Motions Hearing Continues with Questions About Victim’s Alleged Gang Ties Unanswered

More questions than answers resulted from litigation in a motions hearing April 15 and 17, continuing the hearing to May and vacating the trial date.

Christian Johnson, 34, 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 prior conviction. All offense were allegedly committed during release. The charges stem from the murder of 25-year-old Lavonte McCloud in 2021 on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, SE.

The main question lingering over the case is whether McCloud was involved in a gang.

During Thursday’s proceeding, the prosecution said that McCloud was on a database the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) keeps of gang members and associates in February 2019 as an associate. However, as of May 2022, McCloud has not shown on the database.

The prosecutor said that his name could have been deleted at some point between October 2021 and May 2022 because he died. However, the prosecutor told D.C. Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that she just didn’t know.

The prosecutor said she has contacted the MPD to get answers about the database and how names are added, who adds the names, what verification is used. The prosecutor said she asked the General Counsel for the MPD to do a full search of information that could exist.

The prosecutor said she hopes that some information could be regenerated from the records management system or contact with law enforcement, such as emails.

Defense attorney Dominique Winters said she will send a request to the prosecution, no later than Friday, for the names and contacts of everyone they spoke with from 2021 until the present day.

Winters also requested permission to speak with an expert witness, who is a litigator for the Washington Lawyers Committee and helped with the Chicago Justice Project’s work on the DC gang database, once the prosecution was able to send all evidence.

The prosecutor said the MPD evidence could take a few weeks, citing spring break and the possibility for any complications the MPD may have searching for older materials.

Judge Kravitz said he expects both sides would like to consult with the expert witness.

The motions hearing is set to resume on May 23.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Murdering Wife

A homicide defendant admitted to killing his wife during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 15.

Mario Banegas Deras, 42, was charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the brutal killing of his wife, 35-year-old Maria Magdalena Ayala Guardado, on Dec. 15, 2024 on the 700 block of Girard Street, NW.

In accordance with the agreement, Banegas Deras pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed. Due to his plea, the prosecution will not seek to indict him on any greater charges or ask for more severe punishment at sentencing.

The prosecution explained that had the case gone to trial, they had substantial evidence to prove Banegas Deras’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. According to a proffer of facts, on the day of the incident, Banegas Deras was seen on surveillance lurking around the residence. After his wife was seen entering the garage, Banegas Deras was seen following her into it and then shutting the garage door.

The prosecution explained that Banegas Deras then called 911, reporting that he strangled and killed his wife. When officers arrived, they found both individuals and the scene covered in hair and blood. Also found at the scene was a brick covered in blood and a knife in his wife’s neck.

The autopsy determined the manner of death to be homicide and the cause of death to be asphyxia, blunt force injury, and a stab wound.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 8.

Judge Denies Two Motions in Co-Defendant Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a motion for return of property and a motion for a bond review for carjacking co-defendants during two separate hearings on April 14.

Jaelen Jordan, 19, and Jahkai Goff, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, four counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of robbery while armed, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, robbery of a senior citizen while armed, and receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more.

Jordan and Goff are two of seven co-defendants charged for their alleged involvement in a series of carjackings and subsequent distribution of the carjacked vehicles between April and May of 2023.

According to court documents, the first verified carjacking occurred on April 27, 2023, on 8th Street and K Street, NE. Another incident occurred on May 16, 2023, on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW.

At the hearing, Jordan’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, argued for return of property because the prosecution possessed items obtained in a search warrant for an extended period which he says are unrelated to the charges and investigation. McDaniel also noted that the search warrant was obtained in June 2023, and he is unsure what else prosecutors want to do with the items.

McDaniel added that Jordan’s request is on behalf of his mother who owns the items in question.

Prosecutors opposed the motion because the items do not belong to Jordan and consequently he does not have standing to seek the return of property that is not his.

Judge Kravitz denied the motion and ruled that it failed due to a lack of standing. The judge noted that Jordan’s mother could file a motion herself and reminded the prosecution to ensure the items are legitimately held.

