Witnesses Testify about a Car Crash, Sounds of Gunfire in a Homicide Trial

The prosecution called the victim of a car crash to testify about his extensively damaged vehicle in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 25. Prosecutors suggest the accident is linked to the crime.

Jerome Israel, 21, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property for his alleged involvement in the death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Minnesota Ave, SE.

Prosecutors called on an eyewitness who lived at the house bordering the crime scene.

The witness testified that he was watching TV at home when he heard gunshots and saw two men running away from an alley. One of the men fell to the ground, and the other one continued to shoot him while standing over the victim, according to the witness.

The witness stated he ran downstairs to help, but people near a bus stop were already rendering aid and the shooter had fled. The witness then called 911, and an ambulance was flagged down to help. The witness testified that he did not see the face of the shooter, only knew that he was wearing a gray hoodie and pants.

Another witness was a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who arrived at the scene as the victim was being loaded into the ambulance, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the lower body and couldn’t provide information about the person who had shot him.

Another MPD officer testified about an incident two days after the murder of Barbett. He testified that on Aug. 25, 2022, as he was on patrol for a separate investigation in the area, he heard gunshots at 5:49 a. m.

The witness and his partner turned into an alley encountering an individual all in black when they saw a black Dodge Charger with a Maryland license plate back towards them.

Later that morning presumably the same black Dodge Charger got into an accident a few minutes away. The vehicle collided with a white Ford pickup truck, and the driver fled the scene.

The prosecution called the driver of the pickup truck to the stand to testify to the accident. He described it by saying that “all of a sudden, it sounded like a bomb went off. The airbags went off. I didn’t know what had happened.”

When he got out of his car when he noticed a gun lying on the ground next to, a black Dodge Charger.

He explained that his truck was no longer drivable, and the insurance company totaled the vehicle.

Parties will reconvene on February 27.

Victim’s Mom Testifies in Homicide Trial

A victim’s mother testified about her son’s loss before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom on Feb. 26.

Daquan Gray, 22, 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 fatal shooting of Jaylyn Wheeler, 15, on May 26, 2018 on the 600 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

The prosecution called on Wheeler’s mother, who testified the last time she saw Wheeler was the Monday before he was killed, as he had stayed home from school. Wheeler was in ninth grade at Ballou High School when he was killed.

She became very emotional as she testified, stating she learned of his death during a phone call from one of Wheeler’s friends’ parents. At the time, she said, Wheeler was only 15-years-two-months old.

Prosecutors also called on an officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The officer testified that she was called to the scene over dispatch radio, after reports of shots fired.

Her body-worn camera footage of the incident played in court showed Wheeler on the ground surrounded by police officers, and a crowd of witnesses gathered close by.

Another officer testified that he was field training a fellow officer when they received reports of gunfire and that an individual had been shot.

The officer testified that he took control of the scene, and identified potential eye witnesses who lived on the street, as well as a neighbor who had security cameras on the outside of the house.

Prosecutors also called on a handyman who was working in the house next to the location of the shooting. He stated that he had walked out to get some tools from his car when he heard arguing in the alley between two people.

He recalled that a third individual collapsed in the alley and that he did not have a weapon.

The witness he did not actually see the shooting nor who was shot or who fired the weapon.

The trial is slated to resume Feb 27.

Homicide Defendant Chooses Not to DNA Test

A defendant in a fatal shooting case waived his right to test two pieces of evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Feb. 26.

Kevin Singletary, 47, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of Delonte Hazel, 31, on Sept. 10, 2021 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

Singletary’s attorney, Howard McEachern, said that Singletary had no interest in independently testing DNA from a mask and a cartridge casing recovered at the scene, with Singletary waiving his right voluntarily and knowingly.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 11.

Judge Sentences, ‘Monster Who Has No Compassion,’ to 25 Years for Two Murders

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a double-homicide defendant to 25 years of imprisonment on Feb. 28.

On Dec. 19, 2024, James Mayfield, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Jermaine Bowens on Dec. 26, 2017 at the 2200 block of Douglas Street, NE.

Mayfield also pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Elijah Henry on Dec. 27, 2017 on the 1800 block of Bryant Street, NE.

Through the plea deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 23-to-25 years of incarceration.

