‘I was Scared, My Dirty Laundry was Spilling,’ Says Murder Suspect’s Former Lover

A woman who had an affair with a homicide defendant testified March 2 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park that she lied to the police in order to conceal her affair.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed. These charges come from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023. Edwards sustained four gunshot wounds.

Defense attorneys Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White continued their cross examination of the woman who was engaging in an extramarital affair with Tyler.

She said she was not aware of the crime, but did spend both the morning and the evening with the defendant on the day of the shooting. She said she did not notice anything in his behavior to indicate that he was involved in that afternoon’s shooting.

The woman said she dropped Tyler off at Edwards’ apartment building, where Tyler also sometimes lived, to pick up some of his belongings.

She remained in the car when he went inside and allegedly shot Edwards. After returning to the car, she said they spent the rest of the day together

The woman confirmed that Tyler was moving with “no urgency” after exiting the apartment building, and that he was “walking like he normally would.”

She also confirmed that Tyler did not change his shirt throughout the day, including between when he entered the building where the shooting occurred and when he exited the building.

Gardner asserted that the woman felt hesitant to give her phone to the police because she had private, personal information on her phones.

She confirmed, while getting emotional, that she would never commit a crime or lie to the police, a grand jury, or a lawyer about a crime for Tyler.

During the prosecution’s redirect, she described how she felt “intimidated and manipulated” by the detective.

The prosecution provided the woman with a document that she identified as a consent to search form, which she claimed she did not see until after the detective confiscated her phone, and when the prosecutor pointed out her signature and the date on the document, indicating that she signed it on the day her phones were confiscated, she said it was “backdated” and that the signature was “not (her) handwriting.”

A month after the shooting, the woman was interviewed by the lead homicide detective when she went to pick up her confiscated belongings. In the interview, she failed to identify Tyler correctly, instead referring to him as “Henry,” and told the detective that she was no longer in a relationship with him, which she later testified was false.

The witness admitted that she was not forthcoming in the interview, not because of “that heinous crime,” but because she realized what she was doing “morally wasn’t right with regard to her husband and Tyler.” She testified that the only thing that she lied about in the interview was Tyler, because she “was scared, (her) dirty laundry was spilling.”

The defense objected to the admission of text messages between the woman involved and the defendant, arguing that many of the messages were not from the day of the incident and were therefore irrelevant. Defense counsel also argued the messages could unfairly prejudice the jury.

However, the prosecution argued that certain messages about money and being “ready to do a move,” sent shortly before the shooting, were relevant to motive and intent.

The judge ruled the messages admissible, finding them relevant and not prejudicial.

Jurors were shown text messages in which the woman referred to the defendant as “Chris” and “Black A**.” In one message she wrote, “I don’t care where the money come from atp.” Other messages reflected concern about her husband discovering the communications.

Additional messages included a statement sent the day before the shooting that read, “I’m ready to do a move.”

The prosecution indicated that they intend to call three more witnesses, two civilians and a medical examiner. The prosecution is slated to rest their case on March 4.

Trial is set to resume March 3.

Judge Orders Metro Shooting Suspect’s Mental Health Evaluation Again

A murder subject’s state of mind and physical condition were the subjects of a March 4 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

The defendant,Isaiah Trotman, 34, Isaiah Trotman is charged with first-degree murder while armed, 27 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and 13 counts of kidnapping while armed.

He allegedly opened fire at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, located on the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, on Feb. 1, 2023. The shooting fatally injured 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, and left two others with life-threatening injuries.

Trotman was a “medical scratch” by the US Marshals, meaning he wasn’t healthy enough to come to the courthouse from the DC Jail to take part in the proceedings. It was the third time Trotman failed to appear.

Given Trotman’s tenuous situation, parties in the case engaged in an extended, private conversation with Judge Ryan about possible next steps.

A January jury trial was delayed after doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested up to two months to complete Trotman’s mental examination. Since then Trotman has had four mental observation hearings scheduled.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must be mentally able to understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer.

Trotman’s legal team of Mani Golzari and Ashley Guzman expressed concern about Trotman’s medical treatment at the jail including the need for a suicide watch following a “schizophrenia attack.”

Further, his lawyers averred that when they saw Trotman he was barefoot which they described as “disturbing.”

“There’s a lack of understanding about what their responsibilities are,”Judge Ryan responded, criticizing the jail,

He ordered another mental health evaluation screening on March 12.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Messy’ Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum found probable cause in a stabbing case on Feb. 23.

Antonio Halfacre, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault grave risk while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE, on Feb. 15.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a call for a fight in a transitional home. When the police arrived, they located no suspects, only the victim bleeding and suffering from two stab wounds to his back. The victim initially stated that Halfacre was behind him when he was hit three times in the back, but never saw Halfacre holding a knife.

In a later interview, court documents state that the victim reported to MPD that he saw Halfacre holding a knife during the incident.

