‘I Loved That Dude,’ Says Suspect Arraigned for His Murder

In a brief Dec. 16 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, Rico Parker, 43, was arraigned in connection to the fatal shooting of a teenager.

Parker is charged in a three count indictment for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unauthorized possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Jabari Malloy, 17. The incident occurred on Feb. 25, 2024, on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW.

Parker’s attorney, David Akulian, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, asserting Parker’s constitutional right to a speedy trial.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, Malloy was hit with gunfire multiple times in what was ruled a homicide.

Judge O’Keefe found probable cause that Parker committed the crime in April based on surveillance footage and a cell phone call made by the victim to the suspect around the time of the shooting.

In the affidavit filed by police, Parker was described by witnesses as “not a good person” who was known to threaten others. At one point he purportedly said to Malloy, “Don’t you ever f****n talk to me like that. People in the streets don’t even talk to me like that.”

During the investigation, police say Parker spoke with them voluntarily. Tearfully, he said, “I loved that dude.”

Akulian asked the judge for a status hearing and requested discovery evidence from the prosecution. The prosecution acknowledged the request and said it was assembling a large amount of electronic evidence in the case.

Judge O’Keefe set a status hearing for Feb. 11.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years for ‘Shocking and Brutal’ Domestic Killing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to 20 years of imprisonment on Dec. 13.

On May 29, Daniel Fleetwood, 30, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating, strangulation and stabbing of 26-year-old Shana Donahue on May 28, 2020, on the 2900 block of N Street, SE.

Through the deal, parties had agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-24 years of imprisonment.

At the hearing, Judge Raffinan assured Fleetwood understood that through his plea agreement, he was waiving his right to claim an insanity defense. According to David Knight, Fleetwood’s attorney, there is evidence that Fleetwood was in a psychotic state during the incident.

“This has been a long time coming… losing her has been an ordeal no mother should go through,” Donahue’s mother said at the sentencing as she urged Judge Raffinan to impose the maximum sentence possible.

“She was my best accomplishment,” Donahue’s mother added, insisting “no one deserves to leave this world that way… she fought and advocated for so many people,” as she reminisced about Donahue’s time as a DC public school teacher.

“[Fleetwood] doesn’t know how many people he affected with the brutal murder of my daughter,” Donahue’s father stated.

He told Judge Raffinan he had spoken to Fleetwood three days before he killed Donahue, after learning the couple had decided to give their relationship a second chance following a year-long break. His message to Fleetwood was that if things didn’t work out between them “don’t mess up her life and don’t mess yours.”

He pleaded with Judge Raffinan to take away Fleetwood’s freedom.

Multiple family members discussed the impact Donahue had in the community, mentioning her mentorship and her desire to help Black women love their hair through her Youtube channel.

“She had so much life ahead of her…” Donahue’s step-sister told Judge Raffinan, adding she “[doesn’t] understand how someone could pretend to love someone the way Daniel pretended.”

The prosecution deemed the nature of the offense “shocking and brutal,” stating that after Fleetwood tortured Donahue he left her there to die.

“This wasn’t a stranger – it was someone she loved and trusted,” the prosecutor argued, explaining that neighbors who heard the incident occur described it as an “extended disturbance.”

“Despite doing everything right in her life, she chose the wrong person,” the prosecutor said, adding that “this was certainly a senseless, savage, tragic, escalation.”

Knight deemed the incident “chaotic, wild, illogical and erratic,” stating that Fleetwood’s state of mind left him believing Donahue was alive months after the murder.

“This is not someone who clearly understood what he had done,” Knight argued, asking Judge Raffinan to impose the most lenient sentence.

“I want to start by apologizing…” Fleetwood told Judge Raffinan, stating he doesn’t understand why he did what he did.

“I failed as a lover, provider, and father,” Fleetwood cried, claiming that “Shana was the light of my life… I will always love you Shana, now and forever.”

“No one comes out of here a winner. There’s a whole lot of loss and a whole lot of trauma and tragedy,” Judge Raffinan stated as she imposed the 20 year sentence with five years of supervised release. She ordered Fleetwood to seek and accept treatment and counseling for his mental health issues while incarcerated.

