Shooting Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

A shooting defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing during a hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 3.

Richard Price, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and eight counts of obstruction of justice, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on June 1, 2022, on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE.

During the proceeding, defense attorney Lisbeth Saperstein indicated that Price would not be seeking to do independent DNA testing of four items tested by the prosecution.

The prosecutor stated that the four items — two firearms, a magazine, and a cartridge casing — all had mixtures of DNA profiles with four or more contributors and no further conclusions could be drawn. The prosecutor said it was not the theory of their case that the defendant was in possession of the firearm that was recovered at the scene.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 13.

Defense Wants to Delay Seven-Year-Old Double Homicide Case

During a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec. 4 the defense requested a delay in a double murder trial. The case has been ongoing for seven years.

James Mayfield, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with dangerous weapon, 11 counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license and possession of unregistered firearm.

The charges stem from multiple incidents that occurred between Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 of 2017, including the shooting dearhs of Jermaine Bowens, 38, and Elijah Henry, 21.

Mayfield allegedly committed these crimes while under an arrest warrant from Oct. 25, 2017, in connection with the shooting of Jamahri Sydnor, 17, on Aug. 10, 2017, at the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenue, NE.

On Dec. 8, 2022, jurors found Mayfield guilty 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 for his involvement in Sydnor’s murder.

Sentencing was delayed after the defense filed a motion for a new trial after it was determined one of the jurors attended the same high school as Mayfield.

On Sept. 6, 2024, Mayfield was sentenced to 50 years of incarceration for Sydnor’s murder, but the defense has appealed the conviction.

The trial for the murders of Bowens and Henry were set to trail Sydnor’s and are currently scheduled for Jan. 27, 2025.

During today’s hearing, Mayfield’s attorney, Veronice Holt, requested to delay the upcoming trial because she is handling the appeal of the previous trial and will not be ready for the January date.

The prosecution opposed the delay, citing that the case is from 2017 and already delayed.

Judge O’Keefe stated that he will rule on the continuance of the trial at the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 17.

‘I Want to Prove That I’m Not This Monster.’ Says Stabbing Defendant at Sentencing

During an emotional hearing, a defendant who pleaded guilty to stabbing her sister was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration, with half of it suspended, by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Dec. 3.

On Oct. 3, Junae Roberson, 37, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE that occurred on July 20. One individual, Roberson’s sister, sustained injuries.

The family was present for Roberson’s sentencing, including her grandmother and a sister who was not the victim.

The prosecution read the victim’s statement to the court saying she didn’t know what was going through Roberson’s head during the incident. She was upset because they both knew what it’s like to grow up without a mom, asking why Roberson is doing that to her own kids.

“You broke the sister code,” the sister wrote.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 39 months, a stay away order, and drug treatment if Roberson’s placed on probation.

Defense counsel Matthew Davies asked for a suspended incarceration period, stating that Roberson is accepting responsibility for what she’s done, and she’s asking for an opportunity to make amends. He also stated that this is an isolated incident, and the result of a fight between sisters.

According to Davies, Roberson has two children, and argued that being away from them has been a hardship. Davies stated that, when visiting Roberson in jail, he saw that every time she missed a family milestone, she would write it on her clothes. She’s a single working mother, and has been away from her children for a total of five months, Davies stated.

She was highly intoxicated during the incident, and wants help with her addiction, according to Davies.

Roberson spoke on her behalf apologizing to her children and to her sister, and promised never to drink or smoke again.

“My kids need me,” she said, “I want to prove that I’m not this monster.”

Judge Pasichow stated that the issue in this case is Roberson’s temper more than anything, combined with the drug and alcohol addiction. She emphasized that while Roberson has a short criminal history and has completed multiple programs, the nature of this case is extremely dangerous.

“Your sister could’ve died,” Pasichow said, “[and] part of a sentence is punishment.”

Pasichow sentenced Roberson to 36 months incarcerated, suspending all but 18 months. After the 18 months, she’s required to serve 12 months of probation, mental health treatment, drug testing, and anger management programs.

“You need to do a lot of work,” Judge Pasichow stated.

After hearing the sentence, a US Marshal handling courtroom security handed Roberson a box of tissues after she began to cry, along with her family in the audience.

Judge Pasichow stated that there will be a lot of opportunities for her during her incarceration, and that she should take advantage of the education programs there. Judge Pasichow mentioned that Roberson said in her pre-sentence report that she wants to be a hairstylist.

