Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal in Multiple-Incident Case

A shooting defendant, charged in connection to three different incidents, which he committed while on release from another matter, accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Feb.. 24.

Renard Levenberry, 28, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence assault with a dangerous weapon, robbery while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, endangerment with a firearm, possession of prohibited weapon, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 13, 2024, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left knee.

Levenberry is also charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Aug. 20, 2024, on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the arm.

Additionally, Levenberry is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession ammunition, for being in possession of a firearm on Aug. 21, 2024, while officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) executed a search warrant at the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. According to court documents, at the time of his arrest, officers located an unregistered firearm with a 21- round loaded magazine.

Sweta Patel, Levenberry’s defense attorney, informed Judge Pasichow that Levenberry had signed a plea deal that requires him to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. Through the deal, parties agreed to dismiss all other charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on May 16.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 7-And-A-Half Years

DC Superior court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a homicide defendant to seven-and-a-half years of imprisonment on Feb. 25.

On Oct. 22, 2024, Ted Brown, 55, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Tommy Hudson, on May 26, 2024. The incident occurred at a residence on the 500 block of Harvard Street, NW.

According to court documents, an altercation occurred between the two men. After Hudson initially attacked Brown, Brown retrieved a knife from the kitchen and stabbed Hudson with a malicious intent.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Epstein impose a seven-and-a-half year sentence, considering Brown’s physical and mental condition. The prosecutor cited a lack of remorse on Brown’s part during his interview with law enforcement.

Brown’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, requested Brown be given the mandatory minimum, emphasizing Brown’s deep regrets, history of domestic abuse, and lack of a criminal record, excluding a non-violent conviction 20 years ago.

“I didn’t know what the word remorse meant…I regret it,” Brown told Judge Epstein.

Judge Epstein recognized Brown’s remorse, taking into consideration Brown’s intent not to kill, Hudson’s prior convictions, and his unhealthy relationship with the defendant. Judge Epstein granted the request of both parties and sentenced Brown to the agreed up term.

No further dates were set.

Defense Claims Prosecution ‘Has the Wrong Guy’ in Homicide Trial

Parties presented opening statements on Feb. 25 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson in a fatal shooting trial that defense counsel says “has the wrong guy,” as the suspect.

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 murder of 28-year-old Kriston Robinson on March 25, 2020, on the 1600 block of 19th Street, SE.

In opening statements, the prosecution argued Johnson allegedly stared down Robinson’s cousin, followed them in a “cash Uber,” exited the car, and fired six shots into the white sedan Robinson was driving. Her cousin in the passenger seat fled from the shooter and wasn’t hurt. Prosecutors argued surveillance videos show the so-called stare-down between Johnson and Robinson’s cousin, demonstrating concern about the surviving victim.

Charlotte Gilliland, Johnson’s attorney, argued it’s a case of mistaken identity. She maintained there is no physical or forensic evidence connected to Johnson, eyewitness descriptions of the shooter don’t match the defendant, the bullet casings and magazine went untested, and the prosecution has no plausible explanation regarding motive.

Gilliland added that Johnson “acts like the innocent man he is on surveillance” because he remained on the scene and spoke to the police when they arrived.

Prosecutors called a witness who spent a lot of time near the incident. She identified herself in surveillance footage, and testified to seeing an unfamiliar man across the street, describing him as “kind of weird… just the way he was pacing back and forth.” She added that the individual across the street interacted with a white sedan – like the one in which Robinson was located fatally wounded.

Surveillance video showed an individual next to the witness who she was unable to identify, but she testified the person said “he’s on my line” about the man across the street which she understood as “someone is out to get you.” She left the area prior to the shooting and elaborated “that means trouble in street terms…why would I want to be there.”

Johnson’s other attorney, Kevin Mosley, asked the witness “You are in an orange jumpsuit does that mean you are locked up?” The witness answered, “Yeah, and for what reason I would like to know.” Mosley argued prosecutors issued a warrant for the witness to come to court, although she does not have a clear memory of that night and never saw anyone with a gun.

Prosecutors also called another eyewitness, who testified he heard the gunfire and his Ring camera captured the scene after the shots were fired. In the footage, a car allegedly carrying Robinson and her cousin were attempting to drive away as an individual in a grey jacket fled the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 26.

