Judge Delays Sentencing to Review Medical Documents of Stabbing Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld granted a sentencing continuance in a stabbing case to allow defense time to review medical documents from the Department of Corrections (DOC) during a hearing on Jan. 17.

Jose Garcia Fuentes, 43, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his role in a stabbing incident that transpired on April 24, 2024 on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Garcia Fuentes entered a restaurant and started an unprovoked fight with another patron. The defendant reportedly kicked the victim, who tried to calm things down. As events unfolded, the defendant produced a knife and allegedly slashed the victim’s face and hand. After a struggle, Garcia Fuentes escaped.

Defense attorney Henry Escoto requested more time to examine documents regarding Fuentes’ condition from the DC Jail prior to his sentencing.

Sentencing is now scheduled for Feb. 20.

Murder Suspect’s Release Denied Despite Good Jail Conduct

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a murder defendant’s motions calling for bond review and release during a hearing on Jan. 17.

Corde Fitzhugh, 25, is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of attempted robbery, robbery while armed, and two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, for his alleged involvement in the shootings of Muntsier Sharfi, 24, on July 8, 2021 and Zekariya Elmi, 26, on April 25, 2022.

According to court documents, the victims, Sharfi and Elmi, were both scheduled to meet a potential marijuana buyer. They were shot and killed at the delivery locations, the 3300 block of Erie Avenue, SE and 1200 block of Farragut Place, NE.

During the hearing, Fitzhugh’s attorney, Erin Griffard, highlighted Fitzhugh’s conduct in jail, as she requested his release pending further proceedings. She said the defendant participated in the Georgetown Prison Scholars Program and received a letter of support from a corporal from the DC jail.

Despite Judge Edelman acknowledging Fitzhugh’s efforts, he denied the motion, given the serious nature of the offenses. He appreciated the defendant’s conduct, but Judge Edelman stated he was not convinced a detention modification would ensure the safety of the community.

Rejecting the defendant’s emergency motion for release based on jail conditions, Judge Edelman cited precedent and practicality noting, “Every prisoner would need to be released” if jail conditions alone were the rationale, effectively dismantling the entire pretrial detention system.

Judge Edelman emphasized that these circumstances closely resembled standard grievances about detention conditions rather than an unprecedented emergency. Crucially, the court determined that the appropriate venue for addressing concerns about jail conditions lies in civil litigation, not within criminal proceedings.

Judge Edelman denied both motions.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 13.

Shooting Suspect May Withdraw Guilty Plea Based on New Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a shooting defendant more time to review new evidence before deciding if he wants to withdraw his guilty plea, during a hearing on Jan. 17.

On Sept. 5, 2024, Damari McLaughlin, 18, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on March 18, 2023, on the 1000 block of Valley Avenue, SE. A victim suffered life-threatening injuries from multiple gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, McLaughlin’s attorney, Janai Reed, said he may withdraw his plea, based on new evidence in the form of surveillance footage that was not provided when he accepted an unspecified plea agreement.

As a result, McLaughlin is seeking a new attorney to take over his case. He also mentioned in court that his grandmother would retain counsel for him in future proceedings.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7.

Homicide Victim’s Mother Testifies ‘Things Were Becoming Different,’ Between Daughter and Defendant at Trial

A homicide victim’s mother testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 16 about the deteriorating relationship between her daughter and the man suspected of her murder.

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

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

During the hearing, prosecutors called on Northern’s mother, who testified Northern and Fall lived with her at her home in Northwest DC. She stated she and Fall had a “caring and sensitive relationship,” leading up to her daughter’s death.

“I was supportive when I could be,” Northern’s mom testified, adding she would be straight forward with Fall, even if it was not always something he wanted to hear.

Northern’s mother told the jury that Fall and Northern’s relationship had its ups and downs, stating she observed their arguments and knew of their issues from conversations with her daughter.

“There were times his negative sentiment was conveyed,” the mom testified regarding Fall’s thoughts on Northern’s friends that belonged to the LGBTQ+ community. Northern’s mom added she heard him use “derogatory” terms about Northern’s friends.

