Witnesses Testify They Saw Fatal Shooting Unfold in Terror

Prosecution witnesses testified they watched a murder in progress in a trial before a jury and DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 28.

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.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” the prosecutor told the jury during their opening statements about the shooting, stating that Cunningham allegedly killed Curtis “steps away from his home,” after a failed robbery attempt.

According to the prosecution, Curtis made himself an “easy target,” by holding the door to his apartment building open for the defendant and another young man to enter.

The prosecution told the jury that Cunningham pushed Curtis against the wall of his apartment with a 9mm firearm and said “Shut the f**k up, you know what it is, open the door,” – which they argue can be seen in Ring camera footage retrieved from Curtis’ front door.

Curtis refused because his girlfriend and her six-year-old son were inside the apartment, the prosecution claimed.

They stated that the defendant then pushed Curtis down a flight of stairs to the basement level of the building. Curtis’ roommate and best friend came down the stairs to help, but failed as the suspect fired several times at them. Bullets grazed his roommate’s backpack, setting it on fire.

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s attorney, asked the jury to “keep an open mind” during the trial, saying that they should presume Cunningham innocent until the prosecution provides evidence that proves all elements of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

Following the opening statements, the prosecution called multiple witnesses that were present during or directly after the incident.

Curtis’ roommate and best friend testified that following a trip to get food, Curtis parked his Dodge Charger and entered the building alone.

The witness heard Curtis calling out “Help, bro, help, he’s trying to get me.”

The friend testified he ran downstairs and wrestled with the suspect who shot four times – twice at Curtis’ friend, and twice at Curtis.

Once the shooter fled, the witness testified, he ran upstairs to check on his girlfriend, not realizing Curtis had been shot later finding him wounded.

Prosecutors also called Curtis’ downstairs neighbor, who said, Curtis banged on his door for help after three-to-four gunshots rang out. Seeing Curtis in distress the witness called 911.

Curtis’ roommate’s girlfriend testified she and her boyfriend were let into the building by a man they did not recognize who fled the scene with the shooter. Then they heard Curtis screaming from downstairs asking for help.

She testified she saw the three men scuffling, then heard three-to-four gunshots and saw her boyfriend slip and fall on the landing closest to the basement. According to the witness, she screamed at the shooter, “No, don’t do that!,” as he pointed the gun at her boyfriend while he was on the ground.

Parties will reconvene Jan. 29.

Case Acquitted: Judge Weighs Sanctions Over Police Notes Controversy

Editor’s note: Aaron Murchison was acquitted of all charges by a jury on Feb. 11, 2025.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a murder trial set to start on Jan. 28 to consider possible sanctions against the prosecution based on allegations of missing police notes.

Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

Defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, motioned Judge Dayson to sanction the prosecution following accusations that a responding officer lost the case notes he compiled from the crime scene.

Gardner argued the situation amounts to incredible negligence with sensitive information.

Meanwhile, prosecutors say there is no missing evidence in that all relevant information the officer collected in note form could be reviewed in body-worn camera footage.

Judge Dayson responded that didn’t feel comfortable ruling until she learned more about the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) procedures regarding an officer’s notes even if are no longer employed by the department – or if MPD even has a policy in place.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 29.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Evaluation for Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a carjacking defendant’s request for mental competency evaluation, during a hearing on Jan. 29.

Eligah Hughes, 35, and Elias Robertson, 30, are charged with armed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 1000 block of F Street, NE on Feb. 25, 2024.

Anthony Eugene Smith, Hughes’ attorney, requested a postponement following a motion for forensic evaluation – citing Hughes’ history with mental health problems, adding he “appears to be experiencing mental health difficulties and an inability to relate with counsel” to plan their defense.

Judge McLean granted the request, and ordered a preliminary mental screening.

According to Joseph McCoy, Robertson’s attorney, parties continue to be in plea negotiations.

Parties are to reconvene on Feb. 4.

