Youth Worker Sentenced to 12-and-a-Half Years for Teen Manslaughter

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a manslaughter defendant to 12-and-a-half years of incarceration on Jan. 10 in a case characterized by ironies.

Jason Lewis, 42, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on the 1000 Block of Quincy Street, NE on Jan 7, 2023. Lewis worked as an advocate for DC Youth.

During the hearing, the prosecution played surveillance footage of the incident, in which Blake can be heard yelling “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry – help! I’m a kid, I’m only 12,” following the gunshots.

They requested Judge Epstein sentence Lewis to 25 years incarceration, stating that he did not accept accountability through a plea deal, and “continues to make the three young men villains.” Through the trial, the prosecution provided evidence that Blake and two companions were shot at by Lewis as they were looking into cars that early morning. Lewis thought they might have been attempting to break into the vehicles.

The prosecution argued that Blake “ran at the gunman,” to protect his two friends who were under fire despite Lewis’ claiming he only fired because he thought someone was shooting at him.

“There was no one who shot at the defendant that morning,” the prosecution insisted, stating that although the defendant has done a lot of good in the community by working with vulnerable kids in the area, “he chose gun violence here.”

The prosecution argued Lewis should have never left the safety and comfort of his home to confront three kids allegedly committing property crimes. They argued he “had no authority to fire at them with deadly force, narrowly avoiding another homicide.”

As for Blake’s two unidentified companions, the prosecution argued they could not imagine the “unbearable grief they must feel, abandoning their friend as he died.”

They requested all sentences run consecutively, stating “each victim’s life mattered – the defendant does not get a two-for-one deal because these victims didn’t come forward.”

However, Judge Epstein stated the assault with a dangerous weapon charges and their respective possession of a firearm charges would merge, since the same shot almost hit both victims.

Blake’s family voiced their anger with Lewis, with his grandma saying “your irresponsibility with a firearm took away a human life, a son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. An adolescent who begged for his life.”

“When he took [Blake’s] life, he didn’t just take his life, he took all of ours,” Blake’s aunt cried.

“I see all too often the toll that gun violence takes on our community,” Judge Epstein stated, as he extended his condolences to the family.

Edward Ungvarsky, Lewis’ attorney, continued saying Lewis acted in defense and his loved ones, stating he had worked two jobs until early morning and thought someone was trying to break into his home.

According to Ungvarsky, Lewis believed the person running at him was threatening him, so he took action. “That was a mistake,” Ungvarsky said, adding that Lewis remained on scene, called 911, and performed CPR on Blake as he waited for responding officers.

“The young man was dying in his hands,” Ungvarsky told Judge Epstein, adding “things went really bad really fast.”

Ungvarsky requested Judge Epstein sentence Lewis to five years of imprisonment, stating that is “sufficient punishment,” for an individual who “found his calling working for and with DC’s children.”

“He’s the kind of person who gives hope in our community,” Ungvarsky insisted, stating he’s “tortured by what he did.” He requested Lewis, who remained on release throughout his trial and after his conviction, be allowed to surrender himself following his appeal – against an objection by the prosecution.

In a statement to the court, Lewis apologized to Blake’s and his family, stating “Blake was a young man who deserved to live a full life,” adding, “I know I’ve destroyed the trust I built with the youth of the city.”

“Everyone agrees this was a very serious crime,” Judge Epstein stated, adding Lewis “wrongly took the life of a 13-year-old boy” in a needless act of violence.

However, Judge Epstein stated, there was no way for Lewis to know the age of the figure he saw approaching him, insisting that “this is not a case where a person deliberately killed a child.”

“I think it’s fair to say Mr. Lewis is a good man – a good man who committed a serious crime, but a good man nonetheless,” Judge Epstein said, sentencing him to 12-and-a-half years of incarceration.

As part of his sentence, Lewis is required to register as a gun offender and pay $400 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund. Judge Epstein reminded him he has 30 days to appeal.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence in Road Rage Homicide

A homicide defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.

