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Defense Requests Evidence in Murder Case Linked to MS-13 Gang

A murder defendant alleged to be connected to “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13) appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Nov. 15 as the defense reiterated requests for evidence from the prosecution.

Pedro Joya Argueta, 25, also known by the nickname “Peluche,” is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and conspiracy. The charges are connected to Argueta’s alleged involvement in the execution-style killing of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez on April 27, 2019, on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW. 

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Argueta’s attorney, asked to know the date when the defense will receive all of the evidence from the prosecution, since the process thus far has allegedly been slow.

The prosecution explained that the delays are due to the complexity of the case. They currently have over 30 witnesses and intend to add more co-defendants.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 14, 2025.

Defense Tries to Exclude Police Interview With Ailing HIt-And-Run Defendant

The attorney for a traffic homicide defendant argued that his client’s interview with a police detective should be excluded from evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 15 

Spiro Stafilatos, 37, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer for an hit-and-run incident that occurred on Dec. 30, 2022 on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW. The incident resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui and severe injury to another individual. 

According to court documents, Stafilatos sped away from a traffic stop, ran a red light and collided with a car. As a result of the collision, Stafilatos’ vehicle spun into the crosswalk and allegedly hit Sui and the other victim while they were crossing the street. 

According to both parties, Stafilatos received medical treatment at a hospital and then was interviewed by law enforcement. 

The prosecution opposed the defense’s motion to suppress statements from the interview and called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who conducted the interview as a witness. The detective viewed a screenshot of surveillance footage from the interview and confirmed it was his.

Stafilatos’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the detective if he remembered Stafilatos telling him he was “not okay” at the beginning of the interview. The detective affirmed he recalled Stafilatos saying this, and McDaniel asked the detective if he did anything about Stafilatos not feeling well. The detective responded that he did not.

McDaniel argued Stafilatos’s statements during the interview should be suppressed because the detective conducted the interview despite being aware Stafilatos was out of the hospital after a serious car accident and was not okay. McDaniel also argued Stafilatos could not be fully aware of his rights in this situation

The prosecution disagreed that Stafilatos, citing that he was read his Miranda rights against self-incrimination during the interview. The prosecution argued there is no basis for suppression because Stafilatos was volunteering information and not being interrogated. According to the prosecution, Stafilatos’ statements were not made in response to questions from the detective, but were unprovoked and voluntary.

Judge Raffinan informed the parties she will rule on the motion at the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 26.

MPD Detective Testifies in Hit-And-Run Murder

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified about his investigation of a fatal car accident in a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 15. 

Kyle Piunti, 35, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run traffic death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin on I-295 southbound on Jan. 3. 

According to court documents, Hamlin took an off-ramp from I-295 after avoiding a separate collision. Allegedly, Piunti was driving at a high speed in a blue car when he hit Hamlin and fled the scene on foot. 

An MPD detective involved in the investigation testified in the hearing that he recognized images of a blue car linked to the incident.  

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 19.

Prosecutor Says Stabbing Defendant, ‘Knew What He Was Doing and Had No Fear’

Opposing Willie Byrd’s claim of self defense, the prosecution said Byrd, “knew what he was doing and had no fear” in their closing argument before D.C. Superior Court Judge O’Keefe on Nov. 14 

Byrd, 61, is 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 alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing. The victim required multiple surgeries and intensive care as a result. The incident occurred on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of D Street, SW, and 2nd Street, SW.

The prosecution called a witness who was present at the scene of the alleged stabbing immediately before it occurred. She described the victim as being “out of his element” while trying to buy drugs in that particular neighborhood, which made him “vulnerable”. 

The witness said the defendant asked her to help him “deceive” the victim into giving them money. She said she left the scene before anyone was harmed and never saw a weapon.

The defense presented a motion for a judgment of acquittal, arguing the prosecution had not presented enough evidence to prove Byrd’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, saying the jury could decide if the evidence was strong enough to convict.

