Homicide Victim’s Close Friend Testifies in Trial

A homicide victim’s best friend testified about their plans on the day of his death before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on Jan. 23.

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 on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Wallace is additionally charged with carrying a pistol outside of home or business.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on Wright’s friend, who had spent part of the day with him, and testified Wright was “like a brother to me.”

The witness said Wright was a close childhood friend, that they were known to hangout in the neighborhood where the homicide occurred. He testified Wright’s loss has impacted him and their community.

The witness testified he and Wright were in his car when Wright stepped out to take a call. According to the witness, he heard “a few gun shots,” but didn’t see who shot them or where they came from.

Wright’s friend told the jury he sped away from the scene, and realized Wright had been injured when he returned later in the day.

The friend testified he had seen “Ronnie,” who he identified as Wallace in the courtroom, at the scene, but had not seen who shot Wright.

The trial is set to reconvene on Jan. 27.

Judge Grants Trial Delay For Defense Competency Evaluation

Waiting for a defendant’s competency evaluation and its results, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a defense’s motion to delay a trial date on January 23.

James Petticolas, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree burglary while armed and destruction of property less than $1000 for allegedly stabbing a male victim in the back on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW on May 10, 2024.

According to court documents, an individual, identified as Petticolas, entered a store and got into an argument with the victim, who was a cashier. He allegedly left and returned with a knife, chasing the victim around the store and stabbing him in the back before attempting to flee.

At the hearing, Marnitta King, Petticolas’ defense attorney, stated an expert witness is assessing Petticolas for competency and criminal liability. King requested more time to receive results, as not guilty by reason of insanity is being considered as a possible defense.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 6 to receive updates from defense counsel.

Opening Statements, First Witnesses Testify in Shooting Case

Parties delivered opening statements in a homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, on Jan. 22.

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.

During opening statements, the prosecution showed surveillance footage from cameras in the apartment complex to the jury. The prosecutor claimed that this case was an act of retaliation. Wallace allegedly believed that Wright was responsible for the death of Wallace’s brother, Marcus Wallace, in November 2020.

Furthermore, the prosecution alleged that Wallace shot Wright first, followed by Glover coming out from the apartment complex to fire more shots.

Camille Wagner, representing Wallace, claimed that the prosecution has “zero credible evidence” that Wallace was the shooter. Out of the witnesses only one was present during the shooting. This witness merely places Wallace at the scene, Wagner insisted.

Wagner further cited that an individual was charged in the murder of Marcus Wallace other than Wright, which undermines retaliation as a motive.

Christen Philips, representing Glover, stated that Glover had no idea that someone was about to shoot Wright, claiming that Glover remained in the apartment complex and only went out of the building once shots were fired to check on where he last saw family and friends.

Philips alleged that Glover came upon the shooter, firing several shots as the individual ran away.

The prosecution called an expert witness to review the use of ShotSpotter technology in this case. MPD utilizes this system to identify possible gunshots in the DC area. They played several audio recordings collected by ShotSpotter in the vicinity of the shooting for the witness to examine.

The trial will resume on Jan. 23.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Transfer to St. Elizabeths Mental Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied defense attorney Seth Schrager’s request for a stabbing defendant to be transferred to St. Elizabeths Hospital for observation on Jan. 22.

Davon Hodge, 28, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an incarcerated individual at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 18, 2023.

During the hearing, Schrager requested a transfer for Hodge to St. Elizabeths Hospital for psychiatric treatment, arguing that further evaluation was necessary to know if Hodge was mentally competent to stand trial.

The prosecution opposed this request, given that prior reports repeatedly showed competency. Judge Hertzfeld alerted the parties that she had reviewed a report submitted by a psychologist from St. Elizabeths Hospital, in which Hodge was found to be competent, and no further treatment from St. Elizabeths is necessary.

Based on that information, Judge Hertzfeld denied the transfer.

The next hearing is set for April 3.

Carjacking Defendant Requests Release Modification

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ordered a defense attorney to file a request for their client’s release in writing during a hearing on Jan. 22.

Dale Benjamin, 37, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 4400 block of Bennington Road, SE at 2:30 am on Sept. 15, 2024.

Clarence Powell, Benjamin’s attorney, claimed that the stigma of having to wear a GPS monitor has hindered Benjamin’s ability to hold steady employment.

