Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea Offer, Denied Sixth New Attorney

A defendant in a homicide case requested new counsel and rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 28.

Joshua Allen, 33, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson on June 11, 2021, on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

At the hearing, Allen requested a new attorney, but Judge Park denied this request, stating that there was no reason for him to remove his current lawyer, Sara Kopecki, as there is no evidence she had been ineffective in any way. Judge Park also asserted that this would be Allen’s sixth lawyer if he were to appoint new counsel.

Allen also announced he would be rejecting the prosecution’s offer to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of obstruction in another case in exchange for all other charges being dropped.

The trial is set for Aug. 11, and parties are slated to reconvene on April 11.

Homicide Defendant Counsel Withdraws Post Conviction

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park appointed new counsel for a homicide defendant after his two lawyers withdrew on Feb. 28, following a conviction on Feb. 10.

Ronald Wallace, 48, was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Tyrone Wright, 32, and wounding of another on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE.

After the conviction, Wallace’s attorneys, Michael Bruckheim and Camille Wagner, withdrew as counsel. Judge Park appointed Quo Mieko Judkins the new counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 2 for sentencing.

Defendant Asserts Right to Test DNA Evidence in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted the defense’s request for independent DNA testing, but amended that all secondary evidence tested must be returned to the prosecution during a hearing on Feb. 28.

Samuel Mack, 57, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Erica Ward. The shooting occurred in an apartment on the 4700 block of Benning Road, SE, on Dec. 30, 2020.

During the hearing, attorney Joseph Yarbough alerted Judge Park that Mack asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence.

The prosecution requested that all secondary evidence, including reagent blanks—used to test for contamination— be turned over to them after the defense finished testing. The prosecution asserted they would also want to test these materials on their own and get their own results.

Judge Park agreed and granted the defense’s motion to test with this amendment.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 12.

Homicide Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Victim’s Family Objects

A homicide defendant accepted prosecutors’ plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Feb. 28.

Deandre Miles, 28, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth 1000 dollars or more, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller. The shooting took place on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023.

During the hearing, Miles’ defense attorneys, Kevin Robertson and Kyle McGonigal informed Judge Brandt that Miles would be accepting the plea deal offered by the prosecutor. The terms of the deal required that he plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and malicious destruction of property, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of seven-and-a-half years-to-15 years of incarceration.

Judge Brandt accepted Miles’ plea deal and heard a statement from Fuller’s family. The family expressed their opposition to the plea agreement with Judge Brandt, claiming they believed he deserved more time for the severity of his crime and the emotional turmoil they have faced.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 13.

Court Postpones Shooting Hearing Pending Virginia Case

A shooting defendant’s hearing was postponed by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Feb. 28, following his recent arrest in Virginia.

On Jan. 20, 2022, Johnathan Davis, 26, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business as part of an agreement with prosecutors in exchange for a waiver of the indictment. The charges stemmed from a non-fatal shooting that occurred on April 30, 2021 at the Union Station Metro stop located on the block of 700 First Street, NE.

Davis was sentenced to six months for each charge in 2022.

According to Davis, who faces a revocation of his probation due to his new arrest, the Virginia case will be dropped as the arresting officer refused to show his bodycam footage of the incident and no incriminating evidence was found during the search.

As a result, the court decided to postpone the hearing to wait for the outcome of the Virginia matter before further actions.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 31.

Co-defendants Express Remorse During Sentencing in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced co-defendants for their involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Feb. 28.

On Sept. 17, 2024, Kurtis Hubbard, 24, and Brian Richard, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery for their involvement in a shooting on the 3200 block of 20th Street, NE which occurred on May 7, 2024. One individual sustained injuries.

Hubbard additionally pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and Richard to carrying a pistol without a license.

According to court documents, Hubbard and Richard attempted to rob the victim, leading to a struggle, causing a firearm to discharge. The victim sustained injuries unrelated to the shooting.

During the hearing, the prosecution pushed for the maximum sentencing for Hubbard due to his criminal history, which includes prior convictions for assault, robbery, and burglary.

