Wife Accused in Husband’s Stabbing Granted Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond accepted a defendant’s waiver of her right to a preliminary hearing, and granted her release during a Jan. 24 hearing.

Carol Chavis, 70, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing her husband during a dispute in their home on 1700 block of Gales Street, NE on Jan. 22.

Chavis’ attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, requested Chavis’ release, arguing that the act was in self-defense and that in their 40 years of marriage there has been no prior history of domestic violence.

Prosecutors opposed the release, claiming that she initiated the fight and cited an incident from two years prior in which Chavis allegedly attempted to stab her husband.

However, Chavis’ husband informed the court he had no desire to impose a stay-away-order from his wife and was agreeable to her coming home.

Ultimately, the court granted Chavis release, ordering her to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

The parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 4.

Defendant’s No-Show May Delay Shooting Case

A defendant refused to appear in court during a Jan. 24 preliminary court hearing, potentially delaying the case.

Alexander Evans, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a man in his left hand on Jan. 13, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

The US Marshals alerted DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond that Evans refused to get on the bus from the DC Jail to the courthouse.

The refusal, described as a “jail refusal”, could cause potential setbacks in the judicial process.

Due to Evans’ absence, the court has rescheduled the hearing for Jan. 30.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Five Count Shooting Indictment

A defendant in a non-fatal shooting has pleaded not guilty following a five count indictment on Jan. 27 before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Dupre Jones, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4500 block of First Street, SW, on Oct 11, 2024.

Adgie O’Bryant, Jones’ attorney, alerted the court of Jones’ intent to plead not guilty to all charges, asserting his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

O’Bryant also filed a motion to suppress all tangible evidence found during a search warrant in Jones’ home; the prosecution has until Feb. 4 to respond.

All parties will reconvene on Feb. 10.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Global Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a global plea deal extended by the prosecution during a Jan. 24 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Juaval Huff, 29, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, six charges of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stemmed from involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured three individuals, on March 26, 2024 on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Edelman they had extended a global plea agreement to Huff, which would resolve all of his outstanding cases. Through the deal, Huff was required to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and robbery, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in four felony and two misdemeanor cases.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to request a sentence that is the mandatory minimum or at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, whichever is longer.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 28.

Judge Nixes Homicide Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Jan. 24.

Andrew Ellis, 22, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Leo Colter, 56, on Oct. 1, 2023 on the 900 block of 15th Street NW.

Ellis’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, requested release arguing that, due to a neck injury, Ellis can no longer turn his head and needs physical therapy and medication, but treatment is unavailable at the DC Jail. She said the injury also makes him more vulnerable to violence.

“Jail is a very dangerous place for someone with plates in his neck,” Weletz said.

Weletz added that Colter has a family in the community and a job guarantee from an employment agency.

The prosecution countered that Ellis’ record does not make him a good candidate for release. According to the prosecution, Ellis has been arrested multiple times for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and carrying a pistol without a license. Most recently, Ellis was arrested for an alleged gun violation in Prince George’s County, Maryland causing him to miss his arraignment in DC.

Judge Kravitz denied the defense’s request due to the serious nature of the crimes and Ellis’ previous criminal history. He said the prosecution had proven that no combination of release conditions would ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are expected to convene on Feb. 21.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a mental competency exam for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Jan. 27.

Anardo Little, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault while armed for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 1200 block of H Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Susan Ellis, Little’s attorney, requested a mental competency exam for Little. The prosecution had no objections.

Judge Pipe granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Suspect Accused of Wounding Victim 17 Times Rejects Plea Offer

Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins explained a plea deal her client rejected during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 24.

Marcus Martin, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

According to court documents, one individual sustained 17 wounds from the shooting.

Judkins told the court the plea deal would have required Martin to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in the case and requested a sentence at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.

Judkins said Martin rejected the plea deal before the preliminary hearing, which took place on Sept. 27, 2024.

Judge Brandt scheduled Martin’s trial for July 7.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 28.

Festival Shooting Defendant’s Sentence Suspended

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to one year of probation on Jan. 24.

