Judge May Dismiss Defense Attorneys, Citing Federal Rules AgaInst Dual Representation

A status hearing took an unexpected turn as DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt announced her tentative intention to dismiss Demonte Gibson’s legal team on June 6.

Gibson, 27, Tre’Quan Nelson, 25, and Asani Forte, 27 are charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and destruction of property less than $1000, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. One other individual sustained life-threatening injuries. Nelson and Gibson were additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt clarified that under the federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA), a “single representation rule” applies, meaning a defendant is not entitled to multiple lawyers.

Judge Brandt stated that a previous appointment of Lisbeth Sapirstein as Gibson’s defense attorney by DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld in another case meant Sapirstein represents him in all cases, superseding the representation of Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White.

Gardner and White argued to stay on Gibson’s case, citing the Sixth Amendment right to representation and the desire for continuity of counsel.

“The die has been cast, and I need to move on with my case this morning,” said Judge Brandt, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the CJA rules and respecting the prior appointment. She scheduled a separate hearing to resolve this issue.

White informed Judge Brandt that she intends to file a motion for release, but she also argued Gibson should be released on account of a recent mistrial.

The prosecution indicated their intention to retry Gibson and Forte with the addition of Nelson as a co-defendant. This decision follows a jury’s failure to reach a verdict on eight of the nine charges against Gibson and on all charges against Forte in May.

In Gibson’s case, parties will next convene on June 12. The next hearing for all three defendants is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026.

Prosecution Defends Ethics of Cell Data Investigation in a Mass Shooting

Attorneys for mass shooting suspects raised concerns over so-called bad-faith investigative practices by the prosecution in analyzing cell-site data before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on June 4.

Erwin Dubose, 31, Kamar Queen, 28, Damonta Thompson, 28, and William Johnson-Lee, 22, are charged with conspiracy, premeditated first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, among other charges, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that killed 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and injured three additional individuals.

Mussay Rezene, 32, and Toyia Johnson, 53, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants discard evidence and avoid arrests.

Prosecutors called on a Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) who testified regarding an evidentiary analysis of cell data collected from cell phones belonging to the defendants.

The data was presented by the witness in detailed maps the day before, which included relevant addresses. They contained labels of cell sites and towers, as well as their orientation, phone pings, locations, and times.

The defense disputed the prosecution’s claims about what the cell data actually indicated. Under cross-examination the witness clarified that cellphone data that the prosecution portrayed as concrete evidence placing suspects at locations of interest only indicated that phones were in the general area of the locations, but could not be specifically proven to be at the exact location.

The defense questioned the good faith of the prosecution’s investigation as they cross-examined the expert witness using limited information. Judge Kravitz summarized the issue as the prosecution’s decision to only give investigators select phone numbers, thus the prosecution was using data to fit a preordained theory of guilt.

The prosecution pushed back showing that external calls, which the defense had claimed were a blind spot in the investigation, were in fact mutual affiliates of the suspects, tying back into the prosecution’s investigation.

Elizabeth Weller, representing Ms. Johnson, was concerned with the prosecution’s introducing information to push a “they’re all in a gang” narrative. The prosecution disagreed, stating that it was the foundation of a good investigation.

Ultimately, Judge Kravitz allowed the new evidence of phone numbers and Instagram accounts to be used as evidence.

An investigator and a detective on the case from the Metropolitan Police Department( MPD) added to the prosecution’s case. The MPD investigator was asked multiple questions regarding his daily experience with the Kennedy Street Alliance, known as KDY, and its members. He was also asked by both the prosecution and the defense on if he would refer to KDY as a crew or gang.

This culminated with the prosecution’s asking “Would it be fair to refer to KDY as a crew or a gang?” which the investigator confirmed.

The detective was brought in after to talk about his interactions with Toyia Johnson. The detective was investigating a burnt black rented Honda that the MPD suspected was involved in the shooting. While investigating the vehicle, the detective interacted with Ms. Johnson at the agency, where she was trying to list the car as stolen. The detective was later able to get a DNA swab from Ms. Johnson.

