Judge Denies Bond for Defendant in Wood Plank Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s motion for bond review on Jan. 31.

Oliver Gomes, 55, is charged with second degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal assault of 61-year-old Thomas Gray that occurred on the corner of 11th and L Streets, SE, on Oct. 14, 2022.

According to the prosecution, two individuals, identified as Gomes and Gray, were observed having an argument when Gomes allegedly picked up a wood plank and used it to hit Gray over the head. Gray was unconscious at the scene when officers arrived and was transported to The George Washington University hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 3, 2022.

Sara Kopecki, Gomes’ defense attorney, filed a release motion on Dec. 23 claiming Gomes acted in self-defense, insisting that Gray had a knife and started the fight.

The prosecution argued against the bond review, claiming that Gomes has six past bench warrants, multiple misdemeanor charges, and is currently being held for another case in which he is said to have hit his roommate over the head with a frying pan.

Gomes’ other defense attorney, Kevin Irving, stated that Gray had a knife and was threatening the defendant on the night of the incident, although the knife was never recovered from the scene.

Judge Kravitz stated that “this case does not strike me as a case where someone was out to kill somebody,” however, he denied the motion and stated that he’ll “wait and see what happens,” in regard to Gomes’ other case that will be tried on Feb. 11.

Parties will reconvene for a status hearing on Feb. 14.

Judge Revokes Release For Defendant Accused in The Death of 23-Month-Old Son

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz revoked conditions of pre-trial release for a homicide defendant on Jan. 31.

JD Wheeler, 26, is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree cruelty to children, second-degree cruelty to children, carrying a pistol without license, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, tampering with physical evidence and contempt of court, all committed while on release in another matter, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of his son, 23-month-old Legend Wheeler. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Chester Street, SE on Nov. 24, 2021.

The prosecution filed a motion to revoke conditions of release due to Wheeler’s being on probation for an unrelated matter when he was arrested in the latest case. Legend suffered an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head after the defendant allegedly left the weapon unsecured in his residence.

In their motion, filed on Jan. 20, the prosecution cited the nature and circumstances of the offense, the weight of the evidence, and Wheeler’s criminal history as reasons why Judge Kravitz should revoke his release conditions, aside from multiple violations reported by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

According to court records, Wheeler, who has been on release since Oct. 17, 2022, was arrested on Nov. 27, 2024 for illegally possessing a firearm despite having an order to relinquish, or give up, his guns.

Sylvia Smith, Wheeler’s attorney, argued that the defendant has been compliant in the past by regularly passing drug tests and appearing in court when summoned. Smith claimed that Wheeler was a productive member of the community, and any past GPS monitor violations were due to the defendant’s leaving for work early in the morning.

Smith also stated that “possessing a firearm is not a dangerous crime,” and requested that Wheeler remain free pending future proceedings.

Judge Kravitz revoked Wheeler’s release and ruled he will continue held pending trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Jailed Shooting Co-Defendants Want Wound Treatment

Shooting co-defendants appeared in court before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Jan. 30, and requested a transfer to the DC Jail’s Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF) with stepped-down security given their gunshot wounds.

Reco Jackson, 26, and Raquan Felder, 32, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. Jackson is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and Felder is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside home or business. The counts stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Jan. 25 on the 4400 block of 19th Place, NE, after an argument with another individual.

Jackson sustained a gunshot wound to the upper left arm, and Felder sustained a wound to the left foot after a third person is said to have shot them both.

Jackson’s attorney, Kavya Naini, requested Jackson be transferred to the CTF given that his gunshot wound requires more extensive medical care than can be provided at the DC Jail. Santia McLaurin – who stood in for Felder’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, requested the same, stating that the gauze on his wound had not been changed in multiple days.

Judge Raymond will consider the requests, and the preliminary hearing was rescheduled to Feb. 5.

Shooting Defendant Fails to Appear in Court for Second Time

A shooting defendant refused to appear in court for the second time during a preliminary hearing on Jan. 30, potentially delaying the case.

Alexander Evans, 40, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in two shootings – one on Jan. 13, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE, during which a man sustained injuries to his hand, and another incident on Dec. 9, 2024, during which he allegedly shot into the air twelve times after a domestic dispute on the 4400 block of Gault Place, NE.

At the time of his arrest, Evans was reportedly carrying an unlicensed handgun in his coat pocket.

US Marshals told DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond that Evans wouldn’t get on the bus from the DC Jail to the courthouse earlier that morning. Sellano Simmons, Evans’ defense attorney, requested that the preliminary hearing be rescheduled to a later date.

