Victim and Witness React Differently to Shooting Suspect Photos

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard prosecution testimony about differences in witness’ testimony regarding the identification of a shooter in an ongoing trial on Feb. 6

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 on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE on July 22, 2020. The victim suffered a collapsed lung.

The victim previously testified she and Stewart “had an okay relationship.” The victim’s sister’s ex-boyfriend had previously dated Stewart.

The lead detective created two different photo- arrays that were shown to the victim and another witness to identify Cary. He explained that general practice is to have a detective unfamiliar with the case conduct the identification portion of the interview to avoid any bias.

During cross-examination, the detective testified the victim identified a person other than Cary in the photo-array. The detective added that she pointed him out in the array a couple of times, and said “It looks like him, but he had dreads.”

This was later corroborated by another detective who testified that after the incident, in the hospital, the victim pointed out a specific suspect, who was not Cary.

However, an eyewitness identified Cary as the shooter.

During cross-examination, the defense attorney for Cary, Alvin Thomas, said the cameras during the interview malfunctioned and didn’t capture the original statement. Another investigator testified that it was not unusual for a camera to fail, and he followed protocol, which is to bring in the lead detective, and redo the procedure.

To underscore the longstanding relationship between Stewart and Cary, the prosecution played phone clips of calls from the DC Jail between the two, expressing their abiding love for one another.

Parties are set to reconvene Feb. 10.

‘Is This a Game to You?’ Defense Asks Detective in Murder Case

A defense attorney questioned the lead detective in a homicide investigation about messages he exchanged with the prosecution suggesting the trial’s outcome was a foregone conclusion. The case, now in jury deliberations, is being heard before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan.

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, at the intersection of Naylor Road and Southern Avenue, SE, on March 17, 2023.

On Feb. 10, Stoney’s defense attorney, Nikki Lotze, suggesting an implicit bias in the case, asked the detective, “Is this a game to you?” referring to a text message he sent to the prosecution saying, “Checkmate on Mr. Stoney, game over” and an email saying, “CHECK AND MATE.”

For his part, the lead detective testified that he filed several subpoenas for surveillance footage from the company where Stoney was employed to see if he was working the day of the crime but the effort has been frustrating.

In other evidence, a 911 caller reporting the shooting at first said a man was dead in his car and then later that he was still moving. The individual stayed on the phone until police arrived.

Surveillance footage was shown following a silver Infiniti, identified as the suspect vehicle, and at one point the driver’s side window is visibly open and an arm extended outside.

Prosecutors also called a special agent from the FBI who tracked the defendant’s cell phone chronologically based on information for communication towers. He testified Stoney’s phone was in the general area of the crime, but was unable to pinpoint exactly where.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 11.

Carjacking Suspect in Tears After Judge Denies Release

DC Superior Court Renee Raymond accepted a defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing, and denied his release during a Feb. 7 hearing.

Miquel Beasley, 22, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on March 22, 2024 on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.

Beasley’s attorney, Lauchland Nicholas, advised Judge Raymond that in addition to waiving the hearing Beasley requested release under 24-hour home confinement.

The prosecution was opposed, highlighting Beasley’s criminal history and the compelling evidence against him including surveillance footage, cell site data allegedly placing him near the incident, and the positive identification of the suspect ostensibly by someone who knows him.

Judge Raymond said Beasley’s criminal history is “very concerning,” ultimately deciding to deny his release. Following the ruling, Beasley grew emotional and began to cry, pleading with his attorney, stating that he needed to return home to care for his one-month-old baby fathered with his girlfriend.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 28.

Defendant in 2020 Teen Homicide Fails to Appear in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt held a motion hearing despite the fact the homicide defendant wasn’t present for the Feb. 7 proceeding.

Reginald Steele, 25, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, assault with the intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Malachi Lukes on March 1, 2020, on the 600 block of S Street, NW. Another juvenile sustained injuries after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg. Steele is facing a total of 37 counts related to the crime.

Steele also faces charges in connection to additional shootings that occurred on Feb. 22, 2020, on the 700 block of Farragut Street, NW, Feb. 24, 2020 on the 1700 block of 9th Street, NW, and a second shooting on March 1, 2020, on the unit block Channing Street, NE.