The trial is slated to reconvene without the jury the following day, June 5.

Infanticide Defendant’s Best Friend Says Baby’s Death, ‘Has Been Haunting Me for Years’

A homicide defendant’s best friend testified about the alleged abuse and neglect the suspect’s children endured during a trial in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on June 5.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree felony murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age. The charges stem from her suspected involvement in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, and assault of her two and four-year-old children on the 5400 block of C Street, SE, on March 21, 2017.

Prosecutors called on the defendant’s friend, who frequently visited and took care of Scott’s kids, and had been named Field’s godmother. She was accompanied by her daughter who was present in the apartment the day Fields died. However, the witness stopped short of saying that she directly observed Scott physically assault Rhythm.

“I love her kids,” said Scott’s best friend when prosecutors asked how she felt about the children. The witness responded that she would see them a lot on the weekends and was close to them.

Fields would frequently stay at the best friend’s house, and she would feed, bathe, and clothe her, according to the witness. She reported that Fields would cry for the first 24 hours whenever she would come over to the friend’s house and would exhibit drowsiness and tired behavior.

At Scott’s house, the witness claimed that Fields would always be in her playpen which had metal railings. Fields would allegedly sleep there as well.

“I hated that playpen,” said the friend when asked about it. She further added that she had offered to buy Scott a new one, which Scott refused.

Around New Year’s, the witness testified, Scott and Fields moved in with the witness and her two other children. The witness stated that she had strict rules in the house such as feeding your own children, bathing them, and getting them dressed. When asked by the prosecutor if Scott adhered to the rules, the witness promptly said no. She recalled she was the one to take care of the other children and that there would be times when Scott would unexpectedly be gone.

Scott only stayed at her friend’s apartment for two weeks on the grounds that she could not be herself around the friend, according to the witness. Scott moved to a new apartment on C Street, with Fields and her two other children. She was also accompanied by her boyfriend, the witness claimed.

The prosecution then shifted focus to the abuse the witness claimed to have stopped and observed on multiple occasions. In addition to calling DC Family and Child Services (FCS) anonymously, the witness testified she witnessed Scott allegedly hitting her other kids while Scott was living in the witness’ apartment.

The first incident in January 2017 occurred when Scott’s son had opened the witness’ fridge. The witness allegedly told Scott to go check on him because it seemed as if he were hungry. Instead, Scott grabbed a belt and started shaking and beating the child with the belt, the witness stated.

The friend immediately told Scott to stop beating him, taking and hiding the belt to stop any further abuse, she said in court. A similar event occurred later that month when Scott’s older daughter was drawing on the walls with crayons. Scott allegedly took her to the bathroom and started beating her with her hands and fists, said the witness. The witness interferred again telling Scott to stop beating her children.

When the prosecution asked about Scott’s response, the witness stated Scott would say “My kids get on my f****** nerves.”

Describing another event the witness said she heard Scott allegedly beating Fields in the car. When the witness pressed Scott about the reason, Scott claimed that Fields had been putting hands on her so in return she beat Fields.

Additional signs of physical violence prosecution allegedly occurred on March 11, 2017. Scott and the best friend had just come back from buying clothes when the friend went to go check on Fields, and saw that she had a cut on her lip. When she asked Scott about it, Scott allegedly dismissed it as something her older daughter must have done, stating that she might have thrown a toy at Fields.

The best friend reported seeing no battery-operated toys or a toy large enough to have indavertently caused that injury during play. She later gave Fields a bath and took pictures of the injury to send as proof to FCS. She testified she wanted to gain custody of Fields and Scott’s other children if possible. She also said that Scott would frequently give Fields cough syrup which she also tried stopping.

On March 19, 2017, Scott’s best friend planned a birthday dinner honoring her deceased mother. The defendant was invited, however she could not attend because her best friend was unable to pick her up.

