Jail Stabbing Defendant Refuses to Appear in Court for Second Time

A DC Jail stabbing defendant refused to appear in court for his preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 26.

DeVaughn Gibbs, 18, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of another inmate in the shower area at the DC Jail. The incident occurred on Sept. 25, 2025 on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The victim sustained two stab wounds to his back.

Kwesi Pyne, 20, Marlan Smith Jr., 18, Antoine Jones, 23, and Jaliel Holland, 25, are also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in the same incident.

Gibbs was the only defendant scheduled for a hearing. Before the case was called, US Marshals informed the parties that Gibbs refused to be transferred from DC Jail to the courthouse. According to court records, this is the second time in less than two weeks that Gibbs has refused to appear.

Given his refusal, Judge Jones was “not really willing” to schedule his next preliminary hearing for an “earlier date.” Michael Bruckheim, Gibbs’ attorney, is unavailable for the preliminary hearing scheduled for Pyne, Smith, Jones, and Holland on March 11.

The parties for Gibbs are slated to reconvene for another preliminary hearing on March 19.

Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing For Non-Fatal Shooting in Domestic Violence Case

A non-fatal shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Feb. 25.

Warren Wills, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the shooting of a woman he was romantically involved with on the 2000 block of E Street, NE on Jan. 14.

At the hearing, Wills’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, informed parties that his client signed a waiver to a preliminary hearing of the evidence. Judge Raymond ensured that Wills’s waiver was knowing and voluntary.

According to court documents, Wills had been in a romantic relationship with the victim for two-and-a half-years. He allegedly became upset that the victim had left the rear door of their home open, believing she had someone in the house. When the victim tried to leave the residence, Wills allegedly shot at the car door, striking the victim’s leg. However, the victim was not driving the car.

Copeland then requested Willis be released under home confinement with substance abuse treatment. Copeland explained that, during the incident, Willis was intoxicated.

Copeland said Wills’ mother would provide him with a place to stay, he has a stable job as a mechanic, and his father recently passed away, so the defendant wants to be able to support his family.

The prosecution objected, asking for a continued hold, stating the seriousness of the offense. The prosecutor emphasized the incident involved a romantic partner and a gun, which was fired at a moving vehicle.

Judge Raymond agreed with prosecution, maintaining Wills’s pretrial hold.

Additionally, Judge Raymond extended the stay-away order from the victim to include the driver of the vehicle that the victim fled in at the time of the offense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.

Witness Agrees Day of a Murder Was ‘Nothing Out of the Ordinary,’

A woman who had an affair with a homicide defendant agreed with his attorney that the suspect’s behavior was not abnormal the day of the incident during a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 26.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the July 7, 2023 shooting death of Nolan Edwards, 34, on the 4100 block of Ames St, NE. Edwards sustained four gunshot wounds.

The prosecution alleged that Tyler wanted to get “money, marijuana, or anything else” from Edwards, who lived on the same floor.

A witness called by the prosecution, who was having an extramarital affair with Tyler at the time of the crime, testified that she was approached by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective in the case a couple of weeks following the incident.

The woman claimed that the detective confiscated her truck and two phones, an iPhone and an android. According to the woman, Tyler gave her the android to use to communicate with him. When she came to the station to retrieve her phones, the woman said an MPD detective “ambushed” her with questions about the incident.

At the time, the woman said she had no idea about the incident and refused to give Tyler’s name to the detectives, instead calling him “Henry.”

When questioned by the prosecution about her decision to protect Tyler’s identity, the woman said she was concerned about keeping their relationship a secret from her husband, not the incident itself.

The day of the incident, the woman said she and Tyler had spent the day together working, smoking, and being intimate. Then, the woman said they drove to Tyler’s cousin’s residence, where Tyler was staying, and in the same apartment complex as the incident location.

The woman confirmed that she and Tyler would “hang out” three-to-four times per week leading up to the murder, during which they would drink alcohol and consume Molly, a powerful mood altering drug, and marijuana. They often spent time at the woman’s cousin’s house, but sometimes went to where Tyler was staying as well, said the woman.

Additionally, the woman stated that she and Tyler occasionally spent time together in her vehicle, either to hang out or to purchase drugs from a location near her cousin’s apartment.

In cross-examination by Gardner, the woman claimed their visit the day of the incident where Tyler was staying was not abnormal. She confirmed they would often stop by so Tyler could retrieve belongings from his cousin’s residence.

