Retrial in a Homicide Case Despite Co-Defendant’s Incompetency

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

Prosecutors alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan they plan to retry a homicide defendant’s case following a mistrial, despite his co-defendant’s mental incompetence finding on June 2.

Robert Carpenter, 47, 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 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024.

Aillayh Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice for her alleged lying to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) about Carpenter’s involvement.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Ryan they plan on retrying Carpenter following a mistrial on May 13 after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict on all the counts. Prosecutors further stated they plan to try Carter alongside Carpenter.

Question’s about Carter’s competency have complicated the case. A further evaluation was ordered by Judge Ryan. In order for a defendant to stand trial they must be able to understand the charges against them and participate in their own defense.

The trial is slated to commence on March 16, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 31.

Stabbing Defendant Deemed Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean ordered a stabbing defendant undergo further mental evaluations following an incompetency finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on June 5.

On March 14, Amare Admasu, 32, received an 18 month suspended sentence, with two years of probation, for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in connection to his involvement in a stabbing that injured one. The incident occurred on May 3, 2022 at the Fort Totten Park on the 100 block of Gallatin Street, NE.

In April, his probation officer alerted the court he’d lost contact with Admasu and requested Judge McLean issue a bench warrant.

During the hearing, parties discussed a report received from DBH, which stated Admasu is mentally incompetent to stand trial meaning he’s unable to understand the charges and participate in his own defense.

Admasu’s defense attorney, Steven Polin, stated that Admasu “will have his immigrant status affected” due to his conviction and competency issues.

Judge McLean ordered Admasu to continue receiving treatment at St. Elizabeths and undergo further evaluations to see if competency could be restored.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 15.

Carjacking Defendant Explores Plea Deal

A carjacking defendant requested additional time to consider a plea deal extended by prosecutors during a hearing on June 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno.

Parren Hawkins, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Feb. 2 on the 300 block of 15th Street, NE.

According to court documents, the carjacking victim told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that the suspect had stolen his belongings and vehicle, including his phone and wallet, while pointing a gun at him.

Hawkins was arrested shortly after on the 600 block of Darrington Street, SE, after he allegedly crashed the stolen vehicle, according to court records.

During the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Salerno they had extended a plea deal, which would require Hawkins plead guilty to armed carjacking and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for their not seeking an indictment.

Judge Salerno granted the defendant’s request for additional time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 9.

Teen Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Denied Release

A teen murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges, and was denied release on June 2 by DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Jaylen Suggs, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed while committing or attempting to commit robbery, attempted robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and four charges of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty. The incident occurred on April 25, 2024, on the 4500 block of Sheriff Road, NE

Kevann Gardner, Suggs’ defense attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and requested Suggs be released pending further proceedings. Judge Ryan denied the request, stating Suggs would continue to be held “to keep the community safe.”

Parties are slated to reconvene July 3.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Shooting at Ex-Girlfriend’s New Lover

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on June 4 before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel.

Reginald Datcher, 54, was initially charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 20, 2024, on the 400 block of Hillside Road, SE.

According to court documents, Datcher shot at his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

During the hearing, Datcher’s attorney, Charles Haskell, alerted Judge Israel that Datcher planned to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Defense Has ‘Serious Reservations’ About Carjacking Defendant’s Competency

In a hearing on June 4, DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted the defense’s request for a second competency screening of a carjacking defendant who had previously been found competent.

Derrick Curtis, 23, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in the carjacking of a moped on Dec. 30, 2024 on the 1500 Block of Benning Road NE.

According to court documents, Curtis pushed a driver off his moped before allegedly fleeing on the stolen scooter.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Curtis’ attorney, requested that his client undergo a second competency screening stating his “serious reservations about his competency.”

Judge Hertzfeld granted the request, and Curtis is to undergo screening at St. Elizabeths. The prosecution had no objections.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Carjacking Defendant’s Release Request Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release on June 3 due to his pending gun related charges in Maryland.

Kendall Joiner, 21, and Daniel Aligbasia, 19, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in a incident that occurred on May 30, 2024 on the 2000 block of Savannah St, SE.