The prosecution used CCTV footage to show Byrd’s alleged involvement in the stabbing and his expressed intent to kill. The defense used the footage as evidence the stabbing was an effort of self-defense. 

Byrd’s attorney, Camille Wagner, argued a disparity in interpretation the evidence created grounds for reasonable doubt and said the prosecution had not met its burden of proof. 

The prosecution highlighted the intensity of the injuries caused, arguing the sheer force used in the stabbing was enough to demonstrate intent to kill. They claimed Byrd had chances to retreat but instead “lingered” to start the physical altercation and hid the knife behind his back before brandishing it.

The defense emphasized moments in the CCTV footage where Byrd is seen backing up or putting his hand up and used them to support their self-defense argument. They said, if Byrd had the intent to kill, he would not have left the scene when the victim was still up and moving. 

The trial is set to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence 

A non-fatal shooting defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Nov 15. 

Theodore Williams, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of Wahler Court, SE, on April 18. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The prosecution told the court they had tested biological material, including DNA swabs from two firearms and two cartridge casings.

Judge Christian accepted Williams’ waiver, presented by his defense attorney, Thomas Healy.

Trial is scheduled for Jan 7, 2025.

Shooting Suspect Changes Plea to Guilty

A non-fatal shooting defendant changed his plea to guilty during a felony status conference before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Nov 15.

Travis Ellis, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Park Road, NW, on Sept. 18. No injuries were reported.

As part of an agreement, Ellis pleaded guilty to the charge. His defense attorney, Charles Haskell, said the count carries a maximum sentence of ten years with a minimum of three years of supervised release. He requested a sentence at the midpoint of the guidelines.

Haskell informed the court that Ellis was waiving an indictment and the right to independently test DNA evidence. He asked Judge Christian to release Ellis to home confinement with GPS monitoring. 

The prosecution was opposed saying Ellis has a child with the victim and shot at the victim voluntarily.

Judge Christian denied releasing Ellis at this time.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan 30, 2025.

Conditional Probation of Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant  Extended

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian extended the probation period for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Nov. 15 due to failure to complete a domestic violence program.

Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2021, to unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE, on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. 

According to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Parker has completed 90 hours of community service and paid the $100 and $50 fees to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund that were part of his probation conditions. However, he has not completed the required domestic violence program.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki informed the court that Parker was enrolled in the program but was unsure when it starts or finishes. The prosecution pointed out that Parker has been enrolled in these programs before but has not shown up many times.

Parker is paying for the 16-hour program himself, which costs over $100, and is currently waiting for a referral. Parker’s probation was originally set to expire next month. Kopecki asked for a continuation so he could have time to complete the program.

Judge Christian said at least the court will know if Parker is enrolled and how far along he has gotten to satisfy the extension.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7, 2025.

Triple Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Seven Years Incarceration 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a triple carjacking defendant to seven years in prison on Nov. 15 after he pleaded guilty to all charges. 

Dennis Vanison, 29, on Aug. 13 acknowledged guilt to unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in three carjacking incidents. The first occurred on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE, on May 2, and the following two occurred on the 3300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on May 3. 

According to court documents, Vanison and another suspect stole the first victim’s white Chrysler while he was making a DoorDash delivery on May 2. Vanison was not the suspect who pointed the firearm at the victim, according to prosecutors. 

The next day, according to court documents, a separate victim called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after finding Vanison unresponsive at the wheel of their family vehicle. The driver’s door and trunk were open, and a firearm was on the floorboard. Vanison had committed another carjacking earlier that morning down the street.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 84-to-96 months of incarceration. Due to Vanison’s criminal history of three misdemeanors, he faced a mandatory minimum of seven years of incarceration. 

The prosecution advocated for the higher end of the sentencing range, explaining how one victim over 60 years old is now unable to work and suffering from depression. Additionally, Vanison committed the offenses with an unregistered “ghost gun” near a child development center. 

The prosecution disclosed two additional cases of robberies pending trial in Maryland, including one already indicted by a grand jury, to justify their recommended sentence. The prosecution stressed the danger of the offenses to the community. 