When questioned by Gardner, she affirmed that she waited outside the residence for Tyler for less than two minutes. When he returned, she said they drove to a liquor store.

Gardner asked about Tyler’s demeanor when he exited the residence and when he went into the liquor store. The woman agreed with Gardner’s suggestions that “nothing [was] out of the ordinary.” In addition, Gardner confirmed with the woman that there was no blood on Tyler’s clothing and he was not in a rush when he returned from his cousin’s apartment.

Gardner also asked about the woman’s conversations with MPD in which she said she could not clearly recall the day. Due to time constraints, Gardner will resume questioning the woman at the next hearing.

An DNA analyst testified that she analyzed results from crime scene items sent from the Department of Forensic Services (DFS) she said a blood sample from a cardboard box found at the scene very likely belonged to the victim, but no DNA evidence was recovered from six cartridge casings.

Other than a cheek swab taken from Tyler as a reference sample, none of the DNA evidence was connected to him.

Gardner questioned the expert on why DFS only requested testing for certain crime scene evidence and the expert confirmed that they only tested the items received from DFS.

Another witness who works for MPD was called by the prosecution to identify surveillance footage from the day of the incident. Court documents identify Tyler as the individual in some of the videos, and some footage shows the car with his lover driving in the area.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 2.

Weed ‘Entrepreneur’ Left Dying In Apartment, Prosecutors Claim

Prosecutors told a jury Feb. 24 that they suspected a homicide victim was targeted because he grew marijuana inside his apartment.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Nolan Edwards on the 4100 block of Ames Street, NE, on July 7, 2023. Edwards sustained four gunshot wounds.

The prosecutor argued that Tyler left Edwards, who was “bleeding” and “dying,” on the wood floor of his apartment and fled the scene. He alleged Tyler’s girlfriend owned a Ford Explorer that was seen on surveillance footage in the general location of the shooting around the time of the incident. The car has identifiable damage, says the prosecutor.

He said Tyler smoked marijuana and “boot,” a combination of marijuana and Molly–another mood altering drug–with his girlfriend on the day of the murder. The drug’s can impair clear thinking.

The two were “hanging out” at an apartment that belonged to Tyler’s girlfriend’s cousin in Southeast DC, the prosecutor said. They allegedly left that apartment and headed to Tyler’s cousin’s apartment on Ames Street, NE.

The prosecution alleged that Tyler wanted to get “money, marijuana, or anything else” from Edwards, who lived on the same floor.

The prosecution said that Edwards was an “entrepreneur” who cultivated marijuana and sold it to his friends.

Tyler knew about the marijuana because Edwards’ brother had “conversations” with him about it, the prosecution said.

However, the defense had a different story. Elizabeth Paige White, one of Tyler’s defense attorneys, said that before heading to Edward’s apartment complex, Tyler and his girlfriend were cleaning houses. White said Tyler’s girlfriend owned a residential cleaning business.

The two regularly spent time “hanging out” together at her cousin’s apartment.

White said anyone could have shot Edwards because he led a dangerous lifestyle and was a target. He had “a firearm in almost every room of his apartment, ” she said.

According to the defense, it was common knowledge that the door to the building and Edwards’ apartment were unlocked. Edwards had large amounts of drugs and his clients knew they could come and go as they pleased, White said. She said the police did not investigate a “single person” among Edwards drug customers.

However, a witness, who knew Edwards for seven years, confirmed that he owned a few registered guns, and considered himself a collector.

The witness also mentioned that Edwards was always discreet with his clients. There was never any money exchanged and Nolan would give weed as gifts. “If he was a pit bull and you pulled his tail, he would lick you, not be violent,” the witness said.

The police investigation was not conducted properly, and there is no forensic evidence tying him to the murder, White claimed.

White said the description of the shooter, given by two witnesses, did not match Tyler. According to a witness, the shooter sported a haircut. White emphasized that Tyler was bald at the time of the incident. Additionally, the suspect was identified as wearing a black shirt, but Tyler was not seen wearing a black shirt in the surveillance footage.
Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 25 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Fatal Stabbing Defendant Takes a Plea

A fatal stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt in a hearing on Feb. 24.

Kevin Johnson, 40, was originally charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, felony murder while armed, and robbery while armed for his involvement in the fatal stabbing of Antonio Woody, 44, on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE, on Oct. 6, 2024.

