7-Eleven Homicide Defendant Pleads Guilty to Murder

Terry Thompson pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed through his attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 4.

Thompson, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction of less than one year for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Christopher Callahan, 64, on May 15, 2023. The incident occurred outside a 7-Eleven on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW.

Thompson previously rejected two plea offers brought by the prosecution. In the plea agreement Thompson accepted, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges besides the homicide in exchange for his guilty plea. Thompson must also register as a gun offender.

According to the prosecution, surveillance video footage shows Thompson walking up to Callahan, who is sitting on his walker, and shooting him in the head outside a 7-Eleven in broad daylight. The incident, prosecution said, happened after a verbal altercation between Thompson and Callahan.

Thompson’s sentencing is scheduled for June 6.

Search Reveals a Discarded Knife Thought to be a Murder Weapon

An evidence specialist found a knife prosectors say links a defendant to a fatal stabbing. The testimony was presented to a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on April 3.

Julian Ruffin, 34, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 38-year-old Alphonso Lee on Oct. 7, 2022 on the 1500 block of Butler Street, SE.

The prosecution called a Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) agent who executed a search warrant of Ruffin’s apartment and allegedly found a folding knife at the bottom of a trash can underneath a partially full trash bag as well as a blood stained undershirt.

A DNA specialist who evaluated the evidence said that DNA samples from both the bloody shirt and the recovered knife were highly likely to be Lee’s. The undershirt, said the analyst, probably contained Ruffin’s DNA as well.

Ruffin’s attorney, Kevin Irving, questioned the witness about the DNA’s source. He noted that if Ruffin were in an argument with Lee, Lee’s spit and sweat could easily have led to his DNA being present on the undershirt.

An MPD officer testified she followed a blood trail leading to Ruffin’s apartment. She added she was present when Ruffin was questioned by detectives, and although he was cooperative, denied any involvement of the crime.

A DNA specialist who evaluated the evidence said that DNA samples from both the bloody shirt and the recovered knife were highly likely to be Lee’s. The undershirt, said the analyst, probably contained Ruffin’s DNA.

Ruffin’s attorney, Kevin Irving, questioned the witness about the DNA’s source. He noted that if Ruffin were in an argument with Lee, Lee’s spit and sweat could easily have led to his DNA being present on the undershirt.

The prosecution also called a forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy on Lee. She noted that he had several injuries consistent with being attacked by a knife, including both stab wounds and long cuts. According to the pathologist, the manner of death was homicide and the cause of death were sharp force injuries.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

DOCUMENT: 1D Incident 700 block of H Street, Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that on Feb. 18, officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of H Street, NE. An adult male victim was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased despite life-saving efforts. Homicide detectives are investigating the incident.

DOCUMENT: Updated with Video: MPD Investigating Knox Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an update on the investigation of a homicide that occurred on Feb. 16 on Knox Place, Southeast. The victim, identified as 37-year-old William Williams, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Surveillance footage of a suspect has been released as the investigation continues.

DOCUMENT: MPD’s Weekly Firearm Recoveries: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, to Monday, Feb. 3, 2025

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 53 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3. Arrests were made in connection with these recoveries, including Derrick Howard, 29, for carrying a pistol outside a home or business, and Torey Lewis Shields, 22, for multiple firearm and drug-related charges. The MPD continues to work with specialized units and community members to remove illegal firearms from the streets, aiming to reduce crime and enhance public safety.

DOCUMENT: 1D Incident 700 block of H Street, NE

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced that on Feb. 18, officers responded to a shooting in the 700 block of H Street, NE. An adult male victim was found with gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased despite life-saving efforts. Homicide detectives are investigating the incident.

DOCUMENT: MPD Makes Arrest in Armed Carjacking Offense

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Miquel Beasley, 22, of Bryans Road, MD, in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred on March 22, 2024, in the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE. Beasley allegedly brandished a handgun and forced the victim to exit their vehicle before fleeing in it. He was charged with Armed Carjacking (Gun) and Failure to Appear.

DOCUMENT: MPD Investigating Shooting Involving Off-Duty Member

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a shooting involving an off-duty detective that occurred on March 1 in Southeast Washington, DC. The incident followed a traffic crash on the 1800 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, where an altercation led the detective to fire his service weapon, injuring the other driver, who survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The detective has been placed on administrative leave, and the case is under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau and the District Investigations Division.