This is the second time Evans has refused to appear, with DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover delaying the original preliminary hearing on Jan. 24 as a result.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 5.

Stabbing Defendant Serves One Day in Jail, 14 Months Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced an assault defendant to 14 months of incarceration, but just one day in jail, for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing, during a hearing on Jan. 31.

On Nov. 1, 2024, Harry Jhin, 38, pleaded guilty to simple assault and carrying a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 23, 2021, that occurred on the 1500 block of 17th Street, NW.

Jhin’s defense attorney, Darryl Daniels, asked the court to delay Jhin’s sentencing, as he is still suffering from gunshot wounds and is anticipating vascular surgery.

Judge Salerno stated the defendant had ten months to schedule the procedure which doesn’t present an issue given the sentence.

The defense and prosecution presented similar sentencing requests of a short split sentence – 14 months of probation and one day of time served.

Therefore, Judge Salerno sentenced Jhin to 14 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and four months for carrying a dangerous weapon, which will run concurrently. The one-day Jhin served in jail will complete the time served requirement.

The judge also recommended that Jhin continue to seek substance and mental health treatment and have no contact with the victim.

No further dates have been set for the case.

Judge Releases Defendant in Jealous Quarrel Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a stabbing defendant allegedly involved in a jealous quarrel, during a hearing on Jan. 30.

Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE, on Dec. 29, 2024. The incident left one victim suffering from severe stab wounds to the left side of his chest, arm and neck.

According to previous testimony from the investing detective, the incident stemmed from Alvarez’s jealousy response to a co-worker’s talking to his girlfriend’. Alvarez is alleged to have engaged in a verbal altercation, then stabbed the victim multiple times.

During the hearing, Molly Bunke, Alvarez’s attorney, argued Alvarez can be safely released from confinement. She stated that this case is unlike other ones, as the defendant was initially approached by the victim, and that it was not a random attack on the street. There was no planning or prior intent, nor the use of an illegal weapon, according to Bunke.

Bunke also mentioned Alvarez’s stable job and lack of significant criminal history, as well as the fact that Alvarez voluntarily turned himself in the day of the incident.

The prosecution countered testimony shows that Alvarez has severe jealousy problems, in that the incident was triggered by a trivial action, exacerbated with a with a readily available knife suggesting the same thing could happen again. The prosecution compared the incident to a domestic violence case, which have high recurrence rates.

Judge Ryan rejected that argument but stated his concern over Alvarez’s jealousy issue. Despite this, Judge Ryan granted release given Alvarez’s history and stable situation. His conditions include GPS monitoring, a curfew, a mental health evaluation, and a stay away order from the victim and the location of the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 21.

Jail Time Suspended in Stabbing Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors that downgraded his charges from felony to misdemeanor counts before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Jan. 29.

Sebastian Fonseca-Gomez, 26, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on May 15, 2024. The incident occurred at the intersection of 7th and A Streets NE.

At the hearing, Susan Ellis, Fonseca-Gomez’s attorney, alerted Judge Salerno of his intent to accept a plea deal for simple assault and attempt to possess a dangerous weapon.

According to Ellis, the incident occurred after the victim allegedly told Fonseca-Gomez to “go back to where you came from,” which she claimed sparked their dispute.

The prosecution told Judge Salerno the plea was filed as a misdemeanor due to Fonseca-Gomez’s “perfect compliance” in court and lack of a previous criminal record.

Judge Salerno ruled that there was little likelihood of a recurrence and sentenced Fonseca-Gomez to 180 days of incarceration concurrently for each count, all suspended.

Fonseca-Gomez will be on probation for one year, required to maintain employment, and obey a stay away order from the victim.

No further proceedings are scheduled.

Attorney Asks to Suppress Stabbing Defendant’s Statements to Police

A stabbing defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean suppress statements made by the defendant to the police, during a hearing on Jan. 30.

Shawn Dyson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with a significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Aug. 29, 2023 at 1400 block of Park Road, NW. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Sharon Weathers, Dyson’s attorney, filed a motion to suppress statements Dyson made to an officer after the incident when he allegedly wasn’t Mirandized. According to the prosecution, Dyson made multiple statements to police, including “He [the victim] shouldn’t have been f*****g with me. He deserved it.”

Weathers argued those should be suppressed from the trial record, stating they were not made voluntarily and the officers failed to read Dyson his rights.

Judge McLean requested the parties provide written arguments by Feb. 10.

Parties are scheduled to come back on Feb. 24.