Later on, Scott and her best friend met up and “did a link”, clarified by the witness as being “when a friend had a friend.” Scott went inside of her apartment with her male friend, while the witness and the other male stayed in the car. Scott’s best friend then joined Scott in her apartment when the man she was with suggested they go inside.

Later on the witness described what happened when she encountered Scott and the male friend inside of Scott’s apartment. Scott then yelled at the witness, blamed her for waking Fields up, and told the witness to take care of her.

The witness stated she picked Fields up and and was concerned about her condition. The witness added that Fields looked tired, smelled like feces, and had a swollen hand. She also stated that Fields was crying disturbingly. The witness told Scott that they needed to take Fields to the emergency room; however Scott brushed it off and said she would take her the next day. However, that never happened, according to the witness.

On the day of the incident, the witness testified, she went to Scott’s house three times and she recalled Fields sleeping in the playpen, her hands over her chest. However, the witness reported that when she went over for the first time at 10:30 a. m. she noticed that Fields was clean and that her hair had been done.

“She let me do her hair this morning,” the witness said Scott told her when the witness asked. Scott also told her friend she had fed Fields in the morning before Fields fell asleep. Subsequently, the friend went asked why Fields was still asleep and urged Scott to check on her. Scott allegedly told her that Fields was fine and that it was probably because of the Robitussin cough syrup she had given Fields earlier in the day. Taking too much of the drug can make you sleepy.

The witness was upset and had told Scott earlier to stop giving Fields medicine. The last time the witness went over was around 12:30 p. m. to drop her daughter off. The prosecution asked why she felt comfortable leaving her daughter in Scott’s care, to which she responded that Scott “knew better than to mess” with her kids. The prosecution also asked why the witness did not take initiative and pick up Fields herself, she said she didn’t want to start something again.

Later Scott’s next door neighbor called the witness and informed her that a child died in Scott’s apartment, however did not specify who. When the witness got back to the apartment, she asked Scott where her daughter was and Scott was apologizing profusely while sobbing.

The witness stated she assumed her own daughter was dead and started physically assaulting Scott. Once the witness saw her daughter was okay and found out Fields was the dead child, she assaulted Scott once more. Scott allegedly blamed the death of Fields on her other daughter.

When asked if she felt guilt towards this case, the witness replied, “It’s been haunting me for years.”

In cross-examination the defense confirmed that the witness had told Scott to take Fields to the hospital but Scott decided against it. The witness also mentioned that she never saw Scott assault Fields, but claimed that Scott admitted to her that she had assaulted the child.

The trial is set to resume on June 9.

Phone Location Evidence Presented in Mass Shooting Trial

An analyst in cellular phone technology and call site analysis testified before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz during a murder, mass shooting trial on June 3.

Prosecutors called on a special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), who testified he analyzed the whereabouts of the defendants’ cellphones on Sept. 4, 2021, in the hours leading up to and after the mass shooting.

According to the agent, some of the defendants’ numbers were active throughout the night, and others stayed off the grid periodically. The agent was able to find several outgoing and incoming calls and text messages from their phones.

Through his analysis, the agent was able to determine the movement of two numbers allegedly belonging to Rezene and a relative of Dubose. The two cell phone numbers were using the same towers throughout the night, but from different sectors, according to the agent. Both numbers moved to the east of the Maryland side of the district, then headed south.

The government also presented findings from messages ostensibly exchanged between Rezene and Dubose on Instagram. She revealed Rezene messaged Dubose his number so they could meet up.

Rezene’s attorneys, Camille Wagner and Kevin Robertson, argued that Rezene was not at the crime scene when the murders occurred. They claimed that tracking Rezene’s phone proved that he was on the way to meet Dubose, who was in DC, however Rezene was still in Maryland.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 4.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release, Trial Delayed

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a homicide defendant’s request for release, despite granting the prosecution’s request to change the trial date during a hearing on June 5.

Dionzai Parker, 21, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a rifle or shotgun, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Brice Djembissi, on Feb. 25, 2023 on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE.

