The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking a suspect in a shooting that occurred on Nov. 27 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, SW. The incident resulted in 1 surviving victim who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was captured on surveillance footage, and authorities are requesting public assistance in identifying the individual.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred on Dec. 8 in the 1700 block of Columbia Rd, NW. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Malik Lee from Takoma Park, MD, was found with multiple stab wounds and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 31-year-old Darcell Warren, who has no fixed address, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Oct. 6 at the intersection of H Street and 7th Street, Northeast. Warren was apprehended on Dec. 5 under a DC Superior Court arrest warrant for Endangerment with a Firearm. No victims were found at the scene.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 5 in the 2000 block of Wade Road, SE. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Mark Odom, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. No suspect information has been released.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 4 in Southwest Washington, D.C. Officers found 19-year-old Nadir McCoy, of Northwest, DC, deceased from gunshot wounds in an apartment on the 200 block of I Street, SW. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspect information has been released.
DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted two defense attorneys’ request to withdraw from a homicide case, further delaying the proceeding, which was slated to begin on Jan. 22, during a Jan. 30 hearing.
Ernest Cleveland, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Edward Pearson, 39, on November 26, 2020 on the 2900 block of Connecticut Ave, NW.
The defendant’s trial was scheduled to commence on Jan. 22, however, his prior defense attorneys, Madelyn Harvey and Victoria Clark, filed a motion to withdraw as Cleveland’s counsel due to a conflict of interest. Judge Kravitz then appointed Attorney Nathaniel Mensah on Jan. 23 and Attorney Elliot Rosenwald on Jan. 29 as new counsel for Cleveland.
Judge Kravitz urged both parties to select a trial date during the felony status conference because there have been several delays. The lawyers alerted Judge Kravitz the earliest they could try the case was in the fall, but were unable to finalize dates due to scheduling issues.
Parties are scheduled to reconvene for another status hearing on Feb. 25.
A jury acquitted a shooting defendant of all charges after a two week-long trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on Jan. 21.
Antoine Johnson, 28, was charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.
Johnson’s charges stemmed from his alleged involvement in shooting at a man and his son on I-695 southbound near exit 2B following a domestic dispute on the 1000 block of 5th street SE on July 20, 2023.
The prosecution claimed the shooting occurred after Johnson’s mother found her 14-year-old daughter in bed with a 17-year-old boy. An argument broke out between the two families following the romantic encounter and the boy and his father left the scene, allegedly pursued by Johnson.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued that a revenge motive, video surveillance footage, cell phone data, eyewitness descriptions of the shooter and a recorded statement from Johnson – during which he allegedly told his mother, “We ain’t doing no talking, ma. I’ve seen his face,” clearly implicated him as the shooter. The 14-year-old girl is Johnson’s half-sister.
Matthew Rist, Johnson’s attorney, countered by emphasizing ambiguities including the interpretation of Johnson’s statement, possible alternative suspects, inexactness of cell phone location data, and lack of corroborating physical evidence.
The jury agreed and Johnson was acquitted of all charges.
No further dates were set.
DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow told a shooting defendant he must comply with all release conditions in a Jan. 29 hearing, following multiple non-compliance reports from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).
Roscoe Atchinson, 33, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year, for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery that led to a shooting. The incident occurred on April 15, 2020, on the 4000 block of Livingston Road, SE.
According to court documents, Atchinson and another man allegedly ambushed a Special Police Officer while he was on patrol at an apartment complex. Atchinson is accused of pointing a gun at the victim’s head. The victim, unharmed, grabbed the handgun and shot the defendant, who suffered gunshot wounds to his right thigh and right lower back and fled the scene.
The incident allegedly left Atchinson paraplegic–he now uses a wheelchair.
During the hearing, Judge Pasichow stated Atchinson has an outstanding bench warrant in Maryland for an alleged misdemeanor and traffic charge, as well as issues reporting to PSA. The judge told Atchinson needs to, “get these things squared away,” and or his release will be in jeopardy.
Parties are slated to return on March 4.
Prosecution witnesses testified they watched a murder in progress in a trial before a jury and DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 28.
Ethan Cunningham, 22, is charged with two counts of felony murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, first-degree burglary while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside the home, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old James Curtis on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE on May 10, 2022.
On Jan. 23, prosecutors dismissed four charges – one count of felony murder while armed, kidnapping while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home,” the prosecutor told the jury during their opening statements about the shooting, stating that Cunningham allegedly killed Curtis “steps away from his home,” after a failed robbery attempt.