At the hearing, Johnson entered into a plea agreement from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges against Johnson.

As part of the plea agreement, parties, including Johnson’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, settled on a range of 18-to-23 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Brandt’s approval at sentencing.

Prosecutors said if the case had proceeded to trial they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that around midnight that night, Johnson and Woody were captured on video footage with a few other individuals on the sidewalk of the address where they both lived. Johnson approached Woody, who was paraplegic and wheelchair bound, struck him, and knocked him out of his wheelchair.

The prosecutors continued that once on the ground, Woody attempted to crawl away from Johnson, when Johnson struck him again four more times, causing stab wounds to the right arm, lip, mouth, left hand, and left lower back. Woody was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Parties are set to meet for sentencing on June 12.

‘You Can’t Bring a Gun to a Mace Fight,’ Prosecutor Says in Shooting Trial

Prosecutors asserted that a shooting defendant did not act in self-defense during closing arguments in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 25.

Gerald Day, 34, a Special Police Officer, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman after a fight on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

During closing statements, the prosecution summarized witness testimony and a video of the incident. They argued the evidence proved Day’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt and that he did not act in self-defense or in the defense of others. The prosecution stated that even if the victim threatened Day, he escalated the situation.

You, “can’t bring a gun to a mace fight,” prosecutors said and they asked the jury to return a guilty verdict on all charges.

IDay’s attorney, Stevin Polin, focused on the credibility of the witnesses and the reasoning for Day’s pulling out his weapon. Polin described the situation as a “girl fight” and the victim as an “out of control woman” who “was looking for a fight” and made Day feel as if his or others’ lives were in danger. According to Polin, the victim “has to get out and start something because that’s her nature.”

Polin asserted that Day’s “actions were reasonable” because he pulled his gun as a de-escalation tactic that he was taught in his role as a Special Police Officer (SPO) for Howard University. A SPO is authorized by the mayor to exercise police powers at a certain location.

In their rebuttal, the prosecution emphasized that the jury should consider how Day responded to the situation and claimed his response was unreasonable.

The parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

‘Make Sure My Brother is Okay,’ Recalling Agonizing Screams in Fatal Shooting

A homicide victim’s brother told jurors he heard “agonizing” screams coming from an apartment moments after the gunfire, during a Feb. 25 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Christopher Tyler, 48, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, first-degree burglary while armed, and attempt to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Nolan Edwards, 34, on July 7, 2023 on the 4000 block of Ames Street, NE.

The prosecution called Edwards’ brother to the stand, who said he and Edwards lived as neighbors in the same apartment complex for a few years. When the shooting occured, Edwards’ brother said he was in an adjacent apartment and heard the shots.

He testified after business call ended around 3:48 p. m., two-to-three minutes later, he heard several loud bangs inside the building. Then, he described hearing his brother’s “agonizing” screams coming from the neighboring apartment.

After hearing the shots, Edwards’ brother said he heard footsteps but did not see anyone leave the building. When he went to check on Edwards, he said he found him sliding down the wall, visibly shot. “It was a lot,” he told the jurors. When asked what he did when the first responders arrived, Edwards’ brother remembered repeating, “Make sure my brother is okay.”

Edwards’ brother also testified that he and Edwards operated a marijuana business out of Edwards’ apartment, primarily selling to friends and family. They were frequently in and around the building, handling orders, inventory, and making sales, said Edwards’ brother.

According to Edwards’ brother, after a new tenant moved into the building, he noticed unusual activity in the complex, including tampering with the front door of the complex so it wouldn’t lock properly. Edwards’ brother added that he observed Tyler coming in and out of an apartment on the same floor as Edwards.

The brother also testified that he was unaware of any direct contact between Edwards and Tyler. He recalled only one personal interaction with Tyler, when Tyler asked him for five dollars, and he gave him the money.

During cross-examination, Tyler’s attorney, Kevann Gardner, asked about Edwards’ firearms. Gardner asked how Edwards stored his guns and whether they were kept in a safe or loaded. Edwards’ brother testified that Edwards owned multiple registered firearms but said he did not know specific details about how they were stored or whether Edwards was carrying a weapon at the time of his death.

Gardner also questioned Edwards’ brother about the day of the incident. Edwards’ brother described the day as “nothing out of the ordinary,” calling it a “standard shipping day.”