According to the prosecution, Parker is allegedly part of a neighborhood crew known as Get Back Gang, or GBG, and allegedly conspired with his four ex-co-defendants, who have since pleaded guilty, to commit multiple shootings between April of 2022 and February 2023.

During the hearing, parties discussed the prosecution’s request to vacate the trial date, which was previously scheduled for Aug. 8. However, the prosecution stated that they’d suggest delaying it for “the judicial economy.”

Karen Minor, Parker’s attorney, objected to the request, stating the prosecution had previously stated they’d be ready to try the five defendants in August, and the prosecution should still be able to be prepared for one defendant.

Judge Ryan granted the request from the prosecution after private discussions between the parties.

Given the change in the trial timing, Minor requested Judge Ryan release Parker to the community under home confinement at his mother’s home, stating he has the support needed in the community, and GPS monitoring can ensure his whereabouts and the community’s safety.

Judge Ryan denied the request due to his abscondicing and the nature of the offense, stating that Parker was indicted in November of 2024 and participated in a hearing for it that same month, but did not turn himself in and had to be taken into custody with an arrest warrant in December.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.

Judge Denies Several Post-Trial Motions from Convicted Mass Shooter

DC Superior Court Judge Robert D. Okun denied multiple motions filed by a mass shooting defendant without his attorney during a June 4 hearing.

Antonio Murchison, 32, was convicted of conspiracy, first-degree murder premeditated while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, seven counts of criminal street gang affiliation, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a drive-by shooting on July 16, 2018 that killed ten-year-old Makiyah Wilson and injured four other victims on the 5300 block of 53rd Street, NE.

During the hearing, Murchison described several motions he filed without assistance from his attorney, including a motion for a new trial, ineffective representation by his attorney, exclusions in the finalization of picking the jury, and wanting to represent himself without an attorney.

Overall, Murchison stated that he wants a postponement of his sentence so that he can properly prepare in a fair manner.

Murchison claims his prior attorneys, Michael Bruckheim and Steven Ogelvie, were ineffective and unhelpful especially when it came to including him in the finalization of the jury selection and delays in getting him trial transcriptions which led Murchison to feel unprepared.

Murchison’s current attorney, Daniel Kovler, acknowledged logistical challenges in providing electronic discovery of evidence to inmates, citing only seven available computers in the jail and significant delays in the system. The prosecutor argued Murchison was not entitled to the transcripts he demanded.

Judge Okun denied Murchison’s motion for a new trial, ruling that it was filed more than six months after the verdict and was therefore untimely. He also rejected Murchison’s claims of ineffective counsel and his request to represent himself, explaining that these claims were premature because they apply only to those already serving a sentence.

Judge Okun concluded by stating that this crime occurred nearly seven years ago and that no additional time would be granted to reconsider the case.

Murchison’s sentencing is scheduled for July 10, and Judge Okun alerted him it’ll go through with or without his presence.

May Homicides Double Since Last Month

According to D.C. Witness data, the number of homicide incidents more than doubled from nine in April to 20 in May, accounting for 27 total victims.

As of June 6, of the 20 incidents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified two suspects.

According to MPD documents, Elias Rodriguez, 30, is charged with federal and local murder offenses for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30 – two Israeli Embassy staff members, outside the Capital Jewish Museum on May 21 on the 500 block of 3rd Street, NE.

The second identified suspect, Mercury Ford, 20, is currently wanted on a DC Superior Court arrest warrant for first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Tequila Parker on May 27 on the 2300 block of Pitts Place, SE.

MPD has not identified suspects for the remaining 18 homicide incidents.

According to MPD, one incident was an unintentional child gun death. MPD officers found a 14-year-old girl who suffered from a fatal gunshot wound on May 21 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. Preliminary investigation by MPD indicated the girl was handling the firearm while filming a video for social media and accidentally shot herself. MPD has not identified the girl.

