Defense Seeks More Time to Examine Evidence

A defense attorney asked DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean for more time to look over the prosecution’s evidence in a felony status conference on Feb. 4.

Anthony Mckoy, 33, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for a non-fatal shooting on the 5000 block of E Street, SE on Jan. 1. 2026.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to a “shots fired” call, where they discovered an unoccupied white Nissan Altima that had crashed into a parked Tesla. The investigators observed seven shell casings near the scene and noted two defects consistent with gunfire on the Nissan Altima and one defect on a white van.

Mckoy’s defense attorney, Antoini Jones asked Judge McLean for “a week or two to get up to speed” with Mckoy’s case since he was assigned to it on Feb. 2.

Judge McLean agreed, and the parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Probation Continues Despite Carjacking Defendant’s Traffic Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson chose to continue a defendant’s probation after two traffic offenses in Maryland on Feb. 6.

Coloshus Haynes, 31, was charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking, and robbery during a crime of violence with a firearm for allegedly attempting to rob individuals responding to online ads on the 3500 and 3700 block of Jay Street, NE, in 2016. He was released early and is currently serving five years probation.

Haynes had been compliant up until he recently obtained a traffic citation for driving an unregistered vehicle, according to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

“Matters before the court today reflect more of a recent regression,” a CSOSA officer said.

Haynes’ defense attorney, Justin Okezie, asked that his probation be terminated. Okezie noted that the recent offenses were minor, including driving an unregistered car. He pointed out that Haynes’ is employed at a New Balance shoe store and has been active in his two-year-old son’s life.

The prosecutor, while not particularly worried by the offenses, was concerned that Haynes failed to report the charges to his probation officer. She suggested following his Maryland cases and make a decision about terminating his probation after these cases conclude.

“I think it would be imprudent to terminate at this time,” the prosecutor said.

Okezie expressed concern that Haynes would not receive proper defense in Maryland because he could not afford an attorney and a court appointed advocate may not be properly informed about the case.

Judge Dayson decided to maintain probation conditions until the Maryland cases have been decided.

“I really would like to see what happens with the rest of these matters,” Judge Dayson said.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 26, 2026.

‘Good Luck to You Sir,’ Judge Says After Sentencing Stabbing Defendant to 32 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld sentenced a non-fatal stabbing defendant to 32 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release on Feb. 10.

Andrew Wooten, 40, pleaded guilty on Dec. 10, 2025 to assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 7, 2025 on the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.

At sentencing, the prosecution read an impact statement on behalf of the victim who said that he lives in constant fear and is afraid to open his door to strangers. He also explained that he sustained significant injuries and was stabbed three inches into his brain changing his life forever.

Prosecutors explained that the victim suffered from a brain bleed and skull fracture as a result of the stabbing. Due to the severity of the injuries, the prosecution argued that 32 months of imprisonment and three months of supervised release would be appropriate.

Wooten’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, argued that the victim was “not innocent.” Baldwin claimed that Wooten was standing at a bus stop when the victim confronted him. Wooten was previously assaulted and beaten by the victim, according to Baldwin.

Baldwin explained that there was video footage of Wooten waiting at the bus stop that clearly showed the victim confronting him, within inches of Wooten’s face. According to Baldwin, Wooten pulled the knife out after the victim confronted him.

Although Wooten had a long criminal history, most were misdemeanors, according to Baldwin. Wooten was charged for aggravated assault in 2020, said Baldwin, but noted the case was ultimately dismissed by prosecutors and he was exonerated.

Baldwin suggested that a lengthy prison sentence would just “warehouse” his client and that there are other ways to help Wooten including probation that would help Wooten find housing and connect him with mental health services.

Wooten was given the opportunity to speak and said he was “very apologetic” for pulling a knife on the victim. The past six months in DC Jail was the “closest thing to hell on earth” that Wooten has experienced. He was shivering in his cell, even with three wool blankets, according to Wooten.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed that the DC Jail is a “terrible place to be.” The judge noted Wooten committed the stabbing while he was on probation for a previous offense. Due to his refusal to comply with probation orders in the past, Judge Hertzfeld said she was not confident it would be different this time.

Judge Hertzfeld sentenced Wooten to 32 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release.

