Eyewitness Describes Murder Victim’s Futile Plea for Help

The trial in a fatal shooting case continued on May 7 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park with a witness recounting how the bloody victim pleaded for help.

Naquel Henderson, 27, and Alonzo Brown, 28, are charged with first degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting that killed Michael Taylor, 21, and injured two others on Jan. 12, 2019, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

In addition to Henderson and Brown, three other men are charged with the death of Taylor. Tavist Alston, 31, and Stephon Evans, 24, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, and Carlos Turner, 27, is set for sentencing on May 16.

As the trial resumed, an eyewitness to the shooting testified that she saw two men dressed in all black and wearing ski masks in the courtyard outside her apartment building while she was with her children, getting ready to go grocery shopping.

She testified that when shots rang out, she quickly brought her children back into her apartment, before calling 911 to report the incident. She said she saw two individuals injured, one who sustained a gunshot wound to the face and another who sustained one to the chest.

An additional eyewitness testified that she tried to assist Taylor with his injuries. She said that she was inside her apartment when she heard shots ring out, and instinctively got down on the floor.

Afterwards, she went into the hallway to see what happened and Taylor was outside her door, with a gunshot wound to the face and pleading for help. She didn’t know Taylor, but attempted to administer first aid by applying pressure with sheets gathered from her apartment.

Additionally, a detective sergeant from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) electronic surveillance unit testified to receiving a request a few days after the shooting to download CCTV footage from the area where the shooting took place. However, the sergeant testified that he had no additional involvement in the investigation.

Trial is slated to resume May 12.

Homicide Juror Dismissed For Fear of Retaliation

A juror communicated concern to DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz‘s chambers about potential retaliation if murder and mass shooting defendants are found guilty. The issue came up during a trial proceeding on May 7.

William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.

Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each have nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each face one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-Lee has two more identical counts. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson are also accused of an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose was hit with additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee each have an additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.

Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and avoiding getting caught in connection with the case.

The fearful juror sent a note to Judge Kravitz’s chambers saying that he lives near an address that had been mentioned in witness testimony the day prior. He expressed fear of “retaliation” from anyone with an interest in the case, specifically if the defendants were found guilty.

All six sets of defense counsels filed a motion to dismiss this juror, worried that the person had already come to a guilty verdict based on his fear. Judge Kravitz granted the motion, excusing the juror.

Throughout proceedings on May 6 and 7, body-worn camera and surveillance footage was admitted into evidence from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective’s testimony, as well as from a Department of Forensic Services (DFS) forensic scientist. The forensic scientist testified about the process of removing a gas can melted into a trash bin that the prosecution alleges belonged to the defendants.

The prosecution called another forensic scientist who was involved in the search warrant for Thompson’s home. The scientist testified about images of Thompson’s bedroom and tangible evidence found such as a facemask, cards, IDs, shoes, a sweatshirt, and a shoebox filled with mail matter.

The prosecution also called a relative of Thompson’s, who identified him in pictures and testified to the search warrant and his arrest. The witness said she did not know where he had been on the evening of Sept. 4, 2021.

“Kamar is the closest godchild I have,” said the final witness, explaining her close relationship to Queen. She identified him in multiple images and videos, and testified about her Oglethorpe residence getting shot at on the evening of Sept. 4.

According to previous testimony, Queen and friends were shot at while at his godmother’s home hours before the mass shooting. Prosecutors alleged that the defendants committed the mass shooting in retaliation.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Document: Police Arrest 5 Teens for Two Carjackings

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced May 8 the arrest of five juvenile suspects involved in two armed carjackings on May 7 in Northeast Washington, D.C.

The incidents occurred within an hour, with the suspects stealing a 2013 white Toyota Camry on the 2400 block of 4th Street, NE, and a 2017 silver Honda Accord on the 1400 block of Otis Street, NE.

The juveniles, aged 14 to 16, were apprehended after fleeing on foot, and both vehicles were recovered along with imitation firearms.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Fatal Stabbing in Dupont Circle

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 46-year-old Donald Shields, who is alleged to be involved in a fatal stabbing in Dupont Circle on Dec 30.

