The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a homicide that occurred on Nov 28 on the 600 block of T Street, NW. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Tavaughn Norde, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. The case has been ruled a homicide, and authorities are seeking information from the public.
An unarmed carjacking defendant was denied his request for release again by Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro based on past rulings on Dec. 2.
Kendall Joiner, 21, is charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 2000 block of Savannah Street, SE on May 30.
Joiner and his co-defendant, Rickey Lindsey, allegedly pointed firearms at a victim in the passenger’s seat, forcing him out of the car, assaulting the victim, and then proceeding to steal the car.
At the hearing, Joiner’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, requested Joiner be released until the next hearing. Simmons argued he is young, a long-term resident of DC, and had various family members who could look after him.
Judge Di Toro denied his request, based on her ruling from Oct. 4. According to Judge Di Toro, nothing has changed significantly since the previous hearing that would cause Judge Di Toro to approve Joiner’s release request.
Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 14.
A motion for the return of personal property was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 2.
Keanan Turner, 35, was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, attempted first-degree murder committed against a minor, second-degree cruelty to children, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, arson, and destruction of property worth less than $1,000.
The conviction stemmed from the shooting deaths of Wanda Wright, 48, and her daughter Ebony Wright, 31, on the 2300 block of Good Hope Court, SE, on April 12, 2021. Ebony’s sister was also a victim but survived, along with Ebony’s three-month-old child.
On Oct. 18, Judge Raffinan sentenced Turner to 69-and-a-half years of imprisonment.
Following the trial, Turner’s father filed a motion for the return of his personal property, which were two guns recovered from his house during a search warrant executed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
The prosecution opposed this motion, stating that there is no indication the guns were purchased or owned legally. They also stated that they would expect that showing ownership of the property “would be a relatively easy thing to do.”
Frederick Iverson, representing Turner’s dad, stated that the guns were tested and shown not to be the guns used in the events, therefore they are not relevant to this case.
“We just want to make sure we are returning this property to the rightful owner to prevent threat to the community,” stated the prosecution in response.
Judge Raffinan denied the motion. She stated that based on previous case law, it is not clear that this court has jurisdiction to order return of property to a non party. She also stated that even if it does, the prosecution should retain all evidence until any appeal is resolved in this case.
No further dates are set at this time.
A shooting defendant rejected a plea offer and was found mentally competent to stand trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Dec. 2.
Bryant Russell, 47, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 6, 2024 on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.
According to court documents, the victim was sitting on the porch smoking when Russell allegedly came up to the house and shot the person in the right arm.
A mental competency exam had previously been ordered for Russell, and Judge Hertzfeld read in open court that Russell was found competent to stand trial.
Defense attorney Daniel Dorsey spoke on behalf of Russell, rejecting the plea deal extended by the prosecution. The plea stated that if Russell pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, the prosecution wouldn’t bring any further charges against him, and would agree to cap his sentences within the bottom third of the guideline range.
A trial date has been set for March 6.
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan presided over a detective’s testimony for the prosecution in a preliminary hearing on Nov. 27.
Juan Adams, 39, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1700 block of Benning Road NE on Dec. 2, 2023 which resulted in the death of 38-year-old Michael Hansley.
A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective gave his testimony and an in court identification of Adams as the individual seen within the surveillance videos surrounding the incident scene.
The detective claimed that the defendant and victim seemingly knew each other based on witness testimonies and that Hansley had allegedly bought narcotics from Adams. After a conflict about the narcotics deal, witnesses stated that Hansley confronted Adams, and things turned violent.
Defense attorney Rachel Cicurel, questioned the in-court identification as the detective had only seen the defendant in video surveillance. Cicurel noted he was not the one to conduct the arrest and that there were two suspects.
In surveillance footage shown in court, three individuals can be seen approaching Hansley on the sidewalk. An individual, who is thought to be Adams within the video, stretches his hand toward Hansley, who then slumps over off his scooter.
Cicurel again questioned the legitimacy of the footage because of how far the individuals are from the camera, and the quality is poor.
Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.
Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 3.
DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Nov. 27.
Maurice Corbin, 45, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal-shooting that occurred on April 30 on the 1500 block of North Capitol Street NE, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Dequan Gardner.
Defense attorney Julie Swaney argued for release because of Corbin’s social support network. According to Swaney, Corbin’s friend, who is a social worker, agreed to ensure Corbin could safely be released.
The prosecution opposed release, arguing Corbin still remains a threat to victims and nothing has changed since he was indicted on these charges.
The prosecution also argued Corbin allegedly committed this crime on supervised release for another crime, during which, according to court documents, he allegedly slit the throat of another individual.