“Good luck to you sir,” Judge Hertzfeld told Wooten.

No further dates were set.

Judge Weighs Armed Carjacking Defendant’s Pretrial Release Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean reviewed an armed carjacking defendant’s failure to comply with pretrial release conditions in a Feb 4 hearing.

Richard Bates, 19, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 13, 2023 on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE.

According to court documents, two armed men, one later identified as Bates, pulled alongside a parked driver. The two suspects got out of a white sedan and demanded the driver’s belongings. After retrieving the items, one of the suspects allegedly hit the driver on the head with a gun and drove off in the victim’s car.

At the hearing, Bates’ defense attorney, Christin Philips informed Judge McLean about Bates’ violating numerous release conditions regarding missed curfews and failed drug tests.

“There have been a total of seven curfew violations starting from Jan. 16,” Philips said.

Philips argued that Bates’ violations resulted from his eviction from the house where he was living. She also said, communicating with the Pre-Trial Services Agency (PSA) was difficult for Bates

According to Philips, the eviction was not documented or communicated to Bates’ PSA officer or Judge McLean because Bates mistakenly told the wrong people at PSA.

“The last time Bates’ saw his PSA officer was Jan. 14.” Philips said.

As a result of the violations, the prosecution requested 24-hour home confinement.

Judge McLean denied the prosecution’s request because of the miscommunication between the defendant and his PSA officer. McLean said these “unexplained issues” with PSA and Bates’ need to stop and recommended Bates’ case manager attend the next hearing.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Defendant Receives Bench Warrant After Failing to Appear in Court

DC Superior Court Andrea Hertzfeld issued a bench warrant for a non-fatal shooting defendant for failing to appear in court on Feb. 9.

Alison Onunaku, 27, was charged with carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and unlawful discarding of firearm or ammunition for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting located on the unit block of Galveston Street, SW on June 1, 2024.

According to court documents, police conducted a routine patrol when they heard gunshots. They found Onunaku allegedly attempting to conceal a firearm by tucking it into his waistband.

During the status hearing, Judge Hertzfeld vacated Onunaku’s March. 30 trial date and issued the warrant after learning that Onunaku is currently incarcerated in another jurisdiction.

Lawyer’s Emergency Delays Murder Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman delayed an ongoing jury trial for a homicide defendant on Feb. 9.

Jakiem Miller, 27, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior crime of violence, and obstructing justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Avon Perkins. The incident occurred on Dec. 17, 2022 on the 1600 block of Belmont Street, NW.

On the fourth day of Miller’s trial, Judge Edelman informed parties and the jurors that the trial would be delayed until next Tuesday due to an attorney’s personal emergency.

As a result of the delay, parties agreed to a set of stipulations that would replace testimony of witnesses that prosecutors planned to call.

Miller agreed that he was the person Perkins punched in the video footage, and that the DNA evidence was inconclusive. Additionally, Miller agreed to witnesses testifying virtually if necessary.

According to prosecutors, they have 13 more witnesses that are expected to testify. Miller’s defense counsel said they anticipate about half a day of testimony from their witnesses.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Feb. 17.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Gets Five Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee sentenced an armed carjacking defendant to five years in prison on Feb. 10.

On Jan. 26, 2024, Ricardo Banos-Flores, 27, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business. The charges stem from Banos-Flores’ involvement in a carjacking that took place on the 700 block of 11th Street, NW, on Sept. 13, 2018. The victim of the carjacking was unharmed.

The prosecution read the victim’s impact statement during the hearing. The victim expressed how afraid they were during the carjacking, stating they see gang members in their sleep and had nightmares for weeks following the event.

Rachel Cicurel, Banos-Flores’ attorney, requested that Judge Lee sentence him under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows young defendants’ convictions be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Cicurel said that Banos-Flores is one of the most productive inmates at the DC Jail. She described him as a painter, an avid reader, and a brilliant writer. She explained that he is clearly remorseful for what he did and is not a danger to the community.

The prosecution opposed sentencing Banos-Flores under the YRA, stating that he was the one who held the victim at gunpoint during the carjacking and stole the victim’s belongings. They also noted that he was not compliant during release.

