Teen Carjacking Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Frederick Etheridge, 16, is charged with armed carjacking, two counts of armed robbery and three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

On May 16, 2024, Etheridge allegedly brandished a firearm at a victim and demanded his vehicle, and the victim complied. On January 3, 2025, Etheridge was said to brandish a firearm at a victim and demanded his car keys and personal property. The attempt to seize the vehicle was unsuccessful, but the personal property was stolen.

During the hearing, Theodore Shaw, Etheridge’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the motion, finding Sharps made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Shaw requested the court consider Shaw’s release to home confinement on GPS, citing a limited adult criminal history and strong ties to the community.

The prosecution asked that Etheridge continue to be held in this case, citing strong evidence to counter release and video surveillance.

Judge Glover determined Etheridge should continue to be held. Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Murder Co-Defendants Waive Right to Independent DNA Testing

Shooting co-defendants waive their rights to independent evidence testing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 24.

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.

According to court documents, Davenport said he was selling drugs and the shooting may have been in retaliation for a robbery.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt informed the defendants that under the federal Innocence Protection Act (IPA), they have the right to independently test evidence.

Both William and Violet agreed that they can’t change their minds once a jury reaches a verdict. Their IPA waivers to forego DNA testing were accepted by Judge Brandt.

Additionally, the defendants pre-trial release status was discussed at the hearing.

A report from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) revealed that Violet was in compliance, while William has had “some ebbs and flows,” according to Judge Brandt.

Judge Brandt acknowledged that he has an “addiction issue,” and that William is trying to get sober. She hopes that the next report verifies that.

Parties will return on Sept. 19.

Defendant Found Guilty of Teen’s 2019 Murder

A homicide defendant was found guilty of murder by a jury on April 22 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Bernard Eddy, 25, was charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019, on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE.

The jury convicted Eddy of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or place of business.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors stated that Eddy approached Brathwaite while walking alone to a friend’s house in the neighborhood.

Evidence presented by the prosecution included a 15-second cell phone video showing Eddy celebrating the murder hours after the shooting, which was recovered eight days after the incident. Prosecutors suggested a possible revenge motive for the killing in that Brathwaite may have been involved in the murder of Eddy’s friend.

The jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating one day.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 20 for sentencing.

Judge Extends Shooting Defendant’s Curfew

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the terms of a shooting defendant’s release on April 24.

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

According to the prosecutors the shooting stemmed from an ongoing beef between Stewart and the victim that degenerated into an argument about their boyfriends. Cary was allegedly the trigger man.

Alvin Thomas, Cary’s defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt to his client’s request to modify his current curfew. According to Cary, he is only able to work 20 hours per week with his current 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. curfew.

Cary works in construction, and a full workday would make him late to curfew. Both Cary and Stewart are currently compliant with the terms of their release, according to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Judge Brandt granted his request, pushing back Cary’s curfew to 9 p. m.

Additionally, parties mentioned possible plea negotiations. Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winogard, requested more time as he has a busy trial schedule.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 31.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Murder Defendant

D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park wants a shooting defendant to undergo further analysis of his mental state following a finding of incompetency during a hearing on April 24.

Rodney Whiting, 19, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Antoine Pratt on Feb. 14 on the 3800 block of Jay Street, NE.

Judge Park ordered a full mental competency evaluation for Whiting before attempting to proceed with a trial. In order to stand trial a defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and assist in own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene for another mental observation hearing on May 10.

Probable Cause Found For Defendant’s Second Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover determined probable cause was met in a second stabbing case for a defendant on April 22.

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 26, 2025 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified to the nature of the incident, saying that a witness on scene allegedly identified the assailant as Gregory. The detective reviewed the CCTV footage showing the altercation, where a knife appears to be brandished.

However, the detective testified that the victim did not know the defendant, and the physical description he provided of Gregory was contrary to his actual physical appearance.

The prosecution argued there is sufficient evidence in this case to determine probable cause, but Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, disagreed, maintaining that the burden of proof has not been met.

Judge Glover ultimately determined that probable cause had been established.

Defense requested Gregory’s release, on the grounds that he serves as a full-time caretaker for his mother, and he himself has health issues that aren’t being treated in the DC jail.

The government argued that Gregory has a history of violent crimes, and committed the alleged offense while on pre-trial release for another crime. Judge Glover ruled that the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.

Four-Year-Old Tells Police of Mother’s Murder in a Confrontation

A detective testified regarding his involvement in the investigation of a domestic violence homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 24.

Josiah Garrison, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his wife, 25-year-old Taeje Butler, on April 9 inside their apartment on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who assisted with the investigation. He testified that officers responded to the scene for the report of a shooting.