Judge Hertzfeld requested that the defense file the motion in writing by Jan. 28, with the prosecution having until Feb. 10 to submit their response.

While this process is underway, plea negotiations amongst the parties will continue. No plea offer has been extended, but the prosecution does anticipate the extension of an offer.

All parties are to reconvene on March 11.

Defense Attorney Claims ‘Critical’ Evidence Could Dismiss Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant’s attorney told DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond she had knowledge of “critical information” that could lead to a dismissal of the case, during a preliminary hearing on Jan. 22.

Crevante Holt, 54, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that injured him on the 1400 block of Fairmont St, NW, on Sept. 20, 2024.

According to court documents, police arrived on the scene and found Holt unarmed and bleeding from a stab wound. Initially, he was thought to be the victim, but that was later changed when a witness reported hearing the actual victim say “This guy is trying to stab me!” as he fled the scene.

Holt’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, hinted at new evidence that could exonerate her client. “He never had the knife,” she said.

Judge Raymond delayed the preliminary hearing, allowing the prosecution to ensure their witness could make it to the hearing. Sapirstein said she would disclose the evidence at the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 5.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Grants Defendant Release

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide during a Jan. 22 hearing but released him conditionally.

Alfred Paulino-Del Rosario, 21, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting that killed 21-year-old Jhonathan Guzman Hernandez on Dec. 30, 2022 on the 1400 block of Clifton Street, NW.

Guzman Hernandez was located at the 2400 block of 15th Street, NW, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Prosecutors contended that Paulino-Del Rosario partnered with another suspect during the incident, suggesting a conspiracy between the two.

While it remains unclear who delivered the fatal shot, prosecutors sustained that Paulino-Del Rosario actively participated in the victim’s death, and demonstrated clear intent to kill the victim. Prosecution played and reviewed video footage of the incident to assist her argument and stressed the fact that Paulino-Del Rosario fired the first shot.

However, defense attorney Molly Bunke, asserted that Paulino-Del Rosario’s mental state must align with that of the second suspect for him to be considered guilty of second-degree murder. Bunke emphasized the fact that there is no evidence that suggests that Paulino-Del Rosario shared the same intent to kill or inflict serious bodily injury as the other suspect.

After a lengthy debate, the judge ultimately ruled that there was sufficient probable cause to move the case forward. Following the ruling, Bunke requested Paulino-Del Rosario’s release, which the court granted under the conditions that he remains in 24-hour home confinement and follows a stay away-no contact order prohibiting contact with witnesses.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Judge Sentences Shooting Defendant to 48 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 48 months of incarceration on Jan. 23.

On Nov. 15, 2024, Torrence Wimbish, 21, accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 11, 2024 on the 1300 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. No injuries were reported.

The prosecution argued that the defendant committed a serious offense shooting into a crowd of unknown bystanders and proposed a 51-month sentence.

Edward Joseph, the defendant’s attorney rebutted the prosecution’s recommendation, suggesting 13 months of incarceration, stating that Wimbish now understands “he needs to act as a grown man.”

“I am remorseful… I am grateful nobody got hurt,” said Wimbish to the Court. According to the defense, Wimbish has a history of mental health problems and cognitive limitations.

Judge Park stressed that the sentence imposed on Wimbish would reflect the severity of the crime. Thus, Wimbish was sentenced to 48 months of incarceration for assault with a dangerous weapon and 12 months for carrying a pistol without a license, which will run concurrently. Along with this sentence, he ordered Wimbish to pay $200 to the victim crime fund and register as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

DC Courts Face Crisis Waiting For Judicial Appointments, Says Chief Judge and Attorneys

As the new Trump administration takes shape, the District continues to wait anxiously for Congressional action to fill the longstanding void of Superior Court judges.

Meanwhile, in a rare moment of agreement, DC judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers are warning the situation has reached crisis proportions in terms of the effective administration of justice.

“If you are incarcerated and charged with a ‘felony one’ offense, you could be waiting years,” said Todd Baldwin, head of the Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association which handles most indigent client cases that come before the court.

In a November letter to outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) last year, Milton Lee, the new chief judge of the DC Superior Court, called for urgent action to fill current and upcoming vacancies on the bench.

Lee, along with his counterpart on the DC Court of Appeals, Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby, noted that even though a full complement of judges on the Superior Court is 62, there are nine vacancies, two pending retirements and two on medical leave.