Mayfield was recently sentenced to 50 years of incarceration for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 12, 2017 at the intersection of Saratoga and Montana Avenues, NE. Mayfield continues to assert his innocence in the case, and is currently appealing that matter.

Veronice Holt, Mayfield’s attorney, asked Judge O’Keefe to not hold his “refusal to participate in the pre-sentence report writing” against him, arguing he was wheelchair bound at the time of the report, and Mayfied was afraid of getting beaten waiting to be transferred from the DC Jail.

“It has been almost a decade since my brother was violently and suddenly taken away from me,” Bowens’ sister told Judge O’Keefe, deeming Mayfield a “monster who has no compassion.”

“I can’t go to the stores and get another Jermaine Bowens. That’s it, he’s gone,” Bowens’ sister cried, asking Judge O’Keefe to impose the maximum sentence for the crime.

Bowens’ sister cried that Mayfield was worried about his safety at the jail, saying “well so was my brother… all his victims were unable to defend themselves.”

“He [Mayfield] exemplified all the stereotypes,” that society has imposed on Black men, said Bowens’ sister, adding “It’s been too many times the justice system has failed to hold this man accountable.”

A family friend of Bowens also told Judge O’Keefe that his loss has “permanently changed my life.” She recalled she got the phone call to rush to the hospital after he was shot, and said “we didn’t make it in time.”

“Whatever is in your power, I’d ask for the strictest sentence for the defendant,” she cried.

As for Bowens’ other sister, who took custody of his two young children, those close to Bowens said “she’s devastated… she has lost all confidence in the justice system.”

Prosecutors requested Judge O’Keefe sentence Mayfield to 25 years, stating his plea deal was “about accountability… the defendant has accepted responsibility.”

“Hold the defendant, with finality, accountable for his actions,” the prosecution said, stating they chose to offer a deal because the evidence in the case was circumstantial.

According to the prosecution, Bowens was walking down the street when he was approached by Mayfield, robbed, and shot. “This was a murder that should have never happened,” the prosecutor insisted.

As for Henry, prosecutors claimed that Mayfield, who was living at Henry’s house at the time of the incident due to homelessness, shot and killed Henry in an argument over a jacket.

They stated Mayfield had a “concerning pattern of armed violence,” stating he lacks control and is indifferent. “He deserves to be held accountable,” they insisted.

“He’s accountable for it,” said Holt, stating “he has a lot of problems,” including drug addictions and mental health issues.

Holt stated Mayfield had a rough upbringing, and has had a lot of time to think about the consequences of his actions. “He wants you to know he’s really sorry for your loss,” Holt told Bowens’ family.

“I just wanted to look you in the eyes and say I’m truly sorry,” Mayfield told Bowens’ family, stating he’s working on bettering himself.

“This isn’t an easy call for me, because I feel the same thing you’re feeling… it’s unsatisfying,” Judge O’Keefe said about the plea deal, adding “it’s all so senseless.”

“Even though I have my reservations, I’ll accept the deal,” Judge O’Keefe told the parties, sentencing Mayfield to 25 years for the second-degree murder charge and 18 years for the manslaughter. The sentences will run concurrently, and he’ll be required to serve five years of supervised release.

Mayfield will also be required to register as a gun offender, seek substance abuse and mental health evaluations and treatments, as well as attend grief counseling and anger management classes.

Holt requested they set a new date to allow Mayfield to stay at the DC Jail to finish his GED program. “I’m this close at the door. I told you I’m trying to do better to come out and be a better person,” Mayfield pleaded with Judge O’Keefe.

“Don’t get in any trouble when you’re in [Bureau of Prisons] BOP,” Judge O’Keefe told Mayfield, setting a probationary hearing for May 20, to allow Mayfield to graduate May 15.

Responding Officers Testify About Recovered Evidence in Homicide Trial

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson’s courtroom heard testimony from multiple officers gathering evidence following a homicide on Feb. 26.

Guy Johnson, 57, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

The prosecution called a forensic scientist who located evidence of six bullets in a patch of grass in front of the crime scene. She also collected DNA blood samples from a witness who was allegedly in the passenger seat of Robinson’s car.

Prosecutors then called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who administered medical aid to Robinson while securing the crime scene. He also described canvassing the area and speaking with a neighbor whose Ring camera captured parts of the incident.

