Stabbing Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release due to substantial evidence presented in the case on Feb. 19–that following his waiving the right to a preliminary hearing.

Walter Goodman, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred inside the DC Jail on the 1900 Block of D Street, SE on Dec. 15, 2024. Two victims were injured during the incident and one was taken to a nearby hospital.

In court, Everald Thompson, Goodman’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing and asked for Goodman’s release on bond, stating that it’s the prosecution’s responsibility to rebut the presumption of innocence.

The prosecution responded by stating that they had security footage from the jail that showed Goodman allegedly tucked a sharp object in his waistband before entering a shower where the stabbing occurred. They also mentioned that Goodman is currently being held for a gun trafficking case as well.

Judge Herrmann considered her options but ultimately decided that there were no conditions of release that could ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 17.

Teen Defendants in High School Shooting Plead Not Guilty

Two co-defendants pleaded not guilty in a shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 20.

Saki Frost, 18, and Azhari Graves, 18, are charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 16 counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of endangerment with a firearm. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting on May 3, 2024, at the intersection of Kirby and N Streets, NW, near Dunbar High School.

Frost is additionally charged with six counts of assault with intent to murder while armed and six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Graves is additionally charged with possession of a machine gun. All crimes were allegedly committed in violation of a gun free zone. carrying a pistol without a license, and two counts of endangerment with a firearm.

According to court documents, the co-defendants allegedly fired at a Chevy Cruze during a shootout. Some of the bullets pierced a classroom window at Dunbar High School, striking a female juvenile student in the head who survived the injury.

In court, John Iweanoge, Saki’s attorney, and Hannah Claudio, Graves’ attorney, stated they were both entering a plea of not guilty, asserted their constitutional rights, and were prepared to set trial dates.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 29.

Despite Defense Pleas, Shooting Suspect Detained

A shooting defendant’s attorney requested his release at a hearing on Feb. 18, before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann, after waiving of his right to a preliminary hearing.

Rashard Grant, 35, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful discarding of a firearm or ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Jan. 10 on the 2200 block of Savannah Place, SE.

According to court documents, officers heard a gunshot at the scene, and located an individual, identified as Grant, holding another person by the neck while holding a gun in his other hand.

During the hearing, Grant’s defense attorney, Gail Engmann, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing. She requested Grant be released pending further proceedings, arguing that Grant held a clean record for ten years, highlighting his role as a husband and father of four.

“These kids are lost without Mr. Grant, and he’s lost without them. He’s an asset to the community—not a danger to the community,” Engmann said.

Engmann also argued that the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient, stating that officers failed to contact witnesses at the scene.

The prosecution claimed surveillance footage captured Grant’s actions, including his easy access to firearms after learning that, on Jan. 1, officers removed a firearm from the defendant, and another on Jan. 10 when he was allegedly found unconscious in a vehicle owned by his mother.

Prosecutors highlighted the defendant’s prior convictions, involving a 2015 arrest, a 2016 guilty plea for PCP possession, and a probation violation followed by his supervision termination in 2020.

Judge Herrmann stated she is concerned about Grant’s access to firearms and denied his request for release.

Engmann told Judge Herrmann parties continue to be in global plea negotiations.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 3.

Carjacking and Robbery Defendant Receives 18 Months in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced Marquise Butts on Feb. 21 to four years in prison for unarmed carjacking, with all but 18 months suspended, and two years in prison for robbery, with all but 18 months suspended. The sentences will run concurrently.

Butts, 18, was originally charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a carjacking on June 20, 2024, on the 1800 block of 9th Street, NW.

The prosecutor said Butts was one of five young men who intimidated a woman alone on the street late at night into turning over her keys to them. Butts was identified from surveillance video and from the GPS device he was wearing because he was under court supervision for a previous conviction.

Butts accepted a plea deal on Nov. 19, 2024, pleading guilty to unarmed carjacking and robbery. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges in the case and request concurrent sentences for the two charges.

The prosecutor asked Judge Di Toro to impose the maximum sentence indicated by the sentencing guidelines, based on Butts’ criminal history score of one–96 months’ imprisonment for carjacking and 66 months for robbery.

According to the prosecutor, Butts had two previous convictions for gun possession and admitted a gun was involved in the carjacking.

“Court supervision is no deterrent,” the prosecutor said. “The defendant has gone from merely defending himself to out-and-out attacking people.”

Richard Holliday, Jr., Butts’ attorney, disagreed that Butts admitted a gun was involved in the carjacking.

When Butts was interviewed for the presentence report, he said, “I didn’t pull no gun on nobody, but I was with the person who did it.” According to Holliday, Butts meant he was with the person who committed the carjacking.

Holliday also objected to the prosecutor’s description of Butts’ childhood. Holliday said the prosecutor made it sound like Butts didn’t face any unusual challenges, even though he was diagnosed with PTSD for being shot when he was 15.

“I have never gone through anything as difficult in my life as being shot 11 times as a 15-year-old,” Holliday said.

