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Judge Finds Probable Cause For Co-Defendants in, ‘One of The Most Senseless Homicides’

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt found probable cause and ruled against releasing two murder defendants in what she called “one of the most senseless homicides” the court has seen in recent memory. The findings came during a Nov. 22 hearing.

Rayon Davis, 18, and Quintin Reed, 17, are each charged with first-degree murder for their alleged involvement in the December 20, 2023 fatal shooting of 39 year-old Dwayne Barbour on the 2900 block of Knox Place SE.

Reed and Davis, who was 17 at the time of the incident, are charged as an adult under Title 16

According to court documents Davis, Reed and one other subject, all affiliated with the “On the Clock” gang, allegedly planned to rob Barbour of his Rolex watch in the hallway of Davis’ apartment building. During the robbery, one of the perpetrators fired a weapon, fatally injuring Barbour. After the incident, the unknown subject can be seen on social media posting photos wearing a watch nearly identical to Barbour’s.

During the hearing, which was a continuation of a Nov. 8 hearing, Judge Brandt ruled that there was sufficient evidence to find probable cause for each defendant and heard arguments whether either defendant should be released.

Megan Allburn, on behalf of Davis, argued that Davis was 17 at the time of the murder, and that Davis’ mother had since moved out of DC which is where Davis would live should he be released. 

Allburn also alerted the court that Davis had become a father while in jail and had yet to meet his son due to his confinement. Allburn claimed that Davis should be afforded the ability to “provide what he did not have,” citing that Davis’ father passed when Davis was an infant.

The prosecution’s opposition to releasing Davis cited the severity of Davis’ actions, stating that they “can’t think of many fact patterns that are possibly worse,” and added that Davis would pose a danger to witnesses in this case since most were known to both defendants.

Regarding Reed, Daniel Dorsey argued that Reed only had one test left to earn his GED and that Reed had been completely compliant with officers when he was arrested.

The prosecution, again, cited the danger Reed would pose to witnesses, especially since Reed would be living in the same neighborhood if released.

Ultimately Judge Brandt ruled to continue detaining both defendants.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 16, 2025.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Nov 20 on the 5500 block of B Street, SE. The victim, identified as 28-year-old Christopher Robinson, was found with gunshot wounds and later died from his injuries on Nov 22.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Non-Fatal Shooting in Noise Dispute

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 12 indictment charges before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 22.

Donnell Wells, 36, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 500 block of Newcomb Street, SE. The incident occurred on Aug. 1, and two individuals suffered from gunshot wounds.

According to court documents, an individual, later identified as Wells, was smoking and being loud with some of his friends when a witness came to the door and asked them to be quiet. They allegedly started to yell at her. When the woman’s son asked the suspect to stop disrespecting his mother, Wells allegedly reached for a gun, and the mother yelled, “He has a gun”, as she and her son wrestled the defendant for the weapon

The mother said she also saw a third individual enter the apartment who was subsequently shot. When Wells broke free, the mother ran back into her apartment. Her son suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his chest and required surgery. The other individual suffered a gunshot wound to his neck.

Wells’ defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, alerted the court that Wells was entering a plea of not guilty to all counts.

Burrell also alerted the court that he was recently informed that one of the victims has a medical condition that can potentially impact her vision and perception. Burrell argued he needs time to look at the witness’ medical records and decide whether to call an expert to testify about the issue at trial, which is set for Dec. 2.

The prosecution disagreed and said Burrell was notified of the matter months ago.

Judge Pipe ruled that Burrell’s request to inspect the records is “reasonable” and will delay the trial if necessary.

The prosecution stated they will get the witness’ medical records to Burrell as soon as possible to avoid delay.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 26.

Defendant Accepts Plea Agreement in Crossbow Murder

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by the prosecution on Nov. 22 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein

Cory Brown, 43, was initially charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the murder of his girlfriend, 40-year-old Latasha Estep, with a crossbow on Aug. 20, 2020 on the 1900 block of Good Hope Road, SE.

According to court documents, a witness saw Brown outside of the victim’s apartment holding a knife, with a reddish brown stain on his shirt. When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers entered their apartment for a welfare check, they subsequently found Estep face down and unresponsive with multiple puncture wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

During the hearing the prosecution explained that the defendant fired a crossbow repeatedly at the victim while inside their apartment resulting in injuries to her heart, kidney, liver, and multiple other body parts.  