A stray bullet killed 59-year-old Jose Carcamo on May 25 while he was inside his apartment on the 1500 block of Ogden Street, NW. MPD determined Carcamo was not targeted, but struck by a bullet that entered through his window from a shooting that occurred in an alley behind his apartment.

At the DC Jail, located on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on May 1, 29-year-old Carlos Shelley was fatally stabbed. Shelly was incarcerated for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence non-fatal shooting of his ex-girlfriend in addition to a separate unarmed carjacking incident.

Kian-Wayne Magruder, 31, was fatally shot on May 20 on the 800 block of 26th Road, NE. According to a MPD news conference, three men exited a car and shot Magruder who was walking down the street. The homicide occurred around 2:00 p. m. near Spingarn High School while a track meet was being held for elementary school students. MPD said the suspect’s vehicle fled the scene and was later found burned in the Fort Lincoln neighborhood in Northeast DC.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

Judge Delays Trial To Determine Defendant’s Health Issues

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed scheduling a trial for a homicide defendant during a June 4 hearing after concerns over health-related issues stalled the case.

Robert Henson, 45, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Richard Lee Dudley on Dec. 10, 2018 on the 2500 block of Elvans Road, SE.

During the hearing, defense attorney David Knight appeared on Henson’s behalf. Henson, who appeared remotely via Webex, is seeking accommodations due to ongoing health concerns.

The court addressed a prior request made to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator at the DC Jail for a hospital bed and special mattress during trial proceedings.

Judge Dayson said the ADA found the hospital bed request unreasonable, stating that the only reasonable accommodations they can provide is a dedicated space, a bathroom, and a shift in trial schedule. The defense maintained that the bed and mattress are critical to Henson’s well-being, but the judge reiterated that the ADA would not approve the request.

Judge Dayson proposed holding another hearing with Henson’s healthcare provider present via Webex. She said she wanted his healthcare provider to clarify the medical timeline, noting that the court continues to run into the same limitations at every hearing.

The next status hearing is scheduled for June 20.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause that a carjacking defendant was the perpetrator in an incident during a hearing on June 3, 2025.

Paquette Deshazier, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possessing a firearm during an act of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking. The incident occurred on the 2200 block of Newton Street, NE on May 13.

During the hearing, a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that at first his role in the investigation was to review video evidence and write the affidavit for the incident. However, shortly after, he was handed the title of lead detective after realizing it was a violent crime.

Under cross examination, the defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, asked if the detective had spoken with the victim. The detective replied that he had one phone conversation with the person the weekend after Deshazier was arrested, but did not take any notes due to the fact that “there wasn’t anything of much substance”.

However, he did note inconsistencies between the victim’s account and what was captured in the video footage. One major inconsistency being that the complainant said the keys were left in the ignition at the time of the crime. However, it was later discovered that they were allegedly removed from the victim’s waistband.

While reviewing video footage during the encounter, the detective said that he could see the suspects reaching in their waistband for a small semi-pistol and handgun, appearing to open the stolen vehicle with an object that looked like car keys and the suspects taking items out of the vehicle that were too small to differentiate on video.

When asked if he had identified any other individuals involved, the detective stated he had only identified one person so far.

Later, Shaw argued that there was limited information on the stolen car’s registration implying that the vehicle could have been registered to Deshazier. Judge Herrman stated that the defendant partially confessed to the theft therefore the defense’s argument was irrelevant.

In another attempt to impeach the detective, Shaw pressed him about disciplinary actions he may have received over prosecution objections.

Shaw requested that the court not find probable cause for Deshazier’s charges, then asked for his client’s pretrial release. In finding that Deshazier probably commited the crime, Judge Herrman stated “this is obviously a violent offense,” and denied all requests for bond.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 17.

Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 5-and-a-half years

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee imposed a five-and-a-half year sentence on June 4 for assault defendant Christopher Cary, 36.

On Feb. 4, Cary pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing that injured one and occurred on Feb. 29, 2024 at the 3000 block of 16th Street, NW.

