Homicide Co-Defendants Consider Plea Deal

Two homicide defendants told DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun they are considering a plea deal extended by prosecutors during a Dec. 16 hearing.

Ashton Inabinet, 17, and Na’eem Butler, 21, are charged with second degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Diamonte Lewis on Oct. 21, 2023 on the 900 block of U Street, NW.

During the hearing, Kevann Gardner, Butler’s attorney, requested Judge Okun give the defendants additional time to decide on the plea deal, stating Butler deserves a chance to speak with his new attorney, as Gardner prepares to leave the Public Defender Services (PDS).

According to the prosecution, the wired plea deal, which requires both defendants to accept it in order to be valid, would require Inabinet and Butler to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties would agree to the voluntary sentencing guidelines, which puts both defendants at a range of 90-to-180 months of incarceration.

The prosecution agreed to allow the defendants to continue considering the plea deal, stating Butler and Inabinet should not be penalized due to Gardner’s departure.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 31.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty

A homicide defendant pleaded guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec. 17.

Antonio Johnson, 32, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Marcellus Jackson on June 20 on the 4400 block of Hunt Place, NE.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a verbal dispute between Jackson and Johnson. Johnson’s child’s mother told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that, following the shooting, Johnson ran into her apartment and took her car keys to flee the scene.

During the hearing, Kevin Mosley, Johnson’s attorney, alerted Judge O’Keefe he planned to accept the plea deal extended by prosecutors, which required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 18 for sentencing.

Judge Finds Wheelchair-Bound Suspect Probably Murdered Former Lover

While the defense tried to portray 23-year-old Desmond Barr as a victim during a five-day preliminary hearing from Dec. 13 to Dec. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled he probably murdered his one-time girlfriend.

Barr, paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection to the death of Ambria Farmer, 20, on July 13. Her body was found in Fort DuPont Park, located near the 3600 block of F Street, SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

On Dec. 18, Judge O’Keefe ruled to keep Barr confined at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) of the DC Jail despite requests from his defense attorney Domonique Winters to release him on home confinement.

Winters said that, although Barr has had several violations, his history shows no violations while under home confinement. She said home confinement would be the least restrictive option the court could use, adding the defense could go to court for quarterly, monthly or weekly check-ins.

However, Judge O’Keefe said he was not convinced Barr would not be a danger to society if released, citing a misdemeanor case in which Barr assaulted another romantic partner, not related to the murder case, while he was in his home.

“I do think Mr. Barr is dangerous, there’s no doubt about it,” Judge O’Keefe said. “He has a violent past and the pattern of violence continues. I don’t trust him in the community,”

During the hearing on Dec. 13, video surveillance footage allegedly showed Farmer getting into a white 2019 Kia Stinger, identified as Barr’s vehicle, as well as a trail of Instagram messages detailing how the meeting, an hour before the murder, was arranged.

Among the prosecution witnesses, one individual, “heard a woman crying for help before the sound of gunshots.”

An analyst from the DC Medical Examiner’s Office testified that a bullet was lodged between the front of a car– said to be the suspect’s vehicle– and the passenger’s side which corresponds to someone in the driver’s seat shooting into the passenger seat.

Farmer was found shot three times in the face, chest and back.

According to the prosecution, Barr identified himself on the scene as the man who owns the suspected vehicle Further, he allegedly attempted to hide the evidence by disposing of the victim’s shoes, handbag and phone. The murder weapon has not been found.

Barr’s other attorney, Hannah Claudio, argued that Barr was more the victim than the offender. Claudio said Farmer’s behavior was “erratic and getting worse” and Barr was trying his best to stay away. Still, Winters said she would “sit and wait at his home and workplace” and eventually threw a brick through his windshield and slashed his tires.

Although Barr got a temporary restraining order, it didn’t stop Farmer from pretending to be a witness in an effort to meet up with him, said Winters.

The defense also pointed out discrepancies in some of the physical evidence, including a witness misidentifying the suspected vehicle as a two-door instead of a four-door model. Further, Claudio said the video surveillance was blurry.

Prosecutors attempted to leverage Barr’s prior criminal history against him, pointing out he was sentenced to ten years for strangling another romantic partner among other charges, and that he committed this crime while on release.

The defense asked the judge to differentiate between crimes Barr committed before being paralyzed and the charges of which he’s currently accused.

“His condition should give the court comfort that he wouldn’t be able to do the things a more able person might be able to do,” said Claudio.

In his probable cause ruling Judge O’Keefe said that Barr was being “deceptive” when he claimed not to have seen Farmer. Further, if he felt he were being threatened, “Even though she jumped in his car, he didn’t drive to a police station.”