Detective Says Murder, Mass Shooting Defendant ID’d Through Social Media, Surveillance Footage

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) told DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that a homicide defendant was identified as the suspect through social media and surveillance footage in a Feb. 21 proceeding.

Andre Greene, 25, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Lamont Street and 50-year-old Jermaine Proctor, which occurred on July 18, 2024, on the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue SE. Two additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, when MPD officers responded to the scene, they found four victims suffering from gunshot wounds, two of whom were in critical condition. Street was discovered lying unconscious in a parking lot and was pronounced dead at the scene, while Proctor was taken to Washington Hospital Center – MedStar for a head injury, but all life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and he succumbed to his injuries.

The prosecution called on MPD’s lead detective in the case who testified that Greene was one of four suspects as he went over the footage gathered from the crime scene, and the evidence obtained from an Instagram search warrant that was conducted on Greene’s account.

According to the detective, Greene and three other individuals got into a blue Dodge Charger, believed to belong to Greene, and drove to a location near the crime scene, where the suspects switched over to the suspect vehicle, identified as a white Chevy sedan.

The detective testified that surveillance footage shows the suspect pull up to the crime scene, get out of the car and shoot at the victims, injuring four individuals.

During the hearing, the prosecution also presented information from the Instagram search. The probe revealed Instagram story videos from an individual said to be Greene in a blue Dodge Charger, like the one from the crime scene, with the same latitude and longitude.

The videos were reportedly posted about four minutes before Greene allegedly picked up the other three suspects, and about 30 minutes before the shooting.

Additionally, the prosecution showed business records from the search showing messages between Greene and another person, where the defendant asked the person to call a lawyer on his behalf.

Shawn Sukumar, Greene’s attorney, argued that the detective could not verify that the metadata was correct, requesting that part of the detective’s testimony be designated as not credible. Sukumar also argued that that text message asking for a lawyer was not an admission of guilt.

Judge Ryan allowed for the text messages to remain as evidence for possible relevance. Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

The hearing is set to resume on Feb. 28.

Defense Notes Description Discrepancies in Homicide Trial

An eyewitness to a homicide provided different descriptions of the suspect before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park’s courtroom on Feb. 20.

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 a witness who was present the day of the shooting and called 911. In that call, he described the suspect as being a darker-skinned individual who was about 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Brandon Burrell cross-examined the witness and highlighted differences between how the witness described the suspect and Moore’s actual appearance.

Specifically, he noted that the description given to the detective just after the incident occurred was similar to the information in the 911 call. However, when asked to describe Moore in court, the witness identified him as a lighter-skinned, 5’7” or 5’8” individual.

As a predicate to additional testimony a monitoring specialist for the Department of Corrections (DoC), testified about the procedure for inmate phone calls, explaining that each inmate has a unique DCDC number used as a PIN to verify their identity. During cross-examination, she noted that an inmate could use another person’s DCDC number if they knew it.

The prosecution also called a Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Special Agent who conducted a cellular analysis to track the movements of a phone that police say was used by Moore on the day of the shooting.

The analyst concluded that the phone’s user was likely traveling in a vehicle on the day of the incident. However, during cross-examination, Sanita McLaurin, Moore’s other attorney, elicited that the phone serviced by AT&T never pinged near the crime scene that day.

The agent acknowledged that AT&T’s 2021 data did not track app usage or other inputs, only calls and texts, meaning the phone could have been in the area without leaving a digital trace.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 24.

Prosecution Gets Last Chance to Find Missing Stabbing Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a final continuance on Feb. 26 to further delay a stabbing trial as prosecutors continue to look for the victim.

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

Judge McLean continued the case for an additional day to allow prosecutors more time to locate the victim. She advised that if they are not ready to proceed to trial on Feb. 27, she will hear the defense counsel’s argument for a case dismissal and issue a substantive ruling.

Defense attorney Sharon Weathers emphasized that Dyson has been held on the matter for more than a year. She stated that the defense team was prepared to go to trial on Feb. 24 and argued that the case should be dismissed in accordance with Dyson’s right to a speedy trial.