According to the prosecution, Curtis made himself an “easy target,” by holding the door to his apartment building open for the defendant and another young man to enter.
The prosecution told the jury that Cunningham pushed Curtis against the wall of his apartment with a 9mm firearm and said “Shut the f**k up, you know what it is, open the door,” – which they argue can be seen in Ring camera footage retrieved from Curtis’ front door.
Curtis refused because his girlfriend and her six-year-old son were inside the apartment, the prosecution claimed.
They stated that the defendant then pushed Curtis down a flight of stairs to the basement level of the building. Curtis’ roommate and best friend came down the stairs to help, but failed as the suspect fired several times at them. Bullets grazed his roommate’s backpack, setting it on fire.
Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s attorney, asked the jury to “keep an open mind” during the trial, saying that they should presume Cunningham innocent until the prosecution provides evidence that proves all elements of every charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Following the opening statements, the prosecution called multiple witnesses that were present during or directly after the incident.
Curtis’ roommate and best friend testified that following a trip to get food, Curtis parked his Dodge Charger and entered the building alone.
The witness heard Curtis calling out “Help, bro, help, he’s trying to get me.”
The friend testified he ran downstairs and wrestled with the suspect who shot four times – twice at Curtis’ friend, and twice at Curtis.
Once the shooter fled, the witness testified, he ran upstairs to check on his girlfriend, not realizing Curtis had been shot later finding him wounded.
Prosecutors also called Curtis’ downstairs neighbor, who said, Curtis banged on his door for help after three-to-four gunshots rang out. Seeing Curtis in distress the witness called 911.
Curtis’ roommate’s girlfriend testified she and her boyfriend were let into the building by a man they did not recognize who fled the scene with the shooter. Then they heard Curtis screaming from downstairs asking for help.
She testified she saw the three men scuffling, then heard three-to-four gunshots and saw her boyfriend slip and fall on the landing closest to the basement. According to the witness, she screamed at the shooter, “No, don’t do that!,” as he pointed the gun at her boyfriend while he was on the ground.
Parties will reconvene Jan. 29.
Editor’s note: Aaron Murchison was acquitted of all charges by a jury on Feb. 11, 2025.
DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson delayed a murder trial set to start on Jan. 28 to consider possible sanctions against the prosecution based on allegations of missing police notes.
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 Jamontate Brown, 32, on Oct. 16, 2022, on the 2500 block of Pomeroy Road, SE.
Defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, motioned Judge Dayson to sanction the prosecution following accusations that a responding officer lost the case notes he compiled from the crime scene.
Gardner argued the situation amounts to incredible negligence with sensitive information.
Meanwhile, prosecutors say there is no missing evidence in that all relevant information the officer collected in note form could be reviewed in body-worn camera footage.
Judge Dayson responded that didn’t feel comfortable ruling until she learned more about the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) procedures regarding an officer’s notes even if are no longer employed by the department – or if MPD even has a policy in place.
Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 29.
DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a carjacking defendant’s request for mental competency evaluation, during a hearing on Jan. 29.
Eligah Hughes, 35, and Elias Robertson, 30, are charged with armed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in an incident that took place on the 1000 block of F Street, NE on Feb. 25, 2024.
Anthony Eugene Smith, Hughes’ attorney, requested a postponement following a motion for forensic evaluation – citing Hughes’ history with mental health problems, adding he “appears to be experiencing mental health difficulties and an inability to relate with counsel” to plan their defense.
Judge McLean granted the request, and ordered a preliminary mental screening.
According to Joseph McCoy, Robertson’s attorney, parties continue to be in plea negotiations.
Parties are to reconvene on Feb. 4.
A homicide victim’s mother testified on Jan. 28 about her close relationship with her son and what happened the day he was killed. The jury trial is being conducted before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park
Ronald Wallace, 51, and DeAngelo Glover, 33, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm, for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Tyrone Wright on Jan. 19, 2021 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.
“We had a wonderful relationship. We spoke everyday and I saw him often,” Wright’s mother testified, adding they were “two peas in a pod.”
Even so, she admitted, he failed to pick up her call on the morning of his murder.
Additionally, she recalled the moments leading up to her son’s death– she was standing in her kitchen, when she heard multiple gunshots nearby.
Immediately calling her other sons, she stated she “had a feeling” that something was wrong. As she ran out of her home to the crime scene, the detectives would not let her in, and she never saw her son again.
The next trial hearing is set for Jan. 29.
DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McClean sentenced a tearful stabbing defendant to 24 months of incarceration with all but six suspended. The outburst came during an emotional hearing on Jan. 28, as the defendant pleaded with the judge, “Please don’t send me to jail your honor.”