The victim, identified as 36-year-old Dominique Ratiff of Southeast, DC, was found with a stab wound and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Shields, who was arrested on May 8, has been charged with second-degree murder while armed.

Attorneys in a 2016 Murder Case Will File to Dismiss Based on Lack of Prosecution

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a 2016 homicide defendant be released from St. Elizabeths hospital during a hearing on May 2, and his attorney says the case should be dismissed.

Brandon Byrd, 29, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home or business, for his alleged involvement in the stabbing death of his father, Otis Byrd, 44, on Aug. 10, 2016, on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NW.

Byrd has been detained at St. Elizabeths since September of 2016, since he’s consistently found mentallly incompetency to stand trial.

Byrd’s attorney, Craig Hickein, told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that Byrd is forced to appear in court “every year for the last five years” and all they do is set a new date.

Hickein discussed his intention to file a written motion to dismiss the case. Judge Kravitz ruled that the defense has until July 2 to file it.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 3.

Document: Police Investigate Nonfatal Shooting Near School in NorthEast DC

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a shooting that occurred on May 1 in Northeast Washington, D.C. 

Three suspects brandished handguns and fired at a victim in the parking lot of a school on the 700 block of 26th Street, NE, causing damage to the school's building but no injuries.

The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle and were captured on surveillance cameras.

Independent Counsel to Advise Murder Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ruled that an independent counsel be appointed to advise a murder defendant in what was supposed to be a sentencing hearing on May 2.

On March 28, Erin Sheffey, 28, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Kwiyon Maddox, 32, on Aug. 15, 2021, on the 2100 block of 16th Street, SE.

However, Sheffey’s attorney, Peter Cooper, filed a motion to withdraw from the case due to a complete breakdown in communication between the attorney and defendant.

Judge Kravitz ruled that an independent attorney will be appointed to advise Sheffey on whether or not to withdraw his guilty plea. The prosecution did not object, however they did state that this would be Sheffey’s third attorney in this case.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.

Defiant Defendant Delays Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park alerted parties in a shooting case that the defendant was returned to the DC Jail on May 7, after he refused to go along with a courthouse search.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stem from Shelton’s alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Nov. 9, 2020 on the 3000 block of 14th street, NW.

Shelton’s attorney, Emily Sufrin, explained that he was transported to the courthouse for his detention hearing before Judge Park. However, once Shelton arrived at the courthouse, he refused to be searched.

Judge Park agreed to set a new date.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Following Mistrial

A shooting defendant, who was granted a mistrial after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on May 5.

Dayquan Henderson, 23, was originally charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in a nonfatal shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE, on May 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, Daniel Klover, Henderson’s attorney, alerted Judge Pipe of his intent to accept a deal extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to unlawful discharge of a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of possession of an unregistered firearm. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss all other charges, and the prosecution agreed to limit the sentencing request to a fully suspended sentence.

Kovler also requested that Henderson, who was released on Feb. 21 following the mistrial, be removed from GPS monitoring and lift the imposed curfew of 10 p.m. to six a.m.

The prosecution opposed, asking he remain with the same release conditions. Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution, stating “[Henderson] has done well… I would like to continue to see him do well.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on July 25 for sentencing.

Murder Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt accepted a homicide defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing on May 5.

Derek Turrentine, 42, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 43-year-old James Price on Sept. 15, 2024 on the 400 block of 50th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers discovered Price in an alley behind a recreation center. He sustained four gunshot wounds to his left cheek, the back of his neck, left shoulder, and left forearm.

Surveillance cameras allegedly captured an individual, identified as Turrentine, following Price into the alley, where they had a physical altercation. Turrentine then reportedly stood over Price and shot him before fleeing the scene.

During the hearing, Turrentine’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, informed the court of the defendant’s intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. Judge Brandt accepted the waiver, finding Turrentine made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Judge Brandt also granted the defense’s request to postpone arguments concerning the defendant’s release until parties convene before the case’s calendar judge, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 6.