Vanison’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, argued the bottom of the sentencing range was high for the nature of the offense, given Vanison’s criminal history score. Winograd recommended 84 months with a period of probation. 

Winograd said Vanison has intellectual disabilities that have prevented him from finishing school and obtaining a job. His challenging environment made him susceptible to dangerous behavior. Winograd argued a sentence at the low end of the range will allow Vanison the opportunity to reflect and pursue rehabilitation.

Judge Salerno sentenced Vanison to 84 months for the charge of unarmed carjacking. That sentence will run concurrently with a sentence of 28 months for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license. 

Both sentences carry with them concurrent three years of supervised release. During that time, Judge Salerno ordered Vanison to engage in an interactive plan that includes a program to address his drug abuse issues.

In addition, Vanison will have to register as a gun offender for two years after his release and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. 

The parties set no further dates.

Everyone Thinks Youth Crime Is Increasing–D.C. Witness Data Shows Why

New data from D.C. Witness validates the common public perception that violent crime among youth in the District is increasing. The percentage of homicides and non-fatal shootings perpetrated by youth aged 15-to-20 almost doubled in the three years from 2021 thru June 2024. 

In 2021-22 perpetrators ranging in ages from 15-to-20 committed about 11.38 percent of the crimes. In 2022-23 they were responsible for about 12.35 percent. In 2023-2024 that percentage jumped to 21.43 percent. In other words, nearly 100 percent.

The percentage of crime by perpetrators in the 25-to-35 age group remained consistent in DC over the last three years. The same was true for those aged 40-to-50 as well.

One segment that experienced  a decline was early middle age–people 35-to-40. That group saw an almost 50 percent drop in crimes committed. In 2021-22, around 29.27 percent of perpetrators were categorized as being in early middle age then  the decline began the next year with 13.58 percent in the bracket engaging in criminal behavior and then only a slight rise the next year at 16.67 percent.

The D.C. Witness data shows that the age of crime victims has changed significantly over the last three years as well. 

While the percentage of crimes committed by youth has increased in the past year, the percentage of victims 15-to-20 in the District declined significantly. Although there was a spike– from 2021-to-22 to 2022-to-23 from 17.07 percent to 33.33 percent- the past year has seen that percentage drop to 23.81 percent. 

It is a different story for those aged 20-to-25. In the years 2021-22,13.01 percent of young adults were victims, and in 2022-23, they comprised 14.81 percent. This rate almost doubled in 2023-to-24. The percentage of victims jumped to 28.57 percent. 

The percentage of victims aged 30-to-35 and 35-to-40 in DC showed the most dramatic decline. In 2021-to-22 the percentage of victims who were in early adulthood, 30-to-35 was 25.20 percent, and in the next year the rate was similar at 22.22percent before falling to 9.52 percent in 2023-24. 

Those 35-to-40, also saw a significant drop to 0.00 percent in 2023-24 from previous years, starting in 2021-22 at 22.76 percent and then in 2022-23 at 12.35 percent.

Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Victims and Perpetrators 2021-2024

Perpetrator Data

2021-222022-232023-24
Ages 15-2011.38%12.35%21.43%
Ages 20-2517.07%33.33%23.81%
Ages 25-3021.14%23.46%23.81%
Ages 30-3516.26%16.05%19.05%
Ages 35-4029.27%13.58%16.67%
Ages 40-455.69%6.17%4.76%
Ages 45-507.32%6.17%4.76%

Victim Data

2021-222022-232023-24
Ages 15-208.13%12.35%11.90%
Ages 20-2513.01%14.81%28.57%
Ages 25-3024.39%16.05%28.57%
Ages 30-3525.20%22.22%9.52%
Ages 35-4022.76%12.35%0.00%
Ages 40-454.88%9.88%11.90%
Ages 45-504.88%2.47%7.14%

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty In Non-Fatal Roommate Shooting

A defendant pleaded not guilty to assault before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld during a hearing on Nov. 18 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting.