Body-worn camera footage shows that when officers arrived, Garrison, who was still in the apartment, opened the door for them. “Is anyone shot in there,” an officer could be heard asking Garrison as he got on the ground to be taken into custody. “Yes,” Garrison said.

In the same video, an officer asked Garrison where the gun was, to which Garrison allegedly replied “I panicked, sir, and threw it in the dumpster.” Surveillance footage captured Garrison allegedly taking the gun to the dumpster in a white trash bag, moments after the shooting. Garrison also told officers his five children were in the apartment.

According to the detective, Butler sustained a gunshot to the left side of the neck, which exited through the top right of her head and killed her instantly. An affidavit authored by the detective, and adopted as part of his testimony, stated that Garrison’s four-year-old child told MPD officers “Daddy had been playing scary movie games… daddy went to the closet, and got the gun and then boom.”

The document also stated the four-year old said Garrison allegedly put the gun to Butler’s neck, pushed the trigger and went boom.

However, Christen Phillips, Garrison’s attorney, argued “a four-year-old is not capable of understanding the whole picture, and providing a cohesive story.” She insisted that Garrison’s claim that the gun was fired during a struggle made the most sense due to Butler’s injuries.

In an interview with MPD, Garrison told the detective that Butler had been having mental health issues in the months leading up to her death. According to Garrison, “she was FD12,” which is an involuntary hospitalization for individuals who are believed to be a risk to themselves and others.

During the interview, Garrison stated that on the day of the incident, Butler had accused him of infidelity, and told him “I’ll take you and that b**** out.” He also told the detective Butler went to the closet where they keep their “protection,” provoking a struggle over the gun during which it was fired.

According to Phillips, the gunshot was “not the type of shot anyone makes when they want to kill someone,” insisting that evidence corroborates Garrison’s claim that the gun was fired during a struggle due to the angle in which the bullet struck Butler.

She also argued that Butler’s “erratic behavior makes a struggle where the gun was fired very possible,” adding it was “entirely understandable that [Garrison] would be in full blown panic mode.”

Phillips argued his recollection was accurate, citing past incidents for which MPD had to respond to Garrison and Butler’s home ostensibly due to her mental illness. According to Phillips, on March 8, MPD responded to their residence after Garrison called for help due to Butler being “aggressive, violent, and confrontational.”

According to Phillips, Butler was taken to an involuntary hospitalization because officers believed she was responding to hallucinations, explaining officers witnessed her attempting to speak to people who were not at the apartment.

In body-worn camera footage of the incident, Garrison was heard telling officers he couldn’t work because he was afraid for his children’s well-being.

Phillips also claimed that on March 16, officers responded again to the residence for a “family disturbance,” during which Garrison was given the phone number for the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) to seek treatment for Butler.

Prosecutors questioned the detective’s knowledge regarding a Prince George’s County case in 2018, in which Garrison was allegedly arrested for assaulting his father.

Phillips urged Judge Edelman to not find probable cause, arguing there was no evidence that Garrison intended to kill or acted with disregard for Butler’s well-being during the incident.

However, the prosecution insisted Garrison acted in “reckless disregard,” despite knowing of her mental illnesses. The prosecution claimed Garrison told officers on March 8 that Butler did not have access to firearms in the home, despite the gun being in the closet.

Prosecutors also insisted the gun couldn’t have been fired during a struggle because the medical examiner stated there was no stippling on the gunshot injury, which means the gun was fired from at least three feet away.

Due to time constraints, Judge Edelman was unable to make a ruling on probable cause and detention.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 29.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 23.

Tyriq Williams, 34, was originally charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Terry Clark on Jan. 7, 2023, on the 1200 block of Half Street, SE.

Williams pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in exchange for prosecutors dismissing the remaining charges and waiving enhancement papers.

The prosecution stated that if this case had gone to trial, they would’ve proven that Williams shot Clark once in the head at 7:23 p. m. Clark was pronounced dead on scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 9.

Gun Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Sean Sharps, 22, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Oct., 19, 2024 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE and injured one person.

According to court documents, there was an argument between Sharps and the victim in a McDonald’s in bright daylight. Sharps allegedly pistol whipped the victim in the head.

The victim of the pistol whip shot at Sharps, but did not strike him.

During the hearing, Adam Harris, Sharps’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the waiver, finding Sharps made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

Harris requested the court consider Sharps’ release, citing a limited criminal history, strong ties to the community and a job to return to.

The prosecution argued that Sharps failed to appear for a past misdemeanor charge, and there is video evidence of this incident. The prosecution asked that Sharps continue to be held in this case.

Judge Glover determined Sharps should continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 12.