Janai Reed, Cary’s attorney, requested that Judge Milton impose a sentence of 28-to-33 months of straight incarceration without parole. Reed drew attention to his struggle with bipolar disorder and an addiction to PCP.

“The Mr. Cary that I know has a mental health issue that I don’t know he recognizes,” Reed said. “I say these things so that the court will know that I don’t believe that this would happen if there was no mental illness.”

In an effort to provide an impact statement, the prosecution reached out to the victim via text message. She responded saying that as a result of the incident, she required emergency surgery on her kidneys.

“I can’t sleep,” she said, “I have a lot of pain in my back.”

The prosecution told Judge Lee that they “recommend a lengthy period of incarceration,” further claiming that what Cary did has left the complainant afraid to be in her own home. “This didn’t have to happen,” said the prosecutor.

Judge Lee imposed a sentence of 66 months, also requesting that Cary also engage in personal assessment and care for his mental health and drug issues.

No further dates were set.

‘Not Your Average Carjacking’ Defendant Granted Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann granted a carjacking defendant’s request for release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing on June 2.

Manuel Alvarado, 41, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1500 block of 7th Street, SE, on April 26, 2023.

According to court documents, the victim was driving his white sedan when he saw the defendant under the influence of drugs in the middle of the street. The victims decided to give him some water, but the man jumped into the victim’s car and drove away.

Later that day, police found the car crashed at a stoplight in Vienna, Virginia. Police determined the driver to be Alvarado, and he was taken to the hospital for his injuries.

During the hearing, Quiana Harris, Alvarado’s attorney, alerted Judge Herrmann of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested he be released as he awaits further proceedings.

The prosecution argued that carjacking is a serious crime and that Alvarado should not be released back into the community as he remains a threat to public safety. The prosecution pointed out Alvarado’s previous offenses, including theft and unlawful entry, in order to emphasize the threat he posed.

Harris maintained that there was no allegation of an assault or weapon used during the incident, pointing out the lack of violence. Further, Harris acknowledged her client’s struggles with housing problems and added that his previous offenses were not violent but symptomatic of someone experiencing homelessness.

Harris also revealed Alvarado is facing mental health and substance abuse issues, and had a limited memory of events from 2023. As a result, she requested that he be screened and placed in a bed-to-bed treatment facility instead of being immediately released into the community. The prosecution agreed to Harris’ request but that he remain held until a bed becomes available.

Judge Herrmann referred to Alvarado’s actions as “not your average carjacking.” She stated that it appeared as a crime of opportunity and did not believe that Alvarado was a major threat to the community, noting that his last conviction was almost ten years ago.

Judge Herrmann ordered that Alvarado undergo drug testing, mental health assessments, and have no contact with the victim. Further, he was ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Judge Herrmann ordered Alvarado to deal with an outstanding warrant from Vienna, Virginia when he is released.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 9.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Attempted’ Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herman found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a carjacking during a hearing on June 5.

Markese Lewis, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking of an Uber driver. The incident took place on the unit block of Banner Place, NW, on May 31.

According to court documents, an officer responded to the incident from reports of someone “destroying a vehicle,” before a carjacking was officially confirmed. Lewis allegedly carjacked an Uber driver who was carrying him and another person, and became upset after the ride was going to be cancelled.

Prosecutors called on a responding officer who reported to the scene and adopted her affidavit of the incident.

According to the officer, the victim reported being carjacked after a pickup, in which there were two riders, one later identified as Lewis. However, the Uber driver reported being confused because the rider was supposed to be someone with a woman’s name. When he asked the riders to cancel the ride with an unidentified individual, Lewis allegedly punched him and attempted to steal his vehicle.

The officer recalled the victim stated he held the door closed before turning the car off and holding on to the keys. The suspect was allegedly able to force the driver side of the car open and punch the victim in the face. After this, the victim ran away. The suspect tried to start the car and the victim recorded the action on his phone. The video, viewed in court, allegedly shows the suspect in the front driver’s seat of the victim’s car and also running towards the victim.

