Judge Grants Carjacking Co-Defendant’s Request to Remove GPS Monitor

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a carjacking co-defendant’s request to remove his GPS monitor on Feb. 21.

Ion Cooper, 20, Javard Harris, 23, and Omari Dantignac, 19, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in two carjacking incidents on Dec. 1, 2023 on the 1700 Block of Bay Street, SE and the 900 Block of 3rd Street, SE.

Dantignac’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, requested a modification of his release conditions, specifically the removal of GPS monitoring. She argued that Dantignac has been in perfect compliance with his release conditions for over a year, and she doesn’t believe that the GPS monitor is necessary.

Bunke noted that Dantignac is enrolled in college and works more than 40 hours a week. She also emphasized that Dantignac’s employer took the initiative to write and provide a letter speaking to Dantignac’s strong work ethic.

The prosecution dissented saying that they had already recently removed the release condition of curfew. They argued that the GPS monitor is necessary because he is being investigated for two instances of carjacking, during which he allegedly was the driver and helped Cooper and Harris flee. The prosecution added that the GPS monitor is not preventing Dantignac from going to school and work.

Judge Arthur granted the defense’s request to lift GPS monitoring but emphasized that Dantignac needs to be in perfect compliance with the remaining release conditions. He warned Dantignac that if there are any missteps, GPS monitoring, curfew, and home confinement could potentially be reimposed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28.

Shooting, Robbery Suspect Faces 55 Counts, Case Transferred to New Judge

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur told the prosecution and defense on Feb. 21 that, as a result of more charges pending, a shooting and robbery case has grown to a 55 count indictment and will be transferred to a new judge.

Rodney Benn et, 19, is charged with two counts of endangerment with a firearm offenses committed during release, 22 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm offenses committed during release, five counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle offenses committed during release, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed offenses committed during release, eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, three counts of assault with intent to commit robbery while armed offenses committed during release, robbery offenses committed during release, and two counts of robbery while armed offenses committed during release for his alleged involvement in an unlawful discharge of a firearm on a public space at the 600 block of Edgewood St, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and two armed robberies at the 1300 block of Neal Place, NE on Aug. 28, 2024 and at the 1900 block of 8th Street, NW on Aug. 29, 2024.

Judge Arthur told the parties that due to the severity of the charges on the superseding indictment, the case has been changed from a third-degree felony case to a first-degree felony case. As a result, Rodney will be arraigned before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan who will handle the case moving forward.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Two Murder Defendants Out of State, The Other Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied the release of a murder suspect in a three-co-defendant case during a Feb. 21 hearing.

Daivion Williams, 26, Dijon Williams, 25, and Steven Washington, 25, are charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, conspiracy, attempt to commit robbery while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nurudeen Thomas, 30, on July 21, 2020, at the 4100 block of 14th Street, NW.

Andrew Ain, Daivion’s attorney, requested he be released as his brother, Dijon, and Washington are both on release in Georgia.

The prosecution objected to the motion, and Judge Park denied the request, saying he saw “no significant circumstances that required his release” like that of the other co-defendants, who live in a different state. Dijon and Washington are currently being monitored by a GPS tracker while out of state.

Ain also reopened a motion for severance, which was previously denied by DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. After reviewing the court documents from that hearing, Judge Park also denied the motion.

Dijon was ordered by Judge Park to return to DC on March 21 from Georgia after a representative of the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said there had been issues with the GPS monitor’s not tracking Dijon’s location. The representative said they would reinstall a GPS monitor and continue to monitor his location until he returns to DC for trial on May 28.

Parties are set to return on May 2.

Shooting Defendant Detained for Release Violations

A shooting defendant was detained for violating her pre-trial release conditions by DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Feb. 24.

Ralph Price, 20, and his mother, Wilinda Barron, 45, are charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition on or about Jan. 27, 2023 at the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

The prosecution asked Judge McLean to detain Barron because she violated her home confinement requirement multiple times. Her defense attorney, Raymond Jones, said she left home to confront squatters living in her apartment. Jones also said Barron got authorization to leave home confinement on certain days.