Judge Lee stated that over the course of the case, Banos-Flores was released and the same conduct happened, which the defense argued was more than five years ago. Judge Lee stated that he would rule on the YRA at a later date.

Prior to sentencing, Judge Lee gave Banos-Flores the opportunity to speak, asking him about what changed from the time he committed the carjacking to now.

“Sitting down in a cell, all you have is your thoughts,” said Banos-Flores, “I had to deal with a lot of trauma from my past.”

Judge Lee sentenced Banos-Flores to four years for assault with a dangerous weapon and 364 days in prison for carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business. He stated that the sentences would be served consecutively and that the defendant will be on supervised release for three years following incarceration.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Enters Guilty Plea

At a status hearing on Feb. 6, a homicide defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Raymond Mathis, 38, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller on Sept. 5, 2023 on the 200 block of M Street, SW. The incident also left two surviving victims with gunshot wounds.

De’Andre Sams, 30, and Keshawn Lavender, 24, both previously pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for their involvement in the incident. Sams was sentenced on Oct. 17, 2025 to 11 years in prison and Lavender was sentenced on Jan. 23 to seven years in prison.

During the status hearing, Mathis’ defense attorneys, Carrie Weletz and Tammy Thom, said that he agreed to a deal from prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against Mathis.

As part of the plea, the prosecution and the defense agreed to a sentence of seven years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, subject to Judge Edelman’s approval at sentencing.

The prosecution said if the case had proceeded to trial, they would have presented DNA and ballistics evidence, in addition to surveillance footage. They said the evidence would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Mathis was at the scene of the offense and involved in Miller’s murder.

Judge Edelman expressed satisfaction with the factual basis of the plea offer and the voluntary nature of Mathis’ decision to enter the plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1 for sentencing.

Judge Orders Pre-Trial Mental Competency Screening for Homicide Defendant

At a status hearing on Feb. 6, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered a mental competency screening for a homicide defendant at the request of the defendant’s attorney.

D’Aundrey Scott, 31, is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of arson for his alleged involvement in a homicide on May 13, 2020 on the 1300 block of H Street, NE, which resulted in the death of 62-year-old Darryl Finney. Finney died on May 15, 2020 due to burns caused by a firebomb that Scott allegedly threw at him.

During the status hearing, Scott’s defense attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested a competency evaluation following a discussion with his client. Winograd explained that although Scott had been found competent to stand trial on Nov. 14, 2025, mental competency is a fluid state and he wanted an additional evaluation prior to the jury trial scheduled for June 22. The prosecution had no objections on the matter.

in order for a defendant to stand trial he must be mentally competent enough to understand the charges and be able to help his attorney.

Judge Edelman granted the request and ordered a competency screening.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 17.

‘I Own Rights,’ Says Frustrated Stabbing Defendant Over Plea Negotiations

Corey Bridges voiced dissatisfaction with his counsel during a hearing on Feb. 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, threatening to kidnap or injure a person, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE, on June 7, 2025. The victim sustained a stab wound to his neck that caused life-threatening damage to an artery.

The prosecution said the current plea deal terms required the defendant to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for dismissing all remaining charges.

According to court records, Bridges began entering the plea deal on Jan. 2 but requested more clarity from his defense counsel, Molly Bunke, resulting in the continuance.

At the hearing, during questioning from Judge Kravitz about his understanding of the plea deal, Bridges was asked if he was satisfied with the Bunke’s work. Bridges stated that he wasn’t because of the setbacks in accepting his plea deal.

Bunke responded she wanted sufficient time to meet with Bridges to discuss the plea offered by the prosecutor. Although Bridges wanted a sooner court date, Bunke said scheduling issues and the snowstorm made that impossible.

After further questioning by the judge, Bridges spoke out in court, asking to be released “upon [his] achieved credentials.” Bridges did not expand on what his credentials were, but continued by saying, “I own rights in DC.”

Judge Kravitz denied the defendant’s oral request for release because he was not prepared to rule on the matter.

Bunke requested more time so she could discuss the plea deal further with her client.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 27 to continue the plea hearing for the third time.

Parties Negotiate Plea Deal Length For Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz urged parties to continue plea negotiations during a hearing for a shooting defendant on Feb. 6.