No further dates were set.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Chilling’ Shooting that Paralyzed Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein agreed on Dec. 11 the prosecution provided evidence showing the probability a defendant was the shooter in an incident that left a victim paralyzed.

Damon Bradford, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that paralyzed a wheelchair user on Oct. 2 at the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from the homicide branch at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified his department was assigned to the case due to the severity of the victim’s injuries.

According to the detective, the victim, who was a wheelchair user, sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, which destroyed his esophagus and voice box, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.

The detective testified that surveillance footage of the intersection shows an individual, whom he identified as Bradford, and a companion crossing the street towards where the victim was waiting for a friend.

The detective stated that the victim, Bradford and his companion conversed for a few minutes before shots rang out. According to the detective, the companion left the area and was never identified, and Bradford escaped into his apartment building in the same block as the incident.

An officer nearby rendered aid to the victim, according to the detective, but was unable to follow after the suspect.

The detective testified that eyewitnesses told MPD that the suspect wore a mask, and surveillance footage depicted the suspect wearing all black clothing.

According to the detective, surveillance footage tracked the shooter’s path as he fled the scene of the crime into the floor of the apartment building in which Bradford lived, before he was seen leaving the location again moments prior to being stopped by MPD officers canvassing the area.

Body-worn camera footage depicted Bradford, who the detective claimed changed his clothing, being stopped by MPD officers for matching the description of the masked shooter. However, MPD released Bradford that day due to insufficient evidence.

The prosecution provided images of trash recovered from a dumpster in Bradford’s building, in which they stated they located black pants that matched that of the shooter’s with Bradford’s driver’s license inside, a gray beanie that matched the one worn by the shooter in surveillance footage, as well as .45 caliber bullets and a face mask.

According to the detective, the .45 caliber bullets recovered from the dumpster closely matched the shell casings recovered near the victim.

Two special police officers (SPOs) identified Bradford as a resident of the apartment building through surveillance footage. Although they were unable to identify him by name, according to the detective, the SPOs identified Bradford by his distinctive walk.

Joseph Yarbough, Bradford’s attorney, argued against probable cause for lack of positive identification. He insisted no witness was ever able to identify Bradford as the shooter, and the victim has not been able to identify anyone in a photo array or by name.

Yarbough argued the SPOs identification was unreliable because it was made with “insufficient basis.”

Judge Epstein argued there was sufficient evidence to find probable cause, stating that the shooter in the video has the same distinctive walk as Bradford, his driver’s license was found in the same trash bag as pants and a beanie that matched that of the shooters, and bullets that appeared to match the casings from the scene were recovered as well.

Judge Epstein also ordered Bradford remain detained, stating that “the nature of the offense is quite chilling.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8, 2025.

Judge Imposes 9 Year Sentence for Homicide Defendant, ‘Living a Life of the Streets’

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to nine years of imprisonment on Dec. 12.

On Aug. 28, Terrance Prue, 24, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Bruce Gilmore on the 300 block of 22nd Street, SE on June 5, 2019. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident, but survived.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of eight-to-12 years of imprisonment.

During the hearing, Gilmore’s loved one deemed him a “valued, beloved member of the family and community,” stating that “the heinous occurrence that caused the death of my cousin remains painful.”

Gilmore’s loved one told Prue she forgave him, but won’t forget his involvement in his death, as she asked for the maximum sentence to be imposed, despite it not being enough.

According to the prosecution, on June 5, 2019, Gilmore became “another statistic, another victim of gun violence in the city,” at the hands of Prue and 22-year-old Miguel Gibson – who will be sentenced for obstructing justice next month.

Prosecutors requested Judge Raffinan sentence Prue to 12 years of incarceration, stating that he “had a gun he wasn’t supposed to have… he used that gun for its intended purpose, which is to kill.”

The prosecutor argued that Prue was “living a life of the streets, making money and selling drugs,” adding that one of the guns he owned and often “paraded” was “a weapon of war – an offensive weapon.”

“Prue made the choice to go with Gibson to confront Gilmore,” the prosecution insisted, explaining that Gilmore was Gibson’s mother’s ex-boyfriend and had become involved in stealing each other’s belongings back and forth.