An education attorney asked Judge Di Toro to give Butts the minimum sentence possible under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements. She said the physical and psychological trauma Butts experienced affected his development.

“What comes next? What can interrupt that cycle?” Judge Di Toro asked.

The education attorney said young people can get back on course if they receive appropriate therapy.

“Prison is the least appropriate setting for that healing to happen and can actually entrench maladaptive behaviors,” she said.

The education attorney displayed a photo of Butts’ graduation from high school a week earlier. According to Holliday, Butts wants to attend college and become a chef.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Butts under the YRA, which allowed her to impose a sentence below the mandatory minimum of seven years for unarmed carjacking.

In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Di Toro gave Butts 18 months of probation and a suspended sentence of three years of supervised release. She required him to pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime fund and register as a gun offender. Butts must complete 90 hours of community service, receive a mental health assessment and participate in any recommended treatment, and engage in vocational training or higher education.

No further dates were set.

Murder Defendant Rejects Plea Deal, Goes To Trial

A murder defendant rejected a plea deal from prosecutors in DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman‘s courtroom on Feb. 21.

Cory Heard, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Rodney Snead. The shooting occurred on Nov. 20, 2023, on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE.

Heard’s defense attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted Judge Edelman that Heard would be rejecting the plea deal offered by the prosecution. If accepted Heard would be required to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 18-to-22 years of incarceration.

Both parties also rescheduled the trial date for conflicting hearings and set a new date for March 16, 2026.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 24.

Co-Defendants in Stabbing Case Claim They Have Never Met

Two defendants charged in connection to the same incident claimed they’ve never before during a hearing on Feb. 10 with DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro.

Kevin Allen, 37, is charged with robbery while armed offenses committed during release, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed offenses committed during release, robbery while armed offenses committed during release, and assault with a dangerous weapon offenses committed during release, for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on July 18 2023, near the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

Catherine Rondeau, 52, is charged with conspiracy, assault with intent to commit robbery, and second-degree theft for her alleged involvement in the stabbing incident on July 18, 2023.

During the hearing, both Allen and Rondeau asserted that they do not know each other and alleged the case is built on false information. The trial had previously been scheduled for Allen, but was postponed to ensure all indictment charges could be tried together.

Judge Di Toro granted a 45-day continuance to allow Allen and Rondeau time to meet with new defense counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Apr. 14 for an additional status hearing.

Defense Wants Transfer of Stabbing Case to Different Judge

A defendant accused of stabbing a child has undergone multiple mental health evaluations with conflicting results. Awaiting the latest competency results, the defense requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park transfer the case to another judge on Feb. 18.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Initially, Wright had been ruled as incompetent with the possibility of restoration, but that conclusion was changed to competent after the prosecution claimed there was a lack of effort from the defendant in achieving restoration so he could stand trial.

Laura Rose, Wright’s attorney, continues to contest his competency finding and motioned the case to be transferred to Judge Neal Kravitz, arguing that since Judge Kravitz is familiar with Wright due to another matter, he could provide a valuable comparison between the cases.

The prosecution objected to the transfer. Judge Park stated the transfer would probably not happen.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 22.

Homicide Defendant Withdraws Guilty Plea

A homicide co-defendant’s request to withdraw a guilty plea was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 14.

Raymond Avent, 24, Keith Baham, 25, and Tyler Stringfield, 26, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the death of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 23, 2019.

Additionally, Avent is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, and conspiracy, for his alleged involvement in a DC Jail stabbing on June 3, 2021, on the block of D Street SE.

According to court documents, video footage showed three suspects exiting a vehicle, pointing guns at Hawkins, and firing multiple rounds before they re-entered the vehicle and fled the scene. When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrived at the scene, they found 34 shell casings.

During the hearing, Elizabeth Weller, Avent’s attorney, motioned to withdraw Avent’s guilty plea which he’d accepted back on March 15 and previously attempted to withdraw on Aug. 29. Judge Kravitz granted the request.

Avent and Baham are slated to return to court on March 14.

Stringfield is slated to return on March 6.

Homicide Trial Delayed Due to Missing Key Witness

The prosecution requested a six-day continuance in a homicide trial after they couldn’t locate one of their key witnesses on Feb. 18 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

Jerome Israel, 19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

The prosecution requested to delay the jury trial as they claimed this witness was essential. The witness’ relationship to the case has not been disclosed.

Israel’s attorneys, Janai Reed and Lisbeth Saperstein, agreed to the delay stating that they did “not really have a leg to stand on to object.” Judge Ryan granted the prosecution’s request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 24.

Judge Declares Mistrial in Homicide Case Over Jury Bickering

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted a mistrial for a homicide trial after the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on Feb. 19.

Terrance Stoney, 31, is charged with second-degree murder 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 the fatal shooting of Donte Tiller, 43. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE, on March 17, 2023.

The judge received a note from a juror saying the deliberation room was an “unproductive and unethical” environment. Jurors claimed that one juror said, “he looks like a killer” and “if he were innocent, he would have testified” during deliberations.

