DOCUMENT: MPD’s Weekly Firearm Recoveries: Monday, March 24, 2025, to Monday, March 31, 2025

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the recovery of 61 illegal firearms in Washington, D.C., from March 24 to March 31. Arrests were made in connection with these recoveries, including individuals charged with offenses such as carrying a pistol without a license, possession of unregistered firearms, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Notable arrests include Ray Browne, 22, and a 16-year-old juvenile for multiple charges, and Marquise Allen, 23, and Atiya Primrose, 21, for firearm and controlled substance offenses. The MPD continues to work with the community to reduce crime by removing illegal firearms from the streets.

DOCUMENT: MPD Statement on Public Safety in the District of Columbia

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced a historic reduction in crime for 2024, with a 35% drop in violent crime, including a 32% decrease in homicides and a 39% reduction in robberies. Key initiatives such as Operation THRIVE and the Robbery Suppression Initiative contributed significantly to these declines. The launch of the Real Time Crime Center and technological advancements like a new drone program further enhanced crime prevention efforts. MPD, supported by Mayor Bowser and in collaboration with U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., aims to continue this progress in 2025 by focusing on accountability for repeat offenders and addressing judicial vacancies.

DOCUMENT: 3.27.25 MPD Makes Arrest in Northwest Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Orlando Anderson, 31, who was charged with Second-Degree Murder While Armed in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 12, 2024, in the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW. The victim, identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Johnson of Southeast, D.C., was found with life-threatening gunshot wounds and pronounced deceased at the scene.

DOCUMENT: 04.05.25 MPD Investigating Fatal Shooting in Northwest

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 5. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Kalyl Young, was found with a gunshot wound on the 700 block of Otis Place, NW, and later pronounced dead at a local hospital. No suspect information is available at this time.

DOCUMENT: 4.7.25 MPD Investigating Dix Street Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on April 6 in the 4200 block of Dix Street, NE. The victim, identified as 23-year-old DeSean Mackall from Temple Hills, Maryland, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. No suspect information is available at this time.

Witnesses Testify Murder Victim Had A Violent History

The defense in a murder trial called witnesses on April 7 who say they were stabbed by Delonte King, 34, the ultimate victim. DC Court records indicate King had a lengthy record and a violent past.

The case is being argued before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Demonte Gibson, 27 and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting and murder of King, which occurred on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson also has an additional charge of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Gibson’s defense attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Elizabeth White, called the witnesses to characterize what they say was King’s violent behavior.

One testified about being stabbed multiple times on June 7, 2020, the victim’s birthday. According to the witness, the attack was completely unprovoked and “happened out of nowhere.” The witness did not know the attacker. Later testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer revealed King as the suspect.

Shortly after, an MPD sergeant testified about two stabbings on June 6 and 7, 2020, deeming King the suspect in both. According to the sergeant, the cases were closed with King’s arrest. During cross-examination, the sergeant confirmed that the victims did not know the suspect and that the MPD sergeant was unable to interview King.

Another officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about responding to a stabbing incident in a park in October 2021.

The victim testified that they about being attacked with a knife and stabbed multiple times in the face and upper body, and that the attack was unprovoked and that the victim’s memory of the event was not clouded by drugs or alcohol.

The detective who was in charge of the investigation identified King as their suspect. However, they were unable to interview King before his death.

A review of DC Court records shows that an individual named Delonte Terrell King was the subject of twenty prosecutions between 2004 and 2020. In a 2020 case, King was arrested in connection to stabbing incidents near Howard University. In Feb. 2021 King was sentenced to 24 months for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon some eight months before his murder. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirms that King was the murder victim in the current case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.

Murder Defendant Denied Release Despite Abuse Claims

Attorney Kevin O’Sullivan argued that his client Tommy Whack is suffering abuse in the DC Jail,but DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz refused to grant Whack pre-trial release on April 4.

Whack, 35, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Fasil Teklemariam that occurred on Apr. 5, 2024, on the 1300 block of Peabody Street, NW.

Whack’s attorney, Kevin Patrick O’Sullivan, argued that Whack’s Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Amendment rights were being violated during his confinement at the DC Jail. O’Sullivan additionally alleged that certain correctional officers were targeting and threatening Whack for personal reasons.

“As someone who cares about the treatment of people charged with crimes, it makes me unhappy to hear about the treatment in the DC jail,” said Judge Kravitz.

Judge Kravitz ruled that he couldn’t guarantee the safety of the community if he released Whack, due to the violent nature of the crime.

According to Judge Kravitz, DC law prohibits defendants charged with the most serious offenses from being released, even in emergency situations.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27.

Judge Denies Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz refused to release Rennwel Mantock from the DC Jail on April 4 because of the violent nature of the offense he is alleged to have committed.

Mantock, 30, is indicted on 14 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of unlawful possession of ammunition, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on April 26, 2024, on the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave, NW.