On Nov. 6, Lakeesha Taylor, 52, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a deadly weapon for her involvement in a stabbing incident on the 1000 block of H Street, NE on March 2, 2024. An individual sustained cuts to her clothing, but wasn’t physically injured.
Taylor has dozens of prior arrests and multiple convictions, according to prosecutors.
According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a panic alarm at a phone store. Previously, Taylor engaged in an argument with the victim that turned physical when Taylor punched the victim in the face, before swinging the knife at her, then contacting the victim’s clothing with the weapon. During the violent encounter Taylor reportedly told the victim, “I’m going to kill you,” and chased her out of the store. The victim escaped and managed to flag down police.
At the hearing, the prosecution argued for a 24 month sentence with three years of supervised release. They justified the request citing the aggressive nature of the crime, given that the defendant didn’t know the victim and Taylor’s “conduct in the case was extremely disturbing.”
The prosecution also noted Taylor’s prior criminal history of 42 arrests and 14 convictions, although they didn’t elaborate on the infractions. They argued that Taylor showed no remorse and cited four notices of non-compliance since Taylor’s release.
Defense attorney Marnitta King argued that in the altercation the defendant and victim were equally involved at first. The defense also stated that Taylor accepted responsibility but acknowledged that she didn’t need to “retaliate” with a knife. King also explained that the defendant described herself as a target of attacks and abuse.
According to the prosecution and Judge McLean, in the nine months following her release, the defendant was required to participate in drug testing, but tested positive multiple times, including as recently as January, and failed to appear for two tests. King argued the defendant’s health issues limited her ability to receive drug treatment which requires taking certain medications.
The judge said Taylor was offered numerous opportunities to participate drug treatment but never successfully completed the program, even though the defense said she intended to do so.
The defense requested a sentence at the bottom of the guidelines. King stated Taylor was now willing to participate in anger management courses, drug treatment, a mental health evaluation, and three years of probation.
Taylor took responsibility for her actions and apologized for “wasting court time.” She expressed a qualified apology to the victim as the “young lady threatening [Taylor’s] life” as well as the victim’s family.
Taylor also mentioned her relapsing breast cancer, the loss of her mother, and her missing daughter’s kidnapping in explaining her errant behavior.
While Judge McLean appreciated Taylor’s accountability she stated ,“There is no reason to be chasing someone down the street with a knife.” The judge sentenced Taylor to 24 months with all but six suspended, three years of supervised release, and one year of probation. As part of her sentence, Taylor is required to complete anger management courses, drug treatment, and pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.
Immediately following the sentence, Taylor started crying, and asked, “I have to go to jail for six months?” to which Judge McLean responded “Yes ma’am” and continued “I’m not sure why you weren’t prepared.”
As she was being removed from the courtroom by US Marshals, Taylor, sobbing, asked for 24 hours to turn herself. Her request was denied.
No further dates were set.
A defendant in domestic violence homicide was found guilty of all four charges against him by a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom, on Jan. 22.
Idrissa Fall, 37, 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, for shooting 29-year-old Dara Northern on July 18, 2021. The incident took place on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW.
Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution tried to prove that the shooting was premeditated, deliberate, and motivated. A few days before the shooting, according to the prosecution, Fall and Northern ended their relationship, causing Northern’s mother to ask Fall to move out of their house. The prosecution also said that he acquired a gun and easily disabled security cameras before following Northern out of the house.
The prosecution asserted Fall followed Northern to her best friend’s vehicle before shooting her through the passenger-side window. Fall and Northern were in a relationship but had gotten into several fights over Fall’s concern about Northern’s sexual orientation and alleged infidelity.
Prosecutors presented surveillance footage said to show Fall running from the vehicle after the shooting. This was consistent with Northern’s mother’s testimony, that she heard a gunshot, got out of bed, and looked out the window to see Fall fleeing the scene.
The jury found Fall guilty of all counts.
Judge Brandt set sentencing date for March 19.
A stabbing defendant accepted a global plea deal, which resolves multiple cases, at a hearing on Jan. 28 with DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.
Andre Joyner, 34, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a robbery that turned into a stabbing at the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Aug. 24, 2024. The victim sustained four injuries, including to his scalp and chest.
During the hearing, Michael Madden, Joyner’s attorney, alerted Judge Arthur of his intent to accept a deal, which required him to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful entry – for illegally accessing a Metro track. Joyner accepted the plea deal, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment in this and a misdemeanor case.
Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to seek a sentencing at the bottom of the guidelines.
The sentencing date is set to be on April 7.