Prosecutors Show Emotional Videos of Fatal Shooting Aftermath

The prosecution introduced emotional footage of the aftermath of a fatal-shooting from Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers’ body-worn cameras during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on May 6.

Alonzo Brown, 28, and Naquel Henderson, 27, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy to commit a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the shooting that killed 22-year-old Michael Taylor and injured two additional victims on Jan. 12, 2019 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Brown and Henderson are two of five men charged with Taylor’s death. Stephon Evans, 24, and Tavist Alston, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed. Carlos Turner, 27, is scheduled for sentencing May 16.

According to Steven Kiersh, Brown’s attorney, Turner accepted a deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder. However, D.C. Witness has been unable to confirm the terms, as they are under seal.

During opening statements, prosecutors argued Brown and Henderson committed the shooting as retaliation for their friend’s death, the day after his funeral. According to court documents, the defendants were close friends with 19-year-old Shamar Marbury who was fatally shot on Jan. 1, 2019 on the 4200 block of Barnaby Road, SE.

Prosecutors told the jury they will introduce surveillance videos during the trial that allegedly captured the defendants entering and exiting the building when the shooting occurred. “Eight seconds, that’s all it took,” said the prosecution.

They also played footage from the officers’ body-worn cameras that showed the aftermath of the shooting, including one officer attempting to resussitate Taylor with chest compressions. In the videos, a woman is heard hysterically shouting “Please God,” repeatedly.

The prosecution also informed the jury that Turner agreed to cooperate with prosecutors and will testify during the trial.

During defense opening arguments, Kiersh asked the jury to keep an open mind, decide the case on the facts, and consider potential bias in Turner’s testimony. Kiersh alleged that Turner received a plea deal with a charge carrying a lower sentence in exchange for fabricating a story that incriminated Brown. Kiersh said Turner received an “incredible bargain, but he’s gotta pay up.”

Henderson’s attorney, Julie Swaney, also urged the jury to doubt Turner’s testimony because it will be “rumors, guesses, and lies” about her client. Swaney noted it is important for the jury to keep the evidence against the co-defendants separate.

Following opening statements, prosecutors called two MPD officers who responded to the crime scene. One officer described it as chaotic with debris, metal fragments, and evidence of bullet damage on the bottom of the stairs.

The prosecution also called an eyewitness who testified that there were four-to-five young black males in the hallway of the apartment complex when he arrived. He said he went into his girlfriend’s apartment, heard 15-to-20 loud gunshots in the building, and called 911. The witness testified that he could not identify any of the men.

The trial is scheduled to resume on May 7.

Plea Offer Would Wipe Out Most of 57 Counts Against Shooting, Robbery Suspect

Prosecutors offered to drop virtually every charge against 19-year-old Rodney Bennett in return for a plea deal that would virtually eliminate a 57-count indictment against the shooting and robbery suspect.

The agreement was presented in a May 7 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan. It would require Bennett to plead guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of armed robbery. If accepted, the remaining 55 counts would be dropped. However, if the case proceeds to trial, Bennett could face 50 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Bennett is currently charged with endangerment with a firearm, 21 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

In addition, he faces two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, and robbery. All charges were committed during release.

There are also two counts of robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public space at the 600 block of Edgewood St, NE on Aug. 28, 2024, and two armed robberies at the 1300 block of Neal Place, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and at the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW on Aug. 29, 2024.

Bennett’s attorney, Michael Madden, said he appreciates that prosecutors are leaving the plea open for consideration. The matter is complicated by the prosecution’s testing of DNA evidence which is anticipated by June. Prosecutors must decide which evidence to test and whether it’s worth the money, given the pending plea.

If testing proceeds, Bennett will have a hearing to decide whether he wants to do independent testing of the evidence the prosecution chooses to test.

Judge Ryan described what he called a “universe of seized evidence” in the case. Thus, testing is the “biggest hurdle to overcome before trial could go forward,” said the judge. He estimated it could last two months unless Bennett takes the deal.