Further, his distinctive model Kia was identified by a witness who is also a car dealer. The evidence predisposed Judge O’Keefe to conclude that Barr drove Farmer to the murder scene, shot her, dumped her body and tried to dispose of the evidence.

Barr is scheduled for a status hearing on Jan. 31, 2025.

In Spite of Claiming to Defend His Wife, Probable Cause Found for Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun ruled that the prosecution had sufficient evidence to prove that a defendant was the shooter in a homicide during a Dec. 16 hearing.

Maurice Jackson, 62, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Olivia Graves on Nov. 7, on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE.

The lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) homicide branch testified that six eyewitnesses stated the shooting stemmed from an altercation between Jackson’s wife and her grandson, who was accompanied by Graves.

According to the detective, Jackson’s wife confronted her grandson after he allegedly stole her money. During the altercation, which the detective claims got physical, Graves allegedly intervened and asked Jackson’s wife to stop the fight as her young nephew was watching.

The detective testified that multiple witnesses told MPD that Graves brandished pepper spray and threatened Jackson’s wife she would use it if she didn’t stand down.

Following the verbal dispute between Graves and Jackson’s wife, who at some point retrieved a baton from her vehicle, Jackson is alleged to have appeared with a gun and stated “I’ll kill all of y’all if you don’t leave my wife alone.”

According to the detective, witnesses stated Jackson shot Graves soon after then fled.

The gun has not been recovered the detective told Judge Okun. Terrence Austin, Jackson’s attorney, emphasized that, aside from the pepper spray, MPD recovered a knife from Graves’ purse, which witnesses claimed was inside of her purse in a vehicle during the dispute.

According to court documents, which the detective adopted as part of his testimony, as MPD was talking to Jackson’s wife at the scene, Maurice Jackson returned and told officers he was the shooter. He was arrested at the scene.

Austin argued Jackson acted to defend his wife, and Judge Okun should not find probable cause.

However, the Judge ruled that there’s sufficient evidence to prove Jackson’s involvement, and stated the deadly force was not necessary. He ordered Jackson remain detained as he awaits further proceedings.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 21, 2025.

Murder Trial Witness Admits Lies, Hallucinations, False Memories

During cross examination, a defense attorney for a murder defendant extracted confessions of lying to police from a key witness in a murder trial. The witness also told Clark she suffers from hallucinations and false memories during cross-examination before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 16.

Amard Jefferson, , 25, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business, and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kendall Brown on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE, on Aug. 7, 2021.

The prosecutor called a friend of Brown’s who was present at Jefferson’s girlfriend’s apartment when Jefferson allegedly shot the victim. The witness testified that she and Brown had gone to the apartment, unarmed, to try to recover some bottles of liquor that a mutual friend had left there.

“Did you plan to beat up [Jefferson’s girlfriend]? Did you plan to hurt her children? Did you plan to hurt her boyfriend?” the prosecutor asked. The witness answered no to all three questions.

The witness said Jefferson’s girlfriend initially didn’t want to allow them into the apartment, but she eventually stepped back from the door and allowed them to enter. The witness made a video of the encounter with her phone, but she stopped before the shooting occurred.

“We’re females. We’re females,” the witness could be heard saying in the video. She told the prosecutor she said this because she saw the shape of a gun in Jefferson’s pocket and noticed him reaching for it.

The witness said Brown and Jefferson were shouting at each other, but she didn’t observe Brown touching Jefferson or displaying any weapon. The witness testified to seeing a flash of light and then hearing Brown say, “I think he shot you. I think he shot me.”

According to the witness, she and Brown both ran for the exit, but when the witness got outside, she noticed Brown wasn’t there. She tried to get back into the apartment, but it was locked, so she called 911 and told police she thought Brown was trapped in there, wounded.

According to court documents, officers forced the door open and found Brown suffering from a single gunshot to the torso. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

While cross-examining the witness, Jason Clark, the defense attorney for Jefferson, replayed the portion of her video in which she and Brown were attempting to enter Jefferson’s girlfriend’s apartment. Clark pointed out that the witness and Brown prevented Jefferson’s girlfriend from closing the door by placing their feet in the way.

“You knew at that point that [Jefferson’s girlfriend] wanted to close the door,” Clark said. “But you didn’t leave then.” The witness agreed.

On the video, voices could be heard, including Jefferson’s girlfriend saying, “Come help me close the door. What the f***.”

“Who said, ‘Call backup?'” Clark asked.

“That was me,” said the witness.