Hubbard expressed remorse stating, “I wasn’t in the right state of mind, I wasn’t who I normally was. I feel bad for the victim. I take full responsibility.” His adoptive mother spoke in his defense, emphasizing his struggles with addiction and the need for therapy and psychiatric support.

The court sentenced Hubbard to 45 months for assault with intent to commit robbery, with nine months suspended. He also received 25 months for unlawful possession of a firearm, with seven months suspended. The sentences will be served concurrently.

Richard’s defense attorney, Bryan Bookhard, argued that he did not possess a firearm during the incident and only became involved when he attempted to wrestle the gun away from Hubbard and the victim to prevent further violence. They sought a split sentence combining jail time with parole, and a fully suspended sentence for the weapons charge.

In court, Richard offered a heartfelt apology: “I want to apologize to the victim, to their family, and to the community. I do feel remorseful towards the victim.”

Richard received a 24 month sentence for the assault charge, with 12 months suspended. For carrying a dangerous weapon outside of a home or business, Richard received a 12-month sentence, fully suspended. Both sentences will run concurrently.

No further dates were set.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Guilty Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt oversaw a hearing on Feb. 28, for a non-fatal shooting defendant who accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors.

Donte Scott, 39, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on May 26, 2024 on the 1800 block of M Street, NW. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Scott’s defense attorney, Charles Haskell, informed Judge Brandt that Scott accepted the plea offer from the prosecutor. The terms required that Scott to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, in exchange for the prosecution’s not seeking other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a 60 month sentence, or a sentence at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, whichever is greater.

Judge Brandt conditionally accepted the guilty plea, as she awaits proper documentation from both parties.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 2.

Non-Fatal Shooting Suspect is Mentally Competent, Transferred to DC Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt deemed a shooting defendant mentally competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) during a hearing on Feb. 28.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and 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.

Wise’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, presented the court with Wise’s mental competency evaluation. Reed explained how an expert found Wise competent, and the prosecutor agreed with the evaluation.

Judge Brandt accepted the assessment and found Wise competent, allowing the court to proceed with the case. Additionally, Judge Brandt ordered that Wise be sent back to DC Jail and removed from St. Elizabeths Hospital, where he was detained during his psychiatric evaluation.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 28.

‘I Forgive Her,’ Says Wife of Deadly Car Crash Victim

A car crash victim’s family testified during the sentencing of a homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 28.

On Aug. 30, 2024, Olivia Ayong, 50, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for her involvement in the car crash that claimed the life of 72-year-old Ralph Williams on Nov. 25, 2022, on the 900 block of K Street, NE.

According to court documents, Williams, while double parked unloading groceries with his wife, was struck and pinned between Ayong’s car and his own. He was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from damage to his legs and pelvis.

Ayong, who worked as a home healthcare provider, was transporting a patient at the time of the incident. She tested negative for alcohol and drug use, and the patient in her vehicle said Ayong was not using her phone at the time.

During the hearing, prosecutors had Williams’ family members present victim statements, where they expressed how the passing of Williams has affected them.

Williams’ son cried at the stand, stating “it still hurts to this day, I think about him.” His son was followed by Williams’ cousin, who also gave tear-filled testimony telling Judge Brandt that he and Williams had a relationship like brothers.

“There has been a void in my life since his passing, he has been a part of my life since I was born… I lost a brother, I lost a part of me,” Williams’ cousin told Judge Brandt. Additionally, he told Judge Brandt that the family wanted Ayong held responsible for her actions.

“To me Ralph was a dream come true… when I lost my husband I lost my partner, friend, and love of my life… his death has left me in darkness,” Williams’ wife cried. She described the last moments she had with her husband as he lay dying on the street, but surprisingly told the court, “I forgive her because I know she didn’t mean to kill my husband.”

Ayong, in an emotional statement, apologized to the family and showed remorse, saying, “I’m so sorry for what happened, please forgive me I never meant to do that… I can’t sleep, I cry every day, I can’t even look at your face.”

After the statements, Judge Brandt imposed a sentence of 36 months with all of it suspended. Ayong is required to be on probation for two years, during which she must participate in mandated grief counseling.

No further dates were set.