“Things were becoming different between them,” she stated, referring to the months leading up to her daughter’s death. She testified Fall would often miss important days, including birthdays and holidays. “It spoke volumes,” she said.

According to Northern’s mom, in the days leading up to her death, Dara was “quiet, she was in this very fixed position of being done,” with her and Fall’s relationship. The mom told the jury she had a conversation with Fall, alerting him he had to move out of their home by July 19, 2021. However, she said, there was a lack of remorse on his part.

Dara’s mother also testified that, on the night of the incident, she had gone up to her bedroom, but got out of bed after hearing a sound. “I heard a single sound that was a pop,” she recalled and checked to see what was going on.

She testified she looked out of her window and saw Fall running away, wearing a white top and black shorts.

“I was in shock – I was terrified something had happened to Dara,” she cried, stating she told police she may have seen Fall running away but it was only a possibility because, “I tried to be accurate and correct – I didn’t want to make incorrect accusations… but I saw him, you know, I saw him.”

“I remember being fearful, I thought… he’s a Black male, I didn’t want to cause trouble,” Northern’s mother said, adding “there’s a part of me that wished I hadn’t seen what I saw.”

She stated she knew something was wrong when she attempted to call Fall and Northern and neither picked up. “My heart sank,” she cried, “My hope was that she and [Northern’s best friend] had gone.”

“When I couldn’t reach them – that was atypical,” Northern’s mom said, stating “I was very worried, I knew that the conflict had grown.”

She testified her fear came true when officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) went to her house to see if things were ok. They took her to the hospital to see Dara, but she stated she was unresponsive.

Northern’s mom testified Fall was not at the hospital, but called her several times in the days following the homicide stating he was going to turn himself into the police.

Prosecutors also called two longtime close friends of Northern to testify about their friendship with Northern but less so with Fall.

One of them testified that she and Northern had been friends since they were three years old, stating their families spent the holidays together growing up.

The other testified that she met Northern through her girlfriend, and had gotten to spend time with her often in group settings.

Both women stated they never felt friendship toward Fall, with one of them saying he would make them uncomfortable when he was in the room because he was “always very standoffish, but was always watching us.”

They heard him make derogatory comments about their group of friends, most of whom were part of the LGBTQ+ community. One of them said they heard him tell Northern to stop hanging out with the “dykes.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16.

Shooting Over Teen Sex Case Goes to Jury

Lawyers argued about whether a statement made in a heated argument about a teen-age tryst was either a veiled threat or an effort to calm the volatile situation. The dispute played out in closing arguments on Jan. 16 at the culmination of a week-long shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Antoine Johnson, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. Three other weapons-related charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. were dropped by the prosecution on Jan. 15.

The remaining counts stem from Johnson’s alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 21, 2023, on I-695 southbound near exit 2B. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The precipitating factor was evidence that a 17-year-old boy was engaging in sex with a 14-year-old girl. When the girl’s parents found out they became incensed and the confrontation continued as the father of the 17-year-old arrived and attempted to remove his son from the scene. Meanwhile, police were called to quell the disturbance.

According to the prosecution, Johnson’s mother alerted him to the situation because the 14-year-old girl is Johnson’ half-sister.

In a body-worn camera video, Johnson is heard saying, “We ain’t doing no talking, ma. I’ve seen his face.”

During a sequence of video surveillance clips shown to the jury, prosecutors say that Johnson’s white Malibu is seen tailing the older victim and his son as they attempted to get away in their Jeep SUV. The episode culminates on I-695 near exit 2B when Johnson allegedly fired at least six shots into the victim’s car.

A data analyst placed Johnson’s phone near the scene at the time of the incident.

The 17-year-old provided police with a description of the shooter who said the suspect was a Black male with light colored skin, long dreadlocks, tattoos on both sides of his face, facial hair and wearing a white tank top. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer at the scene said the features were similar to Johnson’s whom he knew from a previous encounter.

