Matricide Defendant Detained, But Not Under Criminal Custody

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the prosecution’s motion to hold a murder defendant in criminal custody at St. Elizabeths Hospital in court on Jan 30, 2025.

Anna Payne, 33, is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in fatally shooting her mother Marilyn Payne, 69, on July 6, 2022. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of Webster Street NE.

Payne is currently receiving treatment at the psychiatric hospital where she was previously detained as a criminal.

These patients cannot earn privileges or benefits, and are often handcuffed or otherwise physically restrained, Payne’s attorney Lucas Barnekow told Judge Kravitz.

Payne has been in treatment since the incident. Defense attorney Megan Allburn also represented Payne at her mental observation hearing, and argued that Payne should be released from criminal to civil custody, as she has lived at St. Elizabeths for years without showing violent behavior.

The prosecutor rebutted that Payne is dangerous and should be detained and charged criminally. He further disagreed with rulings in previous cases decided by DC Superior Court Judges Robert Okun and Anthony Epstein, both of whom permitted the release and remand of mentally incompetent criminal defendants for other court actions.

The prosecution filed a motion to continue to hold Payne in criminal custody.

“If she is not a danger to herself or others, why should she be held?” asked Judge Kravitz in his denial of the motion.

Payne’s case was downgraded from the criminal division to family court, and she was sent back to St. Elizabeths to continue inpatient treatment, where she will be able to live as a non-criminal patient.

Parties are set to reconvene on January 30, 2026, at 12pm for a status hearing.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges on Jan. 30. before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Oscar Diaz-Romero, 47, is charged with second degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jose Molina and 22-year-old Jose Noel Coreas-Carcaro. The incident occurred on Aug. 9, 1997, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Diaz-Romero’s attorney, Julie Swaney, notified the court that he intended to plead not guilty to all of his charges, asserting his constitutional rights.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 7.

Parties Deliver Closing Statements in Longstanding Homicide Case

Parties delivered closing statements for a homicide trial on Jan. 30, before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

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

On Jan. 23, prosecutors dismissed four charges – one count of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

To make their case, the prosecution showed photos of the victim, and emphasized that Curtis should be alive with his family, highlighting the tragedy that Curtis’ family endured from urging the jury to look at all the evidence, and find Cunningham guilty of all charges.

Cunningham’s attorney, Thomas Healy, focused on the importance of the evidence presented. He argued that while evidence is necessary, it “must also be sufficient” to have reasonable certainty.

Healy urged the jury to look at the evidence skeptically, implying that there were some discrepancies in the prosecutor’s argument. Healy insisted if there is any doubt, the jury must acquit Cunningham.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury returns a verdict.

Defendant to Serve 23 Months for Stabbing Victim Four Times

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Jeremiah Hall to 23 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on Jan. 31 for stabbing a victim in the back twice, then following him to a bus stop and stabbing him two more times.

Hall, 38, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Oct. 6, 2024, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

On Nov. 14, 2024, Hall accepted a plea offer including this case and a domestic violence misdemeanor for slashing a vehicle’s tires.

In the stabbing case, Hall pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, for which the maximum sentence is five years in prison and a fine of $12,500. In the domestic violence case, he pleaded guilty to destruction of property, for which the maximum sentence is 180 days in prison and a fine of $1,000.

In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to request a sentence beyond the midpoint of the guidelines in the stabbing case and to dismiss all other charges arising from that case. The prosecution also agreed not to ask for a sentence of more than 90 days in prison, suspended, with one year of probation, for the domestic violence case.

Jesse Winograd, Hall’s attorney, asked Judge Pipe to suspend Hall’s prison sentences in both cases and assign him probation at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency’s (CSOSA) Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), a residential facility.

“I’ve actually known Mr. Hall for quite some time,” Winograd said, explaining that he represented Hall in 2019. “When he takes advantage of services provided, he is a very, very different person than when he is addicted to heroin.”

The prosecutor said the stabbing merited prison time because Hall violently attacked someone who was seated and not engaging with him, then pursued the victim to a second location to continue wounding him.

“These injuries did require hospitalization,” the prosecutor said. “When I spoke to [the victim] last, he was not in good shape.”

“[Hall] was living on the street, making money clipping hair, and this person took his clippers,” Winograd said.

“I apologize to the victim for what I done,” Hall told the court. “I just handled it the wrong way.”

Judge Pipe rejected the request to put Hall on probation, saying she didn’t believe he would comply, since he hasn’t in the past.

According to court documents, there was an active warrant for Hall’s arrest for probation violation when he was detained for the stabbing.

“CSOSA, on release, will offer him services, and if he wants to take advantage of them, he can,” Judge Pipe said. She agreed to offer Hall transitional housing and drug and alcohol treatment when he gets out of prison, but said CSOSA would offer these services even if she didn’t ask.