At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called an MPD detective who responded to the scene. The detective said she never identified a suspect while on scene, only in pictures and later interviews with witnesses. The detective identified Halfacre as the suspect in the courtroom.

Halfacre’s attorney, Neveen Hammad, confirmed with the detective that other witnesses she interviewed did not see the suspect with a weapon or committing the stabbing. The detective also agreed when Hammad said that Halfacre told police he was involved in the altercation to stop the other two men from fighting when he saw someone with a knife and got scared.

Hammad also noted that MPD found a knife on scene that belonged to the victim. According to the detective, the victim said he had the knife for work and tried to use it to defend himself during the incident, when he dropped and lost the knife under the couch.

The prosecution argued there was enough evidence for “more than probable cause.” A witness questioned on scene stated Halfacre admitted to stabbing the victim in the back, said prosecutors. They added that the victim’s statements that Halfacre was behind him aligned with the stab wounds to his back.

Hammad argued there was no probable cause because the witness’ statement on scene could not be corroborated by anyone else and was never recorded.

Hammad argued the inconsistent statements from witnesses and the victim, as well as the lack of proof of Halfacre’s confession. Additionally, Hammad noted the use of the word “‘hit” from the victim, stating “if someone was stabbed they would likely know they were just stabbed.” She also argued the witnesses were shown only one picture of Halfacre instead of an array of suspects, which made it highly suggestive.

Judge Hildum said “it’s a messy case,” with inconsistencies, but that there is “more than enough evidence to ensure probable cause.”

In arguing for release, Hammad argued Halfacre acted out of self-defense, as he wanted to intervene in the altercation to stop the fight, but got scared when he saw a knife. She asked for release with a GPS monitor, stating Halfacre is a “very gentle, quiet person” that had older prior offenses but has been on good behavior and compliant with alcohol testing.

The prosecution contested, asking for Halfacre’s continued detention and arguing he had a criminal history and was only recently released from supervision. They stated this is a violent case which left a hospitalized victim and this recent release period demonstrated is still Halfacre is still dangerous. release.

Judge Hildum ultimately decided to maintain Halfacre’s hold, noting his extensive criminal record and severity of the case.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 24.

Judge Finds Probable Cause for 16-Year-Old Homicide Defendant

In a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27, DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause for first-degree murder while armed for a juvenile homicide defendant’s being tried as an adult.

Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Roy Bennett Jr., 20, on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE, on Dec. 5, 2025. Prosecutors can try juveniles as an adult based on the seriousness of crime.

Judge Ryan based his decision on the number of witnesses, the timing of the shots and the wounds the victim suffered.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) homicide detective, who responded to the scene and investigated the shooting, agreed to have her arrest warrant for Johnson adopted as her sworn testimony.

This document included still images taken from surveillance footage at the apartment building where the shooting occurred. According to the detective’s testimony, several witnesses identified the person in these images as the defendant.

From an interview with an eyewitness, the detective learned that at the time of the shooting, the defendant was allegedly sitting on a couch behind the victim.

The detective also testified to listening to songs posted on the defendant’s Instagram story after the homicide. The lyrics mentioned the victim’s nickname, in reference to his getting shot and killed. Audio clips of these songs were played for the court.

The lyrics also mentioned Johnson’s brother. According to the detective’s testimony, a witness said the brother’s death could have been a possible motive for the shooting, insinuating that the victim was in some way involved.

The detective said the police responded to a 911 call from someone saying their nephew, Johnson, wanted to turn himself in for the Dec. 5 murder. However, Johnson did not give a statement when apprehended.

In the defense’s cross examination, Johnson’s defense attorney, Jessie Winograd, revealed there had been two different accounts of events from the eyewitness.

The detective said the eyewitness initially said he was in the bathroom at the time of the shooting and did not see it. However, several hours later he said he was only in the bathroom for the first shot, and saw the subsequent shots fired.

According to the detective, the witness initially lied because Johnson had threatened him.

Winograd also confirmed with the detective that much of the information about the shooting from various witnesses was not heard directly from the parties involved, but rathe from secondary sources.

The prosecution argued for probable cause for first-degree murder while armed based on premeditation and deliberation committing the crime. The prosecutor said premeditation was shown by the seven shots, which indicated that Johnson had the intention to kill Bennett.

The prosecution further argued that deliberation was evident due to actions Johnson took prior to the shooting. According to the prosecution this included Johnson’s telling an eyewitness to delete their call history, bringing a firearm to the scene, and sitting behind Bennett before shooting him .

The prosecutor said she was confident that Johnson was the shooter because he was identified by multiple witnesses.

Winograd argued that this shooting was more likely a spontaneous act, and no one knows why it occurred.

Witnesses said they did not hear or see any argument before the defendant and victim prior to the shooting. Winograd argued this means there is no probable cause for premeditation.