“So, rather than leave, you were going to call more people over?” Clark asked.

Clark played video footage from the witness’ interview with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective at the police station after the incident. The detective asked the witness what Jefferson and Brown were arguing about before Jefferson allegedly shot Brown.

“I really don’t remember. I have a lot of disorders and stuff, and I black out, so I don’t remember anything,” the witness said in the video.

In court, the witness said she didn’t black out until after the shooting, when she was running out of the apartment in panic.

“So you admit you lied to [the detective]?” Clark asked.

“No, I didn’t lie. I was just in a state of shock, but now, looking back, things are coming to light,” the witness said.

“So, many years later, your memory is better?” Clark asked.

“When you’re in a state of shock, it’s called dissociative amnesia, so when something happens, you can’t remember it right then,” the witness said.

“So you suffer from amnesia?” Clark asked.

“No, but when something traumatic happens, I can’t remember it right away,” the witness said.

She also said she has experienced hallucinations, such as thinking she saw blood when she was running out of the apartment after the gunshot. Since the incident, she has sometimes taken a drink and thought she was drinking blood.

“So sometimes your memory is false?” Clark asked, and the witness agreed.

Clark played a recording of the witness’ 911 call, in which the witness told the dispatcher she had heard a gunshot in her housing complex. He pointed out that it was not her housing complex, since she didn’t live there, and the witness agreed.

Clark also played body-worn camera footage of the witness telling the police officers who arrived on the scene that she wasn’t the one who called 911. The witness admitted that she lied three times to police about making the 911 call.

“I just wanted them to come and help [Brown],” the witness said.

Clark brought up a statement the witness made during direct examination, when she told the prosecutor that the long faux locs she wore on the day of the incident showed she didn’t plan to fight Jefferson’s girlfriend.

“If you had intended to go there to fight her, you wouldn’t have worn long hair?” Clark asked.

“I don’t think anybody goes into a fight with long hair,” the witness said.

“Have you ever been in a fight with long hair?” Clark asked.

“I don’t recall,” said the witness.

“You were recently featured in a local tv program,” Clark said. The prosecutor objected, and Judge Brandt didn’t allow Clark to continue.

After the witness and the jury had left the courtroom, Clark showed Judge Brandt and the prosecutor the program he had been referencing. The witness appeared on an online subscription entertainment channel, fighting another woman. Both of them had long hair.

The trial is scheduled to resume on Dec. 17.

Sentencing Delayed in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe indefinitely delayed a homicide defendant’s sentencing pending the appointment of a new attorney on Dec. 17.

On Oct. 11, Chanos Monroe, 43, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 52-year-old Keith Sistare on July 27, 2022 on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE.

Shawn Sukumar, Monroe’s attorney, filed a motion on Dec. 16 to withdraw as defense counsel, stating it was Monroe’s request to get a new attorney. Due to the request, Sukumar asked Judge O’Keefe to grant his withdrawal, and appoint a new attorney.

During the hearing, Judge O’Keefe granted Sukumar’s request, questioning if that meant Monroe is reconsidering his decision to plead guilty.

Although Sukumar was unable to answer, he stated Monroe wanted a chance to speak with a new attorney and figure out how to move forward with the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 24.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Motion for Release

A DC Superior Court judge denied Dec. 17 a defendant’s request for release even though the crime was his first infraction.

Christ Tchakounte, 19, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license. These charges relate to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 19 at the intersection of A Street and 16th Street, SE. A 15-year-old teenager sustained injuries during the incident.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, two suspects approached a victim at the scene, and one suspect shot the victim before both searched the victim’s pockets and fled.

During the bail hearing, Judge Anthony Epstein said that over the course of 11 months, the time Tchakounte has been in jail, there has not been enough change in the case to ensure any conditions of release would be safe for the community.

Judge Epstein said facts of the case are still very serious, including a 15-year-old being shot during a robbery attempt, the defendant being identified as the shooter and the prosecution’s assertion that there is stronger evidence in the case since the probable cause finding during the defendant’s preliminary hearing in May.

According to Tchakounte’s defense attorney, Rachel Circurel, Tchakounte is taking advantage of several programs offered at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) of the DC Jail. She presented eight letters from staff at the CTF that spoke about the who Tchakounte was be coming and the effort he put in the programs.

She said the defendant was able to form a supportive network of individuals who have programs in the community who could support Tchakounte with job training and in other ways. The defendant also has support from his family who were present in the courtroom.

Without release, Judge Epstein moved to set additional dates in the case, including deadlines for expert notices and other materials. Additional hearing dates were also set, including:

A hearing to discuss independent DNA testing was set for July 25, 2025,
Trial Readiness Hearing was set for Nov. 21, 2025, and
A trial date was set for Dec. 1, 2025.