Judge McLean disagreed in denying release, noting Barron left for over ten hours one day and on another occasion in the middle of the night. The court confirmed Barron only had permission to leave home confinement on Feb. 12 and Feb. 14 . The trial date was moved to May 19.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 2 for a trial readiness hearing.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant entered a plea of not guilty on all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Feb. 24.

Antuan Myles, 19, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful discarding of a firearm or ammunition, unlawful discharge of a firearm, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 19, 2024, on the 5200 block of Blaine Street, NE.

According to court documents, Myles allegedly discarded the firearm after the shooting took place.

Emma Mlyniec, Myles’ defense attorney, alerted Judge Pasichow of Myles’ intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 2.

Shooting Defendant Released Following Mistrial

A non-fatal shooting defendant was released by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 24, following a mistrial.

Dayquan Henderson, 23, is charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a nonfatal shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE, on May 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

On Feb. 21, Judge Pipe declared a mistrial after a jury was unable to reach an unanimous verdict on the charges.

During the hearing, Henderson’s attorney, Daniel Kovler, requested Henderson be released as the parties decide how to move forward. Kovler reported that Henderson had a place to stay and that the individual he will live with is helping him get a job. Kovler requested a slight adjustment to the home confinement order so as to allow greater access to facilities at the residence.

The prosecution had no opposition to these release conditions, so Judge Pipe granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 10.

New Counsel for Two Jail Stabbing Co-Defendants, Two Others Fail to Appear

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted two stabbing co-defendants requests for new counsel and issued a bench warrant for a third co-defendant on Feb. 21.

Ndiaye Elhadji, 25, Dion Lee, 25, Dionte Anderson, 26, and Tyrone Hawkins, 23, are charged with conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on May 9, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to court documents, an inmate and a Department of Corrections (DoC) officer sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, the defense told the court that Anderson and Hawkins are both seeking new defense counsel.

Judge Arthur warned Anderson and Hawkins that pursuing this request would cause a substantial delay in the case as he would need to find new attorneys who would need to catch up. After speaking privately with Anderson, Hawkins, and their defense attorneys, Judge Arthur granted their request.

Lee and Elhadji were both absent from this hearing. The US Marshals notified Judge Arthur that Lee refused to transfer from the jail to the courthouse.

As for Elhadji, the defense said he is currently being held and scheduled for trial in Prince George’s County for a separate case which prompted Judge Arthur to issue a bench warrant.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 13.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 24.

William Brock, 33, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 22. The incident left one individual with cuts on multiple parts of the body and was treated at a nearby hospital.

Brock’s attorney, Atiq Ahmed, alerted Judge Pipe Brock his client planned to accept a plea extended by the prosecution.

Through the deal, Brock pled guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to not seek an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28.

Missing Victim Again Delays Stabbing Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a request on Feb. 24 to delay further a stabbing trial while prosecutors 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 at 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

In what was supposed to be the first day of trial, the prosecution alerted Judge McLean they had exhausted all means to locate the victim in this case and asked the judge for a material witness warrant.

Dyson’s defense attorney, Sharon Weathers, asked for the case to be dismissed as Dyson has been held a significant amount of time since the incident. Further Weathers said the prosecution was well aware the victim would be hard to locate yet the matter persists.

Judge McLean delayed the trial for two days allowing the prosecution another opportunity to locate the witness. If they can’t, she will re-evaluate Weathers’ request the case be dismissed and the prosecution’s motion for a material witness warrant.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 26.

‘The Penalties Are The Penalties,’ Judge Says as Stabbing Defendant Is Sentenced to 15 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Willie Byrd, 61, to 180 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release on Feb. 21.

Byrd was convicted of aggravated assault while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon for a stabbing that took place on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of 2nd and D Streets, NW. The attack left a victim suffering from life-threatening injuries.

According to court documents, the victim required multiple life saving surgeries.