Mantock’s attorney, Margaret Anthony, requested more time to discuss with her client whether he wants to independently test the prosecution’s DNA evidence. Judge Kravitz gave the defense 11 more days to consider this decision.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 18.

Murder Defendant Accepts Plea Deal

A murder defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 4.

Maurice Jackson, 62, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Olivia Graves, 24, on Nov. 7, 2024 on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE.

During the hearing, Jackson accepted a plea deal which would require him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment

There was an assumption that the defendant will have to register as a gun offender in the District of Columbia, due to his use of a firearm during the incident.

The family of the victim was present in the courtroom, and made their opposition to the plea deal known.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

Murder Defendant to Undergo More Competency Tests

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered additional mental competency evaluations for a murder defendant on April 4.

Dayshawn Nolan, 22, is charged with second degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Antoinette Davis, on July 3, 2022, on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE.

A doctor from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) evaluated Nolan on April 1, and was unable to develop an opinion. The recommendation was Nolan be transferred to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for further competency evaluations.

Neither party objected to the recommendation.

Nolan’s attorney, Christen Romero Philips, suggested they set the next hearing date out 45 days to provide enough time for the competency evaluations to be completed. In order to stand trial a person must have the mental capacity to understand the charges against him and participate in his own defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Judge Weighs Guilty Plea in Gas Station Murder

A murder defendant accepted a plea agreement extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 4. However, he reserved judgement on the deal.

Antwain Ulmer, 20, is indicted on one count of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, one count of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in the fatal shooting of Charles Sullivan, 30, on July 9, 2023 on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

During the hearing, Frances D’Auntuono, Ulmer’s attorney, told Judge Kravitz Ulmer was prepared to accept a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Judge Kravitz doubted that the facts Ulmer acknowledged justified the lesser charges in the plea deal. A revised factual proffer supported the charge of voluntary manslaughter while armed, citing imperfect self defense.

The prosecution stated that if this case had gone to trial, the evidence would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Ulmer was responsible for the incident.

Judge Kravitz stated that he has to decide whether or not he’ll accept his guilty plea, and will alert the parties at sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Teen Homicide at a Rec Center

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a fatal shooting during a hearing on March 31.

Andre Chillous, 18 is charged with first-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting 14-year-old David Bailey at the Lamond Recreational Center on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE. on Aug. 1, 2024. Another juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries during the incident, but survived.

According to court documents, a group of four individuals, later identified as Bailey, his friends including the surviving victim entered the recreational center and, after allegedly seeing Chillous, immediately attempted to leave. Chillous allegedly followed them down a sidewalk and shot multiple times, fatally striking Bailey, and hitting the surviving victim in the neck.

During the hearing, the prosecution claimed Chillous’ attack was premeditated, as he allegedly chased after the victims as they attempted to get away.

Chillous’ attorney, Madalyn Harvey, argued that Chillous was acting in self-defense, stating the police affidavit mentioned Bailey also had a gun and that Chillous was trying to protect himself from the group.

Judge Ryan concluded the evidence shows that Chillous aimed and fired at the victims without their returning fire.

After reviewing the video evidence, he determined there was probable cause to charge Chillous with first-degree murder and declined to speculate on the cause of the incident.

Parties are set to reconvene on July 11.

Judge Denies Homicide Co-Defendants Acquittal Motion For Conspiracy

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied two homicide co-defendants’ requests for acquittal of a conspiracy charge following the prosecution’s presentation of evidence in a hearing on April 3.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 27, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of Delonte King, 34, on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

Tre’quan Nelson, 25, was recently severed as a defendant in this case. However, his actions were still mentioned in the hearing.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a plan to kill King, dismissing the conspiracy charge.

Forte’s defense attorney, Susan Ellis, emphasized there was no communication between Nelson, Forte, or Gibson before or after the incident. Further, she argued that the prosecution couldn’t prove that the voice captured on security camera, was Forte’s, identifying him as a “lookout” for Nelson and Gibson.

Nonetheless, Judge Brandt denied the motion, stating that the prosecutors made a compelling argument that there was a plan to kill King with video showing there was communication among all parties in an apartment complex parking lot just hours before King was gunned down in broad daylight.

“Conspiracy can be complicated to prove, but this one is clear,” she said.

Judge Brandt explained conspiracy cases don’t necessarily have to involve texting, emailing, or speaking. They can be unspoken behaviors like wearing a certain color or standing in some specific spot on the sidewalk.

The only exception to the charges that Judge Brandt noted was the destruction of property count, which says “in the fine print” that individuals had previous knowledge or intention of the damage. However, Forte and Gibson claim they didn’t know there was damage until the trial began.

Judge Brandt said a jury will likely not see this charge as “viable” to the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

‘He Was Always One Phone Call Away, ’ Homicide Victim’s Ex Laments in Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan heard emotional testimony from a murder victim’s family as well as evidence from responding officers during a hearing on April 2.