On Nov. 4, 2024, Devin Finley, 20, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without license and endangerment with a firearm for his involvement in a shooting at the 1000 block of U Street, NW on June 9, 2024. No injuries were reported.

In court, the prosecution asked the judge for a sentence of six months on each count. They pointed out the incident occurred during Pride, an outdoor celebration of DC’s LGTBQ+ community, emphasizing the risk to those attending.

Defense attorney Kyle McGonigal stated Finley was celebrating his birthday and allegedly got involved in a group altercation. He mentioned Finley worked full-time and has started taking college courses.

He requested Finley be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would seal the defendant’s conviction if he successfully completes all imposed requirements.

Before sentencing, Finley said he was grateful no one was seriously injured and owned up to his mistakes.

Judge Pipe acknowledged Finley’s genuine remorse and efforts to build character. Recognizing Finley’s potential for a brighter future, she granted him YRA status. He was sentenced to 12 months, with all time suspended for each charge, and one year probation for each count to be served concurrently.

Finley is also required to complete community service and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

‘If You Continue to Carry the Weight of It, It Will Consume You,’ Judge Tells Mother Guilty in Her Child’s Death

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced Sasha McCoy on Jan. 24 to ten years of incarceration, suspending all but four years, and three years of probation in a residential drug treatment facility for the accidental death of her three-year-old daughter from fentanyl.

McCoy, 28, was originally charged with first-degree murder and first-degree cruelty to children following the death of Journey McCoy on Oct. 18, 2022. The incident took place at their home on the 3400 block of Stanton Road, SE.

On Oct. 15, 2024, McCoy pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment and dismissing all other charges in the case.

“I am truly sorry for all my actions, and I miss my daughter every day,” McCoy told the court. “I am dedicated to do good all in honor of my beautiful daughter.”

At the sentencing, the prosecution asked Judge Brandt to give McCoy ten years in prison with five years of supervised release.

“While I understand this was an accident, there have to be layers to what ‘accident’ means,” the prosecutor said.

She said the DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) had been involved in McCoy’s family for years before the incident. While investigating a report that one of McCoy’s young children had consumed drugs, CFSA found McCoy’s five-year-old twins watching their one-year-old sibling while McCoy was away taking drugs.

According to the prosecutor, McCoy’s difficult childhood with a drug-addicted mother should have motivated McCoy to avoid drugs.

“She made a conscious decision to use drugs instead of saying, ‘There’s addiction in my family. I shouldn’t do that. I don’t want to do to others what was done to me,'” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said CFSA gave McCoy several opportunities to get drug treatment, but she didn’t take them.

“The worst part about it is that a three-year-old died because Ms. McCoy chose drugs over her kids,” said the prosecutor.

McCoy’s attorney, Camille Wagner, asked Judge Brandt to sentence McCoy to eight years in prison with all but four years suspended, a period of probation, and enrollment in the most intensive drug treatment program offered by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

Wagner objected to the prosecutor’s assertion that McCoy made a conscious decision to choose drugs over the wellbeing of her children.

“McCoy is an addict. She’s fully addicted to the drugs,” Wagner said. “McCoy’s actions in this case, yes, they were reckless. But they were the results of the addiction that she was a victim of.”

Wagner said McCoy had seen a psychiatrist and participated in drug treatment programs before her arrest, although they were not the programs offered by CFSA. McCoy also took classes in jail.

“She has now changed. She is dedicated to working on herself and her sobriety,” Wagner said.

Wagner compared this case to another involving the death of a child, in which Judge Brandt gave a sentence of seven years with all but three years suspended. Wagner said intentional shootings often carry sentences of seven years, so ten years is inappropriate for McCoy, who had no intention to kill or harm the victim.

“She is living with the reality of her actions, and that’s a greater punishment than any the court can impose,” Judge Brandt said about McCoy.

According to Judge Brandt, McCoy’s low criminal history score indicates she should receive a sentence at the bottom of the guideline of four-to-ten years in prison.

