Non-Fatal Shooter Accepts Plea Offer, Faces up to 25 Years in Prison

Charles Brown accepted a plea offer from the prosecution through his defense attorney, Charles Haskell, during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Jan. 27.

Brown, 65, 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 on Sept. 7, 2024, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. The defendant and at least one other individual sustained injuries from the incident.

Brown pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction in exchange for the prosecution’s agreeing to dismiss all other charges associated with the case.

Haskell told the court assault with a dangerous weapon carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine of $37,500, and a mandatory minimum of three years.

According to DC Sentencing Guidelines, the judge has the discretion to decide whether the sentences for these two charges will run consecutively or concurrently. Thus, the maximum prison term for Brown is 25 years.

In describing the incident, the prosecutor said Brown approached a group of people in an alley and fired a handgun at them, striking at least one person. An unknown person shot back at Brown, who was too injured to flee but phoned someone to pick up his gun before police arrived.

The prosecutor said Brown refused to identify himself to police as they took him to the hospital to be treated for his injuries, but fingerprints revealed his identity and a prior felony conviction.

Brown’s sentencing is set for April 15.

Prosecutors Ask For Stay Away Order from Angry Carjacking, Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted prosecutors a stay away order from a witness during a hearing on Jan. 28.

Raysean Brown, 28, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of firearm during violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.

At the hearing, the prosecution requested the order for a witness who is worried for her safety. They said Brown and his family members had repeatedly been reaching out to the witness – receiving phone calls from the DC Jail.

“This is bullsh*t,” said Brown aloud in court. He was promptly admonished for the comment by Judge Arthur.

In addition to expressing frustration about the stay away order he was unhappy about being locked up for nine months without any progress in the case.

Brown also requested a new lawyer, his third on this case. Judge Arthur responded one of the reasons the case reached trial is Brown’s changing lawyers. However, he granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 4.

Co-Defendant’s Car Accident Delays Shooting Trial

A shooting trial in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom was delayed on Jan. 28 after one of the co-defendants was involved in a car accident and couldn’t appear for the proceeding.

Chantel Stewart, 33, and Daniel Cary, 30, are charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020 on the 4000 block of First Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident–a gunshot wound to the back, causing a collapsed lung.

Cary is also charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

Stewart’s accident occurred while she was driving to the courthouse and she sustained minor injuries including a sprained ankle and mild concussion. Stewart informed her attorney, Jesse Winograd, that she would not be present but would attend on Jan 29.

If Stewart’s condition worsens, Winograd said he will file a motion for a mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 29.

Attorney Argues Murder Defendant Could Have Been Acting in Self Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan was asked to consider a self-defense argument for a homicide in a hearing on January 28, 2025. Video footage of a passenger removing unknown items from the victim’s stolen car after he was shot could justify self-defense, the murder defendant’s attorney claimed.

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.

Nikki Lotze, Stoney’s attorney, explained that Tiller was traveling in a stolen car and bullets were found inside. Self defense could be argued, Lotze claimed, because of the car’s suspicious registration and its contents. However, the prosecution said that a self-defense argument would be invalid because the ammunition in Tiller’s car was never fired.

Lotze rebutted, saying there was video footage of a passenger, previously unmentioned, in Tiller’s car. In the video, taken after the shooting, the person removed items from the car before the police arrived on the scene. Lotze argued that because Tiller’s passenger could have removed evidence of a violent altercation, there is reasonable cause to suspect Stoney was acting in self defense.

Judge Ryan ruled that that wasn’t necessarily a valid argument from the defense, but the passenger removing items from the car was “concerning.”

Stoney was asked if he wanted to DNA test any of the items found at the scene, but declined, waiving his right to do his own analysis.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 3.

Stabbing Defendant Remains Jailed Before Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a stabbing defendant’s request for release on Jan. 27.

On Jan. 7, Marshall Baxster, 40, pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his involvement in a stabbing on the 3000 block of R street, NW, on Nov. 29, 2024.

According to court documents, Baxster allegedly stole items from the victim’s backpack and when confronted by the victim he punched him in the face causing swelling and bleeding, before cutting his wrist with a knife. Baxster was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

During the hearing, the defense requested the defendant be released before sentencing, arguing he lacks a criminal history and is willing to take responsibility through a pre-indicted deal allowing Baxster to plead guilty to the sole count of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.

The prosecution argued that due to the seriousness of the crime there is no evidence to refute he will not be a danger to the community.

Judge McLean denied the request because of the serious nature. Baxster will continue to be held until sentencing.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 14.

Defendant Pleads Guilty in Homicide Case

A homicide defendant pleaded guilty on Jan. 24 before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park at a status hearing.

Wyatt Swan, 48, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the Oct. 1, 2024, fatal shooting of 53-year-old Teresa Francisco on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE.