At a subsequent hearing, Goff’s attorney, Donna Beasley, argued for Goff’s release on home confinement with GPS monitoring. Beasley mentioned Goff’s lack of a prior criminal record and said there is no indication he would not return to court. She also pointed out that Goff’s family attends every hearing to support him.

Prosecutors opposed the motion and pointed to the nature and circumstances of the offenses in addition to the weight of the evidence. They alleged that there is strong evidence Goff was directly involved in multiple carjackings, including sell cite location data and Instagram messages. The prosecution also said that two firearms were allegedly recovered from Goff’s residence during his arrest.

Beasley challenged the assertion that the guns found in Goff’s apartment are connected to the carjackings and suggested prosecutors have a weak case.

Judge Kravitz denied the motion for bond review based on the nature of the crime.

Armed carjackings are among the most dangerous offenses, Judge Kravitz said.

The judge acknowledged that it is impossible for him to know the strength of the evidence, however the prosecution acknowledged there is significant circumstantial evidence.

Parties for all seven co-defendants are scheduled to reconvene on April 30.

Two Armed Carjacking Co-defendants Reject Plea Offer

Two co-defendants in an armed carjacking and robbery case rejected a plea offer in an April 15 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Marquis Alston, 19, is charged with armed carjacking and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on Jan. 23 on the 1700 block of New Jersey Avenue NW and an armed robbery on Jan. 24 on the 300 block of 12th Street SE.

Lee Johnson, 19, is charged with robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the same series of events

The plea offer presented by the prosecution required Alston to plead guilty to armed carjacking and assault with intent to commit robbery while armed. The charges would be wired, meaning both defendants would have to accept the terms, and the prosecution reserved the right to make sentencing recommendations–but would not oppose concurrent sentencing.

A sentence at the bottom of the guidelines was recommended for Alston. Johnson’s charges would have stayed the same, but with a shorter recommended term

After parties rejected the plea, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in the carjacking task force testified there was surveillance footage of the armed robbery, and Alston allegedly photographed himself inside the stolen vehicle.

The detective also testified that Alston and Johnson used the credit cards allegedly stolen in the robbery on the same day at a gas station. Judge Glover determined probable cause by the weight of the evidence, but said he would hear the defense on possible release conditions.

Alston’s defense attorney, Mark Rollins, requested that his client be released on 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring, as Alston is still seeking his high school diploma and has an intellectual disability that requires special instruction.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Atiq Ahmed, also requested release modifications for educational circumstances and the fact that he has no criminal record.

Judge Glover denied both requests but said they could ask for release again at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

Victim’s Former Girlfriend Raises Possible Homicide Motive

A fatal shooting victim’s girlfriend told a jury and DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan that the victim had killed someone the defendant knew during a trial on April 15.

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.

The prosecution called on a friend and former girlfriend of Brathwaite’s. She claimed that Brathwaite had confirmed his involvement in the killing of 15-year-old Gerald Watson, providing a motive for Eddy to kill him because he knew Watson.

A one-time friend of Eddy’s continued his testimony from April 14. He stated that after Eddy left the group and gunshots were heard, Eddy returned to the car and said nothing about what happened. However, when testifying before the Grand Jury earlier this year, the witness claimed that Eddy said, “I think I got him.”

The witness continued to say that although everyone went their separate ways, he and Eddy later ended up together about an hour after the incident. While smoking, Eddy filmed a video of his miming gunfire and stating that he was, “Smoking Stef pack.” The witness explained that this phrase implies that the person named was “smoked,” or killed.

Eddy’s attorney, Julie Swaney, questioned if that phrase implied guilt or could be more of a taunt. The witness shared that he had heard many people say the phrase in reference to Watson’s death despite not being involved in his murder.

Swaney also raised concern that only two weeks ago, the witness told the prosecution that Eddy said, “I hit him,” after returning to the car. This means three different claims were shared with prosecutors, questioning how reliable the claims are if they keep changing.

She also clarified with the witness that Eddy had never forced the driver of the car to turn around to return to where they saw Brathwaite.

A forensic scientist with the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) testified that she recovered a firearm. This firearm was a Ruger SR9c, the same type of firearm previously associated with Eddy.