Triple Homicide Defendant Denied Release as Flight Risk

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a conspiracy and homicide defendant’s request for release in a triple killing on Feb. 27, claiming he was too much of a flight risk.

Dionzai Parker, 21, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of carrying a shotgun or rifle outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings that occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

The incidents led to the deaths of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on Feb. 25, 2023.

Parker was indicted on these charges Nov. 6, 2024, along with his four co-defendants, Derricko Johnson, 20, Ronald Henderson, 19, Daveon Robinson, 17, and Demarco Robinson, 20.

In court, Karen Minor, Parker’s attorney, requested that Parker be released under high intensity supervision, meaning he would undergo GPS monitoring, 24-hour home confinement, an amended living situation, and a curfew.

Minor argued that there is insufficient evidence linking Parker to the crimes. Even though it’s likely Parker’s DNA was recovered from a rifle at the scene of one of the crimes, Parker is absent in the group chats that the prosecution used to establish conspiracy; further, an individual said to be Parker is not seen on video at the shooting of Djembissi, and he has no prior criminal history.

The prosecution stated that Parker was found to be a flight risk and danger to the community in front of DC Superior Court Judge Meribeth Raffinin on Dec. 19, 2024. They showed evidence that Parker knew about his indictment and arraignment before he was arrested and still chose not to appear despite a bench warrant. They also showed evidence of Parker’s allegedly getting a truck as part of a plan to flee to Atlanta, Georgia.

Minor rebutted stating that Parker did not leave though he could have.

Judge Ryan stated that there was clear evidence of flight risk and that there is no “basis for securing release at this time.” Parker’s request for release was denied.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 14.

Two Murder Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two co-defendants pleaded not guilty in a fatal shooting arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 28.

Emmanuel Lewis, 35, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kwame Keith, 25, on the 1800 block of Fairlawn Avenue, SE on Oct. 30, 2023.

George Pendleton, 43, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the same incident.

Before going through the arraignment, the defense attorney for Lewis, Russell Hairston, requested his client be released pending the trial through GPS monitoring or 24-hour home confinement. The prosecution objected due to the severity of the case, especially tampering with physical evidence.

Judge Edelman declined the request, adding that the defendant was on probation at the time of the incident and he has multiple priors, which “would make a release challenging.”

Once arraigned, Pendleton and his attorney, Bryan Bookhard, reviewed the current terms of his release with Judge Edelman with a representative from DC’s Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) after failing to report for multiple drug tests.

Judge Edelman agreed to continue Pendleton’s pre-trial release, so long as he attends an intensive outpatient drug treatment program. On behalf of his client, Bookhard said he will voluntarily commit to inpatient treatment, as Pendleton wants to “appropriately address his substance issues.”

Judge Edelman responded, “I don’t see you as someone not taking this seriously. I want you to go get help.”

Parties for Pendleton will reconvene on May 2.

All parties in the co-defendant matter will reconvene for trial on June 8, 2026.

‘I Feared for My Life, I Wanted to Disappear,’ Says Transgender Victim in Carjacking Case

The victim of a domestic violence case testified about her fear before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean’s courtroom on Feb. 27.

Nicolas Delgado, 31, is charged with unarmed carjacking, kidnapping, two counts of first-degree theft, two counts of robbery, second-degree theft, attempted credit card fraud, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and two counts of simple assault for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 8, 2020, at the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Prosecutors called on the victim, who identified herself as the ex-girlfriend of Delgado. According to the witness, he punched her multiple times in the face after accusing her of cheating. The victim said she’d seen Delgado “furious” before, but “his eyes looked different.”

She testified he then dragged her into the bathroom and cut off her hair with scissors and a razor.

While doing so, she stated he repeatedly called her the F-slur, an attack at the transgender victim. She claimed Delgado knew the significance of her hair, stating “It’s everything to me. It’s what makes me feel pretty.”

She claimed he took her belongings including designer bags and jewelry. Then, the witness testified he drove them to a bank ATM machine, where he made her withdraw all her money and give it to him.

She claimed Delgado would make threats targeting her and her family including, “If we broke up, my family would find my head chopped off on top of the TV” and “If I told anyone, he would kill my mom and my entire family.”