According to a US Marshal, Steele refused to get out of the bus from the DC Jail to the courthouse. However, the hearing continued without him present as Steele’s attorney, Megan Allburn, said that they intend to enter a plea agreement at the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Over Ride share Bike

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty to a stabbing over a ride share bicycle before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb 11.

Brian Long, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, a knife, for stabbing a male victim on Nov. 23, 2023, on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. The victim sustained injuries.

Based on court documents, Long approached the victim after he observed him touching the ride share bicycle with his bag on the handlebars. The defendant and victim engaged in a verbal altercation, which then escalated after a female accomplice allegedly handed him a knife which he used to stab the victim in the back after chasing him down.

With Long pleading guilty, the prosecution agreed to not seek indictment on remaining or other greater charges having to do with his other cases.

Both parties have agreed on a sentence of 30 months in prison, followed by a period of supervised release.

The sentence is conditional depending on whether Judge Arthur accepts the plea.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 11.

Bench Warrant Issued For No-Show Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean issued a bench warrant for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Feb. 7 for allegedly failing to comply with his probation conditions

Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2021 to unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported in connection to the incident.

Judge McLean stated that she was concerned that Parker was not present in court.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki told the court that she has not heard from Parker recently, noting that she usually contacts him before hearings but apparently forgot to do so this time.

According to a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Parker has not been reporting to his probation officer. Furthermore, they have no evidence that Parker has completed the domestic violence program required for probation.

As a result, the prosecution requested that Judge McLean issue a bench warrant. They also mentioned that a judge, previously presiding over this case, had amended the judgment and commitment form which extended the length of probation to give Parker more time to complete the program.

Judge McLean announced that she would issue a no-bond bench warrant.

Parties will reconvene when Parker is located.

Judge Notes ‘Communications Breakdown’ with Murder Defendant’s Lawyers

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman presided over an ascertainment of counsel hearing for 20-year– old homicide defendant Dallas McKinney, who had reportedly been refusing visits from his lawyer in jail. l and communications from his defense counsel

McKinney is charged with first degree murder for his alleged involvement in the death of ten-year old Arianna Davis on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE, on May 14, 2023.

According to court documents, Davis was in a vehicle with her family as they drove past a shootout when a stray bullet struck her. She was taken to a hospital where she died on May 17.

At McKinney’s hearing, defense attorneys Rebecca Desta, Joseph Fay, and Edward Gain requested a second investigation into their client’s case and that matter is pending.

Judge Edelman acknowledged a “communications breakdown” between McKinney and his defense team. According to the records, McKinney refused visits in jail and communications from his legal counsel making it more difficult for his case to proceed.

His next court appearance, an ascertainment of council, will be on Feb 21 at 11am.

Judge Agrees to Hold Extradited Defendant in ‘One of a Kind’ Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the prosecution’s request to detain a defendant after being extradited to the U.S. for his alleged involvement in two shooting murders in 1997, during a hearing on Feb. 7.

Oscar Diaz-Romero, 46, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Jose Noel Coreas-Carcaro, 22, and Jose Molina, 27. The incident occurred on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Aug. 9, 1997. The prosecution claimed that Diaz-Romero fled to El Salvador shortly after the fatal shooting and that an undisclosed witness saw Diaz-Romero at a party there on Nov 8, 1997.

After an arrest in El Salvador, Diaz-Romero was extradited back to the United States for the current legal proceedings. The prosecution emphasized that Diaz-Romero is in the U.S. solely for the current detention hearing and potential future proceedings.

Julie Swaney, Diaz-Romero’s attorney, argued that he has matured since the incident – Romero was 19 at the time of the shooting. Swaney added that he understands the seriousness of the charges, along with his lack of criminal record since the incident, means he would not be a danger to the community if released.

Judge Edelman stressed concern about the defendant’s weak ties to the DC area compared to his strong connections in El Salvador. Judge Edelman concluded that Diaz-Romero’s “incentive to flee is large… and no conditions can change that.”

Judge Edelman finally stated that “This is a one-of-a-kind case,” granting the prosecution’s request for detention in the matter stretching into its third decade.

A status hearing is scheduled for April 4.

Judge Amends Release Terms For Compliant Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt modified the release conditions for a defendant in a shooting case on Feb. 7.