The defense argued that many of the witnesses in this case have a reason to lie and implicate Johnson, due to their close relationships with the victim.

Judge Ryan agreed with the prosecution that the number of shots fired satisfies the element of premeditation. He also found that the time between shots fired to different parts of the victim’s body counts as deliberation.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 26 to discuss bond review.

Suspect in 13-Year-Old Fatal Stabbing Case Waives DNA Testing

With the aid of an interpreter, a 51-year-old murder suspect declined his right to test DNA evidence in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 4.

The materials in question, according to the prosecutor, consisted of 52 items from a Toyota pick-up truck seized in Texas.

According to a release from the U.S.Attorney’s Office, Angel Monge, a Salvadoran, “was transported from El Salvador to the United States by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, on October 18, 2024.”

Monge, also known as Alex Lobos and Alex Villalobos, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of 49-year-old Matias Molina on Sept. 1, 2013 at the intersection of Beach Drive and Joyce Road, NW.

During a hearing last year, Monge’s then attorney, Joseph Yarbough, said that Monge was asserting his right to test prosecution evidence for DNA as stipulated by the Innocence Protection Act.

Given the language barrier Judge Ryan and Monge’s new attorney Kevin O’ Sullivan wanted to make sure the defendant understood the rights he was abandoning by his decision. In fact, Judge Ryan called a brief recess for parties to discuss the issue.

Afterword, Judge Ryan said that Monge has ‘willingly and voluntarily” surrendered his rights to DNA testing.

Given that Monge’s is a cold case, DNA testimony will likely play a major role in the proceedings. “This is not the first time we’ve talked about it,”said the prosecutor who filed a motion against putting off the long delayed trial scheduled for October.

However, Judge Ryan pushed back the trial date to Aug. 20, 2027 “in deference to the new counsel’s position.”

According to court documents, Judge Ryan also ordered a mental observation hearing for Monge on March 12 to determine if he has the mental capacity to stand trial.

Defendant’s Neighbor Recalls Seeing Shooting Suspect Talk to Victim

A defense attorney questioned the accuracy of the defendant’s neighbor’s testimony that recounted a shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 4.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, and unlawful possession of ammunition for to his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on April 15, 2024, on the 2300 Block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. The victim sustained one non-fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

A man who lived in the same apartment building as Gladden testified that he saw the victim bleeding through his shirt from his back on a ground-level patio.

The neighbor said he was inside before the shooting and went outside after hearing a gunshot. He said he spoke to the victim, who told him Gladden had shot him and pointed in the general direction of Gladden’s apartment.

The neighbor said he saw Gladden run to his friend’s car and they drove away. He initially said he had not seen Gladden that day until the shooting, then said he remembered seeing Gladden and the victim talking earlier.

During cross-examination, Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, pointed out that the victim was not standing and could not actually see Gladden’s apartment. He just gestured to the left.

“So we’re getting your interpretation of what happened, not what actually happened, right?” Thomas said to the neighbor.

Thomas asked the neighbor if he “miraculously” remembered seeing Gladden talk to the victim after the prosecutors “refreshed” his memory. The neighbor answered “yes.”

The neighbor said he knew at the time of the incident that the shooter was Gladden, but did not tell the police because they didn’t ask. He said he could not see whether the individual running to the car had a gray beard like Gladden’s.

He said he knew Gladden lived in the apartment building but had only spoken to him in passing.

The prosecution showed the court photos of letters, bills, mail stamps, and a credit card, all containing Gladden’s name and address. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who executed the search warrant for Gladden’s apartment said police allegedly found ammunition and gun accessories

Thomas argued that although these pieces of evidence had Gladden’s name on them, there was no date to signify how long the material had been in the apartment. Thomas added that the address on the material was Good Hope Road, which was renamed Marion Barry Avenue on Nov. 18, 2023.

The officer also said investigators did not recover a firearm or any DNA evidence from the residence.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 5.

‘Never to Forget You or Your Cases,’ Judge Tells Shooting Defendant at Sentencing

A non-fatal shooting defendant was sentenced to four-and-a-half years incarceration by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on March 3.

Kamari Childs, 20, accepted a plea deal for three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of unlawful possession with a firearm, with a prior conviction. All charges stem from Childs’ involvement in a shooting that occurred on Sept. 15, 2025 on the King-Greenleaf Recreation Center on the 200 block of N Street, SW.

“[I am] never to forget you or your cases.” Judge McLean stated to Childs. Judge McLean was the previous judge on Childs’ case in which she imposed just probation a week before the shooting occurred.

Judge McLean imposed a sentence of one year for possession of a firearm and two years for each count of assault with a dangerous weapon under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA). All sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon are to run consecutive, with the one year charge running concurrent to them all.

Judge McLean also imposed three years supervised release, all suspended, in favor of two years probation following release. Along with ninety hours of community service and for Childs to be registered as a gun offender in DC after release.