“You need look no farther than that man, right there,” said the prosecutor pointing to Johnson in the courtroom. The alleged motive was retaliation for the 17-year-old’s sexual encounter with Johson’s underage half-sister.

Using additional data from Johnson’s cell phone, police say they were able to trace the white Malibu to a woman with whom Johnson was romantically involved.

“All that tells you the shooter was Antoine Johnson,” said the prosecutor. “Take a good look at the evidence. Use your common sense,”

For his summation, Johnson’s attorney, Matthew Rist, continued his assault on the prosecution’s case saying it was based solely on speculation. “The government is grasping, reaching,” said Rist.

Rist debunked the notion that Johnson was making a threat given the ambiguity of his recorded comment and may have been trying to break up the fight.

“Where is the actual threat that they were going to get that M***** F*****,” asked Rist?

Rist also challenged the MPD’s identification of Johnson as being overly broad and applicable to many young Black men in the district. Further, the 17-year-old, who originally identified Johnson as the shooter, failed to do so in court. It’s possible, said Rist, that an individual who was part of the initial confrontation and was driving a white Bentley was a suspect.

There was no significant physical evidence in the case, he said.

A defense witness also challenged the accuracy of determining someone’s location using information from a cell phone.. “You have to be a rainman like Tom Cruise in the movies to make a calculation for cell site data,” said Rist.

The prosecution acknowledged the 17-year-old’s reluctant courtroom performance but told the jury to consider his earlier testimony.

Judge Ryan turned the case over to the jury for deliberation.

Judge Allows Prosecutor to Use Defendant’s Texts, Videos in Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted in part a prosecutor’s motion to introduce text and video evidence in a fatal shooting trial, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm 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.

During the hearing, parties discussed a motion filed by the prosecution to introduce evidence pertaining to the defendant’s reputed involvement with certain drugs and firearms. Evidence of Cleveland’s alleged possession of ecstasy at the scene was deemed inadmissible by Judge Kravitz on irrelevance grounds.

The prosecution also brought up the relationships between other individuals who were allegedly present during the shooting, and their potential drug use that would come out were they to be questioned. Judge Kravitz granted permission for the individuals to testify regarding their relationships with Cleveland and Pearson, specifically, “where they got together, what they did, what they talked about.”

No testimony was allowed pertaining to a gun found at the scene, as it doesn’t match the gun used in the murder.

Judge Kravitz ruled any text based evidence from Cleveland’s phone would be admissible as long as it doesn’t contain information that’s unfairly prejudicial. Text based evidence regarding drug deals with outside parties would be considered hearsay, and therefore inadmissible unless something changes within the case. Texts about types of guns would need a firearm expert to be brought in to discuss the evidence.

The prosecution also introduced three videos to the court that contained corroborating evidence of Cleveland’s possession and prior use of the murder weapon. Two out of the three videos were admitted as they purport to show the defendant’s possession of the weapon, display the weapons physical descriptions, and are temporally relevant. The third video excluded based on poor technical quality.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 15.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Triple-Fatal Arson

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a fatal arson during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Robert Simpson, 56, is charged with arson and felony murder for his alleged involvement in a fatal house fire that occurred on Oct. 6, 2024, on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE. The fire killed 64-year-old Ronald McKinnon, 34-year-old Jessica Cunningham, and 85-year-old Margaret McKinnon.

During the hearing, prosecutors presented surveillance footage allegedly showing Simpson walking toward the home, pausing briefly, then walking away following the start of the fire. Shortly after, a 911 call was made by Cunningham in which she stated “He came back…He set the house on fire.”

Simpson’s attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, argued that in the call, Cunningham was referring to Ronald due to his alleged violent past involving domestic violence and drug use. The defense also stated that there is insufficient evidence that proves the identity of the suspect in the footage.

However, there were several incidents involving Simpson on Oct. 2, 4, and 5 prior to his arrest, according to the prosecution. Authorities responded to the residence for a family disturbance, destruction of property report, and a report of a fire that took place in a trash can near the back porch.