Another of Eddy’s attorneys, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, questioned the witness if there was any confirmation that it was the same firearm that Eddy had owned. The witness explained that the serial number was scratched off of the recovered firearm, so there was no way they could confirm it was the same weapon.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17.

Stabbing Defendant Non-Compliant Says Court

A stabbing defendant appeared in front of DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean for reportedly violating the conditions of his supervised release on April 15.

Gregory Edmonds, 34, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of his father on July 4, 2023, on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE. He sustained injuries to his abdomen and torso.

According to court documents, Edmonds’ assault took place inside their apartment. His father told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Edmonds had attacked him with a pair of scissors while accusing him of trying to kill him.

According to an officer from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Edmonds has not complied with the conditions of his release, as he has not been in contact with them since August of 2024. Edmonds has been on supervised release since July of 2024.

Edmonds’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, told the court she had additional information to present and approached the bench. Morehouse, the prosecution, and Judge McLean discussed the matter in private

Morehouse asked for a further probation show cause hearing to be set for late April to determine Edmonds’ release status. The prosecution agreed.

Edmonds is detained until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty In Stabbing Case

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 an unspecified plea deal in return for accepting 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.

Defendant’s Former Friend Testifies about Possible Revenge Killing

A one-time friend of a fatal shooting defendant testified about a suspected revenge killing in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 14.

The former friend, who said he was with Eddy during the incident, told the jury that he was currently incarcerated for unrelated firearms and attempted robbery convictions. Recalling what happened in 2019, he said he and Eddy believed Brathwaite was possibly involved in the killing of 15-year-old Gerald Watson in what may have been a beef between two neighborhood groups.

After gambling together the witness said that he, Eddy, and some friends got into a car and drove past Brathwaite. Eddy allegedly called him a “body,” implying he was a free kill, and instructed the driver to take three right turns, putting them directly in Brathwaite’s path. Eddy, according to the witness, exited the car and began jogging towards Brathwaite while holding a gun. The witness testified that he heard rapid gunfire about 45 seconds after Eddy exited the car.

Brathwaite was said to be associated with the Hartford Street neighborhood while Eddy and his friends are associated with a rival group from Langston Lane, the area where Watson grew up. Brathwaite’s death was rumored to be in revenge for Watson’s murder. One of Brathwaite’s friends was charged with the killing but a second suspect was never identified.

Eddy’s attorney, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, questioned the witness’ credibility noting he had recently emailed the prosecution asking if he would get a reward for his testimony in this case. There was no response to the defense’s suggestion of a possible quid pro quo in return for cooperating in the case.

The prosecution called another witness who had been present on the day of the boy’s murder and confidently identified one of the shooters, but he had never seen the other shooter before. Though prosecutors suggested it could have been Brathwaite.

A ballistics expert testified about a firearm allegedly recovered from Eddy and the nine cartridge casings and four fragments located at the scene later analyzed by the Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS).

All four fragments, said the expert, had some characteristics consistent with a 9mm handgun like the one said to be Eddy’s

A phone, also found on the scene contained images, videos, and texts prosecutors say link Eddy with firearms as well as pictures of a person said to be Eddy holding a firearm like the recovered weapon and suggestions of Brathwaite’s death.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Prosecution Won’t Hold Mass Shooting Suspect as Investigation Continues

A homicide defendant, held for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting, was permitted pre-trial release before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 14.

Antwan Shelton, 41, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 31-year-old former Morgan State University basketball star Blake Bozeman on Sept. 23, 2023, on the 1300 block of H Street, NE, at the CRU Lounge Hookah Bar. Three other individuals sustained injuries in the widely publicized shooting.

At the hearing, the prosecution asked to withdraw their detention hold on Shelton because they “are still investigating the facts of this case.”

A court spokesman told D.C. Witness in an email that as a result of their decision they can no longer legally hold Shelton in confinement.

The prosecution stated that while they have witness identification of Shelton, they are still “continuing the investigation.” Prosecutors requested that Shelton be released on GPS monitoring due to the violent nature of this incident.

“The government and police have made a mistake here,” said Wole Falodun, Shelton’s defense attorney. “Mr. Shelton is not the person who committed the crime in this case.”