As Roberson was being escorted out of the courtroom, her family called out to her, saying that they love her.

“I love you, and I got the boys,” yelled the sister that was present.

No further dates have been set for this case.

Alleged Balcony Shooter Denied Release

A shooting defendant initially rejected a plea deal and was denied release pending a bond review before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Dec. 2.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and endangerment with a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE on May 11. No one sustained any injuries.

According to court documents, Henderson allegedly fired shots from an apartment balcony and into a courtyard. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers recovered spent shell casings and one bullet in the apartment.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea offer to Henderson. The agreement would require him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and endangerment with a firearm. In return, the prosecution would drop all of the remaining charges.

The plea offer was rejected by Henderson and his defense counsel, Daniel Kovler, told the judge that a counter offer was also rejected.

The counteroffer would require that Henderson plead guilty to the same charges, but in addition, be sentenced under 11 (c)(1)(c), which is a plea agreement in which the prosecution and defense attorney agree on a sentence. In this case, he would be sentenced to 72 months of incarceration and some time in probation and supervised release.

Henderson admitted he was confused by the terms, so the prosecution announced that they would reopen the plea agreement for consideration for two weeks.

After that, the parties discussed a bond review motion from Kovler requesting that Judge Pipe release Henderson based on security footage of the incident.

Kovler argued that police never found bullets near the location Henderson allegedly used for the shooting which would imply that he shot in the air. According to Kovler, people shoot in the air to serve as a warning, rather than a threat of violence.

He also called the credibility of the complainant into question in that she is charged with endangerment, following an incident involving a pepper spray assault.

The prosecutor requested a continuance so that she could familiarize herself with the case, and consider the bond motion. Judge Pipe granted the continuance. Meanwhile, Henderson is held without bond.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 4.

Hospitalization Delays Shooting Defendant’s Court Appearance A Third Time

A status hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant was delayed a third time on Dec. 3 as DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefec addressed his ongoing medical issues.

Anthrone Cabos, 27, faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace SE, on June 28, 2020. One person sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, the court learned that Cabos had been hospitalized the previous day after complaining of acute abdominal pain. He was discharged and returned to the DC Jail later that evening. Despite that, Cabos was not present in court.

Defense attorneys Theodore Shaw and Patrick O’Sullivan previously expressed concerns about Cabos’ health, citing chronic medical issues exacerbating delays in court proceedings. Judge O’Keefe acknowledged the circumstances but emphasized the importance of moving the case forward.

A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9 to allow Cabos time to recover and resume discussions with his defense attorneys.

Shooting Defendant’s Case Dismissed

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover dismissed a shooting defendant’s case on Dec. 2 after the prosecution filed a motion expressing their unwillingness to proceed with the case.

DeAngelo Jones, 21, was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on Nov. 7 at the unit block of 53rd Place, SE.

According to court documents, the victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the left eye, was found in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that appeared to have been in an accident when police arrived. The victim was unable to identify the suspect or provide a possible motive.

According to court documents, Jones became a person of interest after nearby surveillance footage showed a person identified as the defendant and another individual walking down the street, pulling out what appeared to be a rifle, and firing multiple shots toward the victim’s vehicle as it drove by. The footage also showed the suspects running toward the vehicle. The prosecution filed a motion on Dec. 1, stating they would not move forward with the case. Judge Glover dismissed the charges the following morning.

No further dates were set.

Judge Won’t Release Double Shooting Defendant

A defendant in a double shooting will remain detained despite an oral motion for release that was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Dec. 3.

Devaughn Branham, 21, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024.

According to court documents, two separate crime scenes were located, one at the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE and the other on the 500 block of Parkland Place, SE. Multiple shell casings were located at each scene, but there were no victims.

Branham’s defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, asked that the court consider amending his release conditions from the DC Jail. Swarna noted that there is evidence that Branham was acting in self- defense and that the nature and circumstances found in the preliminary hearing are not sufficient to detain someone.

Swarna contended Branham has limited criminal history, and if he was put on release under 24 hour home confinement he would be living with his mother. His mother has been receiving cancer treatment and before his arrest Branham was her primary caretaker.

The prosecution was opposed because nothing has significantly changed to warrant his release.

Judge DiToro agreed in denying the request.

Parties will reconvene on Dec. 19.

Judge Denies Dismissal Over Missed Deadline in a Stabbing

A motion to dismiss a stabbing case for a missed deadline was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Dec. 3, as he plans to continue to trial despite the lack of an official indictment.