During cross-examination by defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, a review of the officer’s body-worn camera footage shows officers standing over the area where the cartridges were found, with one officer walking over the patch of grass.

Mosley asked the officer to confirm that observation. The officer stated that “several officers before [forensic scientists] arrived” could have stepped on or around the cartridges.

Prosecutors also called a homicide detective who responded to the incident and later led the investigation to find cameras that may have caught the suspect arriving at or fleeing from the scene.

In the process, the detective interviewed a relative of Johnson’s. He showed the relative a still image of Johnson before the incident and footage of Johnson after the incident, both taken in the area of the shooting. Johnson’s relative confidently identified a person believed to be Johnson, noting the “brace on his leg” visible.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Prosecutors Say Assault Suspect Attacked, Tried to ‘Humiliate’ Transgender Victim

The first day of an assault trial against a transgender woman included what the prosecution says was a vicious beating sparked by jealousy before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Feb. 26

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. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 8, 2020, at the 5400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW. One individual was punched in the face during the altercation.

Prior to opening statements, Delgado waived his right to test DNA evidence collected by investigators, including two of his cell phones, swabs from the victim’s vehicle, and an oral swab from the victim.

In their opening, the prosecution claimed Delgado assaulted his live-in girlfriend of a year-and-a-half, who he suspected of cheating. They argued Delgado tried to “humiliate and intimidate” her by punching her, shaving her hair, stealing her money, personal belongings and vehicle in retaliation.

Prosecutors noting the victim is a transgender woman and proceeded to detail the attack, arguing that after he accused her of cheating, Delgado punched her in the face, dragged her by her hair into the bathroom where he shaved her head, which was a symbol of her femininity. Prosecutors claimed that while Delgado shaved her head, he called her by the name she used prior to transition, as well as a homophobic slur and threatened to kill her.

The prosecution said Delgado took the victim to a gas station to withdraw money from an ATM, but he wanted more and the pair went to a bank and withdrew most of the money from the victim’s account.

According to prosecutors, Delgado threatened the victim that he would kill her if she told the police and said he would keep her car for a week. Four days later, after receiving a text from him allegedly threatening to drain all the money from her account, she decided to call the police.

The prosecution told jurors the victim will testify and review surveillance footage from the apartment and the bank indicating she complied with Delgado’s demands out of fear. An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) will also testify about the investigation and interview with the Delgado in which he largely corroborated the victim’s side of the story and stated because he paid for things in the beginning of the relationship, he felt he was owed some of that back after the break up.

Prosecutors highlighted a bias enhancement on the assault charge, arguing Delgado’s actions were not only motivated by anger over the alleged cheating, but also by the victim’s gender identity.

In his opening statement, defense attorney Bryan Bookhard pushed back on the prosecution’s claims, stating this was not a case of kidnapping, carjacking, or robbery, but rather the end of a relationship between two individuals who loved each other. He urged the jurors to consider the reasonable doubt in the prosecution’s argument.

Bookhard explained that the relationship went south after Delgado found evidence on hwe phone she cheated on him. He also pointed out there was an earlier incident that made Delgado believe she cheated and strained the relationship.

According to Bookhard, when the break up was happening, Delgado was not working and sought some assistance moving out. Bookhard claimed the victim gave him access to her car and voluntarily withdrew money to support him.

The defense also challenged the kidnapping charge, highlighting that the victim never attempted to flee or seek help when left alone at the gas station or at the bank, suggesting there was no threat.

Bookhard pointed out inconsistencies in the victim’s story, noting the absence of visible marks or injuries that would be expected from the violent altercation she described. He also challenged the reliability of the victim’s testimony, claiming her version of events grows more extreme with each retelling to portray Delgado in a negative light and enhance her side of the story.

The trial is slated to resume on Feb. 27.

Prosecutors Say Homicide Suspect Texted, ‘I Need Protection From Police’

Prosecutors presented text messages in a jury trial indicating a homicide defendant was worried about police in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on Feb. 26.

Darrell Moore, 47, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the murder of 37-year-old Julius Hayes on the 300 block of 18th Street, NE on April 3, 2021.

In trial, the prosecution called an analyst who extracted data from Moore’s iPhone including a text Moore allegedly sent to a friend three days after the incident, saying “I need protection from police and people trying to harm me.” The friend replied offering him bath salts, herbal teas, and crystals in order to “cleanse [him] of negative energy.”