Judge Pipe also gave Hall a concurrent 30-day sentence for the destruction of property charge. She required him to pay a total of $150 to the Victims of Violent Crimes fund for his two offenses.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Family Member Claims Suspect Confessed to Murder, Earns $25,000 Reward

A homicide defendant’s cousin testified that his family member confessed to a killing in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, on Jan. 30.

Ronald Wallace, 48, and DeAngelo Glover, 30, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Tyrone Wright.

Wallace is additionally charged with carrying a pistol outside of home or business. The incident occurred in an apartment complex on the 3700 Block of Hayes Street, NE, on Jan. 19, 2021.

Previously, Wallace’s cousin testified that Ronald Wallace and Wright had a “beef” or ongoing dispute.

The prosecutor claimed that this case was an act of retaliation. Wallace allegedly believed that Wright was responsible for the death of his brother, Marcus Wallace, in November 2020.

Wallace’s cousin claims Ronald Wallace confessed to shooting Wright with his own gun. He also stated Wallace would “hang around” the crime scene, as he was employed nearby and had family in the area.

During cross examination, Micheal Bruckheim, representing Wallace, highlighted the $25,000 reward the family member received from the prosecution as a part of his testimony.

Bruckheim also showed the witness text messages between him and the prosecution asking about the reward money he would receive if Wallace is found guilty.

The witness said it wasn’t about the money, “Even though it was my cousin, I felt like it was the right thing to do.”

Wallace’s cousin admitted his role in the case severely strained family relationships to the point that if he had the chance to do it again, he wouldn’t.

The trial will resume on Jan. 31.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Jealousy Linked Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing during a Jan. 29 hearing.

Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE on Dec. 29, 2024 that left one injured.

According to court documents, witnesses testified that Alvarez, a cleaning employee at the building, was escorted out by security after an initial altercation with the victim following a conversation between the victim and Alvarez’s girlfriend. Witnesses say later Alvarez re-entered the building and followed the victim who ran to the second floor.

The victim stated that Alvarez approached him with his hands in his pockets, pushed past a witness attempting to intervene, and entered a cleaning crew room. There, he allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked the victim while shouting, “You gonna die, motherf***er, I will kill you.” The victim sustained severe stab wounds to his left tricep, chest, and neck.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) interviewed the victim who was receiving care at the hospital for his injuries. He stated that a coworker, also a witness, was in a romantic relationship with Alvarez and that he often got jealous when she spoke to other men.

The prosecution initially proposed a deal requiring Alvarez to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for not seeking an indictment, but he rejected the offer.

During the hearing, the defense argued that the victim started the fight and that Alvarez was merely acting in self-defense.

However, the prosecution asserted Alvarez initiated the second altercation, attempted to conceal his identity with a hoodie, and had a clear intent to harm, citing his allegedly murderous threats.

After reviewing the evidence, Judge Ryan ruled in favor of the prosecution, determining that probable cause exists.

Parties are set to reconvene Jan. 30 to address the defense’s request for release.

Judge Modifies Homicide Defendant’s Release to Help Sister

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan modified release conditions on Jan. 27 for a homicide defendant so he can play a guardianship role for his sister following their mother’s death.

Dwayne Brooks, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Juwaan Henry, 21. The shooting occurred on Aug. 25, 2022, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Brooks’ defense attorney, Megan Allburn, requested he be allowed extended time outside of home confinement to attend necessary activities and appointments for his sister.

Allburn emphasized Brooks’ compliance with the court’s instructions in receiving mental health treatment and remaining on house arrest demonstrating he could safely be in public for brief periods.

Judge Ryan granted the request, with the condition that Brooks get prior approval from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to leave his home, and update his whereabouts at all times.

At the hearing, prosecution brought up DNA evidence gathered from the scene which is a probable match to Brooks’ samples. Brooks declined further testing.

Parties are expected to reconvene on June 23.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all arraignment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 31.

Daniel Chapman, 37, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of Antoine Ealey, 43. The incident occurred on Jul. 22, 2023, on the 2300 Block of L’Enfant Square, SE.

At the hearing, Aubrey Dillon, Chapman’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to both counts, and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Bench Warrant Issued for Missing Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan issued an arrest warrant on Jan. 30 for a homicide defendant whose whereabouts are unknown.

Jahi Rapp, 21, and Amarii Fontanelle, 21, are charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 19-year-olds Reginald Cooper Jr. and Davonte Berkley and injury of another individual in an apartment building on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE on Oct. 17, 2022.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan stated that Fontanelle’s GPS monitoring device expired on Jan. 8 after receiving a tamper alert from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). It has now been over 20 days since Fontanelle’s whereabouts were determined, according to Judge Ryan.

Judge Ryan declared that Fontanelle has completely failed wearing the GPS monitor condition of his release, and issued an arrest warrant with no bond.

Rapp was present in court and according to PSA, has been compliant with all pretrial conditions.