Falodun stated that Shelton does not fit the identification of the suspect from security camera footage that night, noting that “the physical attributes don’t add up.”

“He is not the person in those photographs. Mr. Shelton’s ears are rather circular, and the suspect’s ears have a triangle [shape],” Falodun said, pointing out the height difference between the suspect and Shelton.

“At the minimum, [the prosecution] has reassessed the strength of this case,” said Falodun.

He argued for Shelton’s release without GPS monitoring, citing employment issues. He explained that Shelton’s former employer would only rehire him if he didn’t have an ankle monitor.

“It is premature for us to be talking about Shelton re-entering the community on just [personal recognizance],” Judge Brandt said. She ordered that Shelton have a GPS monitor installed and report to pretrial services weekly.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

18-Year-Old Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Six Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a carjacking defendant to 72 months of incarceration at a hearing on April 11.

Austin Marion, 18, and Jacorri Stroman, 19, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Two cars were stolen during the incident on July 1 on the 1100 block of Independence Avenue, SE. On Dec. 17, 2024, Stroman and Marion pleaded guilty to carjacking. Stroman was sentenced to 72 months under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), followed by three years of supervised release.

Marion’s lawyer, Russell Hairston, asserted that Marion had accepted responsibility for the crime early on. Hairston asked Judge Park for a sentencing that included an intervention plan so Marion could finish his education. Hairston also asked that Marion be sentenced under the YRA, meaning that if he serves his term successfully his record will be sealed.

The prosecution disagreed, asking Judge Park not to sentence Marion under the YRA because Marion and Stroman had committed this crime in broad daylight at a busy intersection.

The prosecution played a video showing one victim fleeing for his life, driving away so fast he fell off his motor vehicle and onto the street. The prosecution asked for the mandatory minimum 84 months of incarceration and five months of supervised release.

Judge Park acknowledged Marion’s lack of criminal history but stated that this offense could have had much more serious impacts. The fact that it was committed at a busy intersection could have resulted in the victim being hit by a car while fleeing and possibly dying.

Judge Park sentenced Marion to 72 months of incarceration under the YRA, three years of supervised release, and 90 hours of community service.

No further dates have been set for this matter.

Competency Questioned, Accused Murderer Disrupts Virtual Hearing

During a homicide proceeding on April 11, a defendant repeatedly interrupted the hearing as the prosecution attempted to have an expert witness testify about the defendant’s mental capacity.

Marcus Barringer, 32, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of obstruction of justice, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license. The charges derive from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Rashad Davis on the 2300 block of Nicholson Street, SE, on May 6, 2022.

During the hearing, Barringer, who was participating remotely, constantly interrupted parties, causing DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz to mute his audio. Judge Kravitz also raised concerns about the defendant’s competency, noting the possibility that Barringer may not be mentally able to stand trial. As a result, the judge requested that Barringer be reevaluated before proceeding.

A doctor who previously evaluated Barringer will be one of the witnesses for the prosecution.

At the start of the hearing, Barringer requested to be released, claiming he has children. The request was denied.

Barringer’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, stated that she does not intend to call any witnesses.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 27.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in 2022 Shooting

Murder defendant, Rafeal Stevens, 40, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 14.

Stevens was also convicted of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his involvement in the shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2000 Block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens was acquitted of four counts including assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on Nov. 13, 2024. A jury found him not guilty of first-and-second-degree murder on Nov. 15, 2024.

During the hearing, Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, said Stevens will admit guilt to voluntary manslaughter, and in exchange the prosecution would dismiss the remaining counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence.

Additionally, the government will not bring any charges of perjury against Stevens for his testimony in a previous hearing. The parties agreed to eight years of incarceration to run concurrent with a prior conviction of unlawful possession of firearm during crime of violence.

Judge Edelman informed Stevens that he no longer has the right to a jury trial and that he is no longer able to appeal the outcome of his case.

Before accepting the plea agreement, Judge Edelman said he needed to look at the pre-sentencing report and the sentencing guidelines.

Parties are set to reconvene July 11.