George Sutton, 44, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the murder of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.

According to court documents, Sutton was driving his car and Coleman was riding a bike when they met each other and got into a verbal altercation. Sutton allegedly shot Coleman three times in the knee, thigh and neck in an apparent road rage incident.

During the hearing, Sutton’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to test the evidence, stating there was no DNA evidence recovered from the scene.

However, the prosecutor said there was DNA evidence recovered from the scene, but their testing came back inconclusive.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A homicide defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.

Deandre Miles, 28, is 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 alleged 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’ attorney, Kevin Robertson, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to independently test DNA evidence. The prosecution added that they had not gone through with testing because nothing was swabbed for DNA and a firearm was never recovered.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 18.

Judge Allows Prosecutors to Use Defendant’s Police Statements in Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a homicide defendant’s motion to suppress his statements to police in trial during a hearing on Jan. 10.

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.

In February 2024, Fall’s previous attorney, Kevin Mosley, filed a motion to suppress his statements made to police at the time of his arrest, arguing Fall did not knowingly and voluntarily waive his Miranda rights against self-incrimination at the time of the interview on Aug. 2, 2021, and a second conversation with detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Aug. 3, 2021.

His current attorney, Wole Falodun, adopted the motion.

Judge Brandt denied the motion, stating that the three-hour-long video of the interrogation on Aug. 2 showed the detectives stopping him from talking to read him his rights, which he agreed to waive in a signed document. It is unclear which specific statements the prosecution plans to admit at trial.

“Anyone can tell Mr. Fall is an intelligent man,” Judge Brandt said, stating his ability to speak not only in English but multiple other languages, despite not being born in the United States, was shown through the police interview.

Judge Brandt also credited a detective’s testimony from Jan. 3, stating he specifically testified that Fall did not seem under the influence of any substance, and that he never mentioned feeling ill, despite having a seizure in a cell-block following the interview.

She argued the video corroborated Fall was not slurring his words or struggling to get around the room at the time.

Judge Brandt also denied the motion for the Aug. 3 statement, in which Fall requested to speak with the detectives following his release from the hospital, and asked if Northern’s mother, whom they both lived with, knew of his arrest. In a recording of that interaction, Fall can be heard telling the detectives, “I feel bad about everything that happened – I want to tell [Northern’s mother] how I really feel and how sorry I am.”

Judge Brandt ruled those statements could be used against him in trial, arguing the statements were not made during an interrogation, but rather because Fall requested to speak with the detectives.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 13 for jury selection.

Judge Releases Stabbing Defendant to In-Patient Drug Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt released a stabbing defendant to an in-patient drug treatment program on Jan. 10.

John Scogins, 53, is charged with aggravated assault and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024, at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Scogins, the victim, and a third individual were aboard a bus when a verbal altercation ensued between the victim and Scogins, before it led to a physical altercation that turned into a stabbing.

Alvin Thomas, Scogins’ attorney, had requested he be released during a Jan. 7 hearing. Judge Brandt delayed the ruling, stating she wanted Scogins to receive a drug and mental health assessment by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to see if he was eligible for release.

During the hearing on Jan. 10, a PSA representative told Judge Brandt Scogins was eligible for a 30-day in-patient treatment program for drugs, but was ineligible for mental health treatment from PSA.

The prosecution objected to the request for release to a treatment program, stating that residential treatments allow the defendants to “come and go as they please,” stating she was worried about him leaving based on an outstanding bench warrant from Frederick County, Maryland, issued in 2018.

The representative from PSA clarified that Scogins could wear a GPS monitor during his time at the treatment facility, and Thomas argued Scogin’s wife had assured him she would ensure he won’t run away.

Judge Brandt said the weight of the evidence against Scogins is “relatively significant,” despite Thomas stating they plan to argue self-defense – stating the victim threw the first punch.

“I don’t worry that he’s a danger to the community,” Judge Brandt stated, adding she would require a stay-away order that would prohibit Scogins from contacting or being near the victim.