Jurors also allegedly discussed the case outside of deliberations even when told not to, according to Judge Ryan.

After questioning each juror individually, Judge Ryan noted that he was concerned the jury would not proceed as fair and impartial, and it was clear to him that the jury was hung, leading to his declaration of a mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 20.

Judge Grants Relaxed Release for Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted a motion to relax pretrial release conditions for a defendant in a shooting case on Feb. 19.

Demetry Ferguson, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the shooting of a victim on Sept. 8, 2024, on the 4400 block of E Street, NW.

According to court documents, the victim was Ferguson’s child’s mother’s new boyfriend.

Ferguson is currently on release with GPS monitoring, and a 10-p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew as well as a stay away order from the victim and location of the incident. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) noted that there has been no violation of these guidelines.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh requested Judge Edelman allow Ferguson to spend up to three days a week at his grandmother’s home to assist in her care. The prosecution was opposed based on the circumstances of them.

Judge Edelman granted the motion, with the stipulation that Ferguson must give his PSA officer at least 24-hours notice if he intends to spend the night at his grandmother’s house.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 20.

Prosecution Emphasizes ‘Randomness of the Attack’ in Stabbing Case

A stabbing defendant was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann on Feb. 20.

Tywanna Johnson, 33, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stemmed from her alleged involvement in a robbery on the 400 block of 15th Street, NE on Jan. 23 that left one person with a stab wound to his right side.

During the hearing, Johnson’s defense, Derrick Page, alerted Judge Herrmann of Johnson’s intent to waive her right to a preliminary hearing. Page also requested she be released as she awaits further proceedings.

When opposing the release of Johnson, the prosecution noted the weight of evidence against Johnson, stating that CCTV footage showed the incident occurring, catching an individual, identified as Johnson, telling the victim to, “Give me your f***ing phone before I f***ing kill you.”

The prosecution highlighted the “randomness of the attack,” and that Johnson allegedly admitted to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer that she had robbed and stabbed the victim.

Page pointed out that Johnson is being treated for mental health issues. Additionally, she’s reconnecting with her family and securing housing and employment.

However, Judge Herrmann found that there were no release conditions to ensure the protection of the community and denied release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 3.

Document: MPD Investigating Fairlawn Avenue HomicideDocument:

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Dec 26 in the 2700 block of Fairlawn Avenue, Southeast. The victim, identified as 41-year-old Lamar Edmonds, was found unconscious and not breathing, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecution Says They Plan to Add Co-Defendants to Gang Murder Case

Prosecutors told DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Feb. 14 that they intend to indict additional individuals in a case concerning a homicide defendant allegedly connected to the “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13) international criminal gang.

Pedro Joya Argueta, 25, also known by the nickname “Peluche,” is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and conspiracy for his alleged involvement in the execution-style killing of Eberson Guerra-Sanchez on April 27, 2019 on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW.

During the hearing, the prosecution told the court that they are planning to add more suspects. They said that they have already provided evidence supporting their intentions to the defense but that there is more evidence concerning the potential co-defendants. According to the prosecution, this information will be disclosed if and when the potential co-defendants are indicted.

The defense requested that the prosecution provide grand jury transcripts before the other individuals are indicted, and the prosecution didn’t oppose.

Parties are expected to reconvene on May 2.

Prosecution’s Argument Ignores Logic and Physics, Claims Defense

Parties presented closing arguments in a shooting case before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 18.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and endangerment with a firearm, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE on May 11, 2024. No one was injured.

According to court documents, and witness testimony, the shooting stemmed from a verbal disagreement between the victims and Henderson’s sister. Prosecutors claimed the victims were spat upon by Henderson’s sister, and when they maced the sister, Henderson allegedly shot at them.

During closing arguments, Henderson’s attorney, Daniel Kovler, argued that this case was one of self-defense and defense of others and alleged that Henderson and his family were under attack.

The defense added that the prosecution was asking the jury to ignore logic and physics, citing the lack of physical evidence and the dubious reliability of the prosecution’s eyewitnesses.

Kovler argued that the absence of bullets and bullet holes at the scene of the crime was a reason to doubt that the gun was pointed at the complainants. He said that the height of the gun when it was used in relation to Henderson’s height would result in an unnatural and unlikely shooting position.

“The [prosecution] is asking you to believe the physically impossible based on unreliable eyewitness testimony,” Kovler said.

The prosecution argued that Henderson was attempting to injure and was not acting in self-defense.

They said that there is eyewitness testimony supporting the argument that the gun was pointed directly at the complainants rather than elsewhere. According to the prosecution, the eyewitnesses identified the type and color of the gun.

“The law does not reward someone for bad aim,” the prosecution said.

Even if Henderson was acting in self-defense, the prosecution argued that the use of deadly force was unnecessary in this context.

They said that the danger of mace is not proportionate to the danger of a firearm and that Henderson used greater force to act against the victims.

“He determined what is just, and our law has no room for that,” the prosecutor said.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

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