Jurors also heard from a former Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, who testified he was the first to arrive at the scene. Prosecutors played the officer’s body-worn camera footage that showed the officer running into the apartment, finding Edwards lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood, and a firearm nearby.

Gardner asked if the officer could identify “bloody footprints” in the video and the officer said he could not confirm whether it was footprints but he identified the blood stain.

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) forensic scientist photographed the scene and collected evidence.

The jurors were shown photographs of cartridge casings recovered from inside the apartment. Four firearms were recovered from different areas of the unit, including a handgun inside a bag and others found on the bedroom dresser and the floor, said the forensic scientist.

The photographs depicted what appeared to be a marijuana operation inside the apartment. The forensic scientist said the apartment included tall, vertical “grow towers,” which grow marijuana indoors under artificial light. In addition to the towers, there were several jars and bags of marijuana present in the apartment.

Photographs showed one bullet’s path, which included bullet holes in a grow tower, a bedroom wall, and the bedroom door past the wall.

On cross-examination, the forensic scientist acknowledged that he did not swab cartridge cases from the scene, and only the blood found on a box in the kitchen. He also did not dust cartridge cases or firearms for DNA testing, but asserted that he collected all the evidence steriley.

He explained that detectives primarily direct DFS workers on what to collect, but the forensic scientist must deem their value “forensically valid.”

Trial is set to resume Feb. 26.

Judge Won’t Let Carjacking Defendant Reject Plea Before Reviewing Evidence

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld told a carjacking defendant to review all of the evidence in his case before officially rejecting a plea offer on Feb. 24.

Dartanian Owens, 21, is charged with armed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and three counts of armed robbery for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on the 4300 block of Polk Street, NE on April 6, 2025.

The additional charges stem from Owens’ alleged involvement in three armed robberies on April 7, 2025 on the 2700 block of Naylor Road, SE, the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, and the 3800 block of South Capitol Street, SE.

The prosecution previously extended an offer to Owens that would require him to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and robbery. In exchange, prosecutors would not seek an indictment and dismiss any greater or remaining charges against Owens.

As part of the agreement, the prosecution stated that the sentences for carjacking and the possession charge would be served concurrently. The sentences for robbery and carrying a pistol would also be served concurrently.

Owens stated he wanted to reject the plea offer. Judge Hertzfeld explained that rejecting the plea offer would mean Owen would serve a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years if he were convicted during trial as opposed to seven years if he accepted the plea offer.

Before Owens made a final decision regarding the plea offer, his attorney, Albert Amissah, stated they hadn’t received all the evidence in the case even though the prosecution denied it. However, Judge Hertzfeld determined that Owens had not yet seen some of the video evidence in his case.

As a result, Judge Hertzfeld did not permit Owens to formally reject the plea offer, stating that, because he had not seen the video evidence, he was unable to make an informed decision.

Judge Hertzfeld scheduled a follow-up hearing so the defendant could review the video evidence before making a final decision.. The prosecution stated the plea offer would remain open until the next hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 10.

Carjacking, Robbery Defendant Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a carjacking defendant to seven years in prison on Feb 23.

Michael Mitchell, 34, pleaded guilty on Dec. 10 to unarmed carjacking and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 3000 block of 4th Street, SE, on April 29, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property for his involvement in an unrelated matter.

At the sentencing, the prosecution asked Judge McLean for the mandatory minimum sentence, which according to DC Sentencing Commission’s sentencing guidelines, was seven years.

The prosecution also spoke on behalf of the carjacking victim, saying he remains unemployed after the incident. Formerly a delivery driver, the man is now too traumatized to return to work and is struggling to provide for his family. According to the prosecutor, the victim suffers from persistent nightmares.

The prosecution also noted the increasing violence of the defendant’s actions, escalating from robbery to carjacking, and requested a stay-away order from the victims if Mitchell is granted probation.

In a statement on Mitchell’s behalf, defense attorney Anthony Dimillio said that Mitchell has had a difficult life. He said that all of Mitchell’s charges occurred at once, indicating that he does not have an extensive criminal history, but rather made a few bad decisions. Although Dimillio linked Mitchell’s actions to his mother’s death, he did not indicate when she died.

Mitchell apologized to the court and the victims of both the robbery and the carjacking, stating he took full responsibility for his actions. He specifically apologized for the delivery driver’s job loss, of which he was not aware.