According to court documents, the victim received a call from Aligbasia, someone the victim previously knew for three-to-four-years, asking to be driven to the incident location to meet Joiner, a friend of Aligbasia’s. Joiner allegedly produced a firearm, and pistol whipped the victim multiple times across the face. After a struggle over the keys, the victim received another strike to the face, leaving a large cut on his head.

The victim was forced out of their vehicle, a phone was thrown out of the window, and both suspects drove off in the victim’s vehicle, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Selano Simmons, Joiner’s attorney, requested his release from incarceration while plea offers were being discussed. However, the prosecution argued that the severity and time of the crime taking place during the day does argue against release. They also pointed out that Joiner is facing separate gun related charges in Maryland.

Judge Di Toro ruled that Joiner not be released over concerns that he would be held in Maryland’s custody which could delay this case.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 17.

Uber Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 30 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced a shooting defendant to 30 months of incarceration at a sentencing hearing on June 2.

On March 28, Sean Butler, 29, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, endangerment with a firearm, felony destruction of property, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 6, 2024 on the 2000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Butler shot 12 times at the trunk of an Uber vehicle. The driver was unharmed.

Matthew Rist, Butler’s attorney, and the prosecution agreed that Butler struggled with chronic mental health issues, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Over the course of his life, according to Rist, Butler reportedly checked himself into various mental health facilities.

Rist linked Butler’s history of mental health struggles to the incident, claiming that he acted on a perception of danger. Rist argued that, given his condition, Butler should be taken to a prison with a federal medical facility instead of a standard prison.

Rist noted the defendant’s positive relationship with his family and boxing community. Butler’s mother attended the hearing. The victim of the shooting did not appear in court.

The prosecution drew attention to Butler’s endangering the public and that he appeared conscious of his own guilt. During the hearing, the prosecution showed video footage of the incident, detailing how Butler created a “zone of danger” including construction workers and a woman with a stroller near the scene. The prosecutor also argued Butler was seen quickly fleeing the scene through a nearby apartment complex.

Judge Lee encouraged Butler to take more proactive steps to manage his mental health condition, advising him to take medication consistently and meet with a mental health professional. Such actions would not only benefit himself, but his community, according to Judge Lee.

The judge imposed a sentence of 30 months for each of the charges, which are set to run concurrently.

No further dates were set.

Jury Trial Delayed For Defense to Prepare

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted a shooting defendant’s attorney’s request to delay trial for a week on June 3, since the attorney wasn’t ready and needed more time to prepare.

Shaqunda Reed, 32, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and carrying a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on March 2, 2024, on the 800 block of Florida Avenue, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting, where they located evidence including cartridge casings. No injuries were reported.

In what was supposed to be the first day of trial, Sara Kopecki, Reed’s attorney, alerted Judge Di Toro that she wasn’t able to move forward at this time. The prosecution did not have any objections to the delay, and Judge Di Toro granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 9.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Request to Terminate Probation

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and a stabbing defendant’s attorney requested a probation be terminated and deemed unsuccessful before a reluctant DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on June 3.

Tyrone Graham, 43, was sentenced to 120 days for simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 13, 2024 at the intersection of 12th and U Street, NW.

During the hearing, a representative from CSOSA alerted DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno that Graham has failed to check in with his case manager, has skipped and tested positive in drug tests.

Wole Falodun, Graham’s attorney, requested his probation be terminated, stating he had successfully completed outpatient care in the past and is in the process of completing it a second time. According to Falodun, Graham’s relapse in the past few months is due to his substandard housing in an unsafe community as an obstacle to substance treatment.

Falodun, in agreement with Graham’s probation officer, requested to terminate his probation and deem it as unsuccessful. Judge Salerno stated that Graham could either attempt proper recovery under an extended probation or go back to complete his sentence.

Following Judge Salerno’s ruling, Graham told the court the chances of his successful completion of probation are slim, but agreed to undergo treatment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Sept. 19.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 21 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to 21 years of incarceration during sentencing on May 30.

Johnwann Elliott , 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Nikia Young on March 15, 2022, on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue SE.

Young’s mother and godsister who were present at the sentencing hearing expressed their grief and longing for justice. During the victim impact statements, Young’s mother was in tears as she recounted telling her daughter to be careful leaving the house the morning of the incident. She grieved that Elliott still has the opportunity to experience life, which her daughter lost.

Young’s godsister emphasized that Young was permanently stripped from the opportunity to grow and live a full life.

