Case Acquitted: Defense Calls Homicide Investigation ‘Sloppy’ in Closing Argument

Editor’s note: Aaron Murchison was acquitted of all charges by a jury on Feb. 11, 2025.

Defense counsel criticized the prosecution’s investigation as “sloppy” during closing arguments in a homicide trial on Feb. 10 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson.

Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder 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 the fatal shooting of Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner alleged there were key inconsistencies in the case, arguing the prosecution failed to conduct a thorough investigation and shaped the evidence to fit their theory by “trying to put a square peg in a round hole.”

Prosecutors accused the defense of not regarding the case seriously and “using theatrics” to distract the jury with humor rather than facts.

Gardner said the prosecution presented a “lazy investigation based on a video that shows nothing” with little to no evidence connecting Murchison to Brown. He claimed the prosecution did not call the lead detective to testify because “they’re hiding him” and “know their investigation was sloppy.” Gardner continued “that type of investigation is how innocent people are convicted of crimes they didn’t commit.”

Gardner questioned the handling of the case, and urged the jury to consider overlooked facts instead of ignoring them as prosecution asked, including the presence of ten or more individuals in the area—known as “the cut”—where the incident occurred.

He said an officer, who arrived at the scene, repeatedly informed the lead detective about the number of people present between buildings. However, the prosecution never called the detective to testify, a decision Gardner criticized as a major investigative failure.

During their rebuttal, prosecutors said the defense’s claims of ten-to-15 people on the scene were misleading, as those individuals were seen only after the shooting and when police responded.

The defense also attacked the prosecution’s assertion that there was only one way in and out of the cut, highlighting multiple access points, including a parking lot, a front gate, a back side door, and as many as 47 windows. The defense contended this is a misrepresentation in an attempt to place Murchison at the scene to fit their narrative.

Gardner argued the only eyewitness to testify described the perpetrator as middle-aged and wearing all black which did not match the defendant. Garnder also pointed out that the witness was never shown a photo or presented a photo lineup to see if he’d be able to identify Murchison, arguing this was a deliberate omission. He said the prosecution feared the witness would state Murchison was not the shooter, and therefore, ”they can lose the case.”

The prosecution explained the lack of an ID photo or lineup was due to the dark situation and the witness’ inability to see clearly.

Additionally, Gardner presented a self-defense argument, stating that the victim was armed and potentially firing as he ran towards his car. According to the prosecution, Murchison was not defending himself, as he left his home and ran toward the incident rather than away from it.

Jurors are scheduled to reconvene Feb. 11 to begin deliberations.

Homicide Trial Scheduled For February Pushed To March 2026

A prosecutor’s request to delay a homicide trial scheduled for Feb. 24 was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 12, and trial was rescheduled to 2026.

Charles Haythe, 32, is charged with second-degree murder, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 26-year-old Aaron Langford on Oct. 25, 2021, on the 1600 block of 18th Street, SE.

A potential conflict of interest arose when the prosecution mentioned that defense attorney Julie Swaney had previously represented one of the witnesses scheduled to testify in trial. According to the prosecution, this connection would play to Haythe’s advantage.

Haythe requested more time to discuss this matter with his other defense attorney, Michelle Lockard.

Prosecutors requested to delay trial, particularly for their experts to interview the defendant prior to trial. The motion was granted by Judge Park, who rescheduled the trial for March 30, 2026.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a status hearing on Feb. 20.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Second of Two Homicide Cases

A homicide defendant currently facing two separate fatal shooting cases has pleaded not guilty in the second case before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 11.

Rico Parker, 43, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated 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 Marcus Little, 52, on Nov. 13, 2023, on the 400 block of Ridge Road, SE.

Parker is also charged with first-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 shooting of Jabari Malloy, 17, on Feb. 25, 2024 on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW. Parker has already pleaded not guilty on all counts for this case.

When presented with the charges filed against him, Parker’s attorney, David Akulian pleaded not guilty to each count.

Akulian shared that they were prepared to proceed, pending the prosecution’s turning over evidence.

The two ongoing cases will be joined in future proceedings, with Judge Park granting a continuance for both cases as Akulian decides how to proceed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 16.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Tells Judge He, ‘Regrets It Everyday’

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a defendant to a total of 18 months behind bars on Feb. 11.