She ordered him to reside with his wife once treatment is successfully completed.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 24.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Drops Challenge of Competency For Trial

A stabbing defendant withdrew a planned challenge to a finding he was competent to stand trial and accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.

Kenneth Garner, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 17, 2023, on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 19, 2024, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found Garner competent to stand trial, Janai Reed, his defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of her intent to contest the finding and hire an expert to evaluate the defendant.

During the hearing on Jan. 10, Reed told Judge Brandt she believed they could move forward and withdraw the challenge to the finding, stating that Garner was ready to take responsibility for his involvement in the incident.

The prosecution stated the deal required Garner to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment, and the dismissal of a misdemeanor case from 2022.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim attempted to go into an apartment in which he and multiple others, including Garner, were staying. Garner opened the door and stabbed the victim multiple times.

The prosecution added that the victim ran away as Garner chased after him trying to stab him again, and was able to get into a friend’s house, where he called 911. He was transported to the hospital with more than ten injuries to multiple organs, head, and torso.

The prosecution argued that Garner acted voluntarily and not in self-defense.

Garner agreed with the facts, and accepted the deal.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

Fatal Shooting Suspect Declines Evidence Testing

In a Jan. 10 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz, a murder suspect turned down DNA testing of the prosecution’s evidence.

Antwain Ulmer, 20, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Charles Sullivan on July 9, 2023, on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

Ulmer’s attorney, Frances D’Antuono, said even though there was physical evidence in the case including clothing, blood residue and the victim’s gun there was little to test.

Judge Kravitz acknowledged the defense’s position and advised Ulmer of his right to test the evidence and if he understood he was waiving the opportunity guaranteed by the Innocence Protection Act. Ulmer said he agreed.

Meanwhile, Ulmer’s co-counsel, Thomas Healy suggested that Ulmer would be pleading self-defense in the killing.

Judge Kravitz set Ulmer’s trial to begin on June 15.

‘People Intend the Natural and Probable Consequences of Their Actions,’ Prosecutors Say in Shooting Trial

Parties delivered opening statements and heard testimony from a victim during a trial on Jan. 8, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

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.

“People intend the natural and probable consequences of their actions – [Johnson] intended to kill [the victims],” the prosecution insisted in opening statements. According to the prosecutor, “tensions were high, people were angry,” in the moments leading up to the shooting.

The prosecutor told the jury the incident stemmed from a disagreement in which the complainant’s then 17-year-old son was found in bed with his 14-year-old girlfriend by her parents. They called the police to arrest the boy, but the complainant was allowed to drive his son home.

According to the prosecution, Johnson arrived at the scene as the complainant and the girl’s mother spoke outside her home, with Johnson allegedly telling the woman “We ain’t doing no talking, I’ve seen his face.”

The prosecutor argued the complainant and his son got into their Jeep SUV and drove away from the scene, as Johnson closely followed behind them in a white Chevy Malibu – later shown in surveillance footage cutting people off in traffic and running a red light to follow the complainant’s vehicle onto I-695.

According to the prosecutor, the vehicle was registered to Johnson’s longtime girlfriend.

In the shooting a bullet lodged in the driver’s door of the Jeep, and others shattered the passenger side windows, according to the prosecution.

“By some miracle, [the complainant and his son] survived that night,” the prosecutor told the jury, adding “[Johnson] tried to kill [the complainants].”

The prosecutor told the jury surveillance footage and cell-site data would help prove that Johnson was in the area of the initial incident and the shooting.

However, Matthew Rist, Johnson’s attorney, disagreed with the prosecutors, stating “this entire case is speculation.”

According to Rist, the complainants told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) they had smoked marijuana before the shooting and provided two different descriptions of the shooter to the police.

Rist argued they missed important descriptors for Johnson, including his facial tattoos and red dreadlocks.

He argued MPD developed Johnson as the suspect because an officer recognized him at the original scene from an earlier contact. He insisted they didn’t peg the Malibu as the suspect vehicle until months later, when Johnson was arrested.