Through his defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, Brown accepted a plea agreement that required him to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. 

The parties agreed on a sentencing range of 12-to-15 years, with five years of supervised release. 

The prosecution noted that the victim’s family opposed this plea agreement. 

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 12. 

Mistrial Declared in A Homicide, Jury Hangs on Two Counts

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s courtroom was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on two charges in a murder trial on Nov. 12.  In the wake of the impasse, the judge declared a mistrial.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, was charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022 ,on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE. 

According to court documents, the shooting happened outside of the Franklin Market Liquor Store. When Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to the scene they found Umoh suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Umoh succumbed to his injuries later that night. 

Stevens was acquitted of first-degree murder while armed and the lesser included charge of second-degree murder while armed. However, jurors were unable to decide on the manslaughter charge and the charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The jury convicted Stevens of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.  

Judge Epstein granted the defense’s motion for a mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 3.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Judge Erik Christian issued a bench warrant for a missing defendant on Nov. 21.

Vonceaco Hill, 25, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol outside of a residence or business, for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting on July 19, 2019 on the 1800 block of 7th Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries.

Hill pled guilty to these charges on Aug. 12, 2019, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe. In 2020, Hill received a suspended sentence of 36 months of incarceration with three years of supervised release, and five years of probation. 

Hill’s probation conditions were to attend anger management and be assessed for substance abuse. On release, Hill was supposed to earn a high school diploma through Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), obtain a mentor through CSOSA’s Faith Based Initiative Mentoring Program, perform community service hours, and to register as a gun offender. If Hill were to be fully compliant within three years, his probation would be terminated early.

During the hearing, a representative from CSOSA informed the Court they were not able to locate Hill despite multiple attempts.

Judge Christian issued a bench warrant with no bond for Hill.

Hill’s attorney, Anthony Dimillio, was unable to persuade the court otherwise.

Parties will reconvene when Hill is in custody.

Jury Convicts Stabbing Defendant

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe’s courtroom found a stabbing defendant guilty of two out of three charges on Nov. 19. 

Willie Byrd, 61, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Feb. 28, 2023. The incident occurred at the intersection of 2nd and D Street, SW.

According to court documents, the victim required multiple surgeries and intensive care as a result. 

The jury convicted Byrd on the charges of aggravated assault knowingly while armed and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and acquitted him of assault with intent to kill. 

During the trial, the prosecution introduced a witness who was at the scene just before the stabbing. The witness described the victim as “out of his element” while attempting to buy drugs in the neighborhood, which she believed left him “vulnerable.” 

CCTV surveillance footage was presented by the prosecution to support claims of Byrd’s involvement in the stabbing and his intent to kill. However, the defense argued that the same footage indicated the stabbing was an act of self-defense.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 31. 

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Must Serve Suspended Sentence After Probation Violations, Arrests

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow imposed the sentence she had originally suspended for Demario Thornton on Nov. 22, due to reports from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) of his noncompliance and rearrests.

Thornton, 22, pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2023, to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge stemmed from a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 31, 2023, at the intersection of North Capitol and P Streets, NW. In exchange for his guilty plea, the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges in the case and not request a sentence above the midpoint of the sentencing guidelines.

Judge Pasichow sentenced Thornton on Jan. 22 to 20 months in prison with 10 months of that time suspended, giving him credit for time served. She also gave him 18 months of probation and a suspended sentence of three years of supervised release.

Judge Pasichow revoked Thornton’s probation and ordered him back to jail on Oct. 21 for the violations.

The prosecution told Judge Pasichow at the resentencing hearing that Thornton had repeatedly ignored his curfew and failed to charge his GPS monitoring device during probation. They also said he had been arrested in Maryland and DC.

Court documents show Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers arrested Thornton on Sept. 13 and issued a misdemeanor charge of attempted threats to do bodily harm. According to arrest records, a witness said Thornton threatened, “I’m going to shoot you and your house up,” when the witness called the police over Thornton’s verbal altercation with a woman.

“The defense is asking the court to give Mr. Thornton another chance,” said Gregg Baron, Thornton’s attorney.