The prosecutor insisted the plea is “not a reflection of the seriousness of the case,” and requested the higher sentence, citing Prue’s alleged involvement in eight fights at the DC Jail in the last year.

James King, Prue’s attorney, apologized to Gilmore’s family, stating he understands this was “senseless and stupid,” adding, “what happened to Mr. Gilmore is tragic, and it happens repeatedly in our community.”

“People who lose their family members to gun violence know they are not just a statistic,” King said, responding to the prosecution’s statements.

According to King, Prue had no idea that Gibson had stolen things from Gilmore, as Gibson had lied to him repeatedly about other issues.

“He did not go there with the intent to kill anyone,” King said, as a family member blurted out, “He shot him in the back.”

King insisted that Prue “has promise and a bright future… he’s someone who made a willful mistake,” adding “he would take it back if he could.” He requested an eight year sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows the defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Prue also apologized to Gilmore’s family, thanking them for their forgiveness, and explaining that he too has lost loved ones while incarcerated.

Judge Raffinan stated she would sentence Prue to nine years, under the YRA, because he doesn’t have any criminal history. However, she stated, she “hopes he shifts his focus to get his education and vocational training.”

As part of his sentencing, Prue must participate in substance abuse assessments and treatments and get his GED and vocational training.

No further dates were set.

Tearful Co-Defendant ‘Disappointed and Ashamed’ at Sentencing for Close Friend’s Shooting.

Her voice breaking, Natasha Mack,41, repeatedly said she was sorry for a shooting that prosecutors say caused the victim great physical and emotional harm.

“I am very disappointed and ashamed at what has brought me here today,” said Mack in a proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Dec. 13.

“I am asking for forgiveness.I am going to do better,” continued Mack.

Her statements of contrition came during Mack’s sentencing, along with co-defendant, Stephen Moorer, 43, for an incident that occurred on Jan. 26 at an apartment on the 400 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

In October, the pair accepted a plea offer – Mack to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. Moorer agreed to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. Moorer was convicted of manslaughter in 1997.

According to court documents, robbery may have been the motive in that the victim had just received a $2,000 divorce settlement. Prior to the shooting, police say, Mack appeared in the victim’s apartment with a handgun saying, “I just got this new baby.”

When Mack later returned with Moorer, the victim was getting her hair done. Then there was a demand for money, which led to Moorer’s shooting the victim in the shoulder. In an attempt to get away she ran out of the building and jumped over a fence.

“This was a very traumatic experience” which triggered pre-existing trauma, said the prosecutor, noting the victim still has bullet fragments in her shoulder.

In particular, the prosecutor said the victim felt a very deep sense of betrayal because Mack was like her second mother. Adding to the irony, Mack is a nurse’s assistant who received a service award for her work at a nursing home during the COVID pandemic.

In asking for consecutive sentences of 48 months and 12 months on the charges respectively, the prosecutor said two of Mack’s grandchildren were in the apartment during the shooting.

Arguing for an 18-month suspended sentence for time served, Mack’s attorney, Erin Griffard, said Mack is “a caregiver at heart,” and provides the sole support for her children and grandchildren.

“She deeply, deeply regrets her involvement” in that she never intended to shoot the victim, said Griffard. Further, Griffard said that the victim was high on “boot”– an increasingly prevalent street drug derived from synthetic bath salts that is intoxicating but can lead to aggressive behavior.

Of Mack’s behavior on release, Judge Di Toro said, “You have done everything we could have asked you to do.” Even though you inflicted great harm, said the judge, “No one is defined by doing one bad thing.”

Mack was sentenced to 18 months suspended for time served on the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and ten months suspended on the carrying charge with 12 months probation with a stay away order from the victim.

The prosecutor said, Moorer “was actually the one that fired the gun. You committed a very, very serious crime.”

The prosecution recommended Moorer serve 72 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 42 months for committing a crime of violence with a prior conviction.

“I’m sorry for what I did,” Moorer told the court. “I had a good life…I lost my life,” he said, referencing a $25 an-hour “dream job” as a crossing guard.

In passing the sentence the judge told Moorer, ”I don’t have to lecture you. What you did was an incredibly reckless decision.”