The responding officer identified the suspect as Lewis in court, saying, “He is here, in the orange shirt.”

Lewis was represented by defense attorney Patrick Nowak. Nowak argued that this offense was not a traditional, full carjacking, rather an “attempted carjacking” because Lewis never had full possession or control over the vehicle.

Nowak argued that in order for a carjacking to fully take place, the car needed to move, and that the vehicle in this case never left where it was parked. He also argued that the victim had the key fob to start the car in their possession the entire time, which would not have let the suspect drive the car.

Nowak asked the judge to not find probable cause and requested the defendant’s release based on these arguments, which the judge stated were “irrelevant.”

Judge Herman denied Lewis’ release and found probable cause.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 18.

Domestic Violence Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A domestic violence defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe during a felony status conference on June 4.

Walter Romero-Ventura, 31, is charged with kidnapping while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of a victim on June 6, 2024, on the 1300 block of 15th St NW. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds and informed the police that her boyfriend forced her into his vehicle, allegedly stabbed her with a box cutter, and threatened to kill her.

During the hearing, Henry Escoto, Walter Romero-Ventura’s attorney, argued that the video evidence used to charge Romero of kidnapping didn’t show use of force. Judge Pipe acknowledged probable cause found by previous Judge Robert Hildum but allowed a request for a review of the evidence.

Romero’s previous plea deal allowed him to plead guilty to the kidnapping and the other charges would be dropped. Despite this, Romero rejected the deal and Judge Pipe denied his motion for bond review.

Judge Pipe maintained her decision to hold Romero concluding that, “When there is no rebuttable position, the facts and circumstances are sufficient enough to hold someone”.

The parties are slated to reconvene with a status meeting on July 2.

Detective Says Maternal Filicide Defendant Confessed to Injuring Baby

A detective with the Metropolitan Police Department testified on June 2 regarding his investigation into a an infant’s murder and interviews with the defendant.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children and two counts of first-degree felony murder while the victim was especially vulnerable due to age. The charges stem from her alleged involvement in the death of her 16-month-old daughter, Rhythm Fields, and assault of her two and four-year-old children on the 5400 block of C Street, SE on March 21, 2017.

Prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified about his interrogation with Scott on April 4, 2017. The prosecution showed video of the interaction between the detective and Scott before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom. In the recordings, Scott appears to admit to shaking and forcefully handling Fields.

“When I looked at her, she was still,” said Scott in the recording, reflecting on when she found out her daughter was deceased at 2:15 p.m. the following day.

According to the recording played by the prosecution, Scott had gone on a night out with a friend and had found her boyfriend and her other children sleeping when she returned late that night.

At 8 a.m. on the day of the incident, Scott woke up briefly to feed her other two children before falling asleep again, according to Scott. At 10 a.m. she moved out to the couch to watch her children, claiming she was frustrated when she saw what a mess the house was and that Fields was still sleeping in her playpen. The recording continues, with Scott telling the detective that it wasn’t until 2 p.m. that her friend came to check on her and asked Scott where Fields was which led Scott to check.

According to Scott, she had left Fields in a playpen from 6 p.m. the night before and admitted to noticing her breathing was erratically after handling her. That was not the only time Scott appear to acknowledge shaking her, saying it had happened two other times and that she had once slammed Fields into her playpen. Scott demonstrated both actions on a doll for the detective, who said that shaking a baby can do damage because you don’t know your own strength.

The prosecution argued this proved Scott was responsible for the condition of her child and that the force used ultimately resulted in her death.

Steven Kiersh, Scott’s attorney, attempted to discredit the detective’s testimony, insinuating the interrogation was improper and illegal, as he attempted to elicit information from Scott that supported his agenda.

“You have to have the ability to confront someone,” the detective said, defending his interview of Scott, for the benefit of the jury at trial.