Matricide Defendant Detained, But Not Under Criminal Custody

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied the prosecution’s motion to hold a murder defendant in criminal custody at St. Elizabeths Hospital in court on Jan 30, 2025.

Anna Payne, 33, is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in fatally shooting her mother Marilyn Payne, 69, on July 6, 2022. The incident occurred on the 1600 block of Webster Street NE.

Payne is currently receiving treatment at the psychiatric hospital where she was previously detained as a criminal.

These patients cannot earn privileges or benefits, and are often handcuffed or otherwise physically restrained, Payne’s attorney Lucas Barnekow told Judge Kravitz.

Payne has been in treatment since the incident. Defense attorney Megan Allburn also represented Payne at her mental observation hearing, and argued that Payne should be released from criminal to civil custody, as she has lived at St. Elizabeths for years without showing violent behavior.

The prosecutor rebutted that Payne is dangerous and should be detained and charged criminally. He further disagreed with rulings in previous cases decided by DC Superior Court Judges Robert Okun and Anthony Epstein, both of whom permitted the release and remand of mentally incompetent criminal defendants for other court actions.

The prosecution filed a motion to continue to hold Payne in criminal custody.

“If she is not a danger to herself or others, why should she be held?” asked Judge Kravitz in his denial of the motion.

Payne’s case was downgraded from the criminal division to family court, and she was sent back to St. Elizabeths to continue inpatient treatment, where she will be able to live as a non-criminal patient.

Parties are set to reconvene on January 30, 2026, at 12pm for a status hearing.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges on Jan. 30. before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Oscar Diaz-Romero, 47, is charged with second degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jose Molina and 22-year-old Jose Noel Coreas-Carcaro. The incident occurred on Aug. 9, 1997, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Diaz-Romero’s attorney, Julie Swaney, notified the court that he intended to plead not guilty to all of his charges, asserting his constitutional rights.

The next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 7.

Parties Deliver Closing Statements in Longstanding Homicide Case

Parties delivered closing statements for a homicide trial on Jan. 30, before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Ethan Cunningham, 22, is charged with two counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside the home, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE on May 10, 2022.

On Jan. 23, prosecutors dismissed four charges – one count of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

To make their case, the prosecution showed photos of the victim, and emphasized that Curtis should be alive with his family, highlighting the tragedy that Curtis’ family endured from urging the jury to look at all the evidence, and find Cunningham guilty of all charges.

Cunningham’s attorney, Thomas Healy, focused on the importance of the evidence presented. He argued that while evidence is necessary, it “must also be sufficient” to have reasonable certainty.

Healy urged the jury to look at the evidence skeptically, implying that there were some discrepancies in the prosecutor’s argument. Healy insisted if there is any doubt, the jury must acquit Cunningham.

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

Defendant to Serve 23 Months for Stabbing Victim Four Times

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced Jeremiah Hall to 23 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release on Jan. 31 for stabbing a victim in the back twice, then following him to a bus stop and stabbing him two more times.

Hall, 38, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Oct. 6, 2024, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE.

On Nov. 14, 2024, Hall accepted a plea offer including this case and a domestic violence misdemeanor for slashing a vehicle’s tires.

In the stabbing case, Hall pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, for which the maximum sentence is five years in prison and a fine of $12,500. In the domestic violence case, he pleaded guilty to destruction of property, for which the maximum sentence is 180 days in prison and a fine of $1,000.

In exchange, the prosecution agreed not to request a sentence beyond the midpoint of the guidelines in the stabbing case and to dismiss all other charges arising from that case. The prosecution also agreed not to ask for a sentence of more than 90 days in prison, suspended, with one year of probation, for the domestic violence case.

Jesse Winograd, Hall’s attorney, asked Judge Pipe to suspend Hall’s prison sentences in both cases and assign him probation at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency’s (CSOSA) Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), a residential facility.

“I’ve actually known Mr. Hall for quite some time,” Winograd said, explaining that he represented Hall in 2019. “When he takes advantage of services provided, he is a very, very different person than when he is addicted to heroin.”

The prosecutor said the stabbing merited prison time because Hall violently attacked someone who was seated and not engaging with him, then pursued the victim to a second location to continue wounding him.

“These injuries did require hospitalization,” the prosecutor said. “When I spoke to [the victim] last, he was not in good shape.”

“[Hall] was living on the street, making money clipping hair, and this person took his clippers,” Winograd said.

“I apologize to the victim for what I done,” Hall told the court. “I just handled it the wrong way.”