Judge Epstein also let parties know DC Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman would take over the calendar in the new year.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 7 Years in Prison Under Youth Act for Non-fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Dec. 17 an 18-year-old defendant for a non-fatal shooting.

Antron Belk pleaded guilty, in September, to seven years in prison for aggregated assault while armed and seven years in prison for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentences are concurrent. Belk will be required to serve a minimum of five years in prison under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) for the non-fatal shooting of one victim on Feb. 25, 2023, on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE.

He was initially indicted in February of assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to murder while armed, aggregated assault knowingly while armed, carrying a weapon outside a home or business and unauthorized use of a vehicle during a crime of violence.

During the sentencing, the prosecutor opposed imposing YRA because of the heinousness of the crime. According to the prosecutor, Belk shot the victim multiple times in the face, chest, abdomen and sides, blinding the victim in one eye.

However, Belk’s defense attorney, Christen Romero Philips, requested he be sentenced under the YRA, citing a doctor’s evaluation that stated he was amendable to rehabilitation.

“The youth act is designed for young people who make mistakes. Not only his background, his history of trauma and kind of what led him to be at a place where he committed the acts that brought him before the court, but also the way he’s tried to turn his life around since then have demonstrated his capacity for change and rehabilitation are important,” defense counsel said.

Belk was 16 when he committed the crime.

Th defense also pointed out that the defendant had family support, mentioning his mother, cousin and aunts attended the hearing both in person and online.

Belk took full responsibility for the crime, mentioning the tragic loss of his 10-year-old sister while he was incarcerated and being able to grow both mentally and spiritually during his time in jail.

He spoke of the goals he had for himself, including attending a project empowerment program, obtaining a commercial driver’s license and, one day, opening a tow truck business.

He also apologized to the victim and the community.

Judge Epstein decided to impose the YRA, citing the defense, saying it would be an “opportunity” for the defendant to turn his life around.

He said his decision to accept the plea agreement took into account the defendant’s age at the time, along with other factors, including the diminished culpability of juveniles, immaturity, impetuosity and a failure to appreciate risks and consequences.

As part of the plea agreement, Belk will also be required to register as a gun offender for seven years after release and pay $100 to the victims of violent crime fund.

Judge Epstein did agree to recommend that Belk participate in a parenting program and challenge program while incarcerated under the BOP.

“It’s so heartbreaking that this cycle of violence leaves so many families in our community the way your family was left when your sister was so wrongfully taken from you all,” Judge Epstein told Belk.

Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea, Opts For Trial

Homicide defendant Dohn Harmon rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution on Dec. 13 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020.

The prosecution extended a plea deal in that if Harmon agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, all the other charges would be dismissed. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 10-to-15 years incarcerated.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh stated that since parties have not reached an agreement, they intend to go to trial.

The defense also waived its right to additional DNA testing of evidence since the prosecution had concluded its analysis.

Parties expected to convene on Jan. 10.

Homicide Defendant Won’t Be Moved Between Jurisdictions Pending Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled on Dec. 11 a homicide defendant won’t have to remain in Maryland while facing charges in DC pending trial.

Jayden Bracey, 23, and Jadohn Bracey, 25, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the murder of Angela Washington, 41, on Sept. 2, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

Jayden was originally held in the Jessup Correctional Facility in Maryland where he is serving another sentence for a robbery charge in an unrelated incident.

The prosecution and defense mentioned difficulties transporting Jayden, who described the experience as “hell to get here,” to the DC Jail which resulted in delaying the case. As a result, the defense requested that he stay in the DC Jail until trial.

Since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court agreed.

The defense also requested that an “administrative separation order” be lifted to allow Jayden to access his brother. The court stated that they did not invoke such the order and the prosecution clarified that usually for co-defendant cases, a separation order is automatically applied.

However, there was also no objection from the prosecution to lifting the order and the court agreed to recommend that to the Department of Corrections (DoC).

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 13, 2025 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Connection to Murder of Peace Corps Worker

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during a hearing on Dec. 16, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Dearay Wilson, 29, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Jeremy Black. The incident occurred on June 29, 2021, on the 1400 block of R Street, NW.

Black, a former Peace Corps worker, was eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

According to prosecutors, Wilson was one of multiple individuals who exited a white Chevy SUV at the location and unleashed a “barrage of bullets,” which fatally injured Black. Wilson has been the only individual arrested and charged in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Wilson’s attorney, Thomas Healy, told Judge Okun he intended to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 11, 2025.