Lamenting that the DC Court doesn’t have enough judges, Judge Ryan said he could put the trial on his calendar for the second half of 2026.

“I’m a pretty optimistic guy,” said the judge. As for the plea, he told Bennett, “The decision you make is up to you.”

In the omnibus indictment, Bennett is also charged with endangerment of a firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or place of business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for an incident that occurred on Aug. 26, 2024, but the incident location is unknown.

The next hearing in the case is set for June 12.

Murder Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two murder co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on May 2.

Eric Sheffield, 20, and D’Andre Montgomery, 19, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, felony murder with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale Jr., on Dec. 16, 2023, on the 1200 block of 44th Place, SE. An additional individual sustained life-threatening injuries, but survived.

During the hearing, Nathaniel Mensah, Sheffield’s attorney, and Hannah Claudio, who stood in for Sylvia Smith, Montgomery’s attorney, alerted the court of the defendants’ intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted their constitutional rights.

Prosecutors alerted Judge Dayson they had shipped out evidence to be tested for DNA, and requested to return in 90 days to ensure the testing is complete before the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8.

Homicide Victim’s Wife Calls Stabbing Defendant ‘Malicious and Wild,’ Still Released to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a fatal stabbing defendant to home confinement, despite the victim’s family opposing it, during a hearing on May 2.

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd on June 22, 2024, on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

Kevann Gardner, Bonaparte’s defense attorney, filed a motion to release Bonaparte to the community, stating she has continuously worked to improve herself during her incarceration. According to Gardner, “she has now completed an addiction program and is currently eligible for a residential treatment program.”

During the hearing, prosecutors opposed the request, stating Bonaparte had been convicted for a similar incident in 2013, in which she stabbed her brother. In that case, the prosecution stated, she received a Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) sentence, which allows young defendants to have their convictions sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. According to the prosecution, that case is “very similar to what happened here.”

Prosecutors also raised concerns about Bonaparter’s substance abuse issues, stating, “at the core of this case is substance abuse. It had an impact on what happened.” According to the prosecution, Bonaparte was allegedly under the influence of a substance when she allegedly stabbed Boyd twice in the chest.

“Time and time again we found ourselves in a position of Ms. Bonaparte not complying with release conditions,” the prosecution insisted, citing Bonaparte’s release being revoked in October 2024 due to her drug abuse and dependence.

“She’s clean and sober,” Judge Ryan stated, adding she has gone through drug treatment while she’s been incarcerated at the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) in the DC Jail.

“If she relapses, I’ll deal with it by putting her in a position where she can no longer do that,” Judge Ryan advised, telling Bonaparte “you cannot afford to relapse when you’re in the community.”

Boyd’s wife opposed the request, stating “I feel like she shouldn’t be able to have her freedom,” adding she’s “malicious and wild.”

“I want her to have the best chance at succeeding,” Judge Ryan stated, ordering Bonaparte be in home confinement at all times, except for previously approved appointments, and will be evaluated by staff at the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to decide what treatment she needs for her drug issues.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea, Highlights Drug Treatment Success

A defendant accused of a stabbing rejected a plea deal and opted to proceed to trial during a hearing on May 5 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

John Scogins, 54, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024 at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Scogins, the victim, and a third individual were aboard a Metrobus when a verbal argument between Scogins and the victim escalated to a physical altercation and resulted in a stabbing.

At the last hearing on March 21, Judge Brandt ordered Scogins to attend an outpatient drug treatment program. A representative of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) informed the court that Scogins completed treatment but noted a recent positive drug test for cocaine. The PSA representative added that Scogins is compliant with his pretrial conditions, including no GPS infractions.

Alvin Thomas, Scogins’ attorney, asserted that Scogins did not test positive since the last hearing and asked the judge to maintain his release conditions.

The prosecution agreed Scogins is overall more compliant and that most issues were addressed at the last hearing.

Judge Brandt remarked that Scogins appeared well and showed a marked improvement than before she imposed his current pretrial conditions.

During the hearing, Scogins also rejected an offer extended by the prosecution to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 18.

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