Moorer’s sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 60 months with 24 months suspended. On the unlawful possession count, the term is 36 months in prison. He also has an 18-month probation. The sentences are set to run concurrently.

No further hearings were scheduled.

‘I Was in Shock,’ Witness Says About Contradictory Testimony

During cross-examination, the defense pointed out apparent contradictions in an eyewitness’ testimony at different times during the investigation of a murder before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 11. At issue is whether the victim was involved in a home invasion.

Amard Jefferson, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kendall Brown which occurred in the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE on Aug. 7, 2021.

In trial, defense attorney Jason Clark continued his cross examination of a prosecution witness who was in the apartment moments before Brown was shot and later interviewed by police that responded to the scene.

Clark asked the witness a series of questions pertaining to interviews that she gave to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigators and testimony that she provided to the Grand Jury.

In trial, the witness testified that Jefferson’s girlfriend, who rented the apartment, knew that the witness was coming over to retrieve the items that had been left in the apartment.

Clark then showed video footage of the witness’ interview with an MPD detective where she said the inhabitants of the apartment did not know of an anticipated visit. She also testified to this fact to the Grand Jury.

The defense has argued that Brown’s actions were part of a home invasion. The prosecution detailed a narrative that Brown and two of her friends arrived at the Nelson Place apartment to retrieve a bottle of tequila. The situation escalated when the homeowner, a former friend of Brown’s, claimed not to have it.

When faced with the contradiction, the witness said she was “in shock.”

“It was my truth in the moment,” she said.

The witness also testified that she did not see any MPD officers on scene mimicking where Brown had been shot or talking about her being injured. Clark then showed footage of the witness allegedly mimicking where Brown was shot and telling another witness who was at the scene she had seen an officer doing the same thing.

“The officer said she got shot right here,” she said in the video.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 12.

Declaring It Unsuccessful, Judge Still Terminates Shooting Suspect’s Probation

In a brief Dec.11 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ended the probation of a defendant who pleaded guilty in July of 2023 to a non-fatal shooting. However, she ruled he unsuccessfully completed his term.

Robert Fenner, 30, was originally indicted on multiple counts including burglary while armed, possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

The charges were in connection to an incident on Jan. 15, 2020, when, according to documents filed with the court, police responded to multiple shots of gunfire near the 700 block of 21st Street, NE.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) encountered an individual at the scene who was shot in his right ankle. The victim told police that Fenner, along with two others, wanted to buy drugs from him. However, he had none to sell.

Shortly thereafter, the encounter turned violent with the trio punching him repeatedly. One of the suspects allegedly said shoot the victim and that’s when he was wounded. His house was also struck with several rounds of gunfire.

During Tuesday’s hearing a DC probation officer told the court that Fenner had violated the terms of his probation on two occasions in October and November, committing unlawful entry and assault. As a result, Fenner was arrested three times.

The prosecution asked Judge Di Toro to continue Fenner’s 18-month probation.

Defense attorney Michelle Lockard countered that these incidents were “not papered,” meaning they weren’t referred for prosecution.

“To say he was not adherent to his probation is…somwhat incorrect,” said Lockard. She pointed out that the infractions were committed just one month before the end of Fenner’s obligation and that he wasn’t served with notice that he was barred from the premises.

Judge Di Toro gave Fenner a “piece of advice,” to resolve his living situation since it appears the problems are a monthly event.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Sever or Join Cases? A Key Question Looming Over Gender-Reveal Party Murder

Counsel argued Dec. 12 whether defendants charged in a murder case should be tried together.

Nyjell Outler, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Demetris Johnson on March 20, 2021, on the unit block of Madison Street NE. Another individual was also injured.

Outler’s co-defendant, Keevsayah Polite, is charged with four counts of accessory after the fact while armed and obstructing justice while armed for her alleged role in harboring the defendant while he was wanted for the murder. Polite is currently released on her own personal recognizance.

According to court documents, Polite and Outler, who were a couple at the time, went to a gender-reveal party for Polite’s cousin. At the party, Outlet allegedly pulled out an AK-47 from his backpack and began shooting at three individuals standing in the drive-way outside the home where the party was being held.

