The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 44 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from March 31 to April 7. Arrests were made in connection with several recoveries, including Nakiya Janae Ramsey, 25, for multiple charges, Tyrone Curtis Phillips, Jr., 28, for alleged drug and firearm offenses, and Roscoe Jones, 31, allegedly for murder and armed carjacking. The MPD continues its efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets to enhance community safety.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting on April 14 in Southeast Washington, DC. An adult male was found with multiple gunshot wounds on the 2600 block of Staton Road, SE, and was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage, and the MPD is urging anyone with information to come forward.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Terrell Tate, 21, in connection with a stabbing incident on April 20 in the 1200 block of U Street, NW. Two victims, an adult male and a juvenile male, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a local hospital. Tate has been charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).
Prosecution witnesses testified digital evidence and social media posts place a homicide defendant close to the crime scene in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on April 17.
Bernard Eddy, 25, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 16-year-old Steffen Brathwaite on Sept. 10, 2019 on the 3000 block of 24th Place, SE in what may have been a revenge killing for a friend’s murder.
The prosecution called on a witness from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)’s digital evidence unit, who testified that she completed a data extraction report from the defendant’s phone.
The cell phone was registered under an iCloud account called “lil40glock” which the prosecutors claimed belongs to Eddy.
Photos from the device showed images taken at 5:26 p. m. on the day of the incident, which depicted an individual identified as Eddy and an unknown individual posing with firearms in their waistbands in what appears to be the crime scene. According to court documents, Brathwaite was shot and killed at 12:12 a.m.
Julie Swaney, Eddy’s defense attorney, told the jury that this extraction data doesn’t specifically address how a photo ended up on the phone, insinuating that these images could have been screenshots from another day or sent by another person.
Prosecutors also called on a witness with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who was tasked with tracking the latitude and longitude points from the defendant’s Instagram pictures.
The witness testified the same photo of the defendant with a gun in his waistband was located about a block away from the shooting scene. However, it is unknown what time the photo was posted on Instagram.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 21.
First responders testified they were preoccupied with helping the victims of a mass shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 10. The defense, meanwhile, questioned whether evidence at the scene had been compromised in the chaos.
William Johnson-Lee, 22, Erwin Dubose, 30, Kamar Queen, 27, and Damonta Thompson, 28, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of premeditated first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, for their alleged involvement in the mass shooting that claimed the lives of 31-year-old Donnetta Dyson, 24-year-old Keenan Braxton, and 37-year-old Johnny Joyner.
Dubose, Queen, and Johnson-Lee each have nine additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Queen and Thompson each gave one additional count of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, and Johnson-lee has two more counts of the same charge. Dubose, Queen, and Thompson also each have an additional charge of one or more counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Dubose and Queen are also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, as well. Dubose has additional charges of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and tampering with physical evidence. Finally, Queen and Johnson-Lee each have an additional charge of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.
The incident occurred on the 600 block of Longfellow Street, NW on Sept. 4, 2021, and left three others suffering from injuries.
Toyia Johnson, 52, and Mussay Rezene, 32, are charged with accessory after the fact while armed and tampering with physical evidence for their alleged involvement in assisting the other defendants in getting rid of the evidence and avoiding getting caught in connection with the case.
Prosecutors called on an officer, who testified he’d “never responded to a homicide scene,” prior to this incident.
According to the officer, he was assigned to 7th Street and Somerset Place, NW, when he heard “a barrage of gunfire ” that sounded like “a full-on explosion.”
“I was racing as fast as I could to go down there,” the officer told the jury, adding that the officer that first responded to the chaotic scene was in obvious distress. “I thought he was hurt,” the witness stated.
The witness described his driving as “reckless” getting to the scene, adding that he was “fighting tunnel vision hard, and flooring the gas pedal.” He arrived two minutes after he received the call.
Body-worn camera footage showed the officer hurriedly opening his tactical medical kit and rendering aid to Braxton, who was being held upright by two civilians.
The officer clarified that under usual circumstances, civilians would be completely cleared from the crime scene. However, the witness stated, “I might as well keep them here and let them help me.”
