‘It Felt Like My Skin Was On Fire,’ Officer Says in Double-Homicide Fire Trial

The trial of a homicide defendant charged in two burn deaths linked to multiple fire code violations in his building continued on Feb. 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

James Walker, 66, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged involvement in a fire that caused the deaths of 40-year-old Fitsum Kebede and nine-year-old Yafet Solomen at the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW, on Aug. 18, 2019.

“It felt like my skin was on fire,” a responding officer testified recalling how difficult it was to breach locked doors of the residence prior to firefighters arriving on scene.

Another officer testified that while the fire was raging in the building, Walker seemed frantic. Body-worn camera footage was shown of Walker saying to the witness “that’s my property, I have the key,” although the witness did not recall seeing a key in Walker’s hand.

The footage showed the witness telling Walker to stop trying to go near the door, all while firefighters were using a saw to get it open. The witness testified that it was dangerous for Walker to be close to where the firefighters were working due to large amounts of smoke.

The witness also stated that Walker seemed “concerned with the people inside.”

The deputy fire chief at the time of the incident also testified, further confirming for the jury that Walker was not licensed to have rental tenants in the property.

Prosecutors also called on the forensic pathologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed the autopsies on Kebede and Solomen. The doctor testified that they both suffered from heat and inhalation injuries.

The witness stated that 20 percent of Kebede’s body was covered in first, second, and third-degree burns, and Solomen had first and second-degree burns on 50 percent of his body. They both had blunt force trauma to their backs and left hips, possibly from banging their bodies against a door in an attempt to escape, according to the doctor.

Prosecutors called an employee of the Department of Buildings (DoB) who is in charge of construction inspections. The witness had written a report based on his observations of the property’s interior and exterior. He said there were no smoke alarms, ventilation, sprinkler systems and exit signs in most of the building.

He explained walls are meant to act as barriers that prevent the spread of fire, but one room had a wall that was too short to reach the ceiling.

During cross-examination, Walker’s defense attorney, Elliot Queen, questioned the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ (DCRA) attempts to previously inspect the property based on complaints. The witness testified they were unable to inspect the property before the fire because they did not have access to enter. He confirmed they did not contact the owner after these efforts, meaning Walker was not formally informed of the violations.

The prosecution established with the city employee that the owner of the property is responsible nonetheless for the safety codes, even if they were not contacted.

Prosecutors then called on a resident of the property. She explained the various keys needed to open doors throughout the building, such as one right before the stairwell.

The witness further shared Kebede was previously homeless and was going through a rough time. Other residents, who were part of his church community, allowed him to stay in the building. She was informed they eventually ran out of money and Kebede had to move to the basement.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 11.

Shooting Co-defendants Waive Independent DNA Testing

Two shooting defendants alerted DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson they intended to waive their rights to independently test DNA evidence during a hearing on Feb. 5.

Tyshay Moore, 27, and Javonee Jackson, 25, are charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, conspiracy, and simple assault in connection to a non-fatal shooting on May 10, 2023 on the 700 block of 7th Street, NW.

According to court documents, the shooting stemmed from a domestic disturbance between Jackson and her child’s father, during which Moore allegedly shot him.

The prosecution said they had recovered a firearm and were planning to have it tested for both DNA and bullet testing.

When Judge Dayson asked, both Jackson and Moore waived their rights for their own evaluation of the evidence.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for a motions hearing on March 7.

Suspect Gets Suspended Time For Spoon Stabbing at A Food Truck

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park sentenced a felony assault defendant to 20 months but no jail time for an attack with a spoon in a hearing on Feb. 4.

Aziz Osmani, 31, was convicted of assault with significant bodily injury while armed for his involvement in assaulting his victim with a spoon, severely cutting his face and head. The incident occurred at a food truck on the 2300 block of Reynolds Place SE on April 21, 2024.

Defense attorney Raymond Jones said Osmani has been dealing with mental health issues his entire life, adding Osmani has taken accountability, and his primary concern is continuing mental health treatment.