Stephan Ombolo, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on March 26 on the 400 Block of Newton Place, NW.

According to court documents, Ombolo’s cousin’s roommate called the police for help when Ombolo’s cousin was having a mental health crisis. The roommate told a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective that Ombolo assaulted him after Ombolo’s cousin was transported to a hospital and the police left. 

Court documents state that Ombolo was angry with the roommate for calling the police about his cousin. Ombolo allegedly struck the roommate repeatedly with the butt of a gun and fired one shot towards him without result.

During the hearing, Ombolo was arraigned on the pending charges and his defense attorney, Hannah Akintoye, alerted the court he was entering a plea of not guilty, which Judge Hertzfeld accepted.

Trial was originally set for the following day, Nov. 19, and the prosecution informed the court they were ready to proceed with trial.

Akintoye informed the court she was not ready due to late discovery from the prosecution and requested a continuance of two weeks to go over the evidence with her client.

Judge Hertzfeld granted the defense’s request to delay the trial and set a new trial date.

Trial is now set for Dec. 12.

Document: Police Arrest 2 Juvenile Suspects After Man Dies

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two juvenile males, aged 16 and 14, connected to four robbery-related offenses that took place on Oct. 27 in Northwest D.C. 

The victims of the incidents were primarily assaulted and robbed, with one victim, 39-year-old Bryan Smith, located on the 500 block of T Street, NW, succumbing to his injuries on Nov. 7. 

The arrested juveniles have been charged with three counts of robbery and assault with intent to commit robbery.

Judge Rules Against Admitting Gang-Tie Evidence in a Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a defense motion to exclude the prosecution’s Instagram evidence suggesting the suspects had a gang association. The action in a Nov. 14 hearing blunted the prosecution’s effort to establish a motive for a homicide.

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and conspiracy. The changes stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud. 

Martinez Raynor, 26, is also charged in connection to McCloud’s death. Judge Raffinan had granted a request to sever the cases, allowing them to be tried separately.

Without the jury present, the parties argued over evidence, including Instagram posts and screenshots of Instagram narratives that included individuals outside of the indictment. 

The prosecution argued the evidence was necessary to establish Morgan and Raynor’s alleged affiliation with the “Solid Gang,” which, they say, would provide a motive for the murder. The prosecution also said the evidence also showed Raynor’s consciousness of guilt.

Steven Kiersh, one of Morgan’s defense attorneys, argued the evidence was suggestive and would prejudice the jury against Morgan. HIs other attorney, Megan Allburn, said introducing the other gang members would be “well outside the scope of this conspiracy.”

Judge Raffinan excluded the Instagram screenshots from evidence because they were dated after the incident. She said she will rule on the other Instagram evidence at the next hearing.

The prosecution called a police officer who arrested Raynor. He testified to bringing Raynor into custody allegedly for narcotics and a firearm that was later linked to the murder of McCloud. The officer said he also found two additional firearms in Raynor’s residence while executing a search warrant. 

The prosecution called an expert witness from the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Team to present his findings regarding phone data from the incident. The witness explained what cell towers picked up Raynor’s and Morgan’s phone calls in the hours before and after the incident. He concluded they may have been together and they were unlikely to have been talking to each other.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 18. 

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Florida Ave NE

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash involving a Metro bus and a scooter that happened on Nov. 7 on the 300 block of Florida Avenue, NE. 

The victim, who operated the scooter and collided into the side of the moving Metro bus, has been identified as 60-year-old Keith North of Northeast. He was pronounced dead at the hospital from critical injuries sustained from the accident.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to House Party Murder

A defendant pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 15.

Charles Best, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, 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 35-year-old Darius Robinson, which occurred on Feb. 18, 2023, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

During Best’s preliminary hearing, it was indicated that the shooting occurred at a house party.

The court arraigned Best on the three charges and his lawyer, Megan Allburn, alerted the court that Best was entering a plea of not guilty.

Allburn and the prosecution requested a status date instead of setting a trial date because they are trying to negotiate a plea agreement.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 10.