Ronald, who reported the fire on Oct. 5, stated that Simpson was outside of the residence saying “Imma f*** you and your house up.”

According to O’Sullivan, there was no DNA evidence of the defendant in or around the scene, and there were no injuries on his body consistent with committing the fatal arson.

Judge Dayson ruled that the prosecution provided sufficient evidence to find probable cause, and denied the defense counsel’s request for pre-trial release.

Parties will reconvene on March 18.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release to Home Care

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a request calling for a cognitively and physically impaired homicide defendant to be put into home care, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Tyree Bratcher, 18, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a high-speed chase that led to a multiple car crash at the intersection of 13th Street and R Street, NW. During the incident, Bratcher’s passenger, 18-year-old Devin Clark, succumbed to his injuries.

According to court documents, Bratcher was allegedly driving a stolen Mazda with Clark as a passenger, when they were involved in a high-speed chase with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cruiser. During the chase, Bratcher allegedly ran a red light, striking an individual driving past the intersection, before striking multiple parked cars.

The documents stated Clark succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and Bratcher was transported to a hospital for his injuries.

During the hearing, Judge Kravitz brought up Bratcher’s other case, in which he is charged with conspiracy, second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and tampering with physical evidence, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Tyreek Moore.

According to Judge Kravitz, Batcher was in violation of his home confinement release condition when he went driving with Clark.

In court, Sylvia Smith, Bratcher’s attorney, showed evidence of Bratcher’s serious injuries sustained during the incident, including cognitive issues and physical injuries. He is currently held at St. Elizabeths Hospital to manage his cognitive disabilities.

Smith requested Bratcher be released in the custody of his family for home care. She argued that St. Elizabeths does not provide proper care for Bratcher to regain competency and that home confinement is the best route for this “unique case.”

Judge Kravitz responded to the request by stating that Bratcher is still ambulatory and therefore still poses danger to the community.

Sending Bratcher back to the same environment as before his second arrest would pose too much risk, Judge Kravitz argued – denying the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 31.

‘I Tried to Get Us to Safety,’ Homicide Victim’s Best Friend Testifies in Trial

A homicide victim’s best friend, who witnessed the fatal shooting, and a medical examiner testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 15.

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

Prosecutors called on a witness, who identified herself as Northern’s “best friend,” stating they had spoken and spent almost every day together from 2019 to the day of the incident.

She testified that she and Northern had spent time together on July 17, 2021, stating “[Northern] was so happy that day.” According to the witness, “the week before [the shooting] was really hectic for [Northern] – she was very tense and upset. She was sad, really sad,” due to her relationship with Fall ending.

The friend stated that she and Northern agreed to meet up again late July 17 to go to a reggae club. As per the witness, she showed up to Northern’s house to pick her up so they could go to the club together.

She testified that when Dara came out of her house, Fall, whom she identified as “Idy,” was “on her heels,” following her to the car. As for Northern’s demeanor, the friend testified “she was defensive,” before stating Fall seemed “a little aggressive.”

According to the witness, Northern was attempting to walk away from Fall when he grabbed her arm, before she was able to pull away from him. As Northern tried to get in the car, the witness testified, Fall allegedly tried to stop her by holding the car door closed.

Northern’s friend said she told Fall, “hey Idy,” before he replied, “don’t say my fu***** name.” She also testified Fall told Northern “go on with that gay s***,” before Northern responded “you’re tripping.”

The witness testified Fall and Northern would often get into arguments about her spending time with her close friends, whom she testified are all part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The witness testified when Northern got in the car and shut the door, she heard a sound that seemed like Fall had hit the window. When she turned to see what was going on, the witness testified, she noticed a hole in the passenger side window, before realizing Northern was injured and leaned over.

“I called 911 and drove off. I tried to get us to safety,” the witness cried in court, adding “I saw Idy before I pulled off, still standing by the door.”

A portion of the 911 call was played for the jury before the witness came into the room, in which she could be heard screaming “Oh my God, he just killed my friend,” and “I don’t know what to do, please someone help me.”