Mother of Homicide Victim Testifies They Were, ‘Two Peas in a Pod’

A homicide victim’s mother testified on Jan. 28 about her close relationship with her son and what happened the day he was killed. The jury trial is being conducted before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park

Ronald Wallace, 51, and DeAngelo Glover, 33, 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 on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

“We had a wonderful relationship. We spoke everyday and I saw him often,” Wright’s mother testified, adding they were “two peas in a pod.”

Even so, she admitted, he failed to pick up her call on the morning of his murder.

Additionally, she recalled the moments leading up to her son’s death– she was standing in her kitchen, when she heard multiple gunshots nearby.

Immediately calling her other sons, she stated she “had a feeling” that something was wrong. As she ran out of her home to the crime scene, the detectives would not let her in, and she never saw her son again.

The next trial hearing is set for Jan. 29.

Sobbing Defendant Gets 24 Months in Phone Store Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McClean sentenced a tearful stabbing defendant to 24 months of incarceration with all but six suspended. The outburst came during an emotional hearing on Jan. 28, as the defendant pleaded with the judge, “Please don’t send me to jail your honor.”

On Nov. 6, Lakeesha Taylor, 52, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a deadly weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1000 block of H Street, NE on March 2, 2024. An individual sustained cuts to her clothing, but wasn’t physically injured.

Taylor has dozens of prior arrests and multiple convictions, according to prosecutors.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a panic alarm at a phone store. Previously, Taylor engaged in an argument with the victim that turned physical when Taylor punched the victim in the face, before swinging the knife at her, then contacting the victim’s clothing with the weapon. During the violent encounter Taylor reportedly told the victim, “I’m going to kill you,” and chased her out of the store. The victim escaped and managed to flag down police.

At the hearing, the prosecution argued for a 24 month sentence with three years of supervised release. They justified the request citing the aggressive nature of the crime, given that the defendant didn’t know the victim and Taylor’s “conduct in the case was extremely disturbing.”

The prosecution also noted Taylor’s prior criminal history of 42 arrests and 14 convictions, although they didn’t elaborate on the infractions. They argued that Taylor showed no remorse and cited four notices of non-compliance since Taylor’s release.

Defense attorney Marnitta King argued that in the altercation the defendant and victim were equally involved at first. The defense also stated that Taylor accepted responsibility but acknowledged that she didn’t need to “retaliate” with a knife. King also explained that the defendant described herself as a target of attacks and abuse.

According to the prosecution and Judge McLean, in the nine months following her release, the defendant was required to participate in drug testing, but tested positive multiple times, including as recently as January, and failed to appear for two tests. King argued the defendant’s health issues limited her ability to receive drug treatment which requires taking certain medications.

The judge said Taylor was offered numerous opportunities to participate drug treatment but never successfully completed the program, even though the defense said she intended to do so.

The defense requested a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. King stated Taylor was now willing to participate in anger management courses, drug treatment, a mental health evaluation, and three years of probation.

Taylor took responsibility for her actions and apologized for “wasting court time.” She expressed a qualified apology to the victim as the “young lady threatening [Taylor’s] life” as well as the victim’s family.

Taylor also mentioned her relapsing breast cancer, the loss of her mother, and her missing daughter’s kidnapping in explaining her errant behavior.

While Judge McLean appreciated Taylor’s accountability she stated ,“There is no reason to be chasing someone down the street with a knife.” The judge sentenced Taylor to 24 months with all but six suspended, three years of supervised release, and one year of probation. As part of her sentence, Taylor is required to complete anger management courses, drug treatment, and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Immediately following the sentence, Taylor started crying, and asked, “I have to go to jail for six months?” to which Judge McLean responded “Yes ma’am” and continued “I’m not sure why you weren’t prepared.”

As she was being removed from the courtroom by US Marshals, Taylor, sobbing, asked for 24 hours to turn herself. Her request was denied.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Convicted of All Charges in Lovers Quarrel

A defendant in domestic violence homicide was found guilty of all four charges against him by a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom, on Jan. 22.