Outler is scheduled for trial on March 3, 2025, however Polite’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, disputed joining the cases because Polite was apprehended and indicted two years after Outler’s arrest.

Harden also said that she was not being given sufficient time to prepare considering the severity of the incident. . Harden said she would not be available to try a felony 1 case until 2026.

According to DC Court records,, in August the prosecution agreed to sever the cases; however, in October the case was continued to give defense counsel time to file a motion to sever the cases.

Outler’s defense counsel, Gemma Stevens and Thomas Key, said they didn’t want to reschedule Outler’s trial date because he has been in jail for an extended time.

Even though DC Superior Court Judge Micael O’Keefe began Thursday’s hearing saying he had not received any motions to sever, he did agree to set a status hearing on Jan. 10, 2025, giving counsel more time to review the evidence and file any necessary motions, including a motion to sever the cases.

An additional July 14, 2026 trial date was also set depending on the result of the January hearing.

Evidence Points to Suspect in Fort DuPont Park Murder

A preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec. 11 revealed physical and surveillance evidence against a man accused of killing his former partner and abandoning her body in a local park.

Desmond Barr Jr., 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. Farmer’s body was found in Fort Dupont Park, on July 13, located near the 3600 block of F Street SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage of a vehicle said to be Barr’s near the scene at the time of the incident where they allegedly found bullet casings in the car and blood stains.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified there was a history of domestic violence between Barr and the victim, as well as explicit photos of the Farmer that were uploaded on social media.

The detective testified traffic surveillance video showing the suspect vehicle stopping near Fort Dupont Park on the day of the homicide as well the car pulling away from the curb and later making a U-turn toward the park. Witnesses in the area reported hearing faint cries for help and gunshots around the same time. Several witnesses described seeing a white Kia Stinger which was like the one registered to Barr.

Forensic evidence from the vehicle, seized less than 12 hours after the homicide, included cleaning supplies, a spent shell casing, a projectile fragment embedded in the car’s interior, a live round, along with the suspected blood stains.

The defense, led by attorney Hannah Claudio, questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that no evidence of the victim’s missing shoes, phone, or purse were found at Barr’s residence.

The defense also cited the defendant’s physical condition, asking if detectives confirmed he was in a wheelchair, something the officer could not verify. Additionally, the defense challenged witness recollections arguing that some details may have been inconsistent or unreliable.

The prosecution countered that Barr’s movements on the day of the incident align with the timeline of Farmer’s death.

Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.

Court Corrects Record in Conspiracy and Murder Conviction

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered corrections to the judgment and commitment order for two defendants during a Dec. 11 hearing.

The amended order now correctly reflects a conviction for “conspiracy to commit first-degree murder while armed.”

Robert Moses, 27, and James Mayfield, 27, were convicted of conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and, Moses was convicted of two counts of obstruction of justice for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 10, 2017.

According to court documents, Sydnor was critically injured while driving through the area and passed away two days later. Investigators linked the defendants to the crime through ballistics evidence, witness testimony, and a firearm recovered from their possession, tying them to the shooting, which police believe stemmed from a neighborhood rivalry.

During the hearing, the court addressed a clerical error in the original judgment against Moses. The prosecution had requested the correction after an earlier version inaccurately stated the offense as “conspiracy to commit a criminal offense.” Judge Raffinan approved the amendment, ensuring the record accurately reflects both defendants’ convictions.

Moses waived his presence at the Dec. 11 hearing, and his co-defendant, James Mayfield, attended virtually.

No further dates were set.

Judge Rules Hit-And-Run Suspect’s Statements to Police Admissible

A motion to suppress key statements in a traffic homicide case was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan during a hearing on Dec. 9, clearing the way for their use in court.

Spiro Stafilatos, 37, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 30, 2022, hit-and-run incident. The collision occurred on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW, and resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui and severe injury to another individual.

According to court documents, the defendant sped away from a traffic stop, ran a red light, and collided with another car. The impact caused his vehicle to spin into a crosswalk, where it allegedly struck Sui and the second victim.

The defense, led by attorney Brian McDaniel, argued that Stafilatos’ statements made to a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were in violation of Miranda rights against self-incrimination and were involuntary.

The prosecution contended that the statements were unsolicited and made of the defendant’s own volition.