“What the court is grappling with is why CFSA didn’t, after the first or second incident, just take those kids away from her. CFSA let those kids down. I don’t put that on Ms. McCoy because she is a self-confessed drug addict,” Judge Brandt said.

Judge Brandt told McCoy she will need to learn to forgive herself in order to have the strength to overcome her addiction and provide what her children need.

“It was a tragic mistake, but it was still a mistake. You were not in your right mind because of the drugs,” Judge Brandt said to McCoy. “If you continue to carry the weight of it, it will consume you.”

Judge Brandt said she would ask BOP to place McCoy in a facility that offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). She ordered McCoy to participate in grief counseling, complete the General Education Diploma (GED), and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Judge Brandt ordered McCoy to have no contact with children under the age of 14 without supervision.

“I’m not saying you can’t see your kids, but you can’t see your kids without a competent adult supervising,” Judge Brandt said. “Right now, you are a safety hazard to your kids.”

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Man Pleads Guilty in Mass Shooting that Injured Seven

A mass shooting defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Jan. 22.

Jaylaun Brown, 22, was originally charged with seven counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on Jan. 21, 2023, on the 1400 block of 9th Street, NW that left seven people injured.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Dayson they had extended a plea deal, which required Brown to plead guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed that an appropriate sentence for Brown is three years of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for April 14.

‘What Kind of Man Shoots at His Own Kids?’ Asks Victim at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced non-fatal shooting defendant, George Thomas III, to 42 months of incarceration on Jan. 24.

On Oct. 24, 2024, Thomas pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in shooting at a car that was occupied by his children and their aunt on the 600 block of Maryland Avenue, NE on June 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

“I am never going to be the same person I was before the shooting,” said the children’s aunt. Still dealing with the effects, she emphasized the emotional and mental impact the incident has had on her and their family.

She said the defendant had ample time and opportunity to walk away from the situation but chose violence. Traumatized by the domestic violence incident, the victim was in disbelief asking the judge, “What kind of man shoots at his own kids?”

Thomas’ family members were in the courtroom and registered their obvious displeasure with the victim’s account. Judge McLean warned them to keep silent during the hearing.

The prosecution requested that, despite Thomas’ having no significant criminal record, the judge sentence him to 42 months of incarceration.

The term was justified, they said, given the emotional toll on the family and the fact that the defendant chose to escalate the situation.

Elizabeth White, Thomas’ attorney, reiterated the defendant accepted responsibility for his actions and understands the severity of the crime.

Claiming that he “is extremely and extraordinarily remorseful,” White argued for six months incarceration, given that he has not spoken to his children in six months and the mother of Thomas’ children was arrested for allegedly assaulting them shortly after the incident.

Thomas apologized to the victim, claiming he had a “bad day” and is now wanting to “put himself on the right path.”

Judge McLean was apparently not convinced by Thomas’ “bad day” explanation and given the severity of the crime, sentenced him to jail for 42 month.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 156 Months Claims, ‘I Ain’t Get A Fair Trial’

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a shooting defendant to 156 months of incarceration during a hearing on Jan. 24, as the defendant claimed the court was biased against him.

On Sept. 24, following a week-long trial, a jury convicted Calvon Brown, 31, of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on March 22, 2024, on the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE.

Following his conviction, Tammy Thom, Brown’s attorney, filed a motion to withdraw as counsel and delay the sentencing, stating their communications have deteriorated, and they face irreconcilable differences.

Brown also filed a motion for a new judge to review the case and for a new trial, arguing there was judicial bias from the court that influenced the verdict and fairness of the case.

“I ain’t get a fair case,” Brown said while detailing examples from trial he felt demonstrated hostility from the court. Brown cited issues when setting the trial date, explaining that the court’s date was not compatible with the defense counsel’s availability based on her representing another case.

Brown also complained that the victim, who is detained in an unrelated matter, was allowed to change into civilian clothing for his testimony when other inmate witnesses typically have to stay in their jumpsuits.

Additionally, Brown alluded to a hostile environment leading to a rushed and coerced verdict by the jury.