Owen Mendez, 19, was convicted for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license following his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. A vehicle was damaged by gunfire, but no individuals were injured.

The prosecution sought a total sentence of 60 months for the assault with a dangerous weapon and 18 months for the firearm offense. They emphasized that Mendez contributed to the shooting problem in DC linking firearms to social settings involving drinking and clubbing.

Prosecutors argued that Mendez had the opportunity to walk away from the confrontation but returned to the scene and open fire.

Additionally, the prosecution noted that this was not Mendez’s first contact with the justice system, citing prior assault issues.

Mendez’s attorney Nabeel Kibria, argued for leniency, asserting that he had no prior arrests, had come to DC to have a good time, and suggested that he had the intention to shoot but not kill.

“ I regret it every day, and it’s never going to happen again,” Mendez said.

Judge Park sentenced Mendez to 48 months of incarceration with 30 months suspended for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge, in addition to three years of supervised release..

For the charge of carrying a pistol without a license, Mendez is sentenced to 18 months of incarceration with 12 months suspended and three years of supervised release. These two sentences are slated to run concurrently.

The court imposed additional conditions, including probation and community service.

Cell Phone Expert Maps Homicide Suspect’s Whereabouts in Trial

A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent who is also a member of the Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), testified he used cellular location data to track a homicide suspect’s whereabouts in a case before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 11.

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.

In court, the FBI agent shared evidence he had acquired from cell phone providers, which found Stoney’s cell phone near the incident at the time of the shooting.

Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, questioned the exactness of the data used by the FBI agent to track Stoney’s movements, to which he testified he can’t pinpoint his exact location at the time of the incident.

Lotze showed the jury a warning that comes with any request for cellular location data from a major provider, reading “Please exercise caution in using these records for investigative or prosecutorial purposes.”

Lotze said the signals from tower to phone can also be disrupted by environmental factors such as buildings or other structures in a process called multi-pathing, which can affect a phone’s location.

The prosecution countered that multi-pathing is already taken into account in any case like this. They reiterated the reliability of the reports.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 12.

Prosecution Wins Detention For Previously Released Shooting Suspect

Prosecutors successfully asked DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park to hold a shooting defendant despite his previous release, during a hearing on Feb. 10.

Demann Shelton, 32, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on Nov. 9, 2020 at the 3000 block of 14th Street, NW that left one individual with an injury to the wrist.

Shelton, currently in custody for other pending cases, will be eligible for release in June.

However, prosecution’s request for detention is “wholly inappropriate” say Shelton’s attorneys, Emma Mlyniec and Emily Sufrin, who claimed the prosecution had the opportunity to contest the conditions of release plenty of times throughout the case.

The prosecutor admitted they did not oppose Shelton’s release previously, but they had been prompted to do so by the recent filing of additional charges against Shelton, from the original two charges to 15.

The prosecution also acknowledged that the original release conditions were reasonable but the situation has changed.

Judge Park ultimately decided that Shelton should be held for this case in that he could not be safely released into the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 21.

Carjacking Trial on Hold For Medical, Legal issues

Armed carjacking co-defendants failed to appear in court before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean, with bench warrant issued for one and the other absent for medical reasons on Feb. 12.

Peguy Sikadi, 31, and Lamar Stephens, 37, are charged with armed carjacking, five counts of robbery while armed, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, eleven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for their alleged involvement in a May 26, carjacking on the 2000 block of 13th Street, NW.

Stephens’ attorney, Marnitta King, requested Stephens’ release to access medical care unavailable in jail. Judge McLean examined a medical report indicating Stephens was “almost constantly in pain of seven or higher.”

Judge McLean granted Stephens’ release to 24 hour home confinement to deal with his medical issues. However, because he has an outstanding warrant in a different jurisdiction, he will remain detained until that matter is resolved.

Meanwhile, Sikadi remains at large, with his attorney, Sharon Weathers, unable to provide information about his whereabouts. His absence has complicated proceedings, causing the court to set aside the trial date originally set for both defendants.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 11.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Jan. 28.

Anthony McNair, 36, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Oct. 11, 2024 at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE.

According to court documents, McNair stabbed the victim, who was identified as another inmate, at the DC jail. The injuries included the back of head, back of the base of the neck, right shoulder, middle of chest, and a one inch cut on the left palm.