Judge Raffinan denied this request due to the nature of the crime which was violent, citing specifically that the victim was unarmed. She added Corbin has countless other offenses in DC and Maryland and noncompliance with supervision in multiple accounts.
Parties are set to reconvene Feb. 19.
DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ruled a stabbing defendant will remain detained in light of new evidence on Dec. 2.
Maurice Felder, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1900 block of 7th Street, NW on Nov. 10. One person sustained a stab wound to his chest.
According to court documents, the altercation came after a verbal argument between the victim and Felder.
During the hearing, Matthew Rist, Felder’s attorney, asked Judge Pipe to review newly obtained cell phone footage of the incident. According to Rist, the affidavit inaccurately presented the cell phone footage and argued that he should be released because the footage offered a new perspective on the crime.
Moreover, Rist argued that Felder was trying to get away from the victim and a group of individuals until cornered against a wall. Additionally, he mentioned that the witness who recorded the event can be heard encouraging the victim to attack Felder.
Judge Pipe viewed the footage taken from a cell phone, which depicted the two individuals arguing and the victim allegedly cornering Felder near a wall. All the while, the victim was being cheered on. Immediately following, someone noticed a knife and the victim was stabbed in the chest as everyone fled.
Judge Pipe focused on the fact that the victim was stabbed while trying to get away from Felder. She announced that he was not necessarily cornered into a wall, but unsure of which side a jury would favor if presented at trial. She continued by saying that, at the very least, probable cause exists.
Judge Pipe ruled that Felder must remain detained while the case progresses.
Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 17.
A non-fatal shooting defendant rejected a plea offer and asked for a trial date before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Dec. 2.
Andrew Black, 51, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, unlawful possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.
Black’s charges stem from his alleged involvement in a Sept. 9, 2023, non-fatal shooting on the 4600 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, injuring one person.
At the hearing, the prosecution stated that if Black had accepted the offer, he would have been required to plead guilty to aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 4, 2025.
A non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Dec. 2.
Marcel Palmer, 17, was originally charged with assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his involvement in a shooting on June 12 on the 2700 block of Sheridan Road, SE.
According to court documents, Palmer jumped out of a car and chased a victim down the block, eventually shooting him in the leg.
During the hearing, the defense alerted Judge Demeo Palmer intended to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges, and the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment.
Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 60-to-72 months of incarceration.
Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 28, 2025, for Palmer’s sentencing.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno delayed a shooting defendant’s sentencing on Nov. 26 due to outstanding indictment for unrelated charges.
Jaleel Fowler, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident on Dec. 8, 2023, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.
Fowler has an additional case in which he is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident occurring on Dec. 15, 2023, on the 2700 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.
During the hearing, Judge Salerno asked about the third case for Fowler in which he was initially charged for his alleged involvement in an unarmed carjacking.
The prosecution revealed that they were waiting for the grand jury and indictment to continue that case. They had additional information, but they would only reveal it ex-parte, or only between the prosecution and the judge.
Raymond Jones, Fowler’s attorney, requested a continuance so he could file something in writing on behalf of Fowler’s sentencing before conducting the hearing.
Judge Salerno granted the request.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 17, 2025.
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno alerted parties that an assault defendant was deemed mentally competent to stand trial on Nov. 26.
Michael Lopez, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 10 on the 6900 block of 4th Street, NW. One officer was injured.
According to court documents, an on-duty armed special police officer observed Lopez allegedly concealing two bottles of beer as he passed the store exit without paying. The officer ordered Lopez to stop. He then allegedly produced a large silver knife and began to walk towards her when she fired and wounded him fearing for her safety and the safety of others.
During the hearing, Judge Salerno informed the court that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) mental competency report revealed that Lopez was competent to stand trial. However, they asked that Lopez have a Spanish-speaking attorney assigned to his case.
Darryl Daniels, Lopez’s attorney, did not object to the request and he made an oral motion to withdraw from the case.
Judge Salerno granted the oral request and appointed Escoto to Lopez’s case.
Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 11.
A shooting defendant’s trial was pushed back in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Dec. 2.
Ni’jhae Curry, 33, was indicted for assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a prohibited weapon, for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 900 block of Sycamore Drive, SE. No injuries were reported.
Judge Christian accepted a motion presented by the prosecution to carry the current trial date by a month due to a scheduling conflict by Curry’s defense attorney, Jonathan Love.
Love also filed a motion to return Curry’s cell phone to her. He justified that there is nothing on there that will incriminate her, rather there is only information showing her innocence. This motion was denied since the prosecution will make the device available as soon as testing is done.
Parties will reconvene on Feb. 13.
DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a carjacking defendant to 20 years total on Nov. 22.
DeAngelo Richardson, 22, pleaded guilty to armed carjacking and armed robbery for his involvement in the following series of armed robbery and carjacking incidents:
The prosecution read aloud three statements from Richardson’s carjacking victims.