Judge McLean said she appreciated his apology and taking responsibility for his mistakes. She acknowledged Mitchell’s own trauma but noted it does not excuse the ordeal he inflicted on others..

Judge McLean said Mitchell requested a second chance and a probationary sentence in his letter to the court, but she ruled that this was not an option.

She explained that she is technically bound by the terms of the plea agreement and the mandatory minimum sentence.

Judge McLean sentenced Mitchell to seven years in prison for unarmed carjacking, six months in prison for possession of a prohibited weapon, and six months in prison for receiving stolen property. The sentences are scheduled to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Mitchell must also register as a gun offender for two years after his release

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Returned to Jail After Non-Compliance with Marshals

A homicide defendant was sent back to DC Jail after non-compliance with U.S. Marshals before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 24.

Jadohn Bracey, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with attempt to kill while armed, three counts of 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 death of Special Police Officer Angela Washington, 42. The incident occurred on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE on Sept. 21, 2021. Washington died from one gunshot wound to her head. His brother Jayden Bracey, 24, is also charged in the case.

At the hearing, US Marshals informed parties Bracey was not cooperating when he arrived at the courthouse, therefore they sent him back to the DC Jail.

Without Bracey present, parties did not discuss a plea offer that has been extended by the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 25.

Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in 2021 Murder Case

A defendant turned down a plea offer in a murder case before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 25.

Jadohn Bracey, 25, rejected an agreement for first-degree murder while armed to his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Special Police Officer Angela Washington, 42, that occurred in September 21, 2021 on the 3300 block of 10th Place SE.

Washington suffered from a gunshot wound to the head and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His brother Jayden Bracey, 24, is also charged in the case.

Judge Park read the terms of the plea into the record including a sentence of 16-to-20 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed.

Defense counsel, Quiana Harris, added that the agreement also required the defendant to provide a statement in connection with the plea but details were not specified in open court.

Judge Park asked the defendant whether he understood the agreement. Bracey said he did but rejected the offer.

Bracey’s other attorney, Kevin Mosley, informed the court that a crime scene reporter working with the defense had been out of town due for family issues and needed additional time to complete the investigation.

According to the prosecutor, she consulted two expert witnesses and said they are expected to provide discovery evidence to the defense as required.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on March 2.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in 14th Street, NW Fatal Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 23 that a homicide defendant committed second-degree murder while armed.

Shawn Conway, 50, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal stabbing of Jermaine Foster, 34, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW on Sept. 12, 2025.

According to court documents, officers responded to reports of a large fight and located Foster, suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest. Foster sustained six stab wounds, including one to the heart, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Two additional individuals involved in the fight sustained non-fatal injuries.

At a prior hearing on Feb. 18, prosecutors called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) lead detective assigned to the case and parties presented arguments regarding probable cause.

In delivering her ruling, Judge Dayson stated that the elements of the offense were supported by the evidence presented. She said a reasonable inference could be made from video footage that the suspect possessed a knife prior to the stabbing and continued the assault even after being physically restrained by another person.

Judge Dayson found probable cause to infer an intent to kill, noting that the nature and continuation of the stabbing demonstrated at least a conscious understanding that serious harm would result.

Addressing self-defense, Judge Dayson said the video did not show that anyone else was armed or that there was a clear and present danger requiring a lethal response. She stated the evidence did not support a claim that Conway acted in response to an immediate serious threat.

Judge Dayson also referenced the video evidence, noting that the individual depicted making stabbing motions was wearing a gray sweatshirt and light-colored jeans. She stated that MPD surveillance footage showed the suspect entering and later exiting the driver’s seat of a silver Chevy Cruze in the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW, which is registered to Conway. The clothing and physical build of that individual were consistent with the suspect shown in the Instagram video.

Although the primary witness did not initially identify the suspect by name or specify who drove the Chevy Cruze identified in footage as the suspect vehicle, the witness described clothing consistent with the individual depicted in the video. Judge Dayson acknowledged the description —a gray sweatshirt and light-colored jeans— was general, but stated there was no other individual in the footage matching that description.

Judge Dayson addressed ,Rachel Cicurel, Conway’s attorney’s argument that cell phone data showed Conway was on his phone at the time of the incident. The data showed Conway’s phone communicating with cellular towers in the area of the homicide. Judge Dayson stated that this information did not defeat probable cause when considered alongside the video evidence, witness statements, and vehicle evidence.