An officer witnessed the incident and placed McNair in handcuffs, according to court documents.

During the hearing, Marnitta King, McNair’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead guilty. The deal required McNair to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. The defendant also waived his right to independently test DNA evidence involving biological material recovered in this case.

The maximum sentence McNair faces is then years of imprisonment, or a $12,500 fine.

The sentencing is set to take place on April 4.

Investigator Concludes Cause of Double-Homicide Fire Undetermined

The trial of a homicide defendant allegedly responsible for two burn deaths continued with testimony about the cause of the blaze on Feb. 11 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

James Walker, 66, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged involvement in a fire that caused the deaths of 40-year-old Fitsum Kebde and nine-year-old Yafet Solomen at the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW, on Aug. 18, 2019.

The victims screamed for help as they tried to get out of the inferno but were trapped by locked doors.

Prosecutors called an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) who explained to the jury how he was able to find the origin point of the fire, which was in a basement bedroom of Walker’s property on or above a mattress.

The witness took two cans of fire debris from the scene and tested the contents for ignitable liquids, but did not find any.

The witness testified that although he and his team searched for potential ignition properties nearest to the origin, they were unable to conclude how the fire started. He confirmed that it was not an electrical fire and it was not caused by smoking materials. The cause of the fire is labeled as ‘undetermined’ on the witness’ report.

Under questioning from Elliot Queen, Walker’s defense attorney, the witness stated that after there were reports of fire code violations in the building, someone from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DCRA) went out to the property, but was “unable to gain access to the location.” In his opening statements, Queen stated that once the report was filed, nobody showed up to inspect the property.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 12.

Teen Carjacking Defendant Enjoys Academic Success, Considers Plea

DC Superior Court Judge Robert A. Salerno postponed a hearing on Feb. 11 to allow parties to finalize plea negotiations for a young defendant excelling in school.

Jordan Grice, 17, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Aug. 16, 2024 on the 1000 block of 10th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Grice is accused of holding the victim at gunpoint, stealing the car and other valuables, including footwear. He was identified as a suspect because his GPS monitor–which was ordered for his release in another matter–was at the location of the incident.

During the hearing, parties alerted Judge Salerno that they are in plea negotiations, and requested additional time to finalize the deal.

Defense attorney Craig Ricard also updated the court on Grice’s academic achievements in jail, including earning a spot on the honor roll at Maya Angelou Academy and receiving the Angela Davis Award for advocacy. Ricard stated that the defendant’s teacher is excessively proud of him. His teacher commented on his continuous participation in class and passion for science.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

Trial Date on Hold For Criminal Responsibility Exam

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea L. Hertzfeld set aside a trial readiness hearing and trial date for a non-fatal shooting to administer a criminal responsibility examination on Feb. 12.

Bryant Russel, 47, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm due to prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 100 block of U Street, NE on May 20, 2021.

According to court documents, the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the right arm.

Russel passed a mental competency on Dec. 2. If he passes the criminal responsibility exam, a new trial date will be set.

The canceled hearing comes after Russel rejected a plea deal extended by prosecution on Dec. 2. The terms were if Russel pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, the prosecution wouldn’t bring any further charges against him, and his sentence would be capped within the bottom third of the sentencing guidelines.

Russel waived his right to independent DNA testing after hearing the biological evidence in this case including a mouth swab and swabs from a firearm and magazine. The prosecution has already done DNA testing in this case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

‘Traumatic and Indiscriminate Act of Violence,’ Says Prosecution of Non-Fatal Shooting Suspects

The jury trial for two non-fatal shooting codefendants ended with closing arguments before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 10.

Chantel Stewart, 33, and Daniel Cary, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020 on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.

In their closing argument, the prosecution summarized the evidence presented in the case and told the jury that the crime was a “traumatic and indiscriminate act of violence,” during which Cary allegedly shot the victim while in her car and drove to the hospital trying to remain conscious.

The prosecution claimed that although Cary was the one who shot five rounds, Stewart is guilty of aiding and abetting the crime due to driving him to and from the scene.

According to the prosecution, there was a fight between Stewart and the victim earlier that day, prompted by a threat made by Stewart in which she stated that her boyfriend would kill the victim’s boyfriend. The prosecution claimed that the “beef” between the two escalated throughout the day.

Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, stated that the defendant yelled “move, he’s about to shoot you,” seconds before the gun went off, and argued that this statement was a warning to the victim rather than a threat. Winograd also argued there is no evidence that Stewart knew the shooting would take place until the last second.

According to Winograd, an eyewitness present in the passenger seat of the victim’s car testified that “without that warning, I’d be dead.”

Winograd told the the warning is sufficient evidence to prove that Stewart did not intend injury or death for the victim, and she should be found not guilty on all counts.

Alvin Thomas, Cary’s defense attorney, told the jury that the “devil is in the details,” and this case is one of misidentification. Thomas stated that at the first identification procedure conducted, the victim identified a picture of someone who was not Cary, but the police did not confirm the procedure because the victim did not directly state that he was the shooter.

At the second identification procedure conducted five months after the shooting, the victim identified Cary as the shooter with no hesitation, stating “I see that face every day,” according to Thomas.

Thomas argued that the identification evidence does not add up, and the jury should “not convict Mr. Cary because [they] feel bad someone got shot.”

In their rebuttal, the prosecution argued that Winograd is framing Stewart as a “guardian angel,” but there is direct evidence that points to Stewart’s role in causing the incident.

The prosecution told the jury that there was nothing tainted about the identification procedures conducted, and that the victim directly identified Cary as “the man who put her through hell.”

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

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Request to Modify Release

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan denied a shooting defendant’s request to step down his release conditions on Feb 11.

Vann Allen, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on Nov. 11, 2023.

According to police reports, one victim was wounded on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE.

In court, Michelle Lockard and Sellano Simmons, Allen’s attorneys, filed a motion to modify Allen’s release conditions in order to give him more freedom to spend time with his children outside of home confinement.

Lockard stated the “restriction of his ability to move around is prohibiting him from living his life.” According to a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), Allen is in complete compliance with his conditions and has had no infractions.

The prosecution argued that Allen still poses a danger to the community and that there’s already been plenty of exceptions in the allowance of pretrial release in this case for such a serious crime. Lockard argued these exceptions only stem from weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, justifying her stance on relaxed release conditions.

Judge Ryan stated he will review the matter but is denying the request for now.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 3.

Stabbing Defendant Wants to Rescind Waiver of Preliminary Hearing

A defendant signed away his right to a preliminary hearing and then tried to rescind it after being denied release in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Feb. 11.

Ankintola Olowofoyeku, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on a Metro bus on the 5400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW last July 21. The victim suffered cuts to the right hamstring, left forearm, and left middle finger.

At the beginning of the hearing, Olowofoyeku waived his right to a preliminary hearing and Judge Herrmann made sure the action was given freely and voluntarily.

Olowofoyeku’s defense attorney, Santia McLaurin, requested that Olowofoyeku be released on GPS monitoring. She emphasized that Olowofoyeku has a stable job and would lose his home if he was not released.

The prosecutor opposed the request, acknowledging that the defendant has a history of violent convictions, and alerted Judge Herrmann that the nature of the offense called for an extended detention period.

Judge Herrmann denied the defense’s request and expressed her concern, stating “I find by clear and convincing evidence there are no conditions I could set to ensure the safety of the community.”

Then Olowofoyeku told McLaurin that he had changed his mind and wanted to rescind his waiver of a preliminary hearing. Judge Herrmann noted his consent was given knowingly and advised the defense to file a motion for reconsideration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

Judge’s Absence Delays Shooting Trial

A shooting trial slated to begin on Feb. 10 was delayed because DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur was absent from the courtroom on a personal matter and could only attend the hearing virtually.

Dupre Jones, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4500 block of First Street, SW, on Oct. 11, 2024. No injuries were reported.

Jones’ attorney, Agdie O’Bryant, filed a motion to suppress all evidence recovered from Jones because he was illegally stopped, searched, and arrested. O’Bryant claimed that there was no reasonable basis to suspect any criminal activity nor did the officers have any probable cause he committed a crime the day of his arrest.

Both parties were prepared for trial, however it was delayed until later this week to accommodate Judge Arthur’s schedule.

The prosecution advised that a witness would be present virtually for their testimony, O’Bryant and Judge Arthur made no objections.

The trial is scheduled to begin on Feb. 13.

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