vehicle using force and violence while also possessing a firearm on Nov. 5, 2024, on the 4900 Block of Jay Street, NE.

Elizabeth White, Hilliard’s defense attorney, stated that Hilliard intended to waive her right to a preliminary hearing.

White also requested that Hilliard be released on home confinement, citing her tragic past and lack of community resources indicating jail detrimental to her mental health.

The prosecution argued that the offense Hilliard committed was serious and she allegedly had a firearm. Furthermore, the three victims involved in the robbery identified Hilliard as the suspect.

Judge Raymond accepted that the hearing waiver was given voluntarily and freely but denied the request for release, stating that the offense was “phenomenally disturbing.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 19.

Homicide Defendant Found Guilty On All Counts

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom convicted a homicide defendant of all charges on Jan. 31, following a four day trial.

Ethan Cunningham, 22, was charged with two counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside the home, and attempted robbery while armed, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of James Curtis, 38, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE, on May 10, 2022.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution called Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers and eyewitnesses. The prosecution also pieced together other evidence including video footage, a fight description and shots fired on a basement landing.

The weight of the evidence led the jury to convict Cunningham.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28 for sentencing of the defendant.

Homicide Victim’s Mom Wants, ‘No Mercy’ at Sentencing

A homicide defendant was sentenced to 32 years of incarceration on Jan. 31 before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

On Sept. 18, 2024, Darius Anderson, 23, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30, on June 15, 2022 at the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

During the sentencing, the prosecution called Mattocks’ mother to provide a victim impact statement.

“My son was not perfect, but he did not deserve to die like that,” the victim’s mother said. “I’m asking the court for no mercy.”

The prosecution argued Anderson had a habit of not taking responsibility for his actions and tried minimize the consequences. They also said that this crime was the result of an argument which shouldn’t have led to a violence confrontation.

As a result, the prosecution requested 716 months of incarceration.

Wole Falodun, Anderson’s attorney, asked the court to consider the broader context and life circumstances that have shaped the defendant. He spoke of the hardship Anderson experienced as a child growing up with economic struggles and abusive parents. Falodun requested a 30 year sentence, which he argued would allow for accountability, reflection, and rehabilitation.

Falodun stated that fear and choices will always be part of Anderson’s story, but it should not define his life.

Falodun also invited education attorney Aubrey Dillon to speak on Anderson’s behalf. Dillon told the court that Anderson has a mental disability that is generally invisible. He asked the court to place Anderson in a facility equipped to serve his educational and mental health needs.

“We [can] mitigate the intense damage done to Darius’ life so that all of this is not done in vain,” Dillon said.

Judge Demeo sentenced Anderson to 360 months with five years of supervised release for first-degree murder premeditated while armed. This sentence is set to run concurrently to a sentence of 60 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and a sentence of 16 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business.

The final sentence, of 24 months of incarceration and 3 years of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, is set to run consecutively to the first three sentences.

Judge Demeo also stated that she would make a recommendation for Anderson to be placed in the facilities requested by Dillon.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Release Request For ‘Perfect Candidate’

An armed carjacking defendant was denied bond by DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Feb. 3.

Tamika Burris, 35, is charged with armed carjacking for her alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 17, 2024 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim and Burris got into a fight in the car after Burris allegedly attempted a carjacking and left a knife and her personal items behind after fleeing the scene.

Quiana Harris, Burriss’ attorney, advocated for Burriss’ release to tend to her two children who are in challenged living conditions and a complex custody situation.

Harris argued that Burriss has cooperated with detectives and complied with court expectations.

Burriss is “a perfect candidate for release,” argued Harris, adding “DC code allows for someone like this to be released.” Additionally, Harris stated she has access to mental health care if released.

The prosecution rebutted, arguing that there was no substantial change in circumstances that would warrant emergency release, and that probable cause was found that Burriss committed this crime.

Ultimately, Judge Hertzfeld denied the defense’s motion for bond, citing her three misdemeanors and prior violation of release. Burris and her attorney will go over a plea deal that was offered this past week –-details were not discussed.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.

Judge Says Victim, ‘Absolutely Scared Out of Her Mind,’ in Armed Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause that a defendant was a perpetrator in an armed carjacking on Jan. 31.