“They want you to follow breadcrumbs,” Rist said about the prosecution’s arguments.

The prosecution called on the victim, who provided his version of the confrontation. He dropped his son off at a female friend’s home on the day of the incident, and arrived to pick him up about an hour later as his son had requested.

“I was outside, and a parent of the young lady came out,” the complainant said, stating the mom was upset because she hadn’t invited his son into the house. “It was a lot of yelling,” according to the complainant.

“When she came out, she said she called the police and was going to hold him,” the complainant stated, adding he called MPD himself and told them to hurry as he knocked on the front door.

The complainant testified the police were able to get the parents to release his son, but he was unable to leave the area because his car broke down. “They [MPD] didn’t give me a jump fast enough, I feel like,” the complainant argued. “I couldn’t leave and they didn’t help me.”

According to the complainant, a crowd began to form outside the girl’s home before he and his son left the area.

He testified he drove from the 1000 block of 5th Street, SE towards M Street to go to the bridge that took him to I-695, and noticed a car following him as he weaved through traffic. As he attempted to get on the freeway, the complainant stated, “I was shot at.”

“I was hitting gas, trying to move,” the complainant recalled, stating he was worried for his and his son’s safety.

The complainant told Rist he had no memory of the shooter, and that MPD never provided him with an image of the suspected shooter or suspect vehicle.

“I’ve tried to forget about it,” the complainant said.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 10.

Court Gets Mixed Reviews For Snow Day Performance

Looking distinctly un-judge-like without his ceremonial robe, DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz appeared on a WebEx connection for a 10 a.m. Jan. 6 hearing.

However, he was the only one in attendance as the Superior Court, like other institutions in the District, was feeling the impact of the Sunday into Monday snowstorm. The hearing was pushed back from its original 9:30 a.m. start time.

The court’s instruction seemed clear enough: “On January 6th all remote oral arguments and remote hearings will proceed at the originally scheduled time.” But not everybody got the message.

The judge asked his clerk to call the parties to begin the proceeding in Christopher Moore’s case.

Moore, 24, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed in connection to a March 1 stabbing on the 700 block of 15th Street, NE.

According to court documents, the victim was stabbed multiple times after being assaulted by five or six people. He flagged down a police cruiser asking for help then subsequently collapsed and immediate aid was required to save his life.

The prosecutor, appearing virtually, apologized for being late, attributing the delay to the weather. Shortly after, Moore’s attorney, Sellano Simmons, also joined the hearing virtually.

Moore, meanwhile, didn’t participate because he was at the DC jail which has no remote capability.

Judge Kravitz apologized to the parties for any confusion noting that the usual procedure in bad weather is to roll over the cases to the following day. However, on the previous Friday, the judge said the decision was made to hold the hearings remotely.

The only action at Moore’s hearing was to reschedule it for Jan. 8. Overall, the number of cases followed by D.C. Witness was about one-third less than a comparable Monday in October.

So was there a general question about how things were supposed to happen during the snow event?

“There was not –just a matter – as in most days – who shows up, virtually, and is ready to proceed – while adding nearly a foot of snow to the mix,” according to court spokesman Doug Buchanan.

D.C. Witness found that some court officials fared better than others in the inclement weather. One veteran defense attorney reported he had no trouble.

“I thought the instructions were pretty clear.I had to come in to cover arraignments in [courtroom] C-10, which is open for business,” said Charles Murdter in response to a D.C. Witness email.

Todd Baldwin who heads the Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association said the court’s performance was overall effective. “There really wasn’t much confusion. Cases were called virtually whenever possible and almost all were continued until another day,” said Baldwin.

Another attorney provided a negative assessment saying he’d received multiple emails from colleagues whose clients couldn’t figure out whether their hearings were postponed or if they were supposed to attend virtually. “There was a huge amount of consternation,” he said.

The lawyer made the point that the court put in an elaborate electronic network during the pandemic for remote proceedings but was still trying to figure out how to use it to full advantage.