The prosecution also called on a witness who recovered surveillance footage that revealed a black sedan circling the area of the incident when ShotSpotter detected a gunshot. A video previously shown from Moore’s phone ostensibly showed that he owned a black sedan.

However, Santia McLaurin, Moore’s defense attorney, confirmed no license plate was recognizable among multiple cars.

The prosecution later called on a Secret Service forensic analyst who enhanced video footage of suspects and vehicles of interest. Later a carjacking task force sergeant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), identified the black sedan in the footage as a 2016-2020 Ford Fusion based on its logo and grille design which was later taken into custody.

The prosecution said they found multiple documents that connect the vehicle to Moore, including doctors’ notes, mail and a bank card, and a car registration belonging to his partner.

The prosecution also called on an MPD officer whose investigation led to the black Ford Fusion, which was found at an address in Silver Spring, where the officer saw Moore moving the vehicle. The officer also interviewed a witness arrested on a different matter in the area, who was at the scene of the shooting, and verified that Moore often drove the suspect Ford.

Trial is set to resume on Feb. 27.

Homicide Defendant’s Brother Won’t Identify Him As The Shooter

A homicide defendant’s brother and the lead detective testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson‘s courtroom on Feb. 27.

Guy Johnson, 57, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020 on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

Prosecutors called Johnson’s brother to the stand and presented him with evidence of Johnson at the scene of the incident and asked him to identify his brother. However, he became irritated and reiterated, “That’s not the picture the detectives showed me,” refusing to identify Johnson as the individual in the photograph.

The witness got annoyed at prosecutors for mentioning his prior arrest due to non-compliance in the case. He repeatedly claimed that he and Johnson are not close and have had no contact for the past seven years, concluding his testimony.

Johnson’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, cross-examined the homicide detective who began his testimony on Feb. 27, with the detective confirming that most of the people seen in surveillance footage were never identified and therefore never interrogated about the incident.

Of the few interviewed, none could identify Johnson as having been the shooter or even of having a firearm the night of the incident, according to the detective. He reiterated, however, that one of Johnson’s brother identified him in multiple surveillance clips–again, something the brother denied on the stand.

Mosley pointed out that the detective admitted that “a lot of the surveillance footage was motion activated,” causing several gaps in the video recovered from the surrounding area and preventing investigators from viewing what actually happened during the shooting.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 3.

Psych Eval Ordered For Stabbing Suspect in Grandmother’s Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz approved a transfer of a homicide defendant to St. Elizabeth’s Psychiatric Hospital on Feb. 26.

Christopher Holness, 31, is charged with fatally stabbing his grandmother, Sandra Mundle, 83. The stabbing occurred on the 1300 block of Missouri Ave., NW, on Jan. 17.

According to court documents, while escorting Holness to the hospital officers observed him making statements such as “She had to die,” and “She was a sacrifice.”

During the mental observation hearing, it was revealed that staff at the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) were unable to conduct a proper evaluation of Holness due to his mental state. Parties agreed to transfer Holness to St. Elizabeth’s hospital for a full competency evaluation.

Holness is scheduled for mental observation return on April 4.

Prosecution Seeks to Exclude Victim’s Statements in Carjacking Case

The prosecution told DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Feb. 25 that they want unspecified statements made by the victim about a carjacking defendant to be struck from evidence during trial.

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.

The prosecution referred to a recorded interview with a victim who shared personal beliefs about the defendant’s alleged ties with a criminal cartel. They intend to strike those statements during trial.

Bryan Bookhard, Delgado’s defense attorney, said the information could come up during cross examination. Judge McLean told the parties, if necessary, they should advise her to tell the victim not to mention anything related to a cartel.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 26.

Judge Ends Shooter’s Probation Despite Positive Drug Tests

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro granted release from probation for a nonfatal shooting defendant on Feb. 26, despite prior positive drug tests for cocaine.

Horacio Daswell, 40, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his involvement in a shooting that occurred at a McDonald’s on the 7400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on Oct. 8, 2022. Daswell was the only one injured in the incident. He was sentenced to 18 months of confinement and one year probation.