James Petticolas, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a male victim in the back on May 10 on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to court documents, Petticolas was in a store and got into an argument with the victim, who was an employee. Petticolas allegedly left and reentered with a knife, and began chasing the victim as he attempted to flee.

in the resulting melee, the victim suffered a nearly five inch laceration on the lower left side of his back, and about an inch deep, documents state.

Petticolas’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, argued for the dismissal of the case and immediate release due to the prosecution missing the 90 day deadline to indict.

The prosecution argued that they hadn’t missed the deadline and they were prepared to go to trial.

They also told the court they plan to file a motion post-hearing to continue holding the defendant in anticipation of an indictment on greater charges.

King argued that with less than two weeks left before the trial, it will be difficult to predict trial readiness without an indictment.

In denying a dismissal Judge Christian maintained the Dec. 10 trial date pending an indictment.

The parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 9.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A carjacking defendant pled guilty to robbery and unlicensed use of a vehicle in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Dec. 3.

Vincent Jones, 29, was originally charged with carjacking, two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for his involvement in an armed carjacking on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on June 16, 2023, no one was injured.

The remaining charges, which were possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and robbery while armed, were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

The prosecution argued that Jones, with two accomplices, stole car keys from a victim and took the car which was nearby without any justification.

Jones asserted that he was comfortable with the decision he was making, and he felt that he received sufficient advice from his defense attorney, Peter Odom.

Judge Demeo ordered a pre-sentencing report, and parties will reconvene for sentencing on Feb. 4.

Uber Shooting Suspect Found Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow stated that a shooting defendant is mentally competent to stand trial on Dec. 2.

Sean Butler, 28, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on May 6 at the 2000 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, the victim, who was working as an Uber driver, picked up Butler. While she was taking him to his destination, Butler noticed police as the Uber got close to a traffic signal. At that point Butler allegedly bolted out of the car, pointed a gun at the victim, and shot once.

Defense attorney Matthew Rist stated that a psychologist for the defense found that Butler is competent to stand trial. Rist also stated, however, that Butler has symptoms of psychosis, and that state of mind may carry weight in plea negotiations.

Rist requested that the court allow the psychologist to write an extended report for consideration of the court.

The prosecution agreed.

Judge Pasichow agree and declared Butler competent in that he understands the charges against him and can participate in his own defense. She requested that the extended report by the psychologist be sent to the court by the next hearing date, and that the defense can reach out to chambers if they need more time.

The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 17.

Preliminary Hearing Delayed For Plea Offer in A Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover granted a stabbing defendant’s request for a continuance on Dec. 3 so he can decide on a a plea offer.

Marshal Baxster, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 3000 block of R Street, NW on Nov. 29. One person sustained an injury to the right wrist.

According to court documents, Baxster was allegedly going through a bag that was left unattended in a park. As the owner was walking up to stop Baxster from taking his things, Baxster allegedly punched the victim in the face and took off with his belongings on a bike. The victim gave chase on foot and eventually caught up with Baxster.

After being stopped, Baxster allegedly pepper sprayed the victim’s face and then produced a knife, swinging at the victim. One of the swings connected causing a deep laceration to his right wrist, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Baxster’s defense counsel, Shawn Sukumar, asked Judge Glover if he would grant a continuance so Baxster could finalize his decision regarding a plea deal that would resolve multiple cases.

According to the prosecution, the offer would require Baxster to plead guilty to attempted assault with a deadly weapon in the stabbing case and plead guilty to simple assault in a sex abuse case.

In return, the prosecution would cap their sentencing request at the bottom of the guidelines for the attempted assault with a deadly weapon charge and cap the simple assault charge at 180 days total suspended.

Judge Glover granted the continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 19.

Support Fellow Residents this Giving Tuesday

During this season, we give thanks to the blessings in our lives, but unfortunately for some, the holidays are just another reminder of a tragic loss of a loved one.

As someone who lost my father to gun violence when I was a teenager, I understand the need to know what happens in the case. I also understand the pain of feeling left out of the judicial process, feeling voiceless.

D.C. Witness has developed a new, unique technology – our Victim Notification System – that includes and educates everyone impacted by violent crime, whether directly or indirectly, about the criminal justice process with deeper information focused on specific cases in specific locations. Its real time feature keeps everyone updated on what happens in cases when it happens.

The VNS is accessible through our website (dcwitness.org).

We developed this tool because we understand how the criminal justice system seems closed off, which is why we do what we do to keep you informed.