“I begged her to please hold on,” the witness cried, stating she was paranoid as she sought help because “I thought [Fall] was coming.”

When asked why she was upset during her testimony, the witness stated “because Idy is here,” before providing an in-court identification of Fall. She also said she was “100 percent sure,” Fall was the one who shot Northern.

Prosecutors also called on the forensic pathologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed the autopsy on Northern. The doctor testified Northern had a gunshot wound to the right eye. Further evaluation showed a projectile lodged in her skull, at the nape of the neck.

According to the doctor, the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also testified that on the day of the incident he responded to a house at the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW to check on a woman’s welfare.

According to the officer, he was originally dispatched to the shooting, but was sent to the house by detectives to ensure the victim’s mother was safe.

In the officer’s body-worn camera footage, shown to the jury, Northern’s mom was visibly worried, asking if the check-in had anything to do with Northern. “Please, did something happen to my daughter,” Northern’s mom can be heard questioning the officer, as others swept the home to check for the suspect.

“This is rather confusing, I’m worried about my daughter,” Northern’s mom told officers. When asked if Northern had a boyfriend, Northern’s mom told officers she did, and that she had seen him earlier in the day, but hadn’t seen him for hours before the incident. She told MPD the last time she saw him, he was wearing black shorts.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant, Despite Finding Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide but allowed him to be released, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Erik Mewborn, 44, on Sept. 14, 2024 on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) document, the incident took place outside of a homeless shelter in the early morning hours following an alleged shootout between Mewborn and Simms. The precipitating event, say police, was Simms allegedly attempting to rob Mewborn immediately after some of Simms’ property had apparently just been taken by someone else.

Shortly afterward, according to the police affidavit, the suspect, Simms, approached Mewborn and said, “It’s been long enough, give me your shoes and those pants.”

The surveillance video presented in the hearing on Jan. 8 showed a confrontation brewing between the pair as they circled around a black SUV. Both individuals were seen brandishing firearms, with Mewborn appearing to shoot first and the individual identified as Simms returning fire with muzzle flashes visible at least three times.

“The victim was running out of options,” trying to get away from Simms who was recklessly continuing to shoot, according to the prosecutor. He claimed that Simms was the original aggressor and the Mewborn felt trapped.

Another clip showed Mewborn, according to the lead detective, fleeing with Simms in pursuit, when Mewborn falls to the ground, mortally wounded.

During the hearing, Simms’ attorney, Mani Golzari, argued Simms acted “in the heat of the moment” thinking he was in danger even during the pursuit. “It’s the most serious escalation anyone can imagine,” said Golzari of Mewborn’s pulling a gun.

However, Judge Dayson ruled there’s sufficient evidence for probable cause Simms committed the crime and stated that self-defense was not a justified defense.

After two days of debate Judge Dayson granted Golzari’s request to release Simms to home confinement due to his lack of criminal history and extensive family support.

Prosecutors objected, stating that the defendant’s home contained drugs and firearms that could potentially threaten the safety of the community. However, Golzari told Judge Dayson the defendant’s clean record ensures he won’t violate his release conditions.

Judge Dayson ordered Simms to reside with his aunt and he will have a GPS monitor installed.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 24.

Prosecutors Say Homicide Victim ‘Never Saw it Coming’ at Trial

Parties delivered opening statements, and multiple law enforcement witnesses testified, before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 14.

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

“She never saw it coming,” the prosecutor told the jury during their opening statements about the shooting, stating in the days leading up to the incident, Northern had broken up with Fall, and her mother had requested he move out of their shared home by July 19.

However, prosecutors stated, on July 17, Northern, also known as Cookie and Joan, planned a “perfect day” with her best friend, to enjoy Northern’s “light and happy” self following the breakup.

According to the prosecution, things turned sour when Northern began to get ready to go out to a reggae club with her best friend late on July 17.

The prosecution told the jury Northern’s best friend will testify that, on the night of the incident, as she picked Northern up to go to the club, Fall, who was identified as Idy, was “hot on her heels,” as she left her home.