William Davenport, 30, and his mother Violet Davenport, 53, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the May 14, 2021, homicide of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of Second Street, NW.

William has been on release since Aug. 12, 2022, while Violet has been released since Feb. 20, 2024. A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) stated both have been compliant with all conditions so far. William is under electronic monitoring and drug testing while Violet is required to report weekly.

Violet’s attorneys, Carrie Weletz and Camille Wagner, requested that her conditions be modified from weekly check-ins to monthly check-ins as she suffers from many health issues, citing her diligence and consistency as reasons to ease up on conditions.

Judge Brandt agreed, ruling that Violet checks in once a month by phone.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24, 2025.

Judge Denies Stabbing Defendant’s Release Given His ‘History of Severe Violence’

A domestic violence defendant’s release was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 10 following the prosecution’s report of his violent criminal record.

Anthony Mason, 56, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence stabbing on Jan. 26 on the 1100 block of Columbia Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Mason’s attorney Darryl Daniels alerted Judge Park of his intent to waive his right to a preliminary hearing, and orally motioned for Mason to be released from custody, which caused the prosecution to object.

They cited the “exceptionally serious” conditions of this incident, including beating the victim to the point of her eye remaining shut for a day and needing transfer to a second hospital with better trauma care. They also noted Mason’s “history of severe violence” that included several domestic assault charges.

Daniels argued that Mason’s children and grandchildren rely on him financially and that Mason had successfully completed his previous supervision probation. The prosecution disagreed, highlighting that he was actively on supervision for three other cases at the time of the incident.

Judge Park denied the motion, highlighting the weight of the evidence against Mason, and his criminal history.

Parties will reconvene on March 19.

Carjacking Defendant Wants Amended Release to Prevent Eviction

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow didn’t ease the release conditions for a carjacking defendant on Feb. 10 but took the question under advisement.

Alvin Halmon-Daniels, 19, is charged with robbery while armed and armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on the 200 block of 13th Street, NE, on June 16, 2023.

On Jan. 25, Patrick Nowak, Halmon-Daniels’ attorney, filed a motion for bond review, following Halmon-Daniels’ release to home confinement since June 20, 2023.

Nowack highlighted Halmon-Daniels’ financial struggles and responsibility for supporting his mother. Additionally, Nowak emphasized that returning to the community to secure additional employment would help him provide for himself and his mother, while potentially preventing an impending eviction, reportedly set for Feb. 14.

The prosecution stated they had no objection to modifying the release terms if the defense could provide proof of the eviction notice and confirmed employment.

The defense couldn’t substantiate the basis of their request during the hearing.

Judge Pasichow maintained the current release conditions and is allowing the defense to submit the necessary documentation for her review.

A trial readiness date for trial is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Judge Reissues Mental Eval Order for Convicted Homicide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt reissued an initial mental evaluation for a defendant convicted of first-degree murder on Feb. 7.

Ky’lee Palmer, 25, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, malicious destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence, for his involvement in a drive-by shooting that led to the death of 60-year-old Barron Goodwin on Feb. 12, 2020, inside a residence on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.

Palmer’s co-defendant Aaron Adgerson was acquitted before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 11.

Palmer’s attorney, David Akulian, requested a second preliminary competency screening order after Palmer refused to show up for the initial exam. Akulian claimed it was needed and promised Palmer would “interact appropriately” this time. In order to be considered mentally competent to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to participate in his defense.

Judge Brandt accepted this request, reissuing an order for preliminary screening to determine Palmer’s competency.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 13.

Judge Tells Stabbing Defendant He Has a ‘Twisted’ View of Love

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt sentenced a defendant to 15 years in jail on Feb. 7 for his involvement in a stabbing.

Devan Green, 30, was convicted of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and simple assault for his involvement in the stabbing of his girlfriend, 21 times on Sept. 19, 2023. This incident took place on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Green locked his girlfriend and her five-year-old son in an apartment, then stabbing his girlfriend once in the chest and then 20 more times.

At the sentencing hearing, Green’s girlfriend stated that the incident had left her suffering from permanent injuries and traumatized her son and family as they are constantly worried for her safety.

“There is no amount of jail time [Green] could serve that could equal the pain I have suffered,” the victim said.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 15 years incarceration based on what they believed is fair punishment in consideration of the victim and the community.