Judge Park acknowledged Osmani’s mental health struggles and when not properly managed its impact on others..

Osmani was sentenced but with all time suspended, and 12 months of probation. During probation, Judge Park said, Osmani must participate in drug and mental health assessments, as well as anger management classes provided by Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

His probation will continue in Virginia after participating in the Re-Entry and Sanctions Center (RSC), an outpatient treatment program for offenders.

No further dates were set.

January Homicide Statistics Show Little Change from 2024 to 2025

According to D.C. Witness data, as of Feb. 6, there were eight homicide incidents and 10 homicide victims in the District in January. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has announced two arrests made in relation to homicides that occurred during the month.

D.C. Witness found that there was an 11 percent decrease in homicides compared to January 2024, which had nine homicide incidents.

According to MPD documents, in the early morning hours of Jan. 13, MPD officers responded to the report of an armed suspect inside the lobby of a residential building on the 300 block of Florida Avenue, NE. A struggle ensued between MPD officers and the suspect, with three officers sustaining injuries.

Derrick Williams, 45, was identified as the suspect. He died on scene as a result of his injuries.

On Jan. 26, according to MPD documents, officers received a report of a shooting on the 4000 block of South Capitol Street, SW. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile boy suffering from gunshot wounds. Myron Smith, 14, died from his injuries after being transported to a nearby hospital.

The MPD made three arrests in connection to the shooting, including two 16-year-old boys and a 14-year-old boy.

Police have not made any arrests for the remaining six homicide incidents. The MPD is offering a reward for information on any unsolved cases.

Defense Requests Delay to Contest Competency Findings in a Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park granted a short continuance providing the defense counsel more time to respond to two additional expert witnesses to contest a mental competency finding by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Jan. 31.

Devonte Wright, 26, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, cruelty to children, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, and carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from Wright’s alleged involvement in the stabbing of a two-year-old on May 27, 2020, on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE.

Wright has undergone dozens of mental health evaluations over the past five years that provided contradictory results. The defendant had initially been ruled incompetent with the possibility of restoration. That has since been changed to competent, but the prosecution claimed there was a lack of effort from the defendant in achieving restoration so he could stand trial

Christen Phillips, Wright’s attorney, previously alerted Judge Park of his intent to challenge the findings, and requested a short continuance of three to four weeks to have more time to speak with new experts that are expected to testify at the trial. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the defense should have been prepared for any possible witness testimony. Nonetheless, Judge Park granted the motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 18 for another mental observation hearing.

Delays in DNA Testing Hinder Stabbing Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted the defense’s request to move the trial date in a stabbing case on Feb. 5, due to delays in DNA testing.

Herbert Young, 41, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed of a senior citizen, aggravated assault knowingly while armed of a senior citizen, assault with a dangerous weapon of a senior citizen, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 4, 2023, on the 2500 block of N Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the victim was hospitalized in critical condition with nine stab wounds, including one to the neck.

In court, Hannah Claudio and Damayanti Desai, Young’s attorneys, motioned to move the trial date from the original date of March 10 due to DNA testing which wouldn’t be finished until the end of March to early April. Judge Ryan granted this motion, setting a trial date for Aug. 26.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 31.

Medical Examiner Testifies Homicide Victim’s ‘Frontal Lobe Was Pretty Much Destroyed’

A wound damage expert explained the severity of a gunshot wound to a homicide victim before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom, on Feb. 5.

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

The analyst, who conducted Tiller’s autopsy for the DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), said “the frontal lobe was pretty much destroyed,” describing what the bullet did to Tiller’s brain.

The expert testified that Tiller suffered one gunshot entrance wound on the left side of his forehead with no exit wound. The cause of death was ruled a complication to the gun shot wound and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Meanwhile, Stoney’s boss at a tow truck company, testified a tow slip that Stoney filled out on the day of the incident had missing information. However, he said that was not unusual given the stresses of the work.

Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, also questioned the behavior of a detective who allegedly tried to get Stoney’s boss in trouble with his probation officer if he didn’t cooperate. The prosecution stated that the witness refused to meet with them at all before the trial and did not provide towing records to the detective, but did comply with the defense’s investigation.

A witness who specializes in firearm tool mark examination identification and analysis, examined bullet and cartridge evidence in this case. Due to similar characteristics on the cartridge casings collected, the witness said all of the bullets found at the scene were likely fired from the same gun. He was also able to conclude that the markings on one of the cartridges was consistent with the marks left by a Glock firearm.

A DNA expert testified that there was not enough DNA left on the cartridges to accurately produce a comparison between the DNA lifted from the cartridges and the buccal swab done of Stoney. The only conclusion the expert could make was that there was at least one male contributor of DNA on one group of the cartridges.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Independent DNA Testing

A defendant in a non-fatal shooting case waived his right to independently test DNA evidence during a status hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb. 6.

Marvin Smith, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly 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 a non-fatal shooting on March 22, 2022 on the 2400 block of Elvans Rd, SE. One victim sustained life-threatening injuries.

Enumerating the evidence, the prosecution stated they collected items that they believe contain Smith’s DNA. They include a Glock 45 pistol, 13 bullets, blue jeans, shell casings, and an iPhone. It is the defendant’s right to select a laboratory and independently test evidence for DNA content, however, Smith waived that right, allowing the prosecution to proceed examining the evidence.

Jury trial is scheduled to commence on March 27, and parties are slated to reconvene for trial readiness on March 12.

Shooting Defendant’s Request for Release Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno denied a shooting defendant’s request for release on Feb. 4.

Bryant Howard Jr, 22, is charged with carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 16, 2024 on the 100 block of Wayne Place, SE.

During the hearing, Elizabeth Paige White, Howard’s attorney, asked that the court consider his release. White argued that Howard did not have any adult criminal history, and this was his first gun offense.

The prosecution opposed the motion.

Judge Salerno denied the request, citing the seriousness of the offense.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

Shooting Victim Testifies Argument Started Over a Child

A shooting victim told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt she and one of the defendants knew each other well before the incident, during a trial hearing on Feb. 4.

Daniel Cary, 33, and Chantel Stewart, 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. At the scene, the victim suffered a collapsed lung caused by a gunshot wound to the back.

Prosecutors called on the victim, who testified she and Cary had known each other for years, and added they had been roommates. “We had an okay relationship,” said the victim.

The victim testified Stewart would sometimes pick up the victim’s child, as long as she was given permission by the victim. On the day of the incident, the victim testified, that she had not given Stewart permission to take her child, but she did so anyway. She realized Stewart picked her kid up while they were on a phone call, which caused the confrontation to escalate.

The victim testified Stewart threatened her, telling her she would get her boyfriend to kill her. When they met so the victim could get her child back, Cary allegedly asked “Where’s your n-word.” The witness said she took that as Cary wanting to fight her boyfriend.

She remembered a fight between her and Stewart as well as the police showing up, but in fear of being arrested, she denied it. As she tried to drive away, the victim testified, she heard shots and realized she had been wounded in the back allegedly by Cary who was in the passenger seat of Stewart’s car.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the victim will finish her testimony on Feb. 5.

Prosecutors called on a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), who testified he completed a phone analysis in connection to the co-defendants’ cellular devices on the day of the shooting.

According to the agent, Stewart’s and Cary’s phones were in the general area of the shooting at the time of the incident, and the analysis showed them leaving the area moments after the shooting.

Stewart’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, said the data was vague, that there was no way to know who had the phone, and the agent could not specifically state the defendants were at the exact location of the shooting.

Cary’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, added the agent could not necessarily prove that the defendants’ phones were together, but rather could only show they made similar movements.

Prosecutors also called on the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who testified he responded to the scene and assisted with the retrieval of surveillance footage of the incident.

According to the detective, a video, shown to the jury, depicted two vehicles speeding away from the scene after what sounded like a gunshot. The detective testified the footage was recovered from a resident’s Ring camera on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE.