Judge Ryan refused to set motion hearings due to Fontanelle’s absence. Parties agreed however, to set a trial date of Nov. 9, 2026.

A status hearing was also scheduled for June 6. In the event that Fontanelle is not located by then – discussion of severance, or separating the defendants’ cases, will take place.

Homicide Defendant Moves to Exclude Surveillance, Fight Evidence in Trial

A homicide defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan prevent the prosecution from using surveillance evidence as well as details about a fight preceding the crime during the trial on Jan. 29.

Daquan Gray, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on May 16, 2018.

Dana Page, Gray’s attorney, filed a motion requesting the court to exclude irrelevant and prejudicial evidence related to an earlier fight at Ballou High School, radio transmission from MPD, and video surveillance footage, arguing that it has no connection to the shooting.

The prosecution asserted the relevance of the evidence, arguing that Gray is one of the two people caught running on surveillance footage are the same that an officer refers to on a radio transmission in which the pair appears to be fleeing.

The defense challenged the evidence and prosecution’s argument, including the alleged connection between the radio transmission and the video surveillance footage, arguing that the link between the two is speculative and irrelevant.

Page also stated that the fight has no connection to the shooting in question, lacks admissible supporting evidence that makes the case more or less probable.

Judge Ryan delayed providing a ruling until a later date.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 12.

Co-Defendant’s Injuries From Car Accident Further Delay Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt delayed trial on Jan. 29 for two co-defendants because of one of the suspect’s has a continuing medical issue.

Chantel Stewart, 33, and Daniel Cary, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020. A gunshot wound to the back caused a collapsed lung for one individual at the scene.

Stewart’s lingering injuries from her car accident that occurred Jan. 27 as she was leaving the courthouse, resulted in a trial postponement.

Given that the jury has not yet been empaneled, Judge Brandt noted that a mistrial was off the table, and all three parties, Jesse Winograd on behalf of Stewart, Alvin Thomas on behalf of Cary, and the prosecution, were able to compromise on starting the trial Monday morning.

The parties anticipate the next hearing on Feb. 3 by replacing jurors with conflicts given the change in schedule.

Homicide Defendant Granted New Counsel, Further Delaying Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a homicide defendant’s attorneys’ request to withdraw from the case further delaying the trial–which was slated to begin on Jan.22– during a Jan. 30 hearing.

Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Edward Pearson, 39, on November 26, 2020 on the 2900 block of Connecticut Ave, NW.

The trial was postponed after his previous defense attorneys, Madelyn Harvey and Victoria Clark, filed a motion to withdraw as Cleveland’s counsel due to a conflict of interest. Judge Kravitz then appointed Nathaniel Mensah on Jan. 23 and Elliot Rosenwald on Jan. 29 as new counsel for Cleveland.

Judge Kravitz urged both parties to select a trial date because the case has been considerably delayed. The lawyers alerted Judge Kravitz the earliest they could try the case was in the fall, but were unable to finalize dates due to scheduling issues.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for another status hearing on Feb. 25.

Document: MPD Investigating Fatal Hit and Run Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred on Dec. 24 at C Street and 16 Street, Northeast. The victim, identified as 66-year-old Ronnie Clark of Northeast, DC, was struck by a 2010 Nissan Murano that lost control and mounted the sidewalk. The driver fled the scene on foot, and detectives are working to identify the suspect.

Document: MPD Searching for Southwest Robbery Suspects

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are searching for four suspects involved in a robbery that took place on Jan. 28 in the 400 block of L'Enfant Plaza, Southwest. The suspects physically assaulted the victim, implied possession of a weapon, and stole the victim's property before fleeing. Surveillance cameras captured images of the suspects.

Homicide Witness Says She Told Shooter, ‘Don’t Do it, Don’t Do it!’

A witness told the jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom that she pleaded with a homicide suspect to not shoot her boyfriend, after he had shot their friend. The testimony came during a hearing on Jan. 29.

Ethan Cunningham, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol outside of the home/business without a license.

These charges stem from Cunningham’s alleged involvement in the attempted robbery and fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022 on the 2600 block of Stanton Road SE.

On Jan. 23, prosecutors dismissed four charges – one count of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Curtis’ roommate’s girlfriend testified that she saw Curtis, her boyfriend, and the gunman “tussling,” adding she saw the gunman standing over her boyfriend, scared he was going to be shot. She recalled she screamed “don’t do it, don’t do it,” at the gunman.

The prosecution called on an analyst from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed Curtis’ autopsy to review autopsy photos showing evidence of gunshot wounds. The expert witness, who has performed over 8,000 autopsies, identified the victim’s cause of death as a gunshot wound to the central chest area and the manner of death as a homicide.

Prosecutors also called on two individuals, one who knew Cunningham from work and one who saw him every day for about six months, who testified they identified him in video footage of a “be on the lookout” report released by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in May 2022.

According to the individuals, they were able to identify one of the two suspects shown in the report as Cunningham.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 30.