In a statement to Judge Raffinan she said, “I pray that you usher this man’s justice to God.”

After stating that there was no clear motive in the case, the prosecution repeatedly referred to the nature of the murder as “senseless,” arguing that the incident was “not a robbery gone wrong… This was violence for violences’ sake.”

The prosecution played a video surveillance clip of the incident, showing Elliot intercepting the victim at on Minnesota Avenue, pushing her to the ground, and shooting her multiple times at close range.

Elliot’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, brought the defendant’s mental health and substance abuse issues to the forefront, these allegedly stemming from his unresolved childhood trauma. O’Sullivan noted that Elliot was raised by a family friend of his mother after she was stabbed and killed when he was four-months-old. His father was absent. The defendant recalled feeling neglected in his family since the family friend who raised him often favored her biological children.

O’Sullivan highlighted that after having had time for introspection between now and the incident in 2022, Elliott recognized he needs help and has developed work and family-focused goals, wanting to show his 11-year-old daughter that change is possible. This and the defendant’s accepting responsibility should indicate maturity and the first steps to change, according to O’Sullivan.

The defense and prosecution agreed to a recommendation of 21 years of incarceration prior to the sentencing, which Judge Raffinan accepted. Elliott was also sentenced to five years of supervised release for second-degree murder, and one year and ten months of incarceration along with three years of supervised release for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. His sentences run concurrently.

Elliott must also contribute $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund within a year of release, and register as a gun offender at the time of release, and must participate in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Investigating Trinidad Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on June 2 on the 1200 block of Raum Street, NE. The victim, identified as 33-year-old Kalil Jerald Brown of Northeast, DC, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Expert Witnesses Testify to Abuse in Infanticide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park ruled to allow expert testimony describing the infant victim’s extensive trauma in an infanticide case on June 3.

Faneshia Scott, 38, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder of a victim that was especially vulnerable due to age, and seven counts of first-degree cruelty to children. The charges are based on Scott’s alleged involvement in the abuse and fatal beating of her 16-month old daughter, Rhythm Fields, and abuse of her two other children, which occurred on the 5400 block of C Street, SE on March 21, 2017.

During the hearing, the prosecutors insisted that the injuries and abuse inflicted upon Scott’s children was intentional and knowingly carried out.

Scott’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued that the victim’s injuries were not disputable, but rather what caused the injuries and if her death was a direct cause of it.

The prosecution introduced expert testimony from a forensic anthropologist. The witness conducted a post-mortem skeletal exam on Fields, and presented the jury with a detailed analysis of the injuries found in Fields’ ribcage.

The expert confirmed that the 23 fractures identified in her examination of the ribcage were inconsistent with standard administration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an accidental fall, or normal handling of a child. Further, the witness claimed there were indicators of constriction found in the victim’s ribcage which could have only been inflicted by an adult.

Additionally, the prosecution brought out a witness who is a friend of Scott’s friend. In her testimony, she claimed that Scott had allegedly harmed the victim while in her car on one occasion. When asked by the prosecutors about the event, the witness claimed that Scott was sitting in the backseat and when she heard Scott’s baby crying as Scott yelled, “She bad as s***.”

Scott’s other attorney, Megan Allburn, questioned if the witness was sure that Scott had hit her child, but she remained adamant that there was no other reason for the child to have burst into tears.

Further, the witness recalled hearing about Fields’ death from a mutual friend on the day it happened, noting that the friend sounded upset.

Prosecutors also called on a social worker who, at the time of the incident, investigated Scott’s case. She testified that her responsibility was to assess the potential presence of child neglect and determine the safety of the children in the Scott household.

In her investigation, the witness learned that Scott was not the person regularly taking her children to medical appointments. According to the social worker, Fields’ godmother, who was also the person who found Fields dead on March 21, 2017, was the one taking them.

The witness testified that Scott administered Robitussin to Fields, a medication not generally recommended for toddlers due to potential side effects of agitation, drowsiness, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures.

Prosecutors called on a pediatrician to discuss the alleged presence of child abuse in the case. In her testimony, she explained that Fields experienced blunt force trauma to the head, which caused bleeding inside the head, retinal bleeding, and injury to the tongue caused by biting down from repeated trauma. Other injuries included fractured ribs, bleeding from the pancreas, and bruising.