Lee Smith, Green’s attorney, highlighting Green’s lack of a criminal record, argued this was an isolated incident and that he does not pose an ongoing threat to the community.

Green was remorseful for his actions and claimed that he loves the victim and will continue to love her unconditionally, calling her the “woman of his dreams.”

Judge Brandt addressed Green telling him he has a “completely twisted…understanding of what love happens to be.”

Judge Brandt sentenced Green to 15 years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. She also ordered him to pay $450 to the Victims of Violence Crime Fund.

No further dates have been set for this case.

Stabbing Defendant Declared Mentally Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel deemed a stabbing defendant mentally incompetent to stand trial on Feb. 7, following reports from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16, 2024.

According to court documents, the victim suffered a cut to the left side of his jaw for which he was hospitalized with the blade was still lodged inside his mouth.

Due to the finding, Judge Israel ordered Burke remain detained at St. Elizabeths Hospital to receive psychiatric treatment aimed at restoring mental competence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 18.

Prosecution Should ‘Apologize for Wasting Your Time,’ Says Defense in Homicide

During closing statements for a fatal shooting, the defense complained that the prosecution was wasting the jury’s time before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 5.

Ronald Wallace, 48, and DeAngelo Glover, 30, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tyrone Wright and wounding of another on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3800 block of Hayes Street, NE.

During their closing arguments, the prosecution stated that the killing of Wright was a “life for a life” due to his rumored involvement in the death of Marcus Wallace, Ronald’s brother.

The prosecution said Wallace’s phone number had been tracked and showed him frequenting the area of the incident. The tracked calls and location lined up with the “plan” Wallace had to kill Wright that a family member corroborated. The number was disconnected just one day after the shooting, indicating Wallace’s acknowledgment of guilt, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution claimed surveillance footage back up his phone’s location, and showed his movements on the day of the incident, including Wallace fleeing the scene after the shooting. They claimed Wallace shot Wright 16 times.

As for Glover, the prosecution stated, he was allegedly captured in surveillance footage firing down on Wright after he collapsed, contradicting the defense’s argument that Glover was shooting at the shooter as he ran away. They claimed Glover fired two shots, which were consistent with being shot by a person standing over Wright.

Michael Bruckheim, Wallace’s attorney, said that the prosecution “could have gotten better evidence” to present to the jury. Further, the individual followed in the surveillance has never been definitively identified as Wallace. Even if that individual was Wallace, Bruckheim insisted, he was only seen before and after the murder in the area and everyone was running from the shooting.

Bruckheim claimed the prosecutors failed to provide DNA evidence, and an exact location of Wallace’s whereabouts from his cellphone. Bruckheim also reminded the jury the murder weapon was never recovered.

The lawyer pointed out flaws in the theory for Wallace’s motive. A former partner of Wright’s described Marcus Wallace as the “best cousin ever,” so it would be odd for Wright to kill him. Additionally, a man was charged with the murder, so there was no clear reason to suspect Wright’s involvement, Bruckheim stated.

Bruckheim attempted to discredit a key witness, who he claimed only came forward for the reward money.

David Knight, Glover’s attorney, acknowledged that Glover was in fact a shooter, but he was aiming for the fleeing killer out of concern for his family. Given Wright was already shot 16 times there was no reason to shoot Wright.

There was no evidence to indicate that Glover and Wallace were even close, let alone collaborators on the murder.

Glover had been seen on surveillance walking with a woman, thus had no intention to be involved in a murder but rather had planned to spend the night with his date.

The prosecution’s theory of Glover’s movements and shots fired did not line up with the surveillance videos, Knight claimed.

He argued a bullet could be seen hitting the ground across the parking lot from Glover, which a witness had claimed was fired by an unidentified man approaching from the other way which was impossible to see given the witness’ position.

“What they should do is come up here and apologize for wasting your time,” Knight stated, as he urged the jury to acquit Glover.

“They’re asking you to disregard all the evidence… [to] ignore your own eyes,” the prosecutors told the jury.

The prosecution countered that a witness’ description of Wallace’s outfit from that night clearly matched that of the man in surveillance that they claimed was Wallace. They felt that the testimony, combined with the reiteration that the surveillance aligned with Wallace’s phone records, showed enough proof of Wallace’s identification.

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

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