Laiten Bell, 20, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the armed carjacking and assault of a woman on the 4300 Block of 3rd Street, SE on Jan. 22.

During the preliminary hearing, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said he had spoken to the victim then conducted a photo confirmation when she identified Bell as one of the perpetrators.

He was also part of the search warrant team of co-defendant Cornell Jamison’s, 20, apartment on the 4200 Block of 4th Street, SE. In his apartment, police allegedly found the victim’s coat along with four handguns and one rifle. The prosecution said Bell had been arrested with Jamison before, and used this information along with the identification to conclude Bell was one of the four co-defendants in the armed robbery and assault.

The prosecution also showed a video allegedly taken by Jamison of Bell kicking, beating, and berating the victim that he posted on his Instagram account and Reddit.

The defense, Adam Harris, rebutted that, while the complainant did identify Bell from the confirmation photo shown by MPD, she got his name wrong, referring to him as “Nathan.”

Judge Raymond decided that there was probable cause found based on the victims description of Bell and identification.

“In the video that I watched, [the victim] was absolutely scared out of her mind,” Judge Raymond said in response to the defense’s argument that the complainant got Bell’s name wrong.

Judge Raymond found probable cause, ordered Bell to remain detained, and issued a stay away order from the victim and the 4300 Block of 3rd Street, SE.

Parties are slated to reconvene for the initial status hearing on Feb. 24.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Evaluation for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered a stabbing defendant undergo a mental competency evaluation, delaying a preliminary hearing on Jan. 31.

Kelly Williams, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the intersection of Independence Avenue and L’Enfant Plaza, SW on Jan. 12.

During the hearing, Judge Raymond alerted the parties that the court had received a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) which recommended Williams receive a full competency evaluation.

Darryl Daniels, Williams’ attorney, and the prosecution did not object.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 10.

Judge Sentences Co-Defendants in a 2015 Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a homicide defendant to 37 years of incarceration and an obstruction of justice defendant to seven years of probation on Jan. 31.

Eugene Burns, 32, was convicted of first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on Nov. 14, 2015 on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns and co-defendant Tyre Allen, 24, were also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony of an alleged confession to the murder made by Burns to the witness.

Burns was initially convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020 on a technicality.

The prosecution said that, while there would be a strong argument for applying the original sentence which was the mandatory minimum of 360 months of imprisonment, they believe an increased sentence of 648 months would be more appropriate.

The prosecution said the victim impact statement highlights effect of a crime motivated by greed and self-enrichment. During the trial, the prosecution told the jury that Burns murdered Osuchukwu, his best friend, because he didn’t feel he was getting a fair share of the money from their joint drug business.

The prosecution also spoke of the importance of preserving the integrity and legitimacy of judicial proceedings and the fair administration of justice while highlighting that Burns had not accepted responsibility.

“Instead of defending himself, he tried to cheat and undermine the judicial process,” the prosecution said. “The deception and manipulation Burns has committed is the common thread through this case.”

Burns’ defense attorney, Rosemary Szanyi, argued that a person should not receive a larger punishment because he has been convicted upon retrial. She also stated that Burns did not engage in violence or financial coercion. Furthermore, Szanyi argued that recidivism decreases with age, so a lengthy sentence wouldn’t be appropriate.

Initially, the prosecution requested that Allen receive jail time due to the nature and gravity of the offenses, arguing that probation, which they deemed an “extraordinary benefit,” should not be granted to someone who doesn’t respect rule of law.

“Most of my friends I grew up with are at DC Jail,” Allen stated.

Allen shared that he grew up around friends who were a bad influence and promoted behaviors that got him trouble.

“I just ask for another chance, Your honor,” he stated.

After Allen’s statement, the prosecution \asked to revise their recommendation against probation.

The court denied the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) for Allen, which would seal the defendant’s conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements. He has a suspended sentence, a concurrent 12 months probation for each count followed by five years supervision.

Burns was sentenced to 37 years of imprisonment.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant’s Detention in Maryland Impedes Case

A shooting defendant’s attorney alerted DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro that the suspect is currently held in another jurisdiction in a hearing on Feb. 3.