While the US Attorneys Office was closed, they continued to work remotely and didn’t report any disruption, according to a spokesperson.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, in Plea Negotiations

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to five charges during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 8.

Trenton Collins, 22, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Philip Prendergast on March 27 on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

During the hearing, David Akulian, Collins’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, asserting his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Akulian also told Judge Park the parties are in plea negotiations, and hope to find a way to resolve the matter in the coming months.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Case Acquitted: Judge Bars Defense Lawyer From Murder Case Citing Conflict of Interests

Editor’s note: Aaron Murchison was acquitted of all charges by a jury on Feb. 11, 2025.

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson preliminarily ruled on Jan. 6 that a defense lawyer in the Murder trial of Aaron Murchison must recuse herself based on a conflict of interest.

The ruling came after the prosecution discovered that Paige White previously represented a client who is a potential witness in the Murchison matter.

Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jamontate Brown on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

Judge Dayson said that even if the parties agreed to waive the conflict it would not be sufficient to resolve the problem. The prosecution said they may call the witness to provide rebuttal testimony. In effect, White could be put in the potential position of representing both clients who may have competing interests.

“Ms. White hasn’t done anything with ill intent,” said Judge Dayson.

In response, lead counsel for Murchison, Kevann Gardner, filed an emergency motion countering the prosecution’s claims.

“The government refused to give Ms. White the basis of a potential conflict and simply rested on her past limited representation of the witness in an unrelated matter,” wrote Gardner. He said the prosecutor was simply using the issue as a pretext to further postpone the longstanding case.

Judge Dayson said it doesn’t appear, “The government is trying to manufacture a conflict of interest to prevent a competent defense attorney from sitting at the defendant’s side.”

“It’s a waste of time to keep discussing this,” said the prosecutor.

For her part, White suggested the possibility of “building a firewall” between herself and Gardner, to moot the conflict issue. However, Judge Dayson said that was impractical given that there are only two lawyers on the defense team.

The judge said she might reconsider her ruling but “don’t count on it.”

Given that the trial date is set for Jan. 21, Gardner said he found the situation “incredibly frustrating” in what amounts to getting a new co-counsel at the last minute.

The prosecution suggested getting an attorney from a pool of lawyers designated to represent indigent defendants apart from the Public Defender Service (PDS). But, speaking as one of the group, White said her members are already “overloaded” with cases.

Last November, D.C. Witness published two articles documenting the “untenable” situation facing panel attorneys given the increasing number of clients and shrinking availability of lawyers willing to represent them.

The next hearing in the case is on Jan. 10.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to a Preliminary Hearing, Considers Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and requested he be released as pending a plea deal decision before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 7.

According to court documents, Scogins, the victim, and a third individual were aboard a bus when a verbal altercation ensued between the victim and Scogins.

In video shown to the court, the three individuals exited the bus, and the victim allegedly threw the first punch, before the individual identified as Scogins is seen stabbing the individual multiple times.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas, Scogins’ attorney, alerted Judge Brandt Scogins planned to waive his right to a preliminary hearing as he continues to review a plea offered by the prosecution to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for not seeking an indictment. Through the deal, the prosecution would agree to request a concurrent sentencing for both charges.

Alvin requested Scogins be released as he awaits further hearings, stating they have a strong self-defense claim, adding “this is not an individual that just attacked someone randomly.”

The prosecution objected, stating by waiving his preliminary hearing right Scogins accepted there is probable cause, and he was the only individual armed during the incident. The prosecution argued that the video shows the victim attempting to walk away from the situation before Scogins follows after him and stabs him multiple times.

“Until I can get some extra information, I am going to defer making a finding,” Judge Brandt stated about the request for release. She stated she wants Scogins to receive a drug and mental health assessment from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 8.

Judge Detains Suspect in Road Rage Incident

“This is pulling a firearm and pointing it at someone,” said DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno ruling to continue the detention of a road rage suspect in a Jan. 3 hearing.