The detective testified that Stafilatos recapitulated conversations without prompting and did not request an attorney during the interview. Additionally, body-worn camera footage showed the detective present during an ambulance ride during which the defendant spoke with EMTs.

Judge Raffinan found no evidence the detective conducted an interrogation, concluding that the defendant’s rights were not violated. The motion to suppress was denied.

Separately, the prosecution raised a request from a surviving victim to participate in future proceedings virtually. The matter is expected to be addressed during a status hearing on Dec. 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, who will be taking over the case.

Double Murder Defendant Asserts Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A double murder defendant asserted his rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 11.

Kevin Foster, 20, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated, second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in two fatal shootings on March 7, 2023, on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, which claimed the life of 23-year-old Dana Faulkner, along with 15-year-old Abdul Fuller who was shot and killed at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE. There was one surviving victim.

The prosecution indicated that DNA testing is expected to conclude within three months, keeping the case on track for trial. The defense also plans to conduct independent DNA testing, including swabs from inside the vehicle allegedly used in the incident, and swabs from a gun police say was found in the defendant’s home.

The defense attorney, Matthew Davies, announced plans to file a motion seeking the release of Foster, currently detained.

A detention hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 7 to address the arguments.

Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Aggravated Assault, Firearm Offenses

During a hearing on Dec. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a man to 60 months of incarceration for aggravated assault and 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with a total of six years of supervised release to follow. The sentences will run concurrently.

On June 15, Martel Howard, 24, pleaded guilty to the charges in June as part of an agreement in which the prosecution did not seek an indictment. The charges stem from a shooting on July 31, 2022, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW, during an attempted robbery. The incident left the victim with four gunshot wounds.

Howard addressed the court during the hearing, reflecting on his efforts to reconnect with his faith and education while in custody. He expressed a desire to pursue a career in the trades and to give back to his community by mentoring youth.

His defense attorney, Terrance Austin, highlighted Howard’s personal growth and the hardships he has faced in custody, including being stabbed and shot at, which contributed to his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“All of us are more than any single mistake that you’ve made,” Austin told the court.

Judge Raffinan acknowledged Howard’s efforts but emphasized the severity of his actions. She noted Howard’s choice to fire multiple shots at the victim and to flee the scene, leaving the victim critically injured, as significant factors in her decision. She also pointed out that Howard’s probation had been revoked twice and that he had already received two opportunities to have convictions set aside under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA).

Judge Raffinan ruled that this case would also fall under the YRA, allowing Howard to have his conviction sealed if he successfully completes his sentence and supervised release. She also ordered Howard to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release and to follow an intervention plan during his incarceration and supervised release.

The prosecution had requested 60 months of incarceration per charge served consecutively, and six years of supervised release, aligning with the sentence imposed.

“Ultimately, the decision about what choice you want to make, what mistakes you want to remedy, and what purpose you want to fulfill in your life are up to you,” Judge Raffinan told Howard.

Howard must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each charge by Sept. 19, 2027.

No additional court dates have been scheduled for this case.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 8 Years, Over Grieving Family’s Objections

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a manslaughter defendant to eight years of incarceration, despite the victim’s family’s disapproval and his own “reservations” about the relatively lenient plea deal, during a hearing on Dec. 11.

On Oct. 9, Robert Straughter, 26, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Tyejuan Harkum on Dec. 6, 2023, on the 2600 block of Naylor Road, SE.

According to the prosecution, Straughter and his accomplices stalked and followed Harkum in the hours leading up to his murder, before Straughter’s accomplices exited their vehicle and attacked Harkum as he ran errands.

“He was just minding his business – he was ambushed,” a relative of Harkum told Judge Okun, stating Harkum’s daughter continues to grieve her dad’s murder.

“Find your heart to give justice to my son,” Harkum’s mother begged Judge Okun, adding that [Straughter] needs to be held accountable as much as the shooters.”

“People in DC are walking around with guns because of people like him,” Harkum’s dad told Judge Okun, pointing to Straughter, adding that “DC is a battlefield right now.”

Multiple loved ones deemed Harkum a caring individual, stating his loss has left a gaping hole in their lives. “Grief isn’t the proper term to describe what we’re going through,” one of them cried.