Idrissa Fall, 37, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for shooting 29-year-old Dara Northern on July 18, 2021. The incident took place on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW.

Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution tried to prove that the shooting was premeditated, deliberate, and motivated. A few days before the shooting, according to the prosecution, Fall and Northern ended their relationship, causing Northern’s mother to ask Fall to move out of their house. The prosecution also said that he acquired a gun and easily disabled security cameras before following Northern out of the house.

The prosecution asserted Fall followed Northern to her best friend’s vehicle before shooting her through the passenger-side window. Fall and Northern were in a relationship but had gotten into several fights over Fall’s concern about Northern’s sexual orientation and alleged infidelity.

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage said to show Fall running from the vehicle after the shooting. This was consistent with Northern’s mother’s testimony, that she heard a gunshot, got out of bed, and looked out the window to see Fall fleeing the scene.

The jury found Fall guilty of all counts.

Judge Brandt set sentencing date for March 19.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Robbery Turned Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant accepted a global plea deal, which resolves multiple cases, at a hearing on Jan. 28 with DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Andre Joyner, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a robbery that turned into a stabbing at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Aug. 24, 2024. The victim sustained four injuries, including to his scalp and chest.

During the hearing, Michael Madden, Joyner’s attorney, alerted Judge Arthur of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful entry – for illegally accessing a Metro track. Joyner accepted the plea deal, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment in this and a misdemeanor case.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to seek a sentencing at the bottom of the guidelines.

The sentencing date is set to be on April 7.

Non-Fatal Shooter Accepts Plea Offer, Faces up to 25 Years in Prison

Charles Brown accepted a plea offer from the prosecution through his defense attorney, Charles Haskell, during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Jan. 27.

Brown, 65, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Sept. 7, 2024, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The defendant and at least one other individual sustained injuries from the incident.

Brown pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in exchange for the prosecution’s agreeing to dismiss all other charges associated with the case.

Haskell told the court assault with a dangerous weapon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of $37,500, and a mandatory minimum of three years.

According to DC Sentencing Guidelines, the judge has the discretion to decide whether the sentences for these two charges will run consecutively or concurrently. Thus, the maximum prison term for Brown is 25 years.

In describing the incident, the prosecutor said Brown approached a group of people in an alley and fired a handgun at them, striking at least one person. An unknown person shot back at Brown, who was too injured to flee but phoned someone to pick up his gun before police arrived.

The prosecutor said Brown refused to identify himself to police as they took him to the hospital to be treated for his injuries, but fingerprints revealed his identity and a prior felony conviction.

Brown’s sentencing is set for April 15.

Prosecutors Ask For Stay Away Order from Angry Carjacking, Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted prosecutors a stay away order from a witness during a hearing on Jan. 28.

Raysean Brown, 28, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of firearm during violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, the prosecution requested the order for a witness who is worried for her safety. They said Brown and his family members had repeatedly been reaching out to the witness – receiving phone calls from the DC Jail.

“This is bullsh*t,” said Brown aloud in court. He was promptly admonished for the comment by Judge Arthur.

In addition to expressing frustration about the stay away order he was unhappy about being locked up for nine months without any progress in the case.

Brown also requested a new lawyer, his third on this case. Judge Arthur responded one of the reasons the case reached trial is Brown’s changing lawyers. However, he granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 4.

Co-Defendant’s Car Accident Delays Shooting Trial

A shooting trial in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom was delayed on Jan. 28 after one of the co-defendants was involved in a car accident and couldn’t appear for the proceeding.

Chantel Stewart, 33, and Daniel Cary, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020 on the 4000 block of First Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident–a gunshot wound to the back, causing a collapsed lung.

Cary is also charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Stewart’s accident occurred while she was driving to the courthouse and she sustained minor injuries including a sprained ankle and mild concussion. Stewart informed her attorney, Jesse Winograd, that she would not be present but would attend on Jan 29.

If Stewart’s condition worsens, Winograd said he will file a motion for a mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 29.