In court, Judge Di Toro stated the hearing was called due to Daswell’s positive drug tests for cocaine and his failure to comply with regular substance abuse treatment evaluations.

A representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), stated that since these infractions, Daswell has been in compliance with conditions of release and his drug tests have all resulted negative. He recommended that Daswell undergo outpatient treatment.

Daswell’s probation is set to expire Feb 27 but Judge Di Toro decided to discharge Daswell from his probation, not imposing further restrictions.

Witnesses Say They Saw Murder Victim Gunned Down

During the first day of a homicide trial, before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 25, an off-duty police officer and another bystander testified they witnessed a fatal shooting ordered a disruptive person to leave the courtroom on Feb. 25.

Jerome Israel, 21, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022, on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

In their opening statement, the prosecution argued that Israel hid in an alley for 22 seconds before firing 12 shots at Barbett and fleeing in a stolen vehicle, killing the victim on Aug. 23, 2022. They claimed that on Aug. 25, 2022, less than 36 hours later, Israel returned to the scene and fired 14 more shots from the same stolen car with the same firearm.

Prosecutors outlined the evidence they plan to present, telling jurors they will review surveillance footage capturing the alley where the shooting occurred. They added that there will be testimonies from police officers, forensic specialists, and the medical examiner, who concluded the victim died from three gunshot wounds.

In addition, an eyewitness who allegedly identified the defendant and saw him with the victim the night of the incident will take the stand. Neighbors who saw or heard the shooting are also expected to testify, including an off-duty police officer who recorded footage of the moments after the gunfire.

Prosecutors stated that, on Aug. 25, 2022, officers responding to an unrelated crime near the incident scene heard gunfire and issued an alert for a stolen vehicle linked to the murder. They showed video footage of a crash where a suspect was seen fleeing and pointed to DNA evidence found on a firearm and other items inside the car, allegedly linking Israel to the stolen vehicle.

Investigators also said they recovered receipts, paperwork, and personal belongings of the car’s owner from Israel’s vehicle, suggesting he used car in the shooting, according to the prosecution.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Israel’s attorney, challenged the prosecution’s argument, claiming that prosecutors were wrongfully combining the two separate cases – the Aug. 23 homicide and the Aug. 25 shooting and unauthorized vehicle use. Sapirstein urged jurors to evaluate each incident separately and avoid making the same connection.

Following opening statements, Judge Ryan ordered Israel’s uncle to leave the courtroom when he exhibited disruptive and combative behavior with court officials, stating “He can get out,” and warning that if he refused, the court would handle the matter “not in his favor.”

The prosecution called on Barbett’s sister, who described her brother as silly, loving, and kind-hearted. She testified that she FaceTimed him on the day of the murder, stating their conversation was lighthearted and full of jokes.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer also testified that he was off-duty at home when he heard three gunshots. The officer described looking out his window and seeing a man crawling in the street with one arm raised defensively as another individual fired at him. After hearing six or seven more shots, he saw the shooter tuck the gun into his pants, kick the victim in the head while saying “fu***** bi***,” pat his pockets, and sprint away.

The officer also reviewed the video footage he took that night, which captured the victim laying in the street and repeatedly screaming for help as the shooter fled.

Sapirstein clarified that the officer couldn’t make out clear details of the shooter or the victim beyond their clothing and gender.

An eyewitness, who knew the defendant’s father, testified that he was in a parked car on the day of the incident, when he saw Barbett walking ahead of another individual, later identified as Israel. After hearing gunshots, he looked back to see the victim collapse as the shooter fled the scene.

Although he could not remember the exact number of shots or other specifics from the incident, prosecutors noted that his 2022 interviews with detectives and grand jury testimony provided more details. The witness previously identified Israel as the suspect from a photo lineup and reaffirmed that identification in court.

When asked by Sapirstein what he saw, the witness stated that the shooter was about 10 feet away from Barbett and saw the defendant holding a gun– although he could not remember which hand the gun was in, nor its color or other identifying details.

The eyewitness also recalled that when speaking to detectives, he described the shooter as having nappy hair and facial hair—a description that did not match the photo the witness previously identified Israel from a photo lineup. Sapirstein asked the witness whether he needed glasses, to which he admitted he did, questioning his unreliability.

However during the prosecution’s redirect the witness clarified that he only needs glasses to read, not see at a distances.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 26.