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

In the prosecutor’s opening statements, they claimed Ruffin was “ready to fight” the night of the incident. They pointed to the defendant’s change in shoes from flip flops to sneakers, which they described as “fighting shoes,” and slapping the concrete, which they characterized as a “universal sign” of aggression.

Prosecutors walked the jury through the events from the victim’s perspective. After visiting his son, Lee socialized with friends in the apartment’s parking lot. That’s when an argument with Ruffin escalated, ultimately leading to Lee’s being stabbed 20 times later collapsing in the parking lot from his injuries.

Later that night, Ruffin was arrested and allegedly told officers, “I’m the guy you’re looking for.”

“Stabbing someone 20 times is not justified, ever,” prosecutors insisted.

Ruffin’s defense attorney, Kevin Irving, argued that his client acted in self-defense, believing his life was in danger.

“He stood up to a bully that day,” Irving said.

According to the defense, the argument began because Lee and his friends were gathered too close to Ruffin’s car. Ruffin asked them to move and as he walked away, Lee followed and allegedly confronted him.

The dispute allegedly escalated as Lee followed Ruffin toward the entrance of the apartment where Ruffin lived with his pregnant girlfriend. Irving claimed Ruffin felt threatened as the argument moved inside the basement entrance. There, Lee allegedly shoved and punched Ruffin.

With his back against the wall, Ruffin saw Lee reach behind his back and heard him claim he was going to “pull the trigger.”

However, prosecutors noted that no firearm was recovered from the scene.

Irving maintained that Ruffin acted out of desperation, making a decision “no one ever wants to make.” He also clarified that Ruffin was not arrested at the scene but voluntarily accompanied officers for questioning to avoid disturbing his girlfriend.

Prosecutors called Lee’s mother who described her son as a devoted father to his three children, with whom she spoke every day.

Lee’s ex-girlfriend, the mother of his children, confirmed tLee had been at the apartment complex that night after taking their son out to dinner. However, she stated that she was unaware of what happened next.

She also testified that Lee never owned or carried guns and wasn’t violent towards her or their children. After answering, she paused to gather herself before tearfully saying, “He was always a phone call away.”

Two Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers testified about their roles in the investigation.

The first office discovered blood splatter on the concrete near where the victim was found. Police followed the blood trail inside a nearby apartment building, leading them to the basement-level units.

Another officer testified he conducted a partial pat-down of the victim and found no weapon.

During cross-examination, Irving played the officer’s body-worn camera footage, which showed that another officer, not testifying, had conducted the patdown while using his camera to record.

The officer admitted that his memory of the incident “might be hazy” since it occurred nearly three years ago.

The defense also pointed out that the officer’s body-worn camera was not recording for 15 minutes while he was on the scene. The officer explained that this is a standard protocol for officers to pause recording while filling out notes and reports in their cruisers. He stated that he resumed recording after the discovery of blood splatter.

An analyst from the DC Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) was later called to a police station to photograph a man who had sustained injuries during the incident.

She identified the man as Ruffin, who was present in the courtroom.

Ruffin, she testified, had only minor injuries to his shoulders, arms, and lip. She was unable to determine whether they were defensive or offensive wounds.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.

Analyst Says Either Shot Could Have Killed Victim

A forensic pathologist described how a homicide victim died before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on April 2.

Demonte Gibson, 27, and Asani Forte, 26, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, conspiracy, assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property for their alleged involvement in the murder of 34-year-old Delonte King on Nov. 3, 2021, on the 2800 block of 14th Street, NW. Gibson is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

The analyst’s autopsy showed King endured gunshot wounds to his back and head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The pathologist said either of these gunshot wounds could have been fatal, but it was most likely a combination of the two that killed him.

The expert explained that there were no exit wounds on King and that a bullet was recovered from his abdominal wall and a bullet fragment from his brain.

A physician from the Medstar Hospital critical care unit testified King had injuries to his head, spine, and abdomen. He was on life support, and brain matter was visible.

Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, said King’s toxicology report showed phencyclidine, commonly referred to as PCP, in his system. Gardner argued that one side effect could be violent hallucinations, but the prosecution countered a side effect could also be a lack of energy.

A video compiled by the prosecution includes a map that tracks individuals whom the prosecution claims are Gibson, Forte, and their recently severed co-defendant Tre’Quan Nelson, identifying them by colored dots and circles. The witness testified that he had no knowledge of the events shown in the clips and added dots or circles based on the prosecution’s instructions.

Gardner objected saying no witness has identified the suspects or King in these videos thus far, so playing the video is basically like the prosecution testifying. Judge Brandt said that the prosecution had the right to present the evidence in a way that makes sense with their argument and that it is up to the jury to decide what or who they saw in the video.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3.

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