The prosecution had no response to the defense counsel’s motion to withdraw, but stated the prosecution felt the trial proceeded in a fair manner and the verdict was supported with evidence.

Judge Christian denied the claims of hostility as well as the defendant’s motions for new counsel, a new judge, and a new trial, stating that there was ample evidence to support the guilty verdict.

Furthermore, Judge Christian sentenced Brown to 132 months for aggravated assault while armed with five years supervised release that is set to run consecutively with 24 months and three years supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

For possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, Brown is sentenced to 108 months with three years supervised release and 32 months and three years supervised release he received for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home/business. These sentences are set to run concurrent to one another and any other sentence.

Brown will be required to register as a gun offender and pay a total of $400 to the Victim of Violent Crime Compensation fund in addition to the standing total of 156 months in confinement.

Thom said Brown would file an appeal today after the hearing.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Motion to Reconsider Release for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied a homicide defendant’s motion to reconsider release during a hearing on Jan 23.

Robert Carpenter, 36, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE on May 7, 2024.

Carpenters defense attorney, Christen Philips, submitted a motion for reconsideration of release on Jan. 16. The request outlined the defense contention that “there is no legal basis to hold him,” because the judge failed to find probable cause for second-degree murder while armed, which was the original charger. However, he found probable cause for voluntary manslaughter while armed.

Moreover, the memorandum mentions that the prosecution’s request to hold Carpenter in detention is “no longer justified” because of the Bail Reform Act, which states the judge can release a defendant if they find that sufficient conditions can be imposed to ensure the safety of the community.

Judge Park denied the motion, on the grounds it was unreasonable.

The next hearing is set for April 4.

Murder Defendant Found Competent to Stand Trial

A homicide defendant was found to be mentally competent before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Jan. 24.

Gerald Brevard, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, two counts of assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault, mayhem, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction for a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth less than $1,000 due to his alleged involvement in three incidents,

He is accused of allegedly shooting and stabbing 54-year-old Morgan Holmes on March 9, 2022 on the 400 block of New York Avenue, NE, committing a drive-by shooting on March 3, 2022 on the 900 block of Mount Olivet Street, NE which left one person injured, and a shooting on March 8, 2022, at the intersection of 17th and H Streets, NE which left one person injured.

On Jan. 21, Judge Kravitz ordered a competency evaluation for Brevard per the request of Brevard’s defense attorney, Stephen Kiersh.

During the hearing on Jan. 24, Judge Kravitz stated that the results of the screening from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) found Brevard mental;; competent to stand trial.

3Kiersh told the Court that they have decided not to pursue an exam for criminal responsibility and will move forward with the case.

Parties are expected to reconvene on June 20.

‘I Don’t Wanna be Labeled as a Criminal,’ Carjacking Defendant Says at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Sean Staples sentenced a carjacking defendant to 84 months, with all but 60 suspended, on Jan. 23.

On Dec. 15, 2023, Marquis Funderburk, 22, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking for his involvement in an incident at the 2400 block of 9th Street, NW, on May 16, 2022.

During the hearing, the prosecution noted Funderburk’s GPS monitoring from a robbery case for which he was on release at the time of the incident, and his failure to identify the alleged co-conspirator as reasons to impose a consecutive sentence with his robbery conviction.

Albert Amissah, Funderburk’s attorney, introduced evidence of Funderburk’s growth and development through inmate programs. He requested Funderburk be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements, making his time served concurrent with his previous case. He further argued that Funderburk felt threatened not to implicate his alleged co-conspirator while incarcerated.

Funderburk said he wanted to be “sentenced as the man he was today and not the man he was at [his] arrest.” He wants to be a role model for his younger brother and he asked that the judge acknowledge his ability to “stay on the right path – I don’t want to be labeled as a criminal.”

Judge Staples granted the YRA, suspending all but 60 months of his 84 month sentence. However, he did not grant Funderburk’s request to serve his sentences concurrently. He cited refusing to implicate his alleged co-conspirator as the primary reason.

No further dates were set.

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