Demarco Bates, 28, is charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, two counts of destruction of property less than $1000, and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 2700 block of Langston Place, SE, on April 10, 2024. One person sustained a gunshot graze wound to her foot.

At the hearing, the prosecution said they extended a plea offer to Bates that would require him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. They said they offered Bates two agreed upon sentence options, either eight years of incarceration or between seven-to-10 years.

Bates’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, said his client would accept a sentence of seven years in the plea deal. However, he is worried about the seven-to-10 year offer because of the “big gap” in the sentence length.

Judge Kravitz asked the prosecution if they would be open to re-negotiating the plea deal to a seven-to-eight year for the sentence. The prosecutor said they would need to speak with their supervisor about the possibility, but would hopefully have an answer soon.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 10 for updates on the plea negotiations.

Judge Sentences Domestic Violence Shooting Defendant to 2 Years Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced a shooting defendant to two years of probation in a hearing on Feb. 6.

Jaquan Proctor, 23, pleaded guilty on Nov. 20, 2025, to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a domestic violence related shooting on the 5500 block of Illinois Avenue, NW, on July 30, 2025. Proctor shot at his mother and brother, but neither sustained injuries.

At sentencing, the prosecution said Proctor’s mother understands that he needs to be held accountable for his actions but that he struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The prosecution requested that Proctor be sentenced to 30 months in prison, all suspended but 18 months. They also asked for three years of supervised release with mental health counseling and anger management courses.

“[Proctor] shot into a room where his mother and brother were” and that “it could have been much worse,” said prosecutors in support of their sentence request.

Prosecutors also requested Judge Israel order Proctor to continue to stay away from his brother. Judge Israel granted the request and also ordered a NO HATS (harassing, assaulting, threatening, or stalking) from Proctor to his mother.

Proctor’s attorney, Karen Minor, asked for probation, instead of a prison sentence. According to Minor, Proctor’s six months he served at the DC Jail impacted his character because he could not see his infant daughter.

Minor said Proctor recognized how his attitudes influenced his behavior and what he needed to change. She added that Proctor was taking courses at the DC Jail and trying to control his emotions.

Proctor told Judge Israel that “jail taught me a lot…it improved me” and he learned that “every action doesn’t need a reaction.”

The incident was a family matter, not in the community, noted Judge Israel when deciding her sentence.

Judge Israel sentenced Proctor to 30 months of imprisonment, all suspended in favor of two years of supervised probation. Proctor will be required to register as a gun offender in DC, complete 90 hours of community service, and a domestic violence intervention program. If Proctor does not comply with the terms of his probation, he could be required to serve the prison sentence.

Parties were dismissed and no further dates were set.

Judge Won’t Release Shooting Defendant Despite Fear of Losing Housing

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel denied release for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Feb. 4.

Dominque Hansberry, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property less than $1,000 for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 500 block of 60th Street, NE on Sept. 26, 2025 which damaged the victim’s car, but no one was injured.

At the hearing, Hansberry’s attorney, Peter Cooper, requested her release so she could be present for a home inspection and to care for her dogs. According to Cooper, Hansberry is part of a government housing program, and if she is not present for the home inspection, she could becomes unhoused.

Cooper said Hansberry would wear a GPS monitor or accept home confinement if Judge Israel granted her release.

The prosecution expressed concern for the community if Hansberry was released because of the violent nature of the charges against her. They argued that it would not be safe to release Hansberry because she’s accused of shooting at a stranger.

Judge Israel denied the request to release Hansberry because the charges against her involve a firearm. Expressing concern for Hansberry’s housing situation, Judge Israel recommended that one of Hansberry’s family members attend the inspection.

The parties scheduled Hansberry’s next hearing for Feb. 27.

‘Satanic’ Homicide Defendant Receives Maximum Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 26 years in prison for what the prosecutor termed a particularly gruesome crime on Jan. 30.

On Sept. 5, 2025, Antoine Turner, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the fatal shooting of Demetri Anderson, 23, on Nov. 29, 2020 on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-26 years. Turner was also accused of the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Demetrius Benson on Nov. 3, 2020 on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. However, those charges were dropped from the indictment as part of the agreement.