As a part of the plea deal accepted on Nov. 4, parties agreed the prosecution would keep their sentencing request at the bottom half of the D.C. Sentencing Commission’s guidelines, one year minimum and ten years maximum.

On March 3, the prosecution said Childs had been released on probation just a week prior to this incident on a separate gun offender charge.

A video was played by the prosecution, showing the King-Greenleaf Recreation Center and children and teens playing at the facility at the time of the shooting. A person wearing all black, identified by prosecutors as Childs, could be seen walking towards the playground and firing three shots towards a red slide.

A second video showed a different view of the recreation center, and the children and teens running after gunshots were heard.

The prosecution claimed that two shots Childs fired hit the red slide in the video, a spot in which people were sitting, and the third’s end point could not be found, only the shell casing.

“Mr.Childs is incredibly lucky,” the prosecutor stated, explaining that Childs did not injure anyone.

Prosecutors argued for six years incarceration for Childs, saying “he failed probation the first time”.

Childs’ defense attorney, Wole Falodun, argued that “the record reflects a single impulsive episode”.

Falodun stated his client is not beyond rehabilitation and that Childs choosing to plead guilty is a demonstration of acceptance of responsibility.

Falodun requested Childs’ be sentenced under the YRA, which could lessen the sentence and seal it after successful completion. He requested Childs only be sentenced to two years in prison.

“I am sorry,” Childs said. “Very sorry to the people.”

No further dates were set.

‘It Was Devastating,’ Victim’s Friend Testifies in Murder Trial

A murder victim’s friend said that losing him was “devastating” during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 3.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34, on July 7, 2023, on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE. Edwards sustained gunshot wounds to his chest, back, arm, and leg.

A friend and neighbor of Edwards testified that she saw a man running from the direction of Edwards’ apartment immediately after hearing the shooting. Edwards’ friend told the prosecutor that she lived in the basement of the apartment building and her unit was positioned next to the stairs and back door.

She testified that she and Edwards were close friends who saw each other every day. Edwards was a homebody who would often leave his door unlocked because he felt so comfortable in the building, his friend explained. She said Edwards was “like the neighborhood watch” because he was always home.

Edwards’ friend said that on the day of the shooting, while sitting in her unit, she heard five-to-six gunshots. She told the jury that at first, she thought the sound was leftover fireworks from the fourth of July, but then realized they were gunshots because of the loud echoes and usual quietness of the building.

She texted Edwards to ask whether he knew what the loud sound was but got no response, she said. Then, she stated that she tried calling him but he didn’t answer the phone.

Edwards’ friend said that a few seconds after the shooting, she looked out of her door’s peephole and saw someone running towards the backdoor of the apartment complex, coming from somewhere upstairs. She said because of the angle of her door, she only saw the person’s back half and only saw him running for a second, but identified him as a black male wearing all black.

On cross-examination, Tyler’s attorney, Elizabeth White, pointed out that when Edwards’ friend testified in front of a grand jury, she said the man running had hair. Tyler is bald, White noted.

Edwards’ friend told White that she couldn’t “really remember” the details because the shooting happened in 2023. After Edwards’ death, his friend said she didn’t go back to work for a month and was on anxiety and depression medication.

“It was devastating” she said, leading her to black those few months out of her mind.

Tyler’s cousin, who lived on the third floor of the apartment building near Edwards’ unit, testified that Tyler visited him regularly. He said that he let Tyler stay in his apartment and leave his clothes there.

Tyler’s cousin testified that he lost his keys in November 2022, and did not get replacements until a few months prior to his testimony. Therefore, he would leave his apartment door unlocked, use a coat hanger to pick the lock of the back door, and sometimes the front door of the building was propped open.

In July 2023, Tyler’s cousin explained that he wasn’t usually in his apartment because there was no air conditioning. He said that he did not know who came to his apartment when he was not there, but it was possible that Tyler did.

Tyler’s cousin said that Tyler would come over with his girlfriend, who lived in the apartment complex across the street.

On cross-examination, Tyler’s other attorney, Kevann Gardner, asked Tyler’s cousin if his girlfriend was the only woman he brought over. He said no, Tyler brought multiple women to his apartment.

Another neighbor of Edwards testified that while on a work call, she heard loud noises that she thought were fireworks. After ending the call, she looked into the hallway and saw bloody footprints going downstairs. Additionally, the neighbor said she heard Edwards’ brother on the phone reporting the shooting.

The neighbor said that Edwards was a good neighbor, who she would see almost every day.

Another witness, Tyler’s friend, identified him as “Henry” during his testimony. He testified that his cousin was in a relationship with Tyler. The two of them would often stay at Tyler’s friend’s apartment in Southeast DC.

Tyler’s friend also corroborated that he had seen Tyler with multiple women, including one that lived across the street from the Ames Street apartment complex.

During cross examination, Tyler’s friend said he knew nothing about anyone shot and killed in July 2023.