According to the prosecution, as Northern attempted to get into the car, Fall chased her while verbally attacking her. The prosecutor said Northern’s best friend knew “something didn’t feel right.”

The prosecutor indicated that Northern sustained a gunshot wound to her right eye, and her best friend drove away from the scene fearing for her life. They also asserted that Northern’s mother had surveillance cameras at her home, but they had not caught the incident as they had been disconnected from her internet router.

According to the prosecution, the shooting stemmed from Fall’s allegations that Northern may have been part of the LGBTQ+ community, which included a lot of her friends. Before he allegedly shot her, Northern’s best friend told police Fall said “something about gay s***,” – something they claimed Fall and Northern argued about frequently.

“There were signs, but she did not see it coming,” the prosecution concluded.

Wole Falodun, Fall’s attorney, implored the jury to “keep an open mind” during the trial, stating that they should presume Fall innocent until all the evidence is admitted, and they can make a decision.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called on multiple law enforcement witnesses, who responded to the scene of the crime.

One of the officers testified she was the primary officer on the scene, and was approached by Northern’s best friend, who she described as “in duress, disheveled and upset.”

In body-worn camera footage provided to the jury, Northern’s best friend is seen frantically approaching the officer while stating “He shot her, he shot her, I can’t breathe – he shot her in front of me,” as she begged with the officer to send the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to Northern’s home, where her mother was.

“Please, someone go check on her mom,” Northern’s best friend could be heard crying, adding “He said something about gay s***, and shot her.”

According to the officer, Northern’s best friend was “trying to get her friend help,” and was able to provide a description and identification of the suspect. As per the officer, Northern’s best friend identified the suspect as a “dark-skinned man, wearing a white or gray tank top and shorts,” and was able to state his name was “Idy.”

“He shot her in front of her house – she’s been letting him live there,” Northern’s friend told the officer.

Another officer testified he responded to the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW, for the report of a shooting. According to the officer, when he arrived at the scene, he assisted the DC Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to break open the driver side window in the vehicle in order to help Northern, who was later transferred to a hospital via ambulance.

When asked why he didn’t break the passenger side window, the officer testified the window had a bullet hole they wanted to preserve for evidence, and wanted to prevent more harm to the victim.

Prosecutors also called on an individual who lived in the area of the scene, who provided surveillance footage to MPD, in which Northern’s best friend can be seen running up to the witness’ porch begging for help.

In the surveillance footage, Northern’s friend is on the phone with 911, stating “Oh my God, someone help me, please, please, someone help me. I don’t know where I am.”

“She appeared to be in duress,” the witness said about Northern’s friend, adding that she was acting erratic and was visibly afraid.

The witness testified that when MPD responded to the scene, the flashing lights enhanced his view of the vehicle, and he noticed “visible damage” to the passenger’s side window.

Prosecutors also called on a neighbor, who lived on the 300 block of Quakenbos Street, NW, located around the corner from the shooting incident.

The neighbor testified that she was awakened by the sound of the gunshot on the night of the incident, and her home security system recorded an individual crossing the street from the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, towards her home.

The video, shown to the jury in court, depicted an individual in a white shirt and black shorts walking through the neighborhood minutes after the shot rang out.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 15.

Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Test DNA Evidence

A homicide defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 14.

Tywan Morris, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021. The incident took place at a gas station on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to the police affidavit, on the evening of the incident, Morris and his girlfriend Keyjuana Sinclair, 27, were getting gas when Stuckey allegedly approached them at the pump.

A dispute ensued, captured on the gas station’s security cameras. According to the affidavit, the footage showed Sinclair allegedly swinging at Stuckey with a knife. Stuckey’s 12 year-old son ran to the scene, but fled immediately once Sinclair allegedly lunged at him.

Sinclair was originally charged alongside Morris, with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in the incident. Sinclair accepted an agreement on Nov. 7, 2024, pleading guilty to carrying a dangerous weapon and simple assault, in return for the prosecution’s dismissing the remaining charges in her case.