Judge Okun questioned the prosecution’s reasoning behind extending such a lenient plea deal, stating that “eight years just seems way too low given the nature of the crime.”

The prosecutor told Judge Okun that because Straughter wasn’t considered a shooter, proving his guilt at trial would be difficult due to the evidence being merely circumstantial. They also argued that there was evidence that showed Harkum may have been armed at the time of his death.

The prosecution requested Judge Okun accept the deal, and sentence Straughter to eight years despite the backlash from the family.

The prosecution stated that eight years were sufficient punishment for Straughter’s “[decision] to prioritize the life of crime over his family,” despite his having a child, a diploma, and a stable life.

Michael Bruckheim, Straughter’s defense attorney, also urged Judge Okun to accept his guilty plea, stating that he has expressed remorse and regret.

“I think this is a really tough case,” Judge Okun stated, saying “I am going to accept the plea agreement, but it’s a close call. I have my reservations… my gut reaction is that this isn’t enough.”

However, he stated, he understood the prosecution’s concern that a jury may not convict him in a trial based on the circumstantial evidence.

“They don’t give a f**k,” Harkum’s family exclaimed as Judge Okun imposed the eight year sentence. He ordered Straughter to serve five years of supervised release, and undergo substance abuse assessments and treatments during his incarceration.

“You can see how emotional people are by this case. For your sake and the community’s sake, I hope you can comply and never be back here again. Good luck,” Judge Okun told Straughter.

No further dates were set.

‘Jesus Got You, Baby,’ Says Mother of Mentally Ill Son at Sentencing

The issue before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian in a Dec. 10 sentencing hearing was how to balance appropriate punishment for a carjacking against the defendant’s lifelong mental health problems.

“This case shows how the system deals with mental health issues,” said Jay Mykytiuk, attorney for Kevin Weaver, 32.

According to court documents, Weaver confronted a ride share driver at the intersection of 7th Street and Monroe Street, NE on Sept. 10, 2023. When he attempted to drive away, Weaver allegedly told him, “Drive where I tell you to drive or I will shoot you.”

Ultimately, according to the police report, the driver stopped his van and fled fearing for his life. Responding officers tracked Weaver who absconded in the vehicle and arrested him on the 1200 block of Perry Street, NE.

He was initially charged with unarmed carjacking and pleaded guilty in October.

Referring to a stack of documents on the defense counsel’s table, Mykytiuk said the reports were “just a small sample,” of Weaver’s troubled mental health history and its tragic consequences.

Among other things, Mykytiuk’s said, Weaver has been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder meaning that in addition to experiencing delusions he has dramatic mood swings. Further, Weaver’s cognitive scores are “in the extreme low range.”

In this case the defense mental health expert agreed with the diagnosis provided to the court by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

“He doesn’t come here as a normal defendant,” says Mykytiuk. He said Weaver never intended violence in that he didn’t have a weapon, but rather that, “He was in crisis.”

Judge Christian said, putting himself in the victim’s position, “I would be scared to death.”

The prosecutor played surveillance video of the incident presenting multiple angles as the carjacking unfolded with the ride share driver clearly in distress. Given the seriousness, he recommended a sentence of 72 months.

When given the opportunity, Weaver apologized briefly for what he did.

However, the most dramatic summary of Weaver’s mental challenges came from his mother who addressed the court.

“I’ve just been trying to get assistance for my son’s mental illness,” she said “since he was three-years-old.” Among his problems, she said, are PTSD, learning disability, processing disorder and he was born with just one eye.

As for the times when Weaver doesn’t take his meds, “I say, Jesus got you baby. That’s what I tell him.”

In response, Judge Christian said, “This case cries out as a recommendation for treatment.” But the best option, Mykyutiuk said, is to get Weaver stabilized, there is “no magic bullet.”

Judge Christian imposed a 48 month sentence for kidnapping and a 24 month sentence for threat to kidnap or injure a person. The terms of supervised release are five years for kidnapping and three years for making the threat.

Weaver will be held at the Devens Federal Medical Center in Ayer, Massachusetts.

As Weaver left the courtroom, Judge Christian said, “Don’t do that again!”

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