Attorney Argues Murder Defendant Could Have Been Acting in Self Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was asked to consider a self-defense argument for a homicide in a hearing on January 28, 2025. Video footage of a passenger removing unknown items from the victim’s stolen car after he was shot could justify self-defense, the murder defendant’s attorney claimed.

Terrance Stoney, 31, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Donte Tiller, 43. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE, on March 17, 2023.

Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, explained that Tiller was traveling in a stolen car and bullets were found inside. Self defense could be argued, Lotze claimed, because of the car’s suspicious registration and its contents. However, the prosecution said that a self-defense argument would be invalid because the ammunition in Tiller’s car was never fired.

Lotze rebutted, saying there was video footage of a passenger, previously unmentioned, in Tiller’s car. In the video, taken after the shooting, the person removed items from the car before the police arrived on the scene. Lotze argued that because Tiller’s passenger could have removed evidence of a violent altercation, there is reasonable cause to suspect Stoney was acting in self defense.

Judge Ryan ruled that that wasn’t necessarily a valid argument from the defense, but the passenger removing items from the car was “concerning.”

Stoney was asked if he wanted to DNA test any of the items found at the scene, but declined, waiving his right to do his own analysis.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 3.

Stabbing Defendant Remains Jailed Before Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release on Jan. 27.

On Jan. 7, Marshall Baxster, 40, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his involvement in a stabbing on the 3000 block of R street, NW, on Nov. 29, 2024.

According to court documents, Baxster allegedly stole items from the victim’s backpack and when confronted by the victim he punched him in the face causing swelling and bleeding, before cutting his wrist with a knife. Baxster was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

During the hearing, the defense requested the defendant be released before sentencing, arguing he lacks a criminal history and is willing to take responsibility through a pre-indicted deal allowing Baxster to plead guilty to the sole count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.

The prosecution argued that due to the seriousness of the crime there is no evidence to refute he will not be a danger to the community.

Judge McLean denied the request because of the serious nature. Baxster will continue to be held until sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 14.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Homicide Case

A homicide defendant pleaded guilty on Jan. 24 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park at a status hearing.

Wyatt Swan, 48, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2024, fatal shooting of 53-year-old Teresa Francisco on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

According to the prosecution, Francisco attempted to flee after Swan shot her in an apartment, leaving a trail of blood to the parking lot. The prosecution asserted that Francisco then hid from Swan in an unlocked van where he found her and shot her again multiple times. Swan then fled in his car and Francisco was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Swan’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required Swan to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Judge Park told Swan that he would have to register as a gun offender for at least two years after his supervised release.

The sentencing is set for March 21.

Three of Four Co-Defendants in Jail Stabbing Don’t Come to Court

Three of four stabbing co-defendants failed to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 27.

Ndiaye Elhadji, 25, Dion Lee, 25, Dionte Anderson, 26, and Tyrone Hawkins, 23, are charged with conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on May 9, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. An inmate and a Department of Corrections (DoC) officer sustained injuries during the incident.

The US Marshals alerted Judge Arthur that Lee and Hawkins refused to transfer from the jail to the courthouse. Known as a “jail refusal”, the move could delay the case.

Anderson, who is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail, is awaiting a writ ordering his transfer to the DC Jail.

During the hearing, Judge Arthur requested that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) reinstall a GPS monitor on Elhadji, who is the only co-defendant on release.

According to Judge Arthur, Elhadji was recently arrested in Indiana for a DUI charge and also was involved in an unrelated car accident which led to the removal of his GPS monitor. It must be replaced prior to his journey back to Indiana on Jan. 28 for a hearing,

Due to the absence of the other defendants, the court has rescheduled the hearing for Feb. 21.

Domestic Violence Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 27.

Aron Williams, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, 2024 on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. The victim, Williams’ romantic partner, suffered life-threatening injuries from 10 stab wounds to her mouth, arms, and legs.

Williams’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, informed the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, which would require him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Judge Park accepted Williams’ guilty plea.

Parties will reconvene for sentencing on March 28.

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