The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Edwards’ body testified that Edwards’ cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death was homicide. She attributed this to the number of gunshot wounds, the location of the gunshot wounds, and the lack of stippling or soot on his skin or clothes.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 4.

Teen’s Assailant Receives 18 Year Murder Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant who fatally shot his classmate to 18 years in prison on Feb. 20.

On Dec. 17, 2025, 20-year-old Carlton Simon pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Angel Dominguez, 17, on May 29, 2025 on the 900 block of Florida Avenue, NW. Dominguez sustained five gunshot wounds to his chest, calf, thigh, knee, and forearm.

Several members of Dominguez’s family were present at Simon’s sentencing and delivered emotional impact statements.

“This is a very unfortunate situation for both families,” Dominguez’s “second mother” said. “Losing Angel has cost me so much trauma and pain…I have never felt loss like this,” she stated.

Dominguez’s second mother remarked that although she didn’t carry him in her womb, she loved him like he was her own. Now, she said, she will carry him in her heart forever.

She told Judge Edelman that her six-year-old daughter cried for Dominguez constantly. Dominguez made a promise to watch her daughter grow up and take her to prom because he said didn’t trust any other guys with her, according to his second mother. Now, he will never get to do that. In a video played before the court, the young girl sadly said “I miss my brother.”

The prosecutors read letters on behalf of family members and friends who were unable to give their statements in court.

In her letter, Dominguez’s ex-girlfriend wrote that when she saw him in his casket, she couldn’t help but think “where is smile, his laughter, his life?” Dominguez deserved a fighting chance, said his ex-girlfriend.

Dominguez’s brother’s letter stated that “when Angel passed, I felt like a part of me passed with him.” He “would do anything to bring him back,” and misses his brother deeply.

In his letter, Dominguez’s father asked for justice to be served and for those who decided Simon’s sentence to be wise.

Dominguez’s mother also asked for justice. Her letter said that she worked many jobs in her life, but the most important one was being a mother. “My whole world came to a stop” when Dominguez died, she wrote.

The prosecutor reminded the court that Dominguez was only 17-years-old and obtaining his GED. On the day of the shooting, when Simon approached Dominguez, Dominguez walked away. It was Simon who pulled out a gun and grabbed Dominguez’s backpack before shooting him in the chest, noted prosecutors.

The prosecutor asked Judge Edelman to not allow the mitigating circumstances of the case to reduce Simon’s sentence. Allegations of verbal threats against Simon, Dominguez’s criminal record, or previous alleged robberies do not justify a calculated killing, she argued.

According to the prosecutor, the assertion that Simon didn’t mean harm was wrong because he bragged about killing Dominguez online, rapping about it. “He wasn’t shying away from what he did,” she asserted. “He chose to act with violence, he intended to act with violence,” and now he must suffer the consequences of the violence, said the prosecutor.

The prosecutor asked for Simon to be sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment.

Defense attorney Kevin Irving disagreed, saying Simon wasn’t bragging about the shooting. Irving argued Simon rapping online was simply making music with his friends. Rap lyrics just include that sort of language, he insisted.

According to Irving, when detectives began questioning Simon about the shooting, he broke down and admitted what he did. Simon continued to suffer over this, Irving said, and motioned towards Simon crying in court. Irving asked for the low end of the sentencing guideline.

Given his emotions, Simon asked Irving to read his prepared statement to the court. In it Simon said that he was sincerely apologetic for what he did. “I never wanted this to happen,” said Simon. “I felt like if I didn’t protect myself, I would be gone,” he stated.

In the statement, Simon pleaded with Judge Edelman to let him see his mother again and be with his family. Simon expressed that he wanted to right this wrong.

This situation is “just tragic all around,” Judge Edelman explained. He said that both young men were in the same situation, trying to do the right thing by going to school and getting work experience. Simon and Dominguez both brought guns with them to school that day and that is what escalated this situation, said the judge.

He noted that it’s clear Dominguez was a loving and loyal family member and it seemed like he was trying to forge another path for himself. Simon was also a young man and it was his first adult criminal conviction, the judge stated. According to Judge Edelman, Simon accepted responsibility very early and also seemed to be on a better path.

Judge Edelman said that text messages indicated Simon was planning to do something to Dominguez on the day he was shot, showing there is no legal self-defense. However, Irving showed paperwork that this was not an isolated incident. Simon acted out of fear, a robbery to disarm the victim. “He was not acting in self-defense, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t afraid,” Judge Edelman proclaimed.

Judge Edelman said he received contextual material from people not involved in this incident. A friend of Simon’s wrote to the judge that Dominguez often bragged about robberies and carjacking, and had even done it to his classmates.

The former assistant principal of the school Simon and Dominguez attended also wrote a letter corroborating Simon’s defense. Judge Edelman explained that he viewed this letter as unbiased testimony.