Baron said Thornton has strong community support. At the hearing were Thornton’s mother, his god-sister, and his caseworker from Better Morning, a mental health and social service agency certified by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

“I think it was a medication issue. He was also not totally understanding the gravity of things,” Baron said. He told the court Thornton had not been taking his prescribed medication regularly because of side effects. He suggested the problem might be solved by consultation with a psychiatrist.

Baron said, if Thornton were allowed to continue his probation, his caseworker could help him obtain housing and therapy. He said Thornton could return to the job as a security officer he had before being sent to jail.

“He wants to be able to be home so he can share in the burdens, financial and otherwise, where he’s living with his mother,” Baron said. “He’s also expecting a child in June.”

According to Baron, the past month Thornton has spent in jail has made him willing to stay home as required by the court when he’s not at work or treatment.

“So he was at home. I tried that. I’m not going to give him another chance.” Judge Pasichow said. “When he finishes this sentence, he’ll have to address his next case. I hope this stops.”

In addition to ordering Thornton to serve his suspended sentence, Judge Pasichow required him to participate in anger management counseling, vocational training, and assessment and treatment related to drugs, alcohol, and mental health. 

No further dates were set in this case.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all indictment charges on Nov. 22 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe

Maleek Thomas, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed,assault with intent to kill while armed, felony murder while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Melvin Dock Jr on the 4300 block of Halley Terrace, SE on Oct 30, 2023.

During the hearing, Howard McEachern, Thomas’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges. McEachern also asserted Thomas’ constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan 17, 2025.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Found Competent For Trial

A non-fatal shooting defendant, who had originally been found incompetent twice to face a jury, was declared competent during a mental observation hearing on Nov. 20 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Romeo Brown, 21, is charged for assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and two counts of destruction of property less than $1,000 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting, with no reported injuries, on the 2600 block of Douglass Road, SE on March 7, 2022.

According to court documents, officers responded to a report of two glass doors being shot, and observed the suspect, later identified as Brown, running away from the scene. He was detained. 

During the hearing, Judge Park alerted the parties that the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) had deemed Brown competent to stand trial, to which neither party objected. 

Brown is set to be re-sentenced on Dec. 13, following a probation revocation in another matter.

Prosecutors Claim Defendant’s Purpose Was to ‘Kill, Kill, Kill’ 

Parties gave their closing arguments to a jury in a gang-related murder trial on Nov. 21 before D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed under aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Malik McCloud, 19, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE on Oct 20, 2018.

Morgan’s alleged accomplice, Martinez Raynor, 26, slowly rode around the block with him, in a stolen Audi, and Morgan allegedly fired shots, hitting McCloud, paralyzing him. Seconds after they drove off, the stolen car came back to fire the fatal shots, killing McCloud.

Morgan and Raynor were allegedly involved in the so-called Solid Gang, rivals with the PDS gang, which included McCloud.

Defense counsel, Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn, argued that Solid Gang was a rap group, rather than a street gang. The prosecution argued that while Solid Gang makes rap content, they also have a history of criminal behavior. Morgan posted about Solid Gang on Instagram stories which were presented in court and notable for their vulgar language, threats, and firearms imagery. 

The prosecution also showed Instagram video calls between Raynor and Morgan from the day of the incident. According to the prosecutor, the last call occurred an hour before the shots were fired. Following McCloud’s murder, Morgan and Raynor allegedly began calling one another again. 

During the prosecution’s closing arguments, they stated that the main motive was gang rivalry and that everyone in the car knew the purpose was to “kill, kill, kill”. Shots continued from the vehicle even after McCloud had been disabled, creating a “hail of gunfire,” according to the prosecutor.

Autopsy photos showed McCloud’s wounds to his back and left side, which a medical examiner had previously testified were the result of a fatal trajectory. According to the examiner, the bullets traveled through McCloud’s lungs and heart.

They also noted the person in the car shooting was wearing a black ski mask, pre-Covid, which was later recovered in the suspect vehicle. The prosecution stated that samples closely resembling Morgan’s DNA were found on the mask,along with two water bottles found in the backseat of the vehicle.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued DNA evidence could not show a certain time when the DNA first appeared. Additionally, no DNA of Morgan was found on the exterior or interior of the vehicle. 