So, on this Giving Tuesday, I am asking you to consider those who have been impacted by violent crime and currently stuck in a place of not only loss, but also uncertainty and confusion.

Help D.C. Witness improve our VNS tool by donating to our end of year campaign. With your support we would be able to reach more victims, cover more types of violent crime and give all residents not only a sense of knowledge about what’s going on in violent crime cases, but also a sense of safety.

Help D.C. Witness Support Residents

Defense Attorney Calls Murder Victim and Friends, ‘Three Home Invaders’

During openings, a murder defendant’s attorney claimed that the victim and her friends were “three home invaders [who] began to assault and terrorize” the defendant and his girlfriend in a Dec. 3 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

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 in connection to the Aug. 7 2021 fatal shooting of Kendall Brown, 20, on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE.

“Kendall Brown’s life matters,” prosecutors stated at the outset of their opening statement. Prosecutors continued by identifying each of the five individuals in the apartment the night Brown was killed and asserted that the four women were growing apart, but “a friendship breaking down … is not justification for someone to lose their life.”

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 home-owner, a former friend of Brown’s, claimed not to have it. Brown and her friends forced their way inside and began searching the apartment, which is when Jefferson, identified as the homeowner’s boyfriend, allegedly went to retrieve his gun and fired, shooting Brown, “an unarmed woman.”

Prosecutors then alleged Brown’s friends left the apartment in fear, providing time for Jefferson, his girlfriend and her son to lock the door to the apartment and escape through the back of the building. When police arrived, it took seven minutes to break the door down and provide first aid to Brown, according to the prosecution.

Prosecutors continued by identifying key pieces of evidence. First, Jefferson’s DNA was nearly 100 percent confirmed to be on the gun stashed in a drainage pipe only a few blocks from the crime scene. Second, the ballistics from the same gun and casing found in the apartment were consistent. Third, Jefferson’s girlfriend’s phone could be identified at the crime scene at the time of the incident, followed through Jefferson’s apartment, and lastly, “holed up in another jurisdiction,” where Jefferson was arrested.

Prosecutors concluded by referencing text messages between Jefferson and his girlfriend from while he was in jail, asserting that “he tried to get [her] to take the fall for him,” sending messages like “tell em it wasn’t my mistle” and “im tryna talk in code.”

Michelle Stevens, Jefferson’s attorney argued “sometimes the [prosecution] gets things wrong.” Stevens told a different version of the events, alleging that the incident was a “planned robbery and assault” from Brown and her friends.

Stevens cited a video one of Brown’s friends took at the beginning of the altercation, claiming the fact that someone was recording was an indicator the women were prepared for violence, and referencing how Brown and her friends “force their way into the apartment,” by blocking the door.

“Three home invaders began to assault and terrorize,” the defendant and his girlfriend, Stevens claimed, continuing by stating that “these women meant him [Jefferson] harm.”

Stevens bolstered this idea by referencing Instagram messages one of Brown’s friends had sent Jefferson’s girlfriend only days before the incident. They read “ANSWER BI*CH” followed by “Imma smack every single one of your disabled kids.”

The trial continued with testimony from Brown’s sister who asserted Brown “wanted everyone to just get along” and “loved animals and anything living.” Brown’s sister admitted on cross that Brown would sometimes be asked to leave the house by their mother, but that the relationship was typical of three women living together.

Two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers also testified, one added context to the body-worn camera footage of the seven minutes it takes officers to break down the apartment door and the other testified that a civilian flagged the officer down and pointed to where he had seen someone stash a firearm.

The trial is set to continue Dec. 4

Document: UPDATE MPD Investigating Fatal Crash Involving MPD Member

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash involving an MPD member that occurred on Nov 30. The incident involved a collision between an unmarked MPD cruiser and a motorcycle at the intersection of Columbia Road and 13th Street, NW. The motorcycle operator, identified as 20-year-old Giulianny Castro from Hyattsville, MD, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The MPD member involved was uninjured and has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.

document: MPD Investigating Fatal Crash Involving MPD Member

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash involving an MPD member that occurred on Nov 30. An unmarked MPD cruiser, driven by an on-duty Commander, collided with a speeding, unregistered motorcycle at the intersection of Columbia Road and 13th Street, NW. The motorcycle operator was ejected and pronounced deceased, while the MPD member was uninjured and has been placed on administrative leave. Detectives are working to identify the deceased motorcycle operator.

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