The advocate wrote that Simon tried in school and made consistent effort, even when interpersonal conflicts arose. She said that Dominguez also experienced ongoing social conflicts and made hostile statements towards Simon.

Judge Edelman opined that this letter did not justify Simon’s actions, but it did provide context that the conflict between Simon and Dominguez wasn’t isolated to that day.

There was no justification for Simon’s actions, but the events underlying this case were more complex than the prosecution made it seem, Judge Edelman said.

Simon was sentenced to 18 years incarceration and five years of supervised release. Simon must register as a gun offender in DC and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund upon his release. Judge Edelman recommended that Simon enroll in mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, and a GED program.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a shooting defendant, who was recently released after 14 years on a separate case, to a total of eight years of imprisonment on March 3.

Davone Smith, 40, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence on Dec. 12, 2025. The charges stem from his involvement in a shooting that injured one victim on March 11, 2025 at the unit block of Mississippi Avenue, SE. The victim sustained one shot in his shoulder.

As part of the plea deal, parties agreed to a total sentence between seven-to-eight years in prison.

At sentencing, prosecutors noted at the time of the offense, Smith was recently released from prison after serving 14 years for a previous conviction. Wole Falodun, Smith’s attorney, said his client was on parole for the offense and will face a parole board at a later date. Parties did not elaborate on Smith’s prior offense.

The prosecution showed video footage of the incident, in which the victim and a witness stood in front of a building on Mississippi Avenue in broad daylight. The video showed an individual, identified by prosecutors as Smith, opening the front door of the building with a gun in his hand and firing shots.

In the video, the victim and witness tried to hide behind a car but the victim was shot once in the shoulder.

The prosecution argued that the victim and witness were minding their own business when the incident occurred. Prosecutors emphasized that an argument for self-defense was rebutted by the video evidence.

A sentence of eight years total imprisonment for all charges, the top of the guidelines was requested by the prosecution to Judge McLean.

Smith’s attorney, Wole Falodun, argued that the defendant “would have made a different decision” on that day looking back at the incident. Falodun claimed there was no difference between the bottom and the top of the plea agreement sentence.

Smith spoke, saying “I apologize to the victim.”

Judge McLean was concerned with “how causally [the incident] occurred.” Ultimately, Judge McLean accepted the agreed upon sentence range.

The final term imposed was six-and-a-half years for the assault charge, eight years for possession during a crime of violence, and four-and-a-half for unlawful possession. All sentences will run concurrent with each other followed by a three year period of supervised release.

Judge McLean ordered Smith to also seek mental health services during his imprisonment and supervised release. Smith must also register as a gun offender in DC.

No further dates have been set.

Judge Issues Warrant after ‘Extremely Ill,’ Homicide Defendant Misses Another Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman issued a bench warrant in a hearing on March 3 after a homicide defendant failed to appear and failed to comply with release conditions.

Phillip Palmer, 62, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the killing of 61 year-old Steven Stewart on the 600 block of 21st Street, NE on May 2.

Randall Mack, 43, is facing the same charges for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

According to Palmer’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, Palmer’s wife told her that Palmer was “extremely ill” to the point he “couldn’t walk and won’t eat.” Palmer’s wife also said that Palmer has an appointment set with the doctor.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) informed the court that Palmer tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl during a court ordered spot test on Feb. 20. Palmer also failed to report for scheduled drug tests and violated his stay away order on Feb. 28.

Judge Edelman scheduled this hearing to see whether Palmer could get back into compliance with his release conditions. After hearing the report from PSA, Judge Edelman issued the bench warrant stating “he’s just wholly not compliant.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 3.

‘Extraordinary Reckless Conduct in a Crowded Urban Area,’ Judge Finds Probable Cause in Fatal Pedestrian Crash

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park found probable cause a defendant caused a crash that killed a pedestrian in downtown DC during a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27.

Santana Matthews, 20, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of 28-year-old Aaron Williams on Jan. 7 at the intersection of 16th and L Streets, NW. Williams died from blunt force trauma after he was struck by a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed.

According to court documents, Matthews reportedly estimated to police that his speed was 60 mph while driving through the intersection. The speed limit where the crash occurred is 25 mph.

At Matthews’ preliminary hearing, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective from the Major Crash Investigations Unit to testify. Through video footage and maps, the detective described the path of the Chevy Malibu, allegedly driven by Matthews, prior to the crash.

The detective explained that a marked MPD cruiser followed the Malibu as the vehicle pulled into traffic through a red stoplight and drove on the wrong side of the road. At the intersection of 16th and M Streets, NW, the detective pointed out that the Malibu hit a Jeep from behind, left the scene without stopping, and continued driving south towards L Street.

The detective identified Williams in videos walking on the sidewalk on L Street. As Williams crossed the intersection, the Malibu drove through a solid red stoplight on 16th Street and hit him. The video showed Williams traveling through the air, hitting the bed of a nearby truck, and then landing on the ground.