Judge McLean deferred any discussion on dismissal argument until the next hearing and instructed the defense to follow proper legal procedures, regardless of whether it is “routine.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Teen Carjacking Co-defendants Waive Preliminary Hearing

Carjacking co-defendants waived their right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Antonio Gaither, 16, and Derrick West, 17, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking and robbery while armed for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2024 on the 800 block of P Street, NW.

Gaither and West are charged as adults under Title 16 which allows them to be tried as adults for certain serious crimes.

Gaither’s attorney, Quiana Harris, and West’s attorney, Gregg Baron, alerted Judge Herrmann of their intent to waive their right to a preliminary hearing.

West and Harris also requested that the court consider their release, citing the ages of the defendants. The prosecution opposed the motion given the serious nature of the charges.

Judge Herrmann determined that there were no release conditions that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Shooting Victim Injured, Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Cameron McMillian, 35, is charged with aggravated assault, 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 shooting that occurred on Jan. 24 on the 1100 block of 4th street, leaving one person injured.

During the hearing, McMillian’s attorney, Errin Scialpi, alerted the court that he intended to waive his right to a preliminary hearing.

Scialpi also asked the court to consider his release, citing weak identification of McMillian as the perpetrator, and a local place of residence.

The prosecution opposed the motion, stating that there is clear surveillance footage of the incident, and the defendant is shown possessing a firearm. They additionally cited McMillian’s previous offenses.

Judge Herrmann determined that there were no acceptable release conditions for the defendant that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Shooting Defendant Waives Hearing, Considering Plea Deal

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Daniel Griffin, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, 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 shooting that occurred on May 27, 2024 on the 4300 block of Burroughs Ave, NE, injuring a single victim.

During the hearing, Griffin’s attorney, Mark Rollins, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and informed the court that they are actively considering a plea offer proposed by the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 7.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Release Denied

A stabbing defendant waived her right to a preliminary hearing and was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 21.

Brenda Blanco, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a single stabbing that occurred on Feb. 17 on the 3600 block of 14th street, NW.

Blanco’s attorney, Jonathan Lanyi, alerted Judge Herrmann of Blanco’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing, and requested that the court consider Blanco’s release, citing her lack of any prior criminal record and a residence in DC that she can return to.

The prosecution opposed the motion, citing clear surveillance footage of the incident as well as identification of the defendant. The victim was familiar with the defendant, and was allegedly able to identify her as the assailant, according to the prosecution.

Lanyi informed Judge Herrmann that Blanco tested positive for fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids in jail, and has requested any available drug treatment services. Lanyi also requested that Judge Herrmann consider releasing Blanco to a bed-to-bed treatment program.

Judge Herrmann had considered it, but bed-to-bed treatment would require Blanco’s release. The Judge determined that there were no release conditions for the defendant that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties alerted Judge Herrmann they are continuing plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to return March 5.

Judge Denies Release For Carjacking Defendant

A carjacking defendant was denied pretrial release during a felony status conference before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 20.

Tamika Burris, 35, is charged with armed carjacking for her alleged involvement in an incident on Feb. 17, 2024 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim and Burris got into a fight in the car after Burris allegedly attempted a carjacking and left a knife and her personal items behind after fleeing the scene.

Burris’ defense attorney, Quiana Harris, requested that Burris be released. Judge Di Toro, who was standing in for DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld, denied the request, citing Burris’ prior inability to comply with release conditions.

A plea was offered, but will not be further discussed by either party until the Grand Jury transcript is revealed later next week.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 3.

Defendant in Murder, Mass Shooting Pleads Not Guilty Asks For Delay

A defendant, charged in connection to a fatal mass shooting, pleaded not guilty to additional charges, and requested his trial date be delayed before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 24.

Devonte Brothers, 29, is charged with conspiracy, two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, eight counts of criminal street affiliation, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction, and simple assault. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the mass shooting that fatally wounded Arkeem Jackson, 30, on June 16, 2019, on the 4300 block of 4th Street, SE. Four other victims sustained injuries during the shooting.

During the hearing, Brothers, who was originally only charged with six indictment charges, pleaded not guilty to the additional charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the rights to a speedy trial.

Dominique Winters, Brothers’ attorney, claimed the prosecution added additional charges and changed strategy to force a continuance of the previously scheduled March 10 trial date, and prolong the case. Winters stated the defense could not prepare for that trial date with the 21 additional charges brought against Brothers.