One slot has been in limbo since 2011. DC Judges have to be appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

“T]he historically high number of vacancies puts an unsustainable strain on caseloads, disposition times, parties, and the public servants at the heart of the Courts,” wrote Judge Lee.

Judge Lee declined to comment about the impact of the judicial shortfall on court operations as a whole.

While his duties are largely administrative, a post on the official DC Bar website says because of the judicial crisis Judge Lee will continue to hear cases.

Underscoring the problem, Judge Lee was assigned a Jan. 15 hearing on the widely publicized Cydrisse Alvin case. She was convicted in 2013 of stabbing her next door neighbor to death. The matter has dragged on more than a decade through appeals after she was sentenced to 35 years for the crime.

Again in 2024, the DC Superior Court’s urgent calls for more judges went largely unanswered. Ten nominees up for federal approval were left languishing and disappointed DC officials are trying to figure out how to deal with the aftermath.

One criminal defense lawyer said, “Until someone is convinced to address the shortage, it’s going to be a squeeze.” The attorney, who spoke to D.C. Witness on the condition of anonymity, says court delays are “as bad as he’s seen” in more than forty years in practice and “it’s about to get much worse.”

Part of the problem, according to the attorney, is that in a push for more prosecutions many more cases are being “papered,” meaning set for trial.

Meanwhile, D.C. Witness data shows that in 2023 and 2024 most homicide and non-fatal shooting cases that started on Jan.1 or later were unresolved by year’s end.

For 2024:

– NFS: 45 out of 124 cases received a disposition within 1 year (39.5%)

– Homicide: 9 out of 47 cases received a disposition within 1 year(19.1%)

For 2023:

– NFS: 12 out of 94 cases received a disposition within 1 year (12.8%)

– Homicide: 4 out of 102 cases received a disposition within 1 year(3.9%)

Thousands of cases postponed during the pandemic created a significant judicial backlog resulting in the low rate of arraignment to final disposition cases in 2023. Many other factors besides the availability of trial judges affect adjudication and each case is different. Still, the backlog amounting to some 4,000 cases bears witness to what many are calling a crisis on the bench,

“We are seeing the greatest harm in the courtrooms that hear homicide cases where trial dates are being set in late 2025 and throughout 2026, in part because of judicial vacancies,” said the US Attorney’s Office in a statement to D.C. Witness.

While many may think of the modern DC Superior Court created in 1970 as strictly a venue for criminal proceedings, its responsibilities extend far beyond the courtroom doors into community-wide issues like juvenile delinquency and landlord-tenant disputes.

“It has real impact on both the pace of decision making and resolution of matters that have high significance to the people of the District of Columbia,” said Misty C.Thomas Zaleski, executive director of the Center for Court Excellence, which monitors the court and advocates for a fairer criminal justice system.

Nonetheless, the Senate adjourned in December without a vote on DC’s remaining judicial candidates, meaning the process will have to start all over again when Congress reconvenes.

“It is really at the Senate level, either in committee or deeply at the Senate floor, where our problems lie,” says Thomas Zaleski.

Whatever the reasons for the impasse, frustration at the Superior Court is palpable.

“We have not been this close to really and truly addressing the long-standing judicial vacancy crisis that has plagued the DC Courts for nearly a decade, until now – and to be this close – and not get this done – would be a real travesty,” said DC Superior Court spokesman Doug Buchanan in a statement to D.C. Witness.

Except for the most serious crimes, all other cases must come to trial within 100 days of arrest. Still, there’s no deadline on when they will finish and justice delayed could ultimately amount to justice denied.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Homicide of 18-Year-Old

A homicide defendant entered a plea of guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 22.

Dohn Harmon, 25, was originally charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, three charges of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two charges of assault with intent to kill while armed, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins. The shooting occurred on July 1, 2020 on the 1800 block of Q street, SE and was said to be retaliation for the murder of Harmon’s friend.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Park they had extended a plea deal, which required Harmon to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

The terms of the plea state that Harmon must register as a gun offender in the first 48 hours after release, and pay $100 to Victims of Violent Crimes Fund.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 28.

Attorney Cites Conflict of Interest in Motion to Withdraw from Murder Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz delayed a homicide trial slated to begin on Jan. 22, and requested more information from a defense counsel–that in regards to a motion to withdraw as attorney due to a conflict of interest during a hearing on Jan. 21.

Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of 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 39-year-old Edward Pearson on Nov. 26, 2020. The incident occurred on the 2900 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

On Jan. 19, Madelyn Harvey, Cleveland’s attorney, filed a motion to withdraw from the case, stating Laura Hankins, the General Counsel for the DC Public Defender Service (PDS) determined Harvey was in a conflict of interest situation.

During the hearing, Hankins testified about the issue under seal before Judge Kravitz after the courtroom was cleared.

After an extensive consultation, Judge Kravitz alerted the prosecution the trial, previously scheduled for Jan. 22, would be delayed to give Cleveland a chance to decide if he wants to assert or waive the conflict of interest option. Hypothetically, a lawyer representing a client in a related matter might learn information that could affect the outcome of either case. Thus, an unresolvable conflict of interests.

Judge Kravitz appointed Daniel Dorsey as an independent conflict counsel for the case, as the prosecution expressed frustration about the issue emerging so close to the trial date. They deemed the timing suspicious due to multiple opportunities this conflict could have been flagged sooner.

The next hearing is set for Jan 23.

Homicide Defendant Denied Release Pending Retrial

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Jan. 22.

Rafael Stevens, 40, is charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE on Dec. 29, 2022.

On Nov. 15, 2024, a jury convicted Stevens of unlawful possession of a firearm, but was unable to reach a conclusion on the homicide charge.

On Dec. 13, Jason Tulley and Varsha Govindaraju, Stevens’ attorneys, filed a motion for bond review, arguing that because Stevens has no prior violent convictions, was acquitted of the most serious charges against him, and was well-supported by the community, he should be placed on house arrest pending his next trial.

Judge Edelman denied the request because Stevens’ current charges occurred while he was on supervision for a prior felony conviction. The judge stated he believes that the defendant’s record works against him.

Judge Edelman set a further felony status conference for Jan. 31.

Judge Chides Parties For ‘History of Dragging’ in Stabbing Case

Following new discoveries being shared between parties, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow expressed disappointment in both parties’ repeated failure to comply with the scheduling for the trial after the jury trial had to be rescheduled on Jan. 21.

Christopher Cary, 36, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person. These charges are related to his alleged involvement in the stabbing of an individual on Feb. 29, 2024 at the 3600 block of 16th Street, NW. The victim sustained lower back injuries during the incident.

Cary’s attorney, Janai Reed, filed a motion the day before trial to suppress evidence relating to Cary’s identification forcing the prosecution to respond in time for the trial date.

During the hearing, Reed argued she filed the motion late because the prosecution had failed to provide key evidence until the day before trial following a pattern of limiting document access. However, the prosecution insisted that all documents had been provided to the defense as quickly as possible, charging the defense of a last minute filing.

Judge Pasichow insisted on a firm trial date warning both parties they have “history of dragging,” following multiple vacated hearings and issues with evidence. She ordered that the prosecution must provide their opposition to the motion to suppress identification by Jan. 24, with each party promising nothing else will be filed.

The prosecution also requested a Spanish interpreter for a witness.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 3.

Errant Prisoner Transfer to Kentucky Delays Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz was surprised to learn that a homicide defendant was in Kentucky due to an error in judicial scheduling during a hearing on Jan. 21.

Erin Sheffey, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the shooting of Kwiyon Maddox, 32, on Aug. 15 2021. The incident occurred on the 2100 block of 16th Street, SE.

Sheffey was sentenced last week in connection to a separate federal matter and released to the Bureau of Prisons (BoP) to be transferred instead of being returned to the DC Jail to await further proceedings in connection to the local charges

The prosecution stated it was expecting to soon share a pending plea offer that would be a concurrent sentence with the defendant’s federal sentence. Prosecution stated it will leave the plea offer open to the defense for 90 days to have time for the defendant to be extradited back to DC.

The parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Defendant Rejects Plea Deal in Jail Stabbing

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 22.

Bernard Eddy, 25, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon, for allegedly stabbing another inmate at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on March 29, 2023.

According to court documents, the victim was treated for non-fatal injuries at Howard University Hospital. Video surveillance evidence shows an individual, identified as Eddy, and the victim when the victim appears to strike Eddy, and a fight ensued. During the altercation, Eddy allegedly pulled a sharp metal object from his waistband and slashed the victim.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Arthur they had extended a plea deal, which required Eddy to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Eddy rejected the deal and pleaded not guilty.

A trial date was set for June 30.

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