Probable Cause Found in Stabbing Case, Defendant Ordered Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover determined probable cause was met in a stabbing case during a hearing on April 22.

James Gregory, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on March 23, 2025 on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified to the nature of the incident, citing alleged identification of Gregory by the victim on scene directly following the stabbing. The detective testified that the victim and Gregory knew each other, and lived in the same building at one point.

The victim was later presented with a confirmation photo in the hospital, and definitively identified Gregory as his alleged assailant. Additionally, the detective testified that a visible confrontation between Gregory and the victim appeared on surveillance footage.

The prosecution argued that there was no dispute of facts in the evidence presented, but Santia McLaurin, Gregory’s attorney, argued that the prosecution did not meet the standards for probable cause.

Judge Glover ultimately determined that probable cause had been established.

McLaurin requested Gregory’s release, on the grounds that he serves as a full-time caretaker for his mother, and he has health issues that aren’t being treated in the DC jail.

The prosecution argued that Gregory has a history of violent crimes, and committed the alleged offense while on pre-trial release for another crime. Judge Glover ruled that the hold will continue.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 13.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Offer

A shooting defendant accepted a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on April 24.

Santos Duarte, 25, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5, 2024 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. One victim, the owner of the restaurant, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

The prosecution extended an offer to Santos requiring him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of home or business, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Sentences for the first two and last two counts would run concurrently, with the time served not exceeding 15 years. The prosecution agreed they would waive enhancements to the charges. Additionally, Santos would have to register as a gun offender and contribute to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Santos accepted the plea offer, with his attorney, Camille Wagner, requesting more time for sentencing to allow time for a Youth Act Study to be completed. Under the law a defendant’s record would be sealed if he completed the terms of his punishment successfully.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 15.

Shooting Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Asserts Innocence

A shooting defendant rejected the prosecution’s plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 24.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 10, 2024, on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

Through the offer, Wise would plead guilty to one count of assault with intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in exchange for no enhancements on these charges.

Additionally, Wise’s other charges would be dismissed, except for the homicide case he is currently under investigation for.

Wise rejected the plea offer, declaring, “I feel as if only a guilty person would accept a plea.”

After rejecting the plea and setting a trial date, Wise’s attorney, Janai Reed, asked to speak to him privately.

Reed wanted to confirm that Wise is receiving his medication while at the DC Jail, as “he seemed scattered.”

Judge Brandt agreed with Reed’s assessment, stating that he seemed different than the last time she saw him. However, Wise asserted that he was taking his medication.

Reed requested an assessment of her client’s mental state, with Judge Brandt agreeing it was necessary before further proceedings.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.

Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Hold Will Continue

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover on April 23.

Marquise Carter, 28, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 25, 2024, on the 1400 block of Park Road, NW that injured two people.

According to court documents, the victims and witnesses were driving when they were shot at by an unknown individual.

During the hearing, Stephen LoGerfo, Carter’s attorney, alerted Judge Glover of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and Judge Glover accepted the waiver, finding Carter made the decision knowingly and voluntarily.

LoGerfo requested the court consider Carter’s release, arguing he is the full time caretaker for his six children. The prosecution asked that Carter continue to be held in this case, citing the violent nature of the offense, and that the safety of the community could not be guaranteed if he were to be released.

Judge Glover determined Carter should continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.

Ex-Girlfriend Testifies About Seeing Homicide Suspect Night of the Shooting

An ex-girlfriend and former coworker testified for the prosecution in a homicide trial in front of D.C. Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 23.

Ranje Reynolds, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.

Reynolds’s ex-girlfriend testified he called her the night of the shooting and agreed to pick him up in Georgetown despite heavy traffic and a large police presence.

When Reynolds got in her car, she noticed that his finger appeared to be broken and was bleeding. After he refused to go to the hospital, she took him back to her apartment and tended to his injury. At some point that night she learned Boothe had been killed.

She also testified about a trip she took to Jamaica a few months later where she saw Reynolds. She testified about “wanting clarity from [Reynolds] about what happened to Tarek.” When she asked about Boothe’s death, Reynolds allegedly brushed her off. Eventually she told Reynolds about the ongoing investigation into Boothe’s death which she said apparently surprised him.

One of Reynolds’s former coworker’s, also a close friend, testified about Reynolds’ reaction the night of Boothe’s death.

He called Reynolds on Instagram and initially did not get a response. Shortly after, Reynolds called him back and the witness described hearing sirens in the background of the phone call before it ended quickly.

After that brief conversation, he was not able to get into contact with Reynolds again. He said that it was unusual not to be in communication since he was used to talking to Reynolds on a daily basis.