The defense counsel noted that throughout the jury trial, no eyewitness identified Morgan as the shooter. Not one person said he fired shots or was responsible for anyone’s death. 

At the end of their rebuttal, the prosecution laid out all of the facts and evidence saying the shooter was wearing a mask strongly consistent with Morgan’s DNA, Morgan and Raynor were close; their phone locations were consistent with the shooting and dumping of the vehicle; their Instagram calls and messages were consistent with the shooting, and McCloud was affiliated with the “opps,” or rival group.

According to the prosecution, the evidence proves that “Tony Morgan is not the unluckiest man in the world”, but is involved with this crime. 

Parties will continue in jury trial on Nov. 22.

Two Juvenile Girls Convicted of Stomping Elderly Man to Death

DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs imposed a second-degree murder conviction on two juvenile girls for their roles in the fatal stomping of Reggie Brown, a disabled 64-year-old man. 

In her ruling from the bench on Nov. 18, Judge Briggs said she reviewed surveillance videos and eyewitness accounts as well as a police interview with one of two defendants in the courtroom to support her verdict.

However, out of 94 exhibits the judge singled out a 55-second sequence of cell phone video taken by one of the five original co-defendants narrating the relentless beating with laughter and cheers of celebration. 

“The video graphically shows a portion of the brutal beating of Reggie Brown,” said the judge.  The defendants, “viciously kicked him as pools of blood poured from his head,” said Judge Briggs.

Originally, the girls aged 12-to-15 at the time of the attack, were charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Today’s verdict for the then 14-year-old who faced six charges was– for first-degree murder, not guilty; guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, not guilty of assault with intent to kill, guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, shod foot, guilty of conspiracy to commit assault.  

The juvenile who was 13-year-old during the incident was found not guilty before the judge of first-degree murder, guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, not guilty of assault with intent to kill, guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, belt and shod foot, guilty of conspiracy to commit assault, guilty of tampering with evidence and guilty of conspiracy to commit tampering.  

She had been accused of trying to destroy the lurid cell phone video.

The incident occurred late at night on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. 

As the judge described events leading up to the murder, the group of girls who were known to each other decided to meet up on Georgia Avenue with the expressed purpose of delivering a beating out of boredom shortly after midnight. 

There they encountered an unknown suspect in a blue coat, who according to evidence from earlier proceedings, had already begun to attack Brown as he fled into a dark alley hotly pursued by the group of six.  

As Judge Briggs put it, they were “planning to trash,” the victim, who suffered from numerous disabilities.  

Two of the five girls had earlier agreed to a guilty plea and a third struck a deal with prosecutors on Nov. 8.  Details of the pleas were not immediately available.

The pair who faced Judge Briggs at this hearing showed no emotion at the verdict as it was sternly delivered from the bench. 

However, earlier in the proceedings, a behavioral report for the youngest defendant indicated she had been involved in numerous violent confrontations while in the custody of the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and that her compliance was unsatisfactory.  

All five defendants are currently in the custody of DYRS.

The packed courtroom included relatives from both the victim’s and defendant’s families who had reached out to each other offering support during the proceedings which started in August.

Outside of the courthouse two sisters from Brown’s family met with reporters and said that they were “pretty much satisfied” with the outcome.  However, they said they would not rest until the man in the blue coat is brought to justice whose identity, they say, is known in the neighborhood and likely to authorities. 

Further, they hope the defendants will reflect on what they have done.  

“So that this will not continue happening to other families…our fight is going to be to change the law from 21-year-old for juveniles, that they can stay in [custody], and possibly stay in for life,” said one of Brown’s sisters. 

Under current DC law, detained juveniles must be released when they are 21.  The approach attempts to blend rehabilitation with punishment. 

Sentencing for the youngest defendant is set for Dec. 4, the older girl will face disposition on Dec. 18.  Both proceedings will be before Judge Briggs.

D.C. Witness reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to see if they know the identity of the fugitive in the blue coat; however the agency has not responded to inquires.  

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‘I Will Kill You And This Baby,’ Said Defendant to Victim in Domestic Dispute

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a defendant to six months of incarceration and 12 months of probation on Nov. 22 in a domestic stabbing case that was sparked by a McDonald’s Fish Sandwich dispute.