He also said that interviews did not always have a structure and stressed a need to adapt to the situation.

Kiersh moved on to talk about the video interview, specifically how the detective put his hands on Scott and commented on her appearance.

“You’re drop dead gorgeous,” the detective said in the video, also referring to Scott as “doll” and “baby.”

The witness stated neither actions were improper because he was trying to comfort her and outline the positives in her life. He also stated that he wasn’t trying to curry favor or get her to reveal the truth.

Kiersh disagreed.

“How is commenting on her appearance relevant to her and her boyfriend,” said Kiersh.

Kiersh said touching Scott was a way to maintain control over the situation and exert a level of dominance. The lawyer claimed that the officer engaged in improper conduct during the interview in order to extract her guilt.

On the stand, the detective rebutted the idea of any domineering behavior and claimed this line of questioning from the defense was “outrageous.”

The defense also challenged the detective for not having a full autopsy report prior to the interview.

In response the prosecution maintained there was nothing wrong with white lies in building rapport and getting Scott to confess about being responsible.

Prosecutors also called on Scott’s best friend’s sister who recounted an instance at her sister’s house in Maryland. The witness stated that she “saw her [Scott] hit the little one,” that being the defendant’s Rhythm, then 2-year-old. She described the specific action as “popping.” Regarding how many times Scott hit the child, the witness said, “I lost count… it was more than five times.” When asked by defense attorney, Megan Allburn, she stated it was more than ten times.

Allburn asked the witness if any of the adults present during the incident in Maryland called Child Protective Services (CPS). The witness responded they did not. She did note that she had called CPS in response to similar instances in the past and they could not take the report because the witness could not provide Scott’s address.

When asked about the defendant’s conduct towards her children, the witness said, “she didn’t really engage with them… shirts were dirty.”

The witness also recounted seeing the defendant putting cough syrup in a bottle for Fields when she was about six months old, stating that the syrup “didn’t look like a prescription bottle,” and Fields did not seem sick. The witness recalled the defendant saying the medicine “was for her [Fields] to sleep.”

Prosecuting attorneys questioned the medical examiner about her conclusion that the manner of Fields’ death was a homicide. The injuries along Fields’ head, neck, and torso were consistent with blunt force trauma inflicted upon by a larger adult, not by another child or simple child-like horseplay, said the medical examiner.

They also noted that there were no signs of choking or asphyxiation, and no grape in Fields’ throat, which the defendant claimed was the cause of Fields’ death.

Kiersh then questioned the witness about whether Field’s injuries could be from falling from a crib, running into walls, or playing with other children, all of which the witness said were unlikely due to the extent of the injuries and the varying times at which they were inflicted.

Kiersh also asked the witness about her testimony in the grand jury where she defined the cause of death as a head injury. The witness clarified that she said only that head trauma was one of the more significant injuries and that the cause of death was from multiple blunt force traumas.

Prosecutors also called on Scott’s best friend since high school, who testified she visited the defendant’s residence three times between January 2017 and March 21, 2017. The witness recounted her interactions with Fields during these visits as well as her observations of Scott’s conduct with her children. According to the friend, she never saw injury on the children nor had she seen Scott beat her children.

The friend recalled talking to Scott on the phone on March 22, 2017, the day after Fields’ death. When the witness asked Scott what happened, she told her the baby choked on a grape.

According to the witness, about two months after the incident, she recalled seeing Scott to retrieve the keys to the C Street apartment because the defendant was moving in with her sister. The witness asked Scott if she had heard anything about the case to which Scott responded that the authoritries were trying to make it seem like she hit her kids.

The trial is scheduled to resume on June 3.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all arraignment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on June 2.

Morris Stokes, 71, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed. The charges arise from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 70-year-old Maurice Rowe, who died from blunt force trauma following an assault on Aug. 21, 2024, on the 1400 block of Downing St, NE.

Stoke’s attorneys, Derrick Page and Gemma Stevens, alerted the court that Stokes intended to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 23.

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