According to the officer, he did not see a firearm on the ground next to Braxton because “it wasn’t [his] focus.” He also told the jury that it was his first time using his tactical medical kit outside of Police Academy training.
After applying a chest seal to Braxton, the officer testified, he put a tourniquet on of another victim, who had been shot in both legs.
Then the officer stated he returned to Braxton and held his head upright, recalling that “at this point I was transitioning to compassionate care.” It was only seconds later that the officer told those nearby, “I don’t feel a pulse.”
The officer also testified he followed an ambulance that transported a surviving victim to a hospital for care.
Peter Fayne, Johnson-Lee’s defense attorney, told the jury that “part of the role of police is trying to protect the integrity of the evidence.” Fayne asked the witness how much time passed until the scene was free of any potential contamination, and he responded “it took us some time to get the scene under control.”
“There’s always a risk” when civilians are present at a crime scene, the officer stated.
Brian McDaniel, Queen’s defense attorney, stated that the witness “never assumed responsibility for discovering evidence,” at the scene because his immediate priority was the victims. McDaniel referred to a backpack that Braxton was wearing when he was injured but was never recovered by authorities.
The officer also testified that on Sept. 6, 2021, he responded to a call about an abandoned Nissan Maxima. The vehicle was found in the bushes of an alleyway on the 5200 block of 14th Street, NW away from the crime scene.
The witness stated that he issued a ticket and called a tow truck for the car, which prosecutors claim was Rezene’s.
The prosecution called another officer, who made her way to Longfellow Street after a dispatch call for sounds of gunshots. She testified that she was patrolling the zone because “it is a high crime area.”
Once she arrived on scene, body-worn camera footage showed her rushing to apply a chest seal to Joyner, who had more than five gunshot wounds to his chest, according to the officer.
Although he was unconscious and “drained of all color,” the witness continued to render life-saving care because “there’s always hope that person could still be alive.”
The witness stated that police officers “are not medical professionals,” but are expected to provide care to all victims in an incident.
After transferring Joyner’s care to the medical response team, the witness helped another victim find an ambulance. The victim is seen on body-worn camera shouting, “where the f*** the ambulance,” since the ambulances were occupied by victims with more severe injuries.
The officer testified she helped treat that gunshot wound on the victim’s leg before escorting him to an empty ambulance down the block.
Once the witness finished administering aid, she assisted other officers in locating shell casings at the scene. She stated she had found 30-to-50 casings.
The officer also testified she helped secure the scene with police tape in order to prevent civilians from disturbing the scene.
Fayne argued that the crime scene did not seem secure at the time of the witness’ arrival, stating that during the chaos, evidence may have been “kicked or knocked around,” by people walking through. He told the jury that the evidence was likely compromised before police taped off the area.
McDaniel agreed with Fayne, stating there was, “at least a half an hour where the scene was not taped off.”
McDaniel paced around the courtroom, demonstrating how civilians could have been moving shell casings or other evidence as they walked through the scene.
The witness stated that she had no actual knowledge of any civilians tampering with evidence, and there were more than 20 other officers on the scene helping secure it.
A patrol officer who responded to Longfellow Street the morning of Sept. 5 testified that he was ordered to take over the crime scene. According to the officer, when he arrived the scene was secure.
The officer stated that multiple bystanders were associated with the Kennedy Street crew, a group associated with multiple crimes, also known as KDY, that morning. Body-worn camera footage showed the officer escorting one individual to a bullet-damaged car so he could open the trunk to locate the shell remnants.
Following testimony, David Akulian, Johnson’s attorney, alerted Judge Kravitz that members of Braxton’s family allegedly “harassed” Johnson during the trial breaks. Judge Kravitz warned that everyone needs to “understand how important it is not to engage in this sort of conduct,” and if continued they will be excluded from the courtroom.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 21.
A stabbing defendant relayed concerns he’s getting inadequate medical care to DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 15.
Christopher 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.
Moore’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, stated that Moore had an appointment at Howard Hospital for a serious wound, but the physician allegedly only renewed his asthma inhaler. A representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) joined via WebEx, and was able to obtain Moore’s medical records.