Several members of Anderson’s family were present at the hearing, and delivered emotional victim impact statements.

Anderson’s aunt wore his clothing as she spoke. She was the funeral director that prepared his body for the burial. She said she initially did not recognize him due to the severe damage from multiple gunshot wounds.

“He will never get to walk his daughter down the aisle,” Anderson’s great-uncle read from a prepared statement on behalf of his sister, who could not be present at the sentencing. Her remarks mentioned that Anderson was killed on her birthday, and she will never be able to celebrate the day again.

In his statement, Anderson’s great-uncle argued that 26 years would still not be true justice for his great nephew’s murder, with no apparent motive, so he asked the judge not to reduce the sentence any further.

In her victim impact statement, Anderson’s cousin condemned the gun violence that plagues DC’s Wards 7 and 8. She said that many young Black men in the community are taught that their only options are “prison or the cemetery,” and both Anderson and Turner are products of that flawed system.

Anderson’s uncle emphasized that he continues to worry about how this shooting will impact not only the victim but the defendant’s young children. He said he forgives the defendant.

Anderson’s grandmother told the court how much she misses her only grandson. She said she has to forgive the defendant, but it will be incredibly difficult. She concluded by telling the defendant she loved him, because God says to love everyone.

In a statement to the court, Turner said that he is extremely remorseful and apologetic for what he did, and knows he has to change. He said he sees how his actions have negatively affected Anderson’s family and his own.

The prosecutor said this was the most gruesome crime scene she had ever seen. The victim suffered from 13 gunshot wounds, leading to a significant amount of biological evidence on the ground. The prosecution advocated for the maximum sentence due to the malicious intent of the crime, and the defendant’s past criminal history.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey said she was impressed by the victim impact statements and the forgiveness the family showed to Turner. She said that on the other hand, she was taken aback by the prosecution’s use of the words “satanic” and “irredeemable” to describe the defendant in previous documents.

She stated that he is not irredeemable, requesting mental health treatment in prison, though she said she has little faith in the Bureau of Prisons (BoP).

Harvey also disagreed with the prosecution’s argument for a maximum sentence, stating that the number of gunshot wounds should not be a factor in sentencing. She said that 20 years would be enough of a punishment.

“No mitigation, provocation, or explanation,” Judge Ryan concluded about the crime before sentencing Turner to the maximum sentence of 26 years.

He agreed with the prosecution that the number of gunshot wounds was significant to establish malice for Turner’s actions. He acknowledged that Turner experienced trauma in his childhood, which may explain his situation, but does not excuse it.

Turner was sentenced to 26 years, with a five year minimum and five year supervised release. He will receive credit for the time already served. Judge Ryan also ordered assessment and treatment of mental disorders for Turner while in prison, as well as job assistance. Turner must register as a gun offender upon his release.

“He was loved,” Anderson’s fyamily told D.C. Witness when asked how he should be remembered.

No further dates were set.

Judge Imposes Suspended Sentence for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean imposed a suspended sentence for a stabbing defendant on Jan. 30.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Kenyada Floyd, 49, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing which occurred on Sept. 19 on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE. There were two victims involved who sustained wounds.

The prosecution emphasized the physical injuries and intense pain that the victims are still dealing with as a result of the stabbing. The injuries they sustained have impacted their mobility and everyday lives, according to the prosecution. They recommended a sentence of 24 months’ incarceration followed by three years of supervision based on the seriousness of the crime.

Defense attorney, Colleen Archer, emphasized Floyd’s role as a mother of young children and the difficult events she has experienced throughout her life, which were not described in open court. The defense highlighted Floyd’s minimal prior criminal history and argued the incident as a one-time occurrence that went too far and cited this as the reason for initially accepting the plea deal. Based on this, the defense requested a six month suspended sentence, with supervised probation.

“I accept responsibility for my actions,” Floyd told the court.

Judge McLean sentenced Floyd to six months of confinement, all of which was suspended. Instead, the court placed her on supervised probation for one year and ordered her to undergo a mental health evaluation, follow any recommended treatment, and complete vocational training or maintain verifiable employment. She was also required to pay $100 to the victims of violent crime compensation fund.

No further dates were set.

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