After the incident, the witness said she cried for hours and took a picture of herself, which the prosecution showed to the court. It portrayed the victim’s shaved head and faint bruises on her face where Delgado allegedly struck her.

When asked why she did not fight back, she expressed her fear and stated “I feared for my life… I wanted to disappear.”

The witness claimed she initially did not call the police and had no intention of doing so because she feared for her family’s safety. However, after receiving a text from him several days later detailing how he would empty her bank account, she “noticed it was a pattern” and “it was never going to stop.”

According to the witness, she realized she could not keep it a secret and needed law enforcement to get involved.

During cross-examination, Bryan Bookhard, Delgado’s defense attorney, mentioned two incidents when the victim had opportunities to seek help while Delgado allegedly held her in his custody.

In response, the victim explained, “I was doing what he asked me to do so he didn’t hurt my family,” and described him as “an aggressive man.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 3.

Stabbing Trial Further Delayed, Despite Locating The Victim

The prosecution notified the court they located the victim, also the key witness, who was missing for days before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean during a hearing on Feb. 27.

Shawn Dyson, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 29, 2023 at 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Dyson’s defense attorney, Sharon Weathers, requested dismissal of the case. Weathers argued there has been a “lengthy” delay in the trial, with the burden on the prosecution unable to find the witness. She said Dyson spent a long time in jail and felt “anxiety” about the uncertain status of the case.

Judge McLean denied the motion. She stated the prosecution made “substantial efforts” to locate the witness, and the delay was only three days. She concluded the factors did not interfere with Dyson’s right to a speedy trial.

With the help of an interpreter, the witness was admonished by Judge McLean warned the victim to appear or a warrant will be issued.

The trial, which was slated to begin Feb. 24, has been rescheduled to May 27.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Judge Says Witness’ Testimony in a Seven-Year-Old Case is Like ‘Pulling Teeth’

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman heard more testimony about a teen-age homicide from on Feb. 27.

Daquan Gray, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Jaylyn Wheeler, on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE, on May 16, 2018. Gray was 16 years old at the time of the incident.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors have attempted to prove that Gray allegedly shot Wheeler as a result of a fight that occurred at their high school on the day of the incident.

A witness, an in-school suspension coordinator from Ballou High School, claimed not to recognize any student from school security camera stills during his testimony. Another witness, a former high school student, also refused to identify the students and later stopped his testimony, stating, “I want a court-appointed lawyer,” after the prosecutor handed the witness his grand jury testimony transcript.

Judge Edelman dismissed him for the day and, after discussing the next steps for the witness with the parties, said, “This [witness name] testimony will be like pulling teeth.”

The prosecution also called on the former lead security officer at the high school, who confidently identified the students from the same school surveillance cameras. She identified Gray and another former student from surveillance taken near the alleyway of the incident that shows the two walking from the school towards the alley where Wheeler was fatally shot.

A forensic scientist was called to testify virtually, about her crime scene photos and the physical evidence she was able to collect. One key piece of evidence was a firearm, which was recovered near the incident, in the backyard of a home under tarps and leaves. The firearm was presented in court for the jury to see, after being rendered safe by a US Marshal.

During a cross-examination by Hanna Perry, it was noted the forensics expert was given a bad review by superiors in a moot court in San Diego, CA. In an effort to impeach the witness, Perry said, reading the review, that the witness, “Gave misleading and untruthful testimony.”

In a brief redirect, the prosecutor was able to emphasize it was a moot court and the witness has given numerous truthful testimonies both in moot courts and in real trials.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer from the K-9 unit, who responded to the crime scene intending to locate a firearm. Instead, the dog and officer found multiple bullet casings, which were flagged for forensics to collect.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 3.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur issued a bench warrant for a stabbing defendant on Feb. 28 after failing to appear in court.

Tyra Redad, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in the stabbing of a victim on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW, on Dec. 1, 2024.

During a previous hearing, Redad had already been warned about the consequences of failing to appear in person due to transportation issues.

Chantal Jean-Baptiste, Redad’s defense attorney, had no information regarding her absence.

Consequently, Judge Arthur issued a bench warrant.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene when Redad is in custody.

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