During the hearing, Morris’ defense attorney Steven Kiersh alerted Judge Ryan that his client planned to assert his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the scene – including clothing, suspected blood, and a cellphone, among other items.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27.

FBI Agent Testifies Defendant’s Phone Was Near A Shooting Incident

An FBI agent testified a defendant’s phone records show he was in the general area of a shooting incident, before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on Jan. 14.

Antoine Johnson, 28, is charged with with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 21, 2023, on I-695 southbound near exit 2B. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The prosecution claimed the shooting occurred after Johnson’s mother found her 14-year-old daughter in bed with a 17-year-old boy. An argument broke out between the two families following the romantic encounter and the boy and his father left the scene, allegedly pursued by Johnson.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on an agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who specializes on cell-site data testified that he was able to use AT&T phone records for Johnson’s phone number, which put him in the general location of the original incident at Johnson’s mom’s house and the shooting.

However, the FBI agent testified he could not pinpoint the exact location of Johnson’s phone at the time of the incidents.

Johnson’s attorney Matthew Rist argued that the agent’s presentation was unreliable, and questioned its validity as evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 15, when a decision will be made as to whether or not to include the testimony as evidence in Johnson’s case.

Murder Defendant Shuns Plea, Waives DNA Testing

In a brief hearing on Jan. 10, a murder defendant gave up his DNA testing right before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Juan Guerra, 32, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 32-year-old Peter Miller III on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

According to court documents, officers responded to the scene to investigate a “natural” death, but were suspicious of the circumstances and immediately called homicide detectives.

They located Miller inside the residence, which he shared with Guerra, and the victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead five days later. The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled that the death a homicide due to blunt force trauma.

Kevin Mosley, representing the defendant, told the court that Guerra was giving up his right to DNA testing as specified in the Innocence Protection Act. Guerra agreed and Judge Kravitz verified that it was Guerra’s decision.

During the proceeding Mosley mentioned that the prosecution had made an unspecified plea offer to Guerra but that effort had failed since he is also a defendant in a federal case. No additional details were provided.

Judge Kravitz set the trial date for July 21.

Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Victim’s ID in Shooting Case

After an argument about two conflicting identifications of a shooting suspect, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a defense motion to suppress the victim’s identification of the shooter at trial, during a hearing on Jan. 7.

Daniel Cary, 30, and his co-defendant, Chantel Stewart, 33 were originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020, on the 4000 block of First Street, SE.

One woman sustained a gunshot wound to the back which caused a collapsed lung and required surgery.

During the hearing the prosecutor said he was dropping the possession of an unlawful firearm and the possession of ammunition charges against Cary.

According to a police affidavit, the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute earlier in the day, which escalated in a shouting match between Stewart and the victim. Stewart allegedly told her to “Get out of here!”

As the victim was attempting to drive away she described hearing several loud booms and realized she’d been shot. Carey was later identified as the alleged trigger man.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers interviewed the victim shortly after the incident. Initially, she failed to identify Cary’s picture, saying she didn’t see the shooter. However, she changed her mind five months later, picking out Cary’s picture from another group of photos.

Cary’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, said that police were “unduly suggestive” in the way they conducted the photo array presentation of possible suspects. When the victim said she didn’t recognize the suspect, an officer asked if a different view “would change her perspective?”

The prosecutor countered that the two photo presentations were different in that the victim described the suspect as having “dreads.” None of the individuals presented in the first group had that hairstyle present among those pictured in the second group.

Further, the prosecutor said the victim allegedly identified Cary as present during the earlier argument and in a vehicle involved in the shooting.

In reviewing the facts of the case, Judge Edelman noted that the victim responded emotionally within three seconds of seeing the second set of pictures. “She began to cry,” he said.

The judge said while the Constitution prohibits “impermissively suggestive” identification procedures on the face of it” there’s nothing suggestive about the second photo array.

He denied the defense motion deferring the matter for trial, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22. Judge Edelman said he was anxious to get the proceeding underway given how long the case has been pending.

“Perhaps all the cases these days are older,” he said.

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