Severance Denied For Duo in Gang-Related Homicides

Counsel was not able to sever two suspects from a five defendant homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on April 11. According to a 2024 release from the prosecution, the five defendants are alleged to be members of a crew called the “Get Back Gang.”

Ronald Henderson, 19, and Daveon Robinson, 17, are two of five defendants facing multiple charges in connection with three fatal shootings in Southeast D.C. They are charged with 14 counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, 19 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and five counts of conspiracy.

Along with co-defendants Dionzai Parker, 21, Demarco Robinson, 20, and Derricko Johnson, 20, they are also charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder while armed in the deaths of 32-year-old Clayton Marshall on April 12, 2022, 16-year-old Justin Johnson on May 26, 2022, and 37-year-old Brice Djembissi on February 25, 2023. All three shootings occurred on the 2200 block of Savannah Terrace, SE.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan said he did not find a basis for severance, saying that both the defendants have been linked to the three murders through their alleged involvement in “The Get Back Gang”, which is a smaller group part of the “The Z Gang.”

Henderson’s defense attorney, Nathaniel Mensah, argued that some of the counts involving the weapons had nothing to do with Henderson or the murders he’s alleged to have committed.

Robinson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, joined Mensah, saying in trial, the jury will fail to separate Robinson from the other defendants.

Judge Ryan stated that the grand jury indicted all five defendants on conspiracy and ultimately denied the defense’s motion to sever Henderson and Robinson.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 18.

Judge Denies New Attorney, Withdrawal of DNA Waiver in a Homicide

D.C. Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson denied a homicide defendant’s motions for new counsel and to withdraw a DNA testing waiver on April 14.

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.

“I’ve been in court more times than I have seen my lawyer,” said Singletary. Also mentioning that he prays “all the time” for the relationship between him and his lawyer to improve.

Singletary made clear that he wanted new counsel, citing a lack of progress in his case, bad communication, and being uncomfortable with his attorney, Howard McEachern. McEachern noted this was not the first time his client has asked for new counsel.

“I wanted to fight my case, but I can’t fight my case if I don’t feel comfortable,” said Singletary.

Singletary claimed he only sees McEachern before they are scheduled to come into court and that McEachern says he will visit him in jail but doesn’t. Singletary noted that it feels like McEachern doesn’t have time for him.

Judge Dayson denied his request for new counsel, stating that there was no basis for the request. She also stated that if new counsel were appointed, it would make a “four year case, a five year case.”

The defense also wanted to withdraw Singletary’s waiver to independently test evidence, which included a blue medical mask and bullet cartridges.

Singletary said that he felt pressured to waive this right because he didn’t want to prolong the trial further and McEachern told him the DNA would not be ready for trial if tested independently at that time. Singletary waived his right to independent testing on Feb. 26.

Singletary also stated that he was “thrown off guard” by being asked whether or not he wanted to waive his right to independent testing.

Judge Dayson said Singletary, under oath, stated he was not pressured, felt comfortable with the help he was getting from his attorney, and understood what waiving his right meant.

Judge Dayson denied his request because the evidence has been admitted for about three years and there is no legal right to withdraw the waiver.

The prosecution noted that the trial has been delayed numerous times due to issues with DNA testing, and the judge mentioned the importance of not delaying the trial further to give the victim’s family the opportunity for closure.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 21.

Judge Holds Carjacking Defendant Accused of Assaulting Senior Citizen

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense’s request for the release of a carjacking defendant.

Vicent A. Atchison, 58, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking case that occurred on Feb. 3 on the 3800 block of Davis Place NW against a senior citizen.

During the hearing on April 11, Howard X. McEachern, Atchison’s defense attorney, said, in the request for his client’s release, Atchison’s criminal history did not show prior physical violence. He mentioned Atchison’s mental health diagnosis and stated that Atchison has been struggling to take his medication.

The prosecution emphasized that the incident was a carjacking against a senior citizen, who was thrown to the ground. The prosecutor acknowledged that while the defendant was close in age to the victim, there were no conditions or any combination of conditions that were deemed appropriate or capable of ensuring the safety of the community because of the nature of the crime.

The prosecution has extended a plea offer which the defense is reviewing. The details were not discussed in court.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 12.

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