A witness from the United States Secret Service testified he located the victim’s vehicle after it crashed into the entrance of the United Medical Center (UMC) on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

According to the witness, the victim’s vehicle had bullet damage on the rear driver’s side of the vehicle.

He entered the hospital and recovered a tank top from the victim – which had a bullet fragment on it. He also responded to the original crime scene and recovered four shell casings.

The trial will resume on Feb. 5.

9-Year-Old Victim’s Mother Tearfully Describes Fatal Fire

A mother testified about her son’s his death in a fire linked to longstanding rental code violations, before a jury and DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Feb. 5.

James Walker, 61, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the deaths of 40-year-old Fitsum Getachew Kebede and nine-year-old Yafet Solomen at the 700 block of Kennedy Street, NW. Solomen and Kebede were transported to the area hospital with life threatening injuries on Aug. 18, 2019. Kebede succumbed to his injuries on the same day, and Solomen on Aug. 20, 2019.

The prosecutors told the jury that the defendant was the property’s landlord who converted it from a pharmacy into a residential rental space. They claimed that Walker had 26 fire code violations in total and chose to ignore them, stating “he knew what he built.”

With the help of two Amharic interpreters, Solomen’s mother told of her journey from South Africa carrying him on her back through multiple countries before reaching the U.S. in search of a better life for her son.

The witness testified to renting a basement room from Walker that had no windows, smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, where she lived with Solomen during the time of the incident.

Kebede lived in a separate room on the same level. The witness described Kebede as a quiet church devotee whom she trusted to watch over her son. She described Solomen as a smart, open-minded nine-year-old that deeply cared for his mother and had dreams of becoming a lawyer.

On the day of the incident, the witness was at work when she received a phone call from Walker informing her of a fire and that Solomen had been taken to a children’s hospital. Through tears, she described rushing to the hospital, where she found her son unresponsive. Despite efforts to save him, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Overcome with emotion, she broke down in tears as the prosecution presented a blown up picture of Solomen, repeatedly crying, “My son.”

A toxicologist testified about his examination of the victims. Kebede’s screening revealed the highest possible level of a blood product consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, typical in fire victims.

Prosecutors also called on an employee from the DC Department of Buildings, who testified Walker had several certificates of occupancy and a home occupation permit, but nothing for the rooms he rented out.

An eyewitness who attempted to help get the victims out of the building testified he used a pipe to pry open the exterior gate with bystanders and police. The witness stated he “heard a loud boom” and a “little boy hollering” once he arrived on scene.

A responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer additionally took the stand, stating he heard intense banging and screaming within the property, stating it “sounded like anguish.” The MPD officer noted the absence of smoke alarms or beeping noises during the fire.

Trial is set to resume Feb. 6.

Prosecution Says Drive-By Shooting Defendant, ‘Left a Trail of Evidence’

Prosecutors say a murder suspect left incriminating evidence behind in opening statements of a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Feb. 4.

“The defendant drove away, yes, but he left a trail of evidence connecting it to him,” said prosecutors in their opening statements. According to the prosecution, Stoney was in a silver Infiniti registered to his girlfriend when he allegedly fired 13 shots at Tiller at an intersection, though a motive has not been revealed.

Prosecutors argued that the cell site data indicated that Stoney was near the site of the incident at the time of the shooting, and the fact that the car used by the perpetrator is registered under Stoney’s girlfriend’s name is enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Stoney is the shooter.

Defense attorney Nikki Lotze argued that Stoney was never in the silver Infiniti on the day of the incident and had no motive to kill Tiller. Lotze insisted there is no evidence that Stoney had ever interacted with Tiller, and claimed that he was working during the incident.

Lotze also pointed out the prosecution’s failure to investigate the witness who talked to a person sitting in the passenger seat in Tiller’s car. According to court documents, a nearby witness parked behind Tiller’s vehicle claims to have seen a passenger leave the vehicle and transfer items from the car to the apartment complex. The witness talked to the passenger, who told the witness to call 911 as the driver, Tiller, was dead.