Michael Robinson, 25, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license (outside home/business) for his involvement in a stabbing that injured Robinson. The charges stem from his involvement in a stabbing incident on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE on April 19, 2023.

According to court documents, a conflict escalated after Robinson and the victim, who were in a relationship, argued about a fish sandwich purchased at a McDonald’s. The item had dirt inside. Upon arriving home, tensions rose, leading Robinson to brandish a gun and threaten to kill the victim and her baby. In return, the victim allegedly stabbed him in the hand.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Robinson to six months incarceration and 12 months of probation.

The prosecution asked for a sentencing at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, which was six months of incarceration under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) and three years of supervised release, with a year of probation. Under the law, youthful offenders can have their records sealed if they complete their sentencing requirements properly.

Madhuri Swarna, Robinson’s attorney, requested the court give him to a suspended sentence and a brief period of probation limited to the necessary 90 hours of community service. 

She said Robinson had a firearm because he had friends and family who were victims of shootings– sometime fatal. He believed that a firearm would keep him safe.

Judge Di Toro stated she understood the circumstances, but added that gun violence is a serious crime in the District. Additionally, she concerned about Robinson’s threat during the incident, “I will kill you and this baby!”

Judge Di Toro granted the YRA sentencing request and informed Robinson that if he did everything right from here on out, he would his conviction would remain confidential.

‘Death Was The Result of His Negligent Behavior,’ Says Sentencing Judge

“There’s nothing I can say or decide that can give back the brother that you lost or the father of your children,” stated DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov 8, during sentencing of a homicide defendant.

Melvin Conley, 63, is charged with two counts of negligent homicide for his involvement in a fatal car accident that killed Rhonda Whitaker, 55, and Waldon Adams on April 24, 2021, on the 4000 block of Dubois Place, SE.

According to the prosecution, Conley, who had been on dialysis and endured coughing fits that caused him to black out, told police that he had no recollection of hitting the victims and that he “must have blacked out.”

After seeing the damage to his car, he did not report to the police.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosely emphasized that Conley did not mean to hurt anyone. The accident could be attributed to his medical problems and that “people who have these medical issues, who have their license, don’t know that they have to report— it’s not well publicized.”

In his impact to the court, Adams’ brother requested justice stating, “I did not lose my brother, my brother was killed.”

By all accounts, Adams was deeply involved and respected not only by his family, but the homeless community he worked to get off the streets.

“My condolences to the family, I never imagined it to happen…I’m sorry to the family– I blacked out and I didn’t know what happened until the police showed up” said Conley. 

For both counts, Conley was sentenced to three years of supervised release with an additional two years probation. He must also surrender his license to the Department of Motor Vehicles and never, under any circumstances, drive again, 

“He pled guilty to negligent homicide, not an accident, because he was aware of the effects of his illness on his driving– death was the result of his negligent behavior” stated Judge Raffinan during sentencing. 

No further dates have been set.

20-Year Old Pleads Guilty to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon

A defendant accepted a plea deal in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 13. 

Tevin Spivey, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in an incident on July 22 on the 5000 block of Fitch St, SE. 

According to court documents, the victim was driving past an apartment complex and was flagged down by an acquaintance. She slowed down, and Spivey walked up to her vehicle yelling and demanding to know where her brother was.

The victim got out of the car to try to talk Spivey down; during the confrontation, Spivey pointed the gun at her multiple times and racked the slide.

She eventually got back in her car and started to leave. When she drove away, she heard a gun shot behind her. 

The agreement states that in exchange for Spivey’s pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, the prosecution wouldn’t oppose a concurrent sentence, will cap sentencing recommendations to the midpoint of the guidelines, and won’t press any further charges. 

Defense attorney Theodore Shaw requested that Spivey be released on GPS monitoring while he awaits sentencing in January. Shaw stated that this is his Spivey’s first conviction, is open to meeting with a social worker for employment, and has reliable family ties and can stay with them. Shaw also stated Spivey has been taking classes, and wants to finish his GED.

The prosecution opposed the request, stating that Spivey just pleaded guilty to two serious offenses; and there aren’t conditions that could properly protect the community.

Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense’s request for release.

Spivey is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 31.