Such injuries were too severe to be inflicted by another child, the pediatrician claimed.

The witness believed abuse was present given the extent of the victim’s wounds.

Prosecutors also called on an acquaintance of Scott’s, who testified that when she separated from her husband, she moved in with her mother and her teenaged sons to live with Scott, who she identified as Nene.

The acquaintance’s son also testified, noting that he considered Scott’s kids his siblings, and shared a special bond with Fields. While he never witnessed any abuse or neglect of Fields at the apartment, he found Fields with a black eye one day after coming home from school. According to the witness, Scott reasoned that Fields’ older sibling had hit her sister with the blunt end of a toy.

One night, a while before Fields had died, the witness testified, Scott left the apartment at nine p.m. and did not return until the witness needed to leave the apartment to make it to school, leaving the kids alone for an undetermined amount of time.

However, the witness explained that he and his brother were rarely home during the day, and would often return later in the evening due to after school activities.

Due to time constraints, the witness was unable to conclude his testimony.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 4.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for Homicide, Denies Defendant’s Release But Highlights Problems in DC Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause a defendant acted as a getaway driver for a homicide during a preliminary hearing on May 30.

Byron Sneed, 40, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Raymond Washington on June 30, 2024 on the 4100 block of New Hampshire Avenue, NW. Washington sustained a single gunshot wound to his lower left back that damaged his heart and left lung.

According to court documents, a fight over a gun occurred between Washington and two other young men. Following the altercation, surveillance video reportedly captured the two men leaving an apartment, getting into a burgundy Hyundai, and Sneed allegedly driving them to carry out a drive-by shooting targeting Washington.

Before issuing his ruling, Judge Ryan summarized arguments presented by parties during the preliminary hearing held the previous day. Neither the defense nor prosecution disputed that Sneed drove the car during the incident.

Judge Ryan said prosecutors argued Sneed aided and abetted first-degree murder by driving the car and presented surveillance evidence of the car’s route. Sneed’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, argued there is no evidence linking Sneed to the younger individuals, he was innocently helping them, and there was no premeditation.

Judge Ryan found probable cause Sneed facilitated the getaway for the murder because the path, speed, and mode of transportation indicate distinct and purposeful travel by Sneed.

Fullwood-Singh requested Sneed’s release on home confinement. Fullwood-Singh informed the court Sneed sustained an injury from a fall down 16 concrete steps two years ago and since his incarceration, his wound has grown and is infected.

Fullwood-Singh emphasized the length of time between when the jail changed Sneed’s bandages and showed the court graphic photos of his wound bleeding through his clothes. “DC Jail is ill-equipped to care for people,” said Fullwood-Singh.

Judge Ryan noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, US Marshals discovered unhealthy conditions in the DC Jail and since then then the goal has been to avoid sending people there unless absolutely necessary.

According to a D.C. Witness report last year, in 2021, the US Marshals Service determined after an inspection that DC Jail conditions “do not meet the minimum standards of confinement as prescribed by the Federal Performance-Based Detention Standards.”

Based on that review, the marshals removed 400 detainees in their custody from the facility.

The judge said he will pursue the health issue with the DC Department of Corrections.

Judge Ryan noted Sneed had positive drug tests at the time of his incarceration, previous bench warrants, and a criminal history.

Fullwood-Singh pointed out that Sneed’s most recent contact with the legal system was 25 years ago and said since then he “lived an extremely peaceful life.”

Judge Ryan denied the request to release Sneed but said he would reevaluate his ruling if Sneed does not receive proper medical treatment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.

Judge Denies Youthful Carjacking Suspect’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release during a June 2 hearing.

Anardo Little, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting and carjacking incident that occurred on Oct. 14, 2024 on the 1200 block of H Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Susan Ellis, Little’s attorney, argued for Little to be released to home confinement, emphasizing his youth and the fact that certain services, such as those provided by St. Elizabeths Hospital for mental patients, are unavailable in the DC Jail. Ellis proposed that Little could stay with his mother, who has consistently attended all his hearings

The prosecutor opposed the request for Little’s release. The judge expressed a willingness to explore creative solutions to provide necessary services for Little while he remains incarcerated, butdenying the defense’s request due to the seriousness of his charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 23.

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