Following the ruling, the prosecution requested Conway remain held, citing the nature of the offense, the downtown location, allegations that he fled the scene, and that he was on supervised release for a prior violent offense at the time.

Cicurel, requested release to 24-hour home confinement with GPS monitoring. Cicurel argued the probable cause finding was close, noting Judge Dayson took time to consider her ruling. She stated that the description of the suspect’s clothing was vague and that neither Conway nor the suspect vehicle was clearly visible in the footage.

According to Cicurel, Conway was employed at Amazon, connected with a mental health provider, and had no other reported violations of his supervised release.

Judge Dayson denied the request for release and ordered Conway remain held. She cited the seriousness of the offense and noted that one surviving victim described attempting to restrain the suspect, giving him an opportunity to stop the assault. She stated that the continuation of the stabbing weighed against any argument that the incident occurred in the heat of passion.

Additionally, Judge Dayson referenced Conway’s criminal history, including a prior violation of a civil protection order and multiple assault convictions. She noted he was placed on supervised release only months before the alleged offense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 29.

Judge Denies Release for Defendant Accused of Playground Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe rejected a request to release a shooting defendant accused of firing shots at a playground near children in a hearing on Feb. 24.

Eric Glascoe, 64, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or a business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that took place at the 1300 block of 49th Street, NE on Jan. 22.

According to court documents, Glascoe allegedly fired one round in the air and one round at a dog. A witness reportedly stated that the dog attacked two children at the playground where prior to the shooting where the offense occurred.

Arguing for release, Glascoe’s attorney, Naveen Hammad, emphasized that Glascoe’s prior convictions were not recent. Hammad noted that Glascoe was born and raised in DC and resides in a home that was passed down to him from his mother who had recently passed away, making hiim responsible for taking care of the property.

Judge Pipe however, pointed out the facts of the case, stating that Glascoe is accused of firing a gun at his dogs with children nearby which adds to the seriousness of the offense. Based on the circumstances of the incident, Judge Pipe denied Glascoe’s release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 24.

Sentence Suspended After Plea in Road Rage Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe sentenced a shooting defendant to a probation only sentence after he accepted a plea deal on Feb. 24.

Akinde Akinseye, 44, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that stemmed from a road rage incident on Aug. 12, 2025 at the 2000 block of New York Avenue, NE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Akinseye was on his motorcycle when he fired shots at the victim’s car. Akinseye turned himself in to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later the same day and told them that he shot in fear for his life.

At the hearing, Akinseye accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to simple assault and attempted possession of a prohibited weapon.

The prosecution said that if the case had gone to trial they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Akinseye assaulted the victim by firing multiple rounds.

Akinseye disputed this account in court, telling Judge Pipe that was not what happened. At his request, the prosecution amended the proffer of facts to state that a single round was fired rather than multiple rounds.

After Akinseye accepted the deal the prosecution asked for a probationary sentence, with 180 total days of incarceration, all suspended.

Akinseye’s counsel, Brandon Burrell argued that Akinseye acted out of fear for his life, asserting that the victim’s vehicle swerved toward his motorcycle. Burrell requested a suspended sentence of 95 days incarceration.

Addressing the court, Akinseye acknowledged he was in the wrong and said he learned his lesson.

Judge Pipe sentenced Akinseye to 90 days of concurrent incarceration for each charge, all suspended, in favor of one year probation.

No future proceedings were scheduled.

Judge Won’t Release Stabbing Suspect Considering Plea Deal

A stabbing defendant considering a plea offer was denied release in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Feb. 24.

Jasmine Armwood, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 3800 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on Nov. 29, 2025. The victim sustained one stab wound to the abdomen.

Armwood’s defense attorney, John Machado, requested that Armwood be released from custody as she has a four-month-old child at home. Machado also asked for Armwood to receive bed-to-bed in patient drug treatment.

The prosecutor opposed any modification to Armwood’s hold, including drug treatment, due to the severity of the case.

Judge Di Toro denied Machado’s oral motion, describing the case as “very serious.” The judge stated that she could not find a combination of conditions to ensure Armwood would return to court, citing five bench warrants Armwood received between 2017 and 2023.

Prosecutors also informed Judge Di Toro that they extended an offer to Armwood, which would require her to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Machado requested time to consider the offer with his client, which the judge allowed.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 16.

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