Attorney Claims Homicide Defendant Killed Teen in Self-Defense

Defense attorneys claimed a fatal shooting victim was the individual that escalated a verbal altercation into a homicide before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman’s courtroom on Feb. 25.

Daquan Gray, 22, 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 3000 block of Randall Place, SE, on May 16, 2018.

During opening statements, Dana Page, Gray’s attorney, argued that what the prosecution described as a planned fight between high schoolers with Gray shooting Wheeler and running away, was actually an escalated situation when Wheeler got involved physically, had a gun, and threatened Gray with it.

“If you’ve got your dog use it b****,” Page claimed Wheeler said menacing Gray.

“Daquan had a single moment to think how am I going to make it home to his mom,” Page said.

She argued that the prosecution has been ignoring the evidence of self-defense since the incident.

During their opening, the prosecution showed videos and images of an individual identified as Gray allegedly running away and placing something under a tarp in the backyard of a home.

They explained a gun was retrieved by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who had seen an individual, later identified as Gray, running away. According to the prosecution, the officer did not believe Gray posed a threat, and returned to the residence where Gray reportedly placed something under a tarp, and found a .25-caliber handgun.

The gun was swabbed for DNA evidence, but because of preservation problems with the sample, DNA evidence will not be used in this case, prosecutors told the jury.

As the trial unfolds, the prosecution will call a witness who was present at the 2018 fight.

The trial is set to continue Feb. 26.

Stabbing Defendant Placed In Residential Drug Treatment

A stabbing defendant agreed to sign an information release enabling his placement in a residential drug treatment facility before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 26.

Billy Williams, 68, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threat to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and panhandling-aggressive for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 7, 2023. The incident occurred at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW.

In court, Judge Di Toro stated that Williams had been noncompliant with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) in the past, and that this hearing was called to get clearance from WIlliams to move him to a residential drug treatment facility.

Henry Escoto, William’s attorney, stated that Williams was ready to sign the document and comply with PSA’s conditions.

The prosecution had no objection and Williams signed the release.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 1.

‘I Need You to Understand That I’m Serious,’ Judge Tells Shooting Defendant in Granting Release

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a shooting defendant’s request for release following a jury mistrial on Feb. 25.

Daniel Cary, 28, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020 on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE. The victim was shot once and suffered a collapsed lung.

Following Cary’s mistrial on Feb. 24, Alvin Thomas, Cary’s attorney, requested that Cary be given a second chance for released under supervision from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

According to Judge Brandt, Cary was released on home confinement before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe in April of 2024, which was then downgraded to GPS monitoring with special permissions granted for work. Cary immediately violated these conditions, by not charging the battery of his monitoring device, receiving a bench warrant for missing a hearing, and getting rearrested.

Thomas stated that Cary had experienced problems with the charging box of his device and that the bench warrant was the result of a mixup of dates. As for the rearrest, the case was an unauthorized use of a vehicle that has since been dismissed. Cary stated that he wants to work and will abide by all conditions set before him if given the opportunity.

The prosecution disputed the release request, citing Cary’s non-compliance with PSA and the fact that he “routinely played fast and loose with what was allowed.”

According to a representative from PSA, Cary was never compliant with pre-notifying the agency when he worked construction. The prosecution also stated that despite the mistrial, the evidence in the case was still strong and the offense significant.

After deliberations, Judge Brandt labeled this case, “a very tight call for the court.”

She stated that by statutory definition, Cary is a danger to the community, however, she is willing to take a chance on him. She also mentioned that Cary’s codefendant, Chantel Stewart, 33, had recently been found not guilty at trial for certain serious offenses, despite allegedly being a key instigator of the incident.

“I need you to understand that I’m serious. I don’t suffer fools … Don’t mistake me being nice and courteous with me not having a backbone, because it’s made of steel,” Judge Brandt warned Cary.

The prosecution was audibly surprised stating that Cary did not follow directions during his first release, insinuating he would follow that trend this time.

“I’m gonna give him enough rope if he wants to hang himself,” Judge Brandt told the prosecutor, before granting Cary release.

Cary’s conditions include GPS monitoring, amended housing situation, no contact with the victim, a stay away order from the scene of the crime as well as all of Southeast DC, in-person check-ins with PSA, and a curfew.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

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