Additionally, crime analysts testified about evaluating blood evidence recovered at the scene. They could likely exclude Booth’s DNA from the samples but say with “very strong statistical support” that Reynolds was the almost certainly the contributor.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Case Acquitted: Prosecution Says Love Triangle Is Behind a Shooting

Editor’s Note: Tyshay Moore was acquitted of all charges by a jury on May 2, 2025.

The lawyer for a shooting defendant claimed she could be wrongfully convicted during opening statements on April 23, before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Tyshay Moore, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and simple assault for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on May 10, 2023, on the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. One victim suffered gunshot wounds to the face and abdomen.

During openings, the prosecution stated that this was a case about jealousy and relationships. What started as an argument with an ex-partner escalated into a shooting in one of the busiest places in DC.

The prosecution laid out the relationships among the main parties for the jury, referring to them as a “love triangle.” The victim dated and had a child with Javonee Jackson, who was a co-defendant. She accepted a plea deal and was severed from the case. Their relationship ended in 2020. In 2021, the same woman began dating Moore. Their relationship ended in 2023, prior to the incident.

The prosecution claims that on the night of the incident, Jackson went to 7th Street to find the victim and talk to him about their son. They began arguing, escalating the situation, walking out into the street. Moore saw this and decided to “take matters into her own hands.”

According to the prosecution, Moore didn’t like that her ex-partner was still “tied up” with the victim. The prosecution claims Moore punched the victim then took out a gun and shot him in the face and abdomen, leaving him to die.

The prosecution stated that both the victim and Jackson will be testifying in the case.

Varsha Govindaraju, Moore’s attorney, told the jury, “If they actually care about what happened to him [the victim], they would find the person who did this. The person who shot the victim is still out there.”

Govindaraju stated that the prosecution’s case relies heavily on the word of the victim who couldn’t see the shooter. According to Govindaraju, the victim told police he “doesn’t know who shot him.” She also said that the victim has allegedly lied multiple times in criminal cases.

Govindaraju stated that the identification of Moore by the victim’s ex partner is baseless, as she was facing “decades and decades and decades” in prison, so she was pressured into taking a plea deal to avoid jail. Govindaraju told the jury, “the story she will be telling is a story to save herself.”

Govindaraju said there is no DNA, no fingerprints, and no footage from before or after the incident to link Moore to the crime. She ended by stating, “Moore didn’t punch the victim, didn’t shoot the victim, and the [prosecution] didn’t care to find out who did.”

The prosecution called Jackson to testify. She stated she had gone to 7th Street that night because it was her son’s birthday and the victim was “not being a father.” Surveillance footage showed her begin to kick a person identified as the victim before two hooded individuals punched him.

She testified that one of the individuals was a mutual friend of hers and Moore, and the other was Moore herself. She stated she could tell it was Moore even though she was wearing a white mask because she recognized her eyes and voice.

Footage showed the victim running away into the street while Jackson appears to follow, still verbally harassing him, before an individual, later identified as Moore, allegedly took out her gun and shot him.

The witness testified she heard the gunshots and turned around to see the victim on the ground. She told the court, “part of me wanted to stay and part of me wanted to go” but stated, “If I stayed there would be an issue.” The footage showed her fleeing the scene.

The witness stated, “he’s like my best friend,” referring to the victim. She began to cry, stating “we go through a lot but we get through it.”

The witness stated that Moore and the victim had a “hatred relationship.” When Moore and the witness were together, Moore had problems with letting the victim see his son, who was under Jackson’s care.

The witness told the court that on the morning of the incident, she had called Moore to come watch her son because she was going to be taken away by the police after an altercation with her neighbor. According to the witness, when Moore arrived she had a gun.

According to the prosecution, Jackson was arrested on May 11, 2024, but wouldn’t cooperate with the detectives. In court, she stated she “wasn’t really trying to talk” at the time. She said, “situations like this people call it snitching, it’s a safety issue, people die when they snitch.”

Jackson was unable to conclude her testimony, and is scheduled to continue April 24..

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer to the stand. The officer testified that she responded to the scene and found someone bleeding from the face, screaming “help me.” Body worn camera footage shows her render aid, holding his face as she requested more medical attention.

The prosecution called an off-duty police officer from Missouri who was in town on a work trip for national police week. The officer testified to seeing multiple individuals having a heated argument in the street. After about ten seconds, he heard five-to-six gunshots and proceeded to dive for cover behind a vehicle.

The officer said that he identified the shooter and started chasing them but lost sight, so he proceeded to render aid to the victim.

The officer testified that he waited on the scene until emergency personnel arrived. He told the officers that arrived that he believed the shooter was a young black man with dreadlocks.

Parties are slated to reconvene 4.24

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