After the crash, an individual the detective identified as Matthews, sprinted from the scene and officers shortly apprehended him.

The prosecutor confirmed with the detective that a vehicle inspection report concluded there were no defects with the Chevy Malibu.

Stephen LoGerfo, Matthews’ attorney, noted during cross-examination that his client did not own the Malibu. According to the detective, the owner of the Malibu said Matthews was alone when he picked up the vehicle around 2 p. m. the day of the crash.

LoGerfo confirmed with the detective that multiple witnesses said Matthews exited from the passenger seat of the Malibu. Although, the detective noted one witness said Matthews exited the driver’s seat and no witnesses mentioned seeing anyone else in the vehicle.

The detective told LoGerfo that before the crash, two MPD officers in a marked vehicle attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the Malibu. LoGerfo noted that the Malibu drove to escape the MPD vehicle. The detective confirmed that when detained, Matthews cooperated and asked why the officers chased him.

The prosecutor argued there was probable cause that Matthews “struck and killed a person who was just trying to cross the street.” They asserted Matthews’ reckless driving extended over multiple blocks with a variety of dangerous traffic maneuvers and “unfortunately on that last block he finally hit someone.”

The stoplight was red for a long time and Williams was not the only pedestrian present when the crash occurred, emphasized the prosecutor.

LoGerfo asked Judge Park to not find probable cause because there was an identification issue, asserting discrepancies about whether there were one or two people in the vehicle and which side Matthews exited from.

Additionally, LoGerfo argued the prosecution failed to establish the consciousness of extreme risk required for second-degree murder. There was no indication of the speed of the vehicle or that the driver was under the influence, claimed LoGerfo.

Judge Park found probable cause that Matthews acted in conscious disregard of serious bodily injury. Before the crash, Matthews operated the vehicle recklessly at a high rate of speed, on the wrong side of the road, and ignored stop signs. “The video speaks for itself,” said the judge.

“It is a matter of luck that more people were not seriously injured,” said Judge Park, emphasizing the crash occurred in downtown DC with many people nearby.

In addition, Judge Park concluded there was “no issue of ID in this case” because a witness identified Matthews as the person driving the vehicle and Matthews himself acknowledged he was driving and alone.

LoGerfo then requested Matthews’s release with any conditions the court wished to impose. According to LoGerfo, Matthews lived with his mother, had stable family support, and was in a carpentry apprentice program prior to the offense.

The circumstances of the case are “a little bit complicated,” said LoGerfo and argued it was “not a permissible police chase under MPD policy.” LoGerfo said the circumstances did not excuse Matthews from responsibility, but he violated traffic laws while police chased him and “something really horrible happened.”

Judge Park denied Matthews’ release because of his “extremely reckless conduct in a crowded urban area.” Although the judge acknowledged it was not a deliberate homicide, he said the weight of the evidence was strong. In addition, Judge Park noted Matthews was on probation in two separate felony gun offenses when the offense occurred and fled from police in an attempt to escape responsibility.

Parties are set to reconvene on May 28.

Detective’s Account Questioned About Drug Fueled Murder Details

A lead detective testified about a homicide investigation before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 27.

Niwatilagu Long, 45, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Melvin Saunders on Dec. 19, 2025 on the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE.

According to the lead detective, officers located Saunders suffering from a gunshot wound to the face on the couch in an “unkept and untidy” apartment.

The detective testified that surveillance footage captured an individual, who he identified as Long, entering the apartment building wearing white and gray camo pants, giving his identification card to the receptionist, and going up the elevator to the 14th floor – where the incident occurred.

Witnesses told the detective and his squad that there was a group of people smoking crack cocaine and drinking in the apartment leading up to the shooting. According to the detective, one of the witnesses stated they were passing around a gun, which he claimed was later used by Long to shoot Saunders.

The detective stated the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) doesn’t know the exact timing of the shooting, but testified that based on surveillance footage and witness statements they suspect it happened around 1:34 a. m. One of the witnesses told officers that he followed Long out of the building, before he watched him remove his camo pants near Lincoln Road and T Street, NE.

According to the detective, the witness alerted a patrol officer about the distinct pants and the shooting, and MPD responded.

The detective also told Judge Brandt about a witness, who claimed they had been friends with Long for more than 20 years, that stated Long told him he “messed up and shot someone.”

The statement by the witness came after being interviewed about another case in which Long is alleged to have pistol whipped a person. Long was arrested in connection to Saunders’ murder after he was already in custody for the previous offense.

Kevin Mosley, Long’s attorney, questioned the detective if Long’s friend identified who Long claimed he shot. According to the detective, the friend only stated the defendant told him he had shot someone.

The detective testified the friend stated he only talked to police so Long could get the help the friend believed he needed due to substance abuse issues.