DOCUMENT: 3.27.25 MPD Makes Arrests in 2024 Homicide Case

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Elijah Washington, 18, who has been charged with First Degree Murder while Armed in connection to a fatal shooting on Sept. 15, 2024. The incident occurred inside a residence on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE, where 36-year-old David Washington was found deceased. Elijah Washington, who was a juvenile at the time of the offense, was arrested on March 26, 2025.

Stabbing Case Set for Trial as Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 4.

James Callen, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and four counts of felony contempt for his alleged involvement in a July 13, 2024, non-fatal stabbing incident on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE. One person sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

All assault charges have an aggravating circumstance of allegedly being committed during release.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas, Callen’s attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of his intent to plead not guilty to the eight charges. Parties agreed to a trial date of Sept. 2.

In preparation for the trial, Callen also waived his right to the Innocence Protection Act (IPA), which ensures the preservation of evidence and grants defendants the right to independently test DNA evidence to support claims of innocence.

Thomas also said he intends to add a co-counsel to the case, which was granted by Judge Brandt.

This addition of counsel could delay the trial – Judge Brandt stated she will be prepared to vacate the date and set an interim hearing depending on the new attorney’s availability.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 18.

DOCUMENT: 3.27.25 MPD’s Helicopter Tracks Carjacked Vehicle, Two Suspects Arrested

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two suspects involved in armed carjackings in Washington, D.C. On March 25, an attempted carjacking occurred on 7th Street, NE, where the suspects failed to steal the vehicle but took the victim’s property. On March 26, a successful carjacking took place on Fort Lincoln Drive, NE. MPD’s helicopter tracked the stolen vehicle, leading to the arrest of alleged suspect Jamari Robinson, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile. Both face charges of Armed Carjacking (Gun), and the stolen vehicle, property, and a handgun were recovered.

document: 03.27.25 MPD Arrests Suspect in New Jersey Avenue Armed Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Marquis Alston, 19, in connection with an armed carjacking that occurred on Jan. 23 on the 1700 block of New Jersey Avenue, NW. The victim was assaulted by three suspects and had their vehicle stolen at gunpoint while pumping gas. Alston has been charged with Armed Carjacking, and the case remains under investigation.

Shooting Defendant Deemed Competent to Stand Trial

A defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on April 4.

Santos Duarte, 25, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. One victim, the owner of the restaurant, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Duarte was deemed competent to understand a trial proceeding by a DC Department of Behavior Health (DBH) representative, with no objections by the counsel or court.

Camille Wagner, Duarte’s attorney, informed the court that her client would likely enter into a plea agreement in the coming weeks. Terms of the agreement were unspecified.

Judge Brandt allowed Wagner time to discuss the plea deal with her client, which would require her to go in-person to the DC jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 25.

Judge Denies Release After Contested Probable Cause in a Stabbing

A stabbing defendant was denied release by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on April 7, after his attorney argued the prosecution failed to establish probable cause in the case.

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

In court, Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Proctor’s attorney, claimed the victim does not have a reliable memory. She called a defense team investigator who spoke with the victim about what happened.

According to the investigator, the victim stated that Proctor choked him with his bare hands prior to the stabbing. Fullwood-Singh stated that this information was not relayed police.

The investigator also asked the victim whether he remembers allegedly spraying Proctor with an unknown substance, to which he replied he did not remember. Fullwood-Singh argued that Proctor had the jacket with the substance on it at the time of arrest, however it was not taken into evidence.

“I thought there was gonna be some evidence here,” Judge Pipe stated. She stated that when she had agreed to reopen the preliminary hearing it was her understanding that Fullwood-Singh would argue for self-defense case, not contest probable cause.

Fullwood-Singh requested release on electronic monitoring for Proctor despite a murder conviction in 2004. She stated that since that prior conviction, Proctor has had no criminal contact, secured housing, secured multiple jobs, and fulfilled all of his conditions of release. She also highlighted the weakness of the prosecution’s case.

“I ask that you base your judgement on this new individual standing in front of you,” Proctor begged Judge Pipe.

Judge Pipe admitted that the evidence in this case isn’t particularly strong, however, she said it’s still good enough to prove probable cause, citing the victim’s multiple stab wounds. She stated that she takes repeat offenders in a crime of violence very seriously, denying the motion for release.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 30.

document: 4.7.25 MPD Investigating Mount Olivet Road Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 5 in the 900 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE. The victim, identified as 55-year-old Maurice Tyner, was initially found conscious and breathing but later succumbed to his injuries on April 6. No suspect information has been released.