Defense Wants Shooting Suspect’s Competency Reevaluated

A shooting suspect’s mental competency hearing was delayed on Dec. 13 to give the defense more time to conduct their own evaluation before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 12 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

Wise’s competency was previously established by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). That evaluation was contested by the defense that wants to use their own expert to evaluate their client.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and participate actively in his own defense.

During the hearing, Wise’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, alerted the court that their expert was not available to conduct a competency evaluation until January. Subsequently, she requested later dates for an evaluation.

Both parties agreed to set a later date in to resolve the matter.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 31.

‘I Don’t Wish Death, But I Don’t Wish You to Have a Life,’ Says Murder Victim’s Relative at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Georgio Hyles to 17 years of incarceration and Omar Williams to 11 years on Dec. 13 for their involvement in the shooting death of 26-year-old Anthony Depetris.

Hyles, 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, and Williams, also 27, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, as part of a plea deal in which the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges in the case. The counts stemmed from an attempted robbery that led to a deadly exchange of gunfire on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 5, 2021.

Teresa Kleiman, Hyles’ defense attorney, told the court Hyles intended only to rob Depetris, not to kill him, and was surprised to discover Depetris had a gun.

Kleiman said about Hyles, “He’s ready to do his time and try to do something productive while he’s there.”

Stephen LoGerfo, Williams’ attorney, said Williams was the getaway driver and didn’t even view the murder scene until he was shown police body-worn camera footage the prosecution introduced as evidence.

“[Williams] wasn’t present personally for the shooting,” said LoGerfo. “It was very shocking to Mr. Williams that this happened as a consequence of his actions.”

“I am not a bad person and am here trying to make my amends,” Williams said in a statement to the court. He listed the positive actions he has been taking while in DC Jail: earning money to help support his children, taking a parenting class so he is allowed to see them, mentoring young men and testing to enter a General Education Diploma (GED) class.

A cousin of Depetris gave a victim impact statement to the court expressing skepticism about Hyles’ and Williams’ commitment to do better with their lives.

“I’m a person from the streets. We want better when we feel the heat, when we get caught,” said Depetris’ cousin. “I know how many times I tell that story to a judge, and as soon as I get out, I go back to the same things.”

“We ain’t going to see Anthony no more,” Depetris’ cousin said. “I don’t wish death, but I don’t wish you to have a life because he don’t have one neither.”

In addition to their prison terms, Hyles and Williams were both sentenced to five years of supervised release. They must register as gun offenders, and each is required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

“I hope you both use the time in prison, as Mr. Williams said, constructively, positively,” Judge Epstein told the defendants.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Murder Co-Defendants Plan to Test DNA Evidence

Defense attorneys representing Deandre Sams and Raymond Mathis told DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 13 they intend to conduct independent testing of DNA evidence, some of which has already been screened by the prosecution.

Sams, 28, and Mathis, 38, along with their 23-year-old co-defendant Keshawn Lavender, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with attempt to kill while armed, attempted robbery while armed, conspiracy while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller during an attempted robbery on Sept. 6, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. Two other individuals were injured during the incident.

The prosecutor told the court they possess extensive DNA evidence collected from the scene of the incident and from the defendants’ and victim’s clothing. The prosecution tested DNA recovered from four pistols and their magazines and found it had a high probability of matching the defendants’ DNA. They tested DNA from blood stains at the scene of the incident and found it had a high probability of matching the defendants’ and the victim’s DNA.

Jessica Willis, the attorney for Sams, and Carrie Weletz, the attorney for Mathis, said they’re still looking for a lab to do the testing they want to perform.

Kevin Irving, the attorney for Lavender, said his client isn’t planning to conduct DNA testing at this time.

Judge Epstein set a deadline of Jan. 10, 2025, for the defense to submit a proposed lab order for DNA testing.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2025.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Schedules Trial

Jakiem Miller pleaded not guilty on all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 13 and received a trial date in January of 2026.

Miller, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 30-year-old Avon Perkins on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Dec. 17, 2022.

According to court documents, first responders found Perkins on the sidewalk outside the Air Restaurant and Lounge between 1-and-2 a.m., suffering from five gunshot wounds. Security guards at the venue told police they escorted the victim out of the club due to his aggressive behavior some time before the shooting occurred.

Steven Kiersh, Miller’s defense attorney, told the court that the defense and prosecution are engaged in negotiations over a plea deal. He asked to schedule a trial date before the court’s calendar became even more crowded, in case the parties are unable to reach an agreement.

The next hearing in this case is set for Sept. 5, 2025.

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