As a result Judge Edelman granted the defense’s motion to put off the trial.

The new trial date is set for Sept. 8, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 11.

Carjacking Defendant Refuses Plea Deal, Opts For Trial

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea deal that could have removed eight charges against him before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 24.

Taysean Hawkins, 21, is charged with two counts of armed carjacking while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in three carjackings that occurred between Jan. 11 and Jan 12, 2021. These incidents were on the 1500 block of 30th Street, NW on Jan. 11 and the 4700 and 4300 blocks of Alton Place, NW on Jan. 12.

Prosecution stated that they had offered a deal in which Hawkins could plead guilty to armed carjacking and have all other charges dropped.

Hawkins’ attorney, Michael Madden, informed the Court that Hawkins would be rejecting the deal and that they wished to proceed with the jury trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Murder Case, Denies Release

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide case on Feb. 21.

Aaron Jones, 30, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Bobby Addison, 44, on July 28, 2024, on the 3200 block of 28 Street, SE.

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, witnesses saw Jones and Addison arguing when Jones’ girlfriend came out and joined the argument. Allegedly, Addison smacked Jones’ girlfriend and knocked her out cold. In response to Addison’s actions, Jones went into his apartment and returned outside, holding a handgun and allegedly fired at Addison as he ran away.

Addison was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution argued Jones did not act in self-defense due to his display of excessive force.

In the Ring camera footage obtained from the incident, the prosecution pointed out a pause after the initial four shots. They argued that if it was a matter of self-defense, Jones had a moment to retreat at that interval, but even more compelling, initially raising of the gun could’ve been enough for self-defense since Addison was already running away.

Christen Phillips, Jones’ attorney, countered the argument, emphasizing that self-defense involves examining what is happening at that exact moment.

According to Phillips, Addison manifested rage towards Jones and his girlfriend before the shooting, which prompted the girlfriend to call 911 to de-escalate the argument. According to Phillips, the call was not enough as the argument continued.

Phillips also pointed out that Jones’s shooting at Addison was an instinctive reaction, which in her opinion didn’t allow him time to reflect.

Judge Ryan concluded the prosecution provided clear and convincing evidence that Jones was the likely perpetrator and did not act in self-defense or in the defense of others.

Phillips filed a request to release Jones, highlighting the numerous letters submitted to the court from family members, employers, and even city council officials, all attesting to his being a respectful, thoughtful, and caring individual.

The prosecution argued those letters were rebutted as they only showed that he was loved, but they believe he remains a danger.

The prosecution cited Jones’ other crimes, which included a prior altercation where he pulled a gun on Addison, had a dispute with his landlord, and continued to carry guns despite not being allowed to do.

Judge Ryan said Jones had moved from simply being someone who has a gun, to someone who used a gun, and that it was the judge’s responsibility to keep the community safe.

Judge Ryan concluded there was no a set of circumstances for release that would protect the community from Jones, so he denied the motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 6.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 35 Months Despite Personal Struggles

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a shooting defendant to 35 months of imprisonment on Feb. 21.

On Nov. 26, 2024, Reginald Williams, 64, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and endangerment with a firearm for firing a gun in the courtyard of his apartment building on July 27 on the unit block of Banner Lane, NW.

According to court documents, Williams got into a physical altercation with an unknown man, left the scene, returned with a firearm and fired once. No one was injured in the incident. During a police search of Williams’ apartment on Aug. 29, three guns were found, two revolvers and one semi-automatic pistol.

During sentencing, prosecutors noted this was not the defendant’s first firearms-related conviction and urged the judge to impose consecutive sentences for the two charges.

Defense attorney, Theodore Shaw, requested a probationary sentence that considers Williams’ declining health since being incarcerated, citing a brain tumor and other health complications.

Williams described to the court his struggles with heroin addiction following a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his son, the loss of multiple family members, and his first wife passing away from cancer in his arms.

Judge McLean acknowledged Williams’ hardships but emphasized his lack of accountability for the shooting and expressed concerns that he did not acknowledge the dangerous nature of his conduct.

Judge McLean sentenced Williams to 19 months for the unlawful possession charge charge and 16 months for endangerment with a firearm, to be run consecutively, followed by three years of supervised release and mandatory registration as a gun offender.

No further dates were set.

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