Judge Kravitz requested that the DOC notify the parties when any follow up appointments are scheduled for Moore.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 16.
A stabbing defendant was arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz and pleaded not guilty to her charges on April 15.
Kelly Williams, 52, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred at the intersection of Independence Avenue and L’Enfant Plaza, SW on Jan. 12. One victim was harmed during the incident.
The prosecution offered Williams a plea deal for acknowledging guilt on one count of aggravated assault while armed. Williams has until the next status hearing to accept or decline the offer.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 30.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking the community’s help in identifying two suspects involved in a shooting on March 15 on the 2300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.
The incident left an adult male, who is a surviving victim, with a gunshot wound, and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Surveillance footage of the suspects is available for public viewing.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred on April 16 in Southwest D.C.
According to court documents, Kathy Tanner, a 74-year-old resident, was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of 6th Street and M Street, SW.
The driver remained at the scene, and Major Crash Detectives are conducting the investigation.
DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied release on April 15 for a stabbing defendant suffering from medical issues.
Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 43, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on a DC Metro Bus at the intersection of the 5400 Block of Georgia Avenue, NW and Jefferson Street NW on July 21, 2024.
According to prosecutors, during the incident, Olowofoyeku entered the bus and allegedly threatened to shoot two individuals if they refused to get off the vehicle as ordered. That led to a physical altercation on the bus floor between the two individuals and Olowofoyeku.
Olowofoyeku, says the prosecution, was armed with a switchable pocketknife that he used to stab one individual in the right hamstring, left forearm, and left middle finger. After the incident, the individual was transferred to Howard Hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
In response, Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, stated that she is waiting on some missing evidence and police body-worn camera footage that could have documented the incident. McLaurin said Olowofoyeku is open to plea negotiations, but she is ready for trial if necessary.
The prosecutor said a search hasn’t turned up body-worn camera evidence and it may not exist. Further, because a plea offer was rejected earlier on in the case, the prosecution wants to proceed with a trial instead of presenting another offer.
Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney said no weapon was found at the scene and no weapon can be spotted in video footage of the crime.
McLaurin requested that Olowofoyeku be released to his home where he helps his sister with household duties. McLaurin also mentioned several of Olowofoyeku’s medical concerns, including an acute need of dental surgery due to a broken tooth implant. Olowofoyeku currently has no access to mental health medications.
Judge Hertzfeld denied the request for Olowofoyeku’s release and issued a medical alert upon the defense attorney’s request for access to mental health medications for Olowofoyeku.
Parties also scheduled a trial date for June 16.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 5.
At an April 15 hearing, a defense attorney for a domestic violence suspect requested his release.
Jamal Davis Hughes, 28, is charged with kidnapping while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a gun incident that occurred at the 80 block of Forrester Street, SW on May 23, 2024.
The day of the crime, Hughes allegedly physically assaulted his partner in her bedroom while on a Facetime call with friends. According to court documents, Hughes threatened to shoot his partner with a Glock .32, Generation 4-357 handgun.
After the incident, officers discovered that the handgun was not legally registered. In the bedroom, officers also found 21 9mm rounds and one additional round on the bedroom floor that is said to have come from the gun. The victim stated that Hughes may have been under the influence of drugs during the incident.
During the hearing, Hughes defense attorney, Emily Sufrin, requested Hughes’ release and proposed a release plan that features participating in mental health services and fulfilling his duties as a father.
Prosecution opposed the release request, saying the assault was caught on video with two other people who watched the attack take place. The prosecutor also mentioned that Hughes had recently been arrested again and released from probation for an ongoing case with a pending plea.
DC Superior Court Judge Hertzfeld denied the release pending the outcome of the previous case.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene April 28.
A stabbing defendant was resentenced before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 15 after illegally re-entering the United States following deportation to Guatemala.
Edra Marruquern was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on the 2500 block of Ralph Ellison Way on Dec. 21, 2019.
The incident occurred after Marruquern found texts to another man on his partner’s phone, prompting him to stab his partner multiple times in the back, abdomen, and arm. The victim’s colon was also perforated and required surgery.