Judge Pipe rejected the request to put Hall on probation, saying she didn’t believe he would comply, since he hasn’t in the past.

According to court documents, there was an active warrant for Hall’s arrest for probation violation when he was detained for the stabbing.

“CSOSA, on release, will offer him services, and if he wants to take advantage of them, he can,” Judge Pipe said. She agreed to offer Hall transitional housing and drug and alcohol treatment when he gets out of prison, but said CSOSA would offer these services even if she didn’t ask.

Judge Pipe also gave Hall a concurrent 30-day sentence for the destruction of property charge. She required him to pay a total of $150 to the Victims of Violent Crimes fund for his two offenses.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Family Member Claims Suspect Confessed to Murder, Earns $25,000 Reward

A homicide defendant’s cousin testified that his family member confessed to a killing in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park, on Jan. 30.

Ronald Wallace, 48, and DeAngelo Glover, 30, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Tyrone Wright.

Wallace is additionally charged with carrying a pistol outside of home or business. The incident occurred in an apartment complex on the 3700 Block of Hayes Street, NE, on Jan. 19, 2021.

Previously, Wallace’s cousin testified that Ronald Wallace and Wright had a “beef” or ongoing dispute.

The prosecutor claimed that this case was an act of retaliation. Wallace allegedly believed that Wright was responsible for the death of his brother, Marcus Wallace, in November 2020.

Wallace’s cousin claims Ronald Wallace confessed to shooting Wright with his own gun. He also stated Wallace would “hang around” the crime scene, as he was employed nearby and had family in the area.

During cross examination, Micheal Bruckheim, representing Wallace, highlighted the $25,000 reward the family member received from the prosecution as a part of his testimony.

Bruckheim also showed the witness text messages between him and the prosecution asking about the reward money he would receive if Wallace is found guilty.

The witness said it wasn’t about the money, “Even though it was my cousin, I felt like it was the right thing to do.”

Wallace’s cousin admitted his role in the case severely strained family relationships to the point that if he had the chance to do it again, he wouldn’t.

The trial will resume on Jan. 31.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Jealousy Linked Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a stabbing during a Jan. 29 hearing.

Osmin Vanegas Alvarez, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NE on Dec. 29, 2024 that left one injured.

According to court documents, witnesses testified that Alvarez, a cleaning employee at the building, was escorted out by security after an initial altercation with the victim following a conversation between the victim and Alvarez’s girlfriend. Witnesses say later Alvarez re-entered the building and followed the victim who ran to the second floor.

The victim stated that Alvarez approached him with his hands in his pockets, pushed past a witness attempting to intervene, and entered a cleaning crew room. There, he allegedly pulled out a knife and attacked the victim while shouting, “You gonna die, motherf***er, I will kill you.” The victim sustained severe stab wounds to his left tricep, chest, and neck.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) interviewed the victim who was receiving care at the hospital for his injuries. He stated that a coworker, also a witness, was in a romantic relationship with Alvarez and that he often got jealous when she spoke to other men.

The prosecution initially proposed a deal requiring Alvarez to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for not seeking an indictment, but he rejected the offer.

During the hearing, the defense argued that the victim started the fight and that Alvarez was merely acting in self-defense.

However, the prosecution asserted Alvarez initiated the second altercation, attempted to conceal his identity with a hoodie, and had a clear intent to harm, citing his allegedly murderous threats.

After reviewing the evidence, Judge Ryan ruled in favor of the prosecution, determining that probable cause exists.

Parties are set to reconvene Jan. 30 to address the defense’s request for release.

Judge Modifies Homicide Defendant’s Release to Help Sister

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan modified release conditions on Jan. 27 for a homicide defendant so he can play a guardianship role for his sister following their mother’s death.

Dwayne Brooks, 26, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempt to commit robbery while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Juwaan Henry, 21. The shooting occurred on Aug. 25, 2022, on the 800 block of 7th Street, NW.

During the hearing, Brooks’ defense attorney, Megan Allburn, requested he be allowed extended time outside of home confinement to attend necessary activities and appointments for his sister.

Allburn emphasized Brooks’ compliance with the court’s instructions in receiving mental health treatment and remaining on house arrest demonstrating he could safely be in public for brief periods.

Judge Ryan granted the request, with the condition that Brooks get prior approval from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to leave his home, and update his whereabouts at all times.

At the hearing, prosecution brought up DNA evidence gathered from the scene which is a probable match to Brooks’ samples. Brooks declined further testing.

Parties are expected to reconvene on June 23.

Search