The defense insisted there is no evidence or witness that can demonstrate Stoney was in the Infiniti the day of the incident.

Lotze also argued that there is no evidence that he was in possession of a gun or left identifying DNA, or fingerprints, was observed in surveillance footage, or precisely located by GPS at the scene.

Stoney’s girlfriend testified that the reason the car was registered under her name is issues with his license. She claimed that when she first was told about the incident by detectives, she decided to report the car as stolen.

Stoney’s boss, who considers him a friend, testified about the validity of two work receipts. The first receipt was time-stamped for 9:35 a.m. while the second had no time mark, indicating that Stoney had worked in the morning prior to the incident’s taking place at 1:55 p.m.

The victim’s mother described Tiller as a “family man” who often organized gatherings.

Parties are to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Stabbing Defendant May Withdraw From Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe postponed a status hearing for a stabbing defendant who is considering withdrawing his plea on Feb. 5.

Carlton Davis, 48, previously pleaded guilty to assault with a significant bodily injury for stabbing a victim’s hand with a pair of scissors on July 13, 2024, on the 200 block of 35th Street, SE.

Ferguson Evans, Davis’ attorney, informed Judge Pipe that Davis is reconsidering his plea that was accepted by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Aug. 28, 2024.

Evans also informed Judge Pipe that he did not have this case on his today schedule, and requested a short continuance to discuss the plea offer with Davis.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 11.

Case Acquitted: Defense Tries to Discredit Police Witness in A Homicide, Prosecution Challenges Suspect’s Investigation as Hearsay

Editor’s note: Aaron Murchison was acquitted of all charges by a jury on Feb. 11, 2025.

The lawyer for a homicide defendant attacked the credibility of an investigating police officer based on past misconduct issues in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Feb. 5.

Aaron Murchison, 28, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jamontate Brown on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.

When cross-examined by Kevann Gardner the detective admitted he wasn’t involved beyond identification of the defendant.

Gardner homed in on conduct violations against the detective regarding his use of a body-worn camera. According to Gardner, the detective had eight body-worn camera conduct violations in the ten years he was assigned to patrol duty.

Gardner also called on a Public Defender Service (PDS) investigator assigned to the Murchison case to testify on Murchison’s behalf.

The investigator took pictures of the scene, reviewed body-worn camera footage, and went inside the apartment where Murchison was allegedly staying in on the night of the incident.

Prosecutors repeatedly objected to the testimony as irrelevant and hearsay – information received from someone else that cannot be adequately substantiated.

Finally, Judge Dayson dismissed the jury early, stating “I don’t want to sit here all day going through these objections.”

Once the jury left, the prosecution argued the investigator was assigned to the case two years after the incident occurred, therefore any information she knew about the case was second hand

Although she acknowledged the hearsay allegations, Judge Dayson denied the prosecution’s request, allowing the investigator to continue as a witness. Due to time constraints, she will continue her testimony on Feb. 6.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6.

Defense Motions to Suppress Witness Identification in Homicide

Defense attorneys in a homicide case filed a motion to suppress identification of the defendant in front of DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 31.

Jerome Israel, 19, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and two counts of destruction of property, for his alleged involvement in the death of ChaQuan Barbett, 24, on Aug. 23, 2022. The incident occurred on the 2300 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE.

On Dec. 23, Janai Reed and Lisbeth Saperstein, Israel’s attorneys, filed a motion to suppress the identification of Israel as the suspect, which was provided by a witness to the police. According to the attorneys, the witness who provided the identification told officers he’d be eager to help them with identifying other homicide suspects if he was released from jail.

The prosecution called a member of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who was a homicide detective working the case. The officer helped introduce video evidence of the witness’s statements about the identity of the suspect. Multiple interviews with the witness were entered into evidence. Pictures shown to the witness during the interviews were also included

The defense argued the individual presented in these pictures did not match the defendant, citing differences in facial hair and complexion.

Parties had to break for time and are slated to resume Feb 12.

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