The prosecution stated that Byrd’s criminal history reflects a pattern of dangerous behavior and a failure to take steps toward rehabilitation. They sought a 228-month prison sentence.

Camille Wagner, Byrd’s attorney, argued that given his age and history of mental trauma, sentencing him to 228 months is “absurd” and essentially a “death sentence.” Byrd also claimed he acted in self defense.

After reviewing the evidence, Judge O’Keefe found no indication of self-defense. He pointed to Byrd’s history of armed robbery dating back to the 1980s and stated, “The guidelines are the guidelines, the penalties are the penalties,” before sentencing Byrd to 180 months in prison with five years of supervised release.

The defense mentioned that Byrd was planning on appealing the conviction within 30 days.

No further dates were set.

Judge Order Full Mental Evaluation for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a full mental competency evaluation for a shooting and carjacking defendant on Feb. 21.

Anardo Little, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a shooting and carjacking that occurred on Oct. 14, 2024 on the 1200 block of H street, NE One individual suffered injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Susan Ellis, Little’s attorney, requested Judge Pipe order a full mental competency exam for Little following conversations with a psychiatrist.

There were no objections from prosecutors and Judge Pipe agreed with the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 14.

Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann accepted a stabbing defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing, and denied his release during a Feb. 24 hearing.

Charles Proctor, 45, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that left an individual injured on Feb. 20 at the unit block of Danbury Street, SW. The victim sustained injuries to his upper right arm and the right side of his back.

Proctor’s attorney, John Sample, alerted Judge Herrmann that Proctor wished to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and requested his release, arguing that Proctor was acting in self defense, reacting to the victim’s use of pepper spray during the dispute.

The prosecution opposed the request emphasizing the severity of the attack, the lack of evidence that the spray was an irritant, and Proctor’s prior criminal record.

Ultimately, the judge denied his release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 10.

Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A carjacking defendant rejected a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno in a status hearing on Feb. 20.

Antoine Lee Johnson, 34, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on July 22 on the 3300 block of 6th Street, SE.

According to court documents, the victim reported to police that the suspect, who was later identified as Johnson, allegedly put a gun to the victim’s head and forced him to leave the scene. The victim’s vehicle was located moments later, and Johnson was arrested.

The prosecution offered Johnson a deal to plead guilty to robbery while armed, with a decision due by the end of day. Through the deal, the prosecution would agree not to seek an indictment on additional or greater charges.

After taking the lunch break to consider his options, Johnson rejected the offer, choosing to set a trial date instead.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 6.

Carjacking Defendant Accepts Guilt, Sentenced to 96 Months

A carjacking defendant was sentenced by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow to 96 months of incarceration on Feb. 21.

On Nov. 13, 2024, Raymond Davese, 38, pleaded guilty to carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an armed carjacking incident on the 200 block of Tingey Street, SE that occurred on June 7, 2024. One individual sustained injuries to the right side of her neck by an electrical shock.

Through the plea deal, both parties agreed to a sentencing of 96 months. Davese received 78 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 96 months for armed carjacking, which are to run concurrently. In addition, he is required to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

There are no further dates scheduled.

Judge Denies Release for Woman Who ‘Lost Her Basketball Community’

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a request for release for a female carjacking defendant on Feb. 19.

Amiya Hilliard, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in attempting to steal a motor vehicle using force while in possession of a firearm on Nov. 5, 2024, on the 4900 Block of Jay Street, NE.

Elizabeth Paige White, Hilliard’s defense attorney, asked Judge Pipe for 24-hour home confinement for Hilliard. White stated that Hilliard is 19 years old, and she “lost her [basketball] community,” when she became injured prior to the incident.

White argued that Hilliard has support from home, and her basketball coach offered to mentor her if she were released.

The prosecution claimed Hilliard and another suspect robbed three victims at gunpoint and stole their car. The other suspect had fled when police responded, and Hilliard was arrested with a firearm allegedly in her jacket pocket.

Judge Pipe denied the defense’s motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 31.

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