Donte Evans, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 23, 2023 on the 3500 block of Stanton Road, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound.

According to court documents, a notice of non-compliance was filed on Jan. 30.

In the hearing, Brandon Burrell, Evans’ attorney, alerted Judge Di Toro that he remains detained in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and requested additional time to access information regarding the case.

Judge Di Toro noted that Evans was arrested on a probation violation warrant and taken into custody.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 18.

Judge Orders Prosecution to Turn Over Audio Recordings in Shooting Case

During a hearing on Feb. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ordered the prosecution to turn over audio recordings of witnesses for the defense.

Keith Williams, 24, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the death of 17-year-old Brendan Ofori on the 300 block of M Street, SW. The incident occurred on May 28, 2023.

According to court documents, Ofori was shot and killed in a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) train car, and his body was recovered at the Navy Yard Metro Station.

At the status hearing, discovery of evidence issues were raised by the defense in particular that certain transcripts of interviews conducted with witnesses were not useful because of non-verbal responses. The defense was unable to make sense of the inaudible answers and requested the audio be turned over. The prosecution initially withheld the recordings but later agreed, requesting a week to submit the evidence to the defense. Judge Park obliged, making the deadline for turnover Feb. 11.

Jude Park said he had “never had a case where the [prosecution] refuses to turn over [evidence] like this,” calling it “odd.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 10.

Shooting Trial Opens With Conflicting Testimony About A Suspect’s Identity

Trial began in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 3 for two co-defendants accused in a shooting.

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 on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020. A gunshot wound to the back caused a collapsed lung for one individual at the scene.

In their opening statement, the prosecution mentioned cell phone records, collected fingerprints, witness identifications, security camera footage, and shell casings as evidence that will be brought before the court to prove the defendants’ involvement beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stewart’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, provided some background into the relationship Stewart has with the victim, explaining that Stewart is the ex-partner of the victim’s sister’s ex-boyfriend and had previously lived with them. He also stated there was no physical evidence Stewart possessed the gun, gave the gun to the shooter, or had any prior knowledge of the shooting.

Winograd highlighted that Stewart warned the victim to “move he’s about to shoot you” prior to any shots being fired, contradicting the notion of Stewart’s intending to kill the victim.

Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, argued Cary was not only not present, but there is no evidence linking Cary to the shooting. Thomas also raised concern about the accuracy of the prosecution’s witnesses who initially stated they could not see the shooter at the time of the incident.

The prosecution called two witnesses, including a close friend of the victim who was present during the crime and an analyst from the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS).

The victim’s friend provided a detailed timeline of events surrounding the shooting. She testified that she was in the car with the victim when the shooting occurred, realized her friend had been shot, and took control of the vehicle, steering it into the entrance of United Medical Center (UMC) after the victim lost consciousness.

In an interview with police in the hospital immediately following the shooting, the witness was unable to identify the shooter by name but later picked Cary’s photo out of a lineup.

Thomas challenged the witness’ testimony by pointing out the inconsistency of initially telling detectives she couldn’t see the shooter, but nearly ten months later, testifying in front of the grand jury that she caught a glimpse. It was revealed she had discussed the shooting with the victim in the gap between her initial interview and her testimony.

Winograd focused on the moments leading up to the shooting and the warning issued by Stewart. The witness admitted she wasn’t paying attention until after the warning and acknowledged that without it, she may not have survived.

A crime scene witness, forensic scientist at processed a vehicle associated with the shooter, recovering nine latent fingerprints and paperwork allegedly addressed to the defendants inside.

During cross-examination, the witness confirmed her forensic analysis could not determine when the fingerprints were left, who had been inside the vehicle, or when the paperwork was put in the car.

Trial is set to resume Feb. 4.

Document: MPD Arrests Second Suspect in Southeast Triple Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of a second suspect in connection with a triple shooting that occurred on July 23 in the 2900 block of Nelson Place, Southeast. Three women were injured in the incident and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. A 17-year-old male from Northwest has been charged with Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, following the earlier arrest of a 16-year-old male from Southeast, whose charge was upgraded to the same offense.

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