Mosley also highlighted one of the witness’ alleged false statements to police, claiming the witness who followed Long out of the building after the shooting lied to police. According to Mosley, the witness said he didn’t know Long and lied about how long they had been acquainted.

Mosley alluded that MPD did not thoroughly investigate the murder, arguing they failed to ask witnesses how much crack cocaine and alcohol they had consumed, nor investigating multiple people that went in-and-out of the apartment between the time Long left the scene and officers responded.

“None of those people bothered to call 911,” Mosley said, despite Saunders’ lifeless body being in the living room of the tiny apartment.

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

Parties are slated to reconvene March 11.

Release Conditions Debated For Teen Shooting Suspect Without Probable Cause

Although no probable cause was found, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz imposed limited release conditions on shooting defendant on Feb. 26.

A juvenile boy is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with intent to murder while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on Feb. 6 outside of Union Station at the unit block of Massachusetts Ave, NE. A juvenile victim sustained one shot to his foot.

The defendant was charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who was present at the scene to review surveillance footage from nearby buildings and cars surrounding the incident. She was able to identify a person said to be the defendant consistently before, during and after the incident based on his clothing, which matched what the defendant was wearing at the time of his arrest.

The surveillance footage showed the victim punching the person who the detective identified as the defendant inside of Union Station before the incident. The victim, the defendant and many others then ran to the location of the incident where the shooting occurred. The footage showed the the suspect tossing the gun in the snow after the shooting. The defense will cross examine the witness when the parties reconvene.

The defendant’s attorney, Terrence Austin, stated that probable cause was not found at the presentment, and the court therefore, cannot impose significant release conditions. Austin claimed that release conditions would impose “significant restraint on the defendant’s liberty” which is unlawful without probable cause. He would not however, object to stay-away orders from the incident location or the victim.

The prosecution asked Judge Kravitz to impose a GPS tracker, curfew and stay-away order from the incident location and the victim. The prosecutor reminded Judge Kravitz that he is not bound by the no probable cause finding at presentments and that the defendant still faced charges.

Judge Kravitz ultimately decided to release the defendant with a stay-away order from the victim and within a two block radius of the incident address. After taking his school schedule into consideration, he gave the defendant an 8 p. m.-to-6 a. m. curfew.

Although he wanted to mandate a GPS tracker, Judge Kravitz did not believe he had the authority to do so without violating the defendant’s liberty because no probable cause had been found at presentments.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 2.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced To 14-Plus Years in Prison

After hearing from the victim’s family members, a homicide defendant was sentenced to serve a little more than 14 years in prison before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Feb. 27 .

David Pena, 49 was originally charged with second-degree muder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24. The incident occurred on June 12, 2023, on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE.

Judge Dayson sentenced him to 12 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter while armed, 5 years in prison for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 2.5 years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and a little over a year in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. .

According to the DC Superior Court, the sentences for Pena’s voluntary manslaughter charge and his assault charge are slated to run consecutively, while the sentences for his possession charges are scheduled to run concurrently. Pena was also sentenced to serve five years of supervised release and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

On Friday, prosecutors asked the court to disregard a letter that was written by one of the jurors before the victim impact statements began. The prosecution argued that the letter was unreliable and claimed that someone from the defense team approached the juror asking questions about their inclination for the verdict and wanted the juror’s number.

Pena’s defense attorney, Dana Page, countered the court should consider the juror’s letter. Page said the juror voluntarily approached the defense team providing their number. The juror stated to the defense that they wanted to write a letter to the court sharing their opinion about the sentencing Pena would receive.

Judge Dayson stated that the letter would be considered, since it reflected the juror’s opinion after the verdict was decided. The court then proceeded with victim impact statements. Six members of Robinson’s family spoke in court including Robinson’s mother, the mother of his child, his son, his two sisters and his grandmother.

“That man took my dad away from me,” Robinson’s son said, explaining that his father was his “whole world.”

Robinson’s mother said the case will never be over because she will never be able to see her son ever again.

After the victim impact statements, the prosecutors made their arguments about how gun violence begins with the decision to possess a firearm. They said Pena had prior gun convictions and has served time in prison as a result, yet he will choose to carry a weapon. The prosecutor claimed that Pena didn’t care about the law.

“The purpose of a gun is to kill,” the prosecutor said, stating that Pena shot Robinson in the back four times while he was trying to run away. The prosecution said Pena showed no remorse for his crime and asked the judge to sentence him to 25 years in prison.

However, the defense painted a different picture, saying Pena was carrying the firearm for protection because he lived in a dangerous neighborhood.

Page said Pena acted out in self-defense after seeing his stepdaughter knocked to the ground and stomped. She said Pena was not the initial perpetrator. Robinson was there since he and a group went to Pena’s house, she explained.

After the defense made their statement, Pena read a letter to the court apologizing to Robinson’s family for his actions. He expressed that he hopes his children will make better choices in their lives than he did.

As of March 2, no further hearings have been scheduled in this case.

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