The first victim was threatened at gunpoint, and robbed of her wallet, keys, and car. Richardson also did $7,000 dollars of damage to her car that insurance wouldn’t cover.
“The crime you committed has terrorized me every day,” the victim wrote. “I’m angry you taught me to be hypervigilant.”
Despite the pain he caused, the first victim wrote that she wanted a sentence, “in the spirit of long-term rehabilitation.”
The second victim wrote about her anxiety and fear she’s experienced after the crime. She wrote that she missed being able to go out with her friends without worrying about potential dangers.
The third victim was robbed on her birthday. She stated the day now serves as a reminder of when she was victimized by Richardson. In her statement, she wrote that she sincerely hopes Richardson will reflect on the consequences of his actions.
Afterward the prosecution asked for a sentence of 20 years. As part of Richardson’s plea agreement the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA)–which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements–was waived, and the act wasn’t a factor in sentencing.
Defense attorney Molly Bunke asked for the same sentence of 20 years, but her arguments on Richardson’s behalf were interrupted frequently by Judge Christian.
Bunke explained that for a 22 year old like Richardson, the 20 year sentence is incredibly long, since the sentence is equal to the life he lived until he was arrested.
“This warrants a life sentence,” interrupted Judge Christian. “I don’t think it’s long at all.”
Bunke stated people don’t have fully developed brains and can’t fully deliberate their actions until they’re 25-years-old.
Bunke also argued that Richardson’s proactive attitude and accountability shows his commitment to change and taking responsibilit. According to Bunke, he pleaded guilty before his preliminary hearing and he’s been taking advantage of education programs at the jail despite already having a high school diploma.
“That is what we hope for,” Bunke exclaimed.
“The system is not just for punishment,” Bunke stated, to which Christian interrupted, “This is the case for punishment.”
“People are not the worst things they’ve ever done,” Bunke stated, “[he’s] capable of change.”
Richardson apologized for the harm and trauma his actions caused. He stated he spent a lot of time thinking about the damage he did, and stated he is “working on bettering [himself].”
“I hope one day they can accept my apology and know I’m being sincere.” Richardson concluded.
Judge Christian sentenced Richardson to 15 years for armed carjacking, and five years for armed robbery, both to run consecutively to each other.
“This was a pretty good deal here for what was done,” Christian ended the sentencing.
No further dates have been set for this case.
Ethan Cunningham failed to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 2 to accept or reject a plea offer, following several previous absences that have caused hardship to the victim’s family members, according to the prosecutor.
Cunningham, 22, is charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.
Lisbeth Sapirstein, Cunningham’s defense attorney, told the court she expected Cunningham to appear in court on Dec. 2 to decide on a plea offer.
The prosecutor said US Marshals reported Cunningham didn’t get on the bus from DC Jail, citing unspecified medical reasons.
According to the prosecutor, Cunningham has repeatedly failed to appear in court when the victim’s family has taken time off work and traveled from different state to see if Cunningham will take responsibility for their loved one’s death.
The prosecutor set a deadline of Dec. 4 for Cunningham to respond to the plea offer. If he doesn’t appear in court or provide documentation of extenuating medical circumstances, the prosecution plans to go ahead with the trial currently scheduled for Jan. 21, 2025.
For the convenience of the victim’s family, Judge Epstein agreed to the prosecution’s request for unusual scheduling of the next hearing. If Cunningham appears in court on the morning of Dec. 4 and wants to accept the plea offer, Judge Epstein plans to delay his guilty plea until the afternoon of the same day, giving the victim’s family time to travel to the court to be present in person.
This arrangement will allow the family to avoid making another trip if Cunningham again fails to appear or rejects the plea offer.
D.C. Witness previously reported the prosecution withdrew a plea offer on July 12 on the grounds that Cunningham had missed three hearings at which he was expected to accept or reject the offer.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 4.
A status hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant was delayed a second time for medical reasons on Dec 2 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.
Anthrone Cabos, 27, is charged with 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 for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting of one person on the 600 block of Condon Terrace, SE on June 28, 2020.
Defense attorneys, Theodore Shaw and Patrick O’Sullivan, say they saw Cabos in the past week but did not see him two weeks ago when he was at the hospital. He was supposedly being treated in hospital for chronic heart issues.
There was a 911 call Monday morning according to the DC Jail, but its content was unspecified. In any case, Cabos was a no-show for the hearing.
Judge O’Keefe continued the matter until Tuesday for more information but the defense counsel questioned whether Cabos would be better by then.
Judge O’Keefe stated, “I get suspicious when people have continuous medical scratches” and scheduled a continued status hearing for Dec 3.