After a plea deal, Marruquern was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of probation by DC Superior Court Judge John Campbell on Jan. 25, 2021.
According to the prosecution, Marruquern was deported to Guatemala after his release from prison in 2023, and he lost contact with DC probation officials. Marruquern then illegally re-entered the United States, where he was detained by US Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) in Arizona.
The prosecution argued since Marruquern re-entered the country illegally after committing a violent offense, he poses a safety threat. They requested he be sentenced to three years of additional incarceration.
Marruquern’s attorney, Henry Escoto, stated that his client only re-entered the country because he “feared for his life.” According to Escoto, Marruquern was staying at his aunt’s house in Guatemala when he began receiving death threats from those involved in shooting of his cousin.
He stated that Marruquern “thought he was gonna be killed like his cousin was” so he “decided to risk it all” by returning to America. Had things been different, Marruquern would have stayed.
Escoto also argued that Marruquern had already served two years of incarceration and was detained before his deportation and for six months when he came back to the States. He said, “There is nothing to be gained from incarcerating him more.”
Escoto asked the court to impose a supervised release with respect to his time served, and deportation to Marruquern’s country of choice.
Judge Arthur stated he respects and understands the circumstances around the case. However, that doesn’t obviate the fact the Marruquern came back to the United States illegally.
Judge Arthur sentenced Marruquern to 48 months with credit for time served to be determined by the DC Jail board as well as three years on supervised release. Following completion of his sentence, Marruquern’s could face another deportation, a fine or imprisonment.
The defense filed a motion to suppress evidence found by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in a shooting homicide. The argument was presented in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 11.
Robert Carpenter, 36, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 42-year-old Tremaine Nicholson. The incident occurred on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE, on May 7, 2024.
Carpenter’s lawyers, Christen Philips and David Knight, argued that the evidence police found in his truck shouldn’t be admitted in trial because the police searched it without a legal warrant.
The prosecution challenged the motion, bringing in a detective who worked on the case to testify that a team of officers searched Carpenter’s car and questioned him legally.
The witness stated that officers only searched the truck after their police dog signaled that there was a gun inside. The detective also stated that Carpenter was free to leave, but he didn’t try to drive away or tell the officers to stop.
Judge Park has yet to rule on the motion.
Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park determined probable cause in a teen homicide, detaining the defendant based on evidence his actions were premeditated.
Navar Rogers, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE, that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Zyion Turner.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of a shooting on Sept. 2, 2023, locating Turner unconscious and not breathing, with several gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Turner was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the hearing on April 15, Judge Park determined there was substantial evidence for probable cause that Rogers committed the crime, including the clear friendship between Rogers and Turner, as well as surveillance footage and a witness’s testimony.
The prosecution argued that the defendant should be held because of the severe circumstances of the crime–namely, the victim was shot in his sleep.
The prosecutor also said, when the defendant was arrested, 18 months after the incident, a gun was found under the couch where he was staying. The prosecution allegedly recovered pictures of Rogers holding other firearms on his phone, which indicated his access to multiple firearms.
In response, Terrence Austin, Rogers’ attorney, said the prosecution’s arguments were based on circumstantial evidence, and there were unresolved questions left to investigate
Judge Park acknowledged that while the defense wasn’t wrong about this being a clear circumstantial case, this was not a weak case, either–thus the detention ruling.
Parties are slated to reconvene May 28.
DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park postponed murder trial openings due to scheduling conflicts between parties on April 15.
Ranje Reynolds, 27, is charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Tarek Boothe on Jan. 31, 2022, on the 3200 block of M Street, NW.
After consulting with counsel, Judge Park decided to postpone openings and pending motions as there were scheduling issues between the parties.
Cheryl Stein, Reynolds’s attorney, agreed to an autopsy report but objected to the prosecution’s plan to present exhibits from the report in their openings, arguing that the jury should not see what would be considered evidence until it is introduced into evidence.
The prosecution clarified that they did not plan on using the autopsy in their openings, but instead only crime scene pictures, text messages, and information about the crime.
Judge Park overruled the defense’s objection and stated that either side could include exhibits in their openings as long as they were not lengthy.
Trial is scheduled to resume on April 17.