Eddy Perez, 21, is charged with threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and fleeing a law enforcement officer in connection with a series of incidents on Dec 16, 2024.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, officers initially stopped a vehicle in which a person described as Perez was driving erratically on the 1300 block of Randolph Street, NW. They were following up on a report of a gunshot in the area.

However, police say Perez fled the encounter, ultimately winding up near the intersection of Georgia Avenue, NW and Missouri Avenue, NW.

Picking up the story from there, prosecutors played a dashcam video from the victim’s car allegedly showing Perez pulling in front of the car, then suddenly making a U-turn and brandishing a firearm outside of the driver’s side window aimed toward the victim.

“Obviously, that just can’t happen,” said the prosecutor, branding the action as unjustified road rage. He also noted that Perez had eight prior convictions and that DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum had previously found probable cause Perez committed the crime.

Defense attorney Julie Swaney countered that Perez had no violent criminal history and that his actions were an “aberration.” Acknowledging that the video was disturbing, Swaney said Perez could be trusted if released into the community. Meanwhile, she said a plea offer from the prosecution was on the table, although the terms weren’t revealed.

Noting the seriousness of the offense, Judge Salerno agreed with the prosecution’s request to keep Perez in custody.

His next hearing is scheduled on Jan. 22.

Jury Finds Murder Defendant Guilty on All Counts

A jury found Amard Jefferson guilty on all five counts in a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 20.

Jefferson, 25, was found guilty of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kendall Brown on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE, on Aug. 7, 2021.

The shooting took place at the apartment of Jefferson’s then-girlfriend, who was an acquaintance of Brown.

In trial, a witness testified to going to the apartment with Brown to recover some bottles of liquor left by a mutual friend. According to the witness, Brown and Jefferson began shouting at each other, leading to Jefferson shooting Brown.

Jason Clark, Jefferson’s defense attorney, cast doubt on the witness’ reliability by highlighting contradictions between what she told police immediately after the incident and what she said in her court testimony. Clark also drew attention to the witness’ medical history of memory issues.

Throughout the trial, Clark characterized the visit by Brown and the witness as a home invasion. In closing arguments, he suggested Jefferson might have accidentally fired his gun while defending his home.

The prosecutor focused her closing arguments on the strong evidence that Jefferson was the one who shot Brown. She told the jury Jefferson locked Brown in the apartment and fled, delaying first responders from providing Brown medical aid.

Jefferson’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2025.

Murder and Conspiracy Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Assault with Intent to Kill

One of the defendants charged for the shootings that killed 13-year-old Malachi Lukes accepted a plea offer from the prosecution and pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 20.

Aaron Brown, 28, was originally charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, five counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, and three counts of tampering with physical evidence.

The charges stemmed from two shootings on March 1, 2020. One occurred on the 600 block of S Street, NW, resulting in Lukes’ death and the injury of a second juvenile. No injuries were reported from the other shooting, which occurred on the unit block of Channing Street, NE.

The shootings also involved Koran Jackson, 24, Tyiion Freeman, 25, and Stephen Nelson, 34. Judge Brandt sentenced the individuals to 164 years, 108 years, and 108-years-and-six month of incarceration, respectively, on Sept. 13 and Sept. 19.

In addition, Reginald Steele, 25, is currently facing 37 criminal charges related to the shootings.

The prosecutor in Brown’s case said the charge of assault with intent to kill while armed is based on Brown’s shooting a firearm at one individual. Although Brown didn’t strike his victim, his shooting displayed the intent to kill.

Brown’s defense attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, told the court the maximum sentence for assault with intent to kill while armed is 30 years incarceration and a fine of $75,000. The minimum sentence is five years incarceration.

The prosecution said they will dismiss all other charges in the case in return for Brown’s guilty plea. They agreed not to request a sentence of more than 18 years.

The prosecutor told the court the DNA evidence in this case includes swabs from multiple firearms, the shooters’ vehicle, and clothing collected in accordance with search warrants on the defendants’ residences. Brown waived his rights to independently test the DNA evidence.

The sentencing in this case is scheduled for March 21, 2025.

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