According to the prosecution, Francisco attempted to flee after Swan shot her in an apartment, leaving a trail of blood to the parking lot. The prosecution asserted that Francisco then hid from Swan in an unlocked van where he found her and shot her again multiple times. Swan then fled in his car and Francisco was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the hearing, Todd Baldwin, Swan’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a deal, which required Swan to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Judge Park told Swan that he would have to register as a gun offender for at least two years after his supervised release.

The sentencing is set for March 21.

Three of Four Co-Defendants in Jail Stabbing Don’t Come to Court

Three of four stabbing co-defendants failed to appear before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Jan. 27.

Ndiaye Elhadji, 25, Dion Lee, 25, Dionte Anderson, 26, and Tyrone Hawkins, 23, are charged with conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on May 9, 2023 at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. An inmate and a Department of Corrections (DoC) officer sustained injuries during the incident.

The US Marshals alerted Judge Arthur that Lee and Hawkins refused to transfer from the jail to the courthouse. Known as a “jail refusal”, the move could delay the case.

Anderson, who is being held at Northern Neck Regional Jail, is awaiting a writ ordering his transfer to the DC Jail.

During the hearing, Judge Arthur requested that the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) reinstall a GPS monitor on Elhadji, who is the only co-defendant on release.

According to Judge Arthur, Elhadji was recently arrested in Indiana for a DUI charge and also was involved in an unrelated car accident which led to the removal of his GPS monitor. It must be replaced prior to his journey back to Indiana on Jan. 28 for a hearing,

Due to the absence of the other defendants, the court has rescheduled the hearing for Feb. 21.

Domestic Violence Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Jan. 27.

Aron Williams, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence stabbing that occurred on Feb. 24, 2024 on the 300 block of 37th Street, SE. The victim, Williams’ romantic partner, suffered life-threatening injuries from 10 stab wounds to her mouth, arms, and legs.

Williams’ attorney, Hannah Claudio, informed the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, which would require him to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Judge Park accepted Williams’ guilty plea.

Parties will reconvene for sentencing on March 28.

Wife Accused in Husband’s Stabbing Granted Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond accepted a defendant’s waiver of her right to a preliminary hearing, and granted her release during a Jan. 24 hearing.

Carol Chavis, 70, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing her husband during a dispute in their home on 1700 block of Gales Street, NE on Jan. 22.

Chavis’ attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, requested Chavis’ release, arguing that the act was in self-defense and that in their 40 years of marriage there has been no prior history of domestic violence.

Prosecutors opposed the release, claiming that she initiated the fight and cited an incident from two years prior in which Chavis allegedly attempted to stab her husband.

However, Chavis’ husband informed the court he had no desire to impose a stay-away-order from his wife and was agreeable to her coming home.

Ultimately, the court granted Chavis release, ordering her to check in with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) once a week.

The parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 4.

Defendant’s No-Show May Delay Shooting Case

A defendant refused to appear in court during a Jan. 24 preliminary court hearing, potentially delaying the case.

Alexander Evans, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting a man in his left hand on Jan. 13, on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE.

The US Marshals alerted DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond that Evans refused to get on the bus from the DC Jail to the courthouse.

The refusal, described as a “jail refusal”, could cause potential setbacks in the judicial process.

Due to Evans’ absence, the court has rescheduled the hearing for Jan. 30.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Five Count Shooting Indictment

A defendant in a non-fatal shooting has pleaded not guilty following a five count indictment on Jan. 27 before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur.

Dupre Jones, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4500 block of First Street, SW, on Oct 11, 2024.

Adgie O’Bryant, Jones’ attorney, alerted the court of Jones’ intent to plead not guilty to all charges, asserting his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

O’Bryant also filed a motion to suppress all tangible evidence found during a search warrant in Jones’ home; the prosecution has until Feb. 4 to respond.

All parties will reconvene on Feb. 10.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Global Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a global plea deal extended by the prosecution during a Jan. 24 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman.

Juaval Huff, 29, was originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, six charges of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stemmed from involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured three individuals, on March 26, 2024 on the 1300 block of Okie Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted Judge Edelman they had extended a global plea agreement to Huff, which would resolve all of his outstanding cases. Through the deal, Huff was required to plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and robbery, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges in four felony and two misdemeanor cases.

Through the deal, the prosecution agreed to request a sentence that is the mandatory minimum or at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, whichever is longer.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on March 28.

Judge Nixes Homicide Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a homicide defendant’s request for release on Jan. 24.

Andrew Ellis, 22, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Leo Colter, 56, on Oct. 1, 2023 on the 900 block of 15th Street NW.

Ellis’ defense attorney, Carrie Weletz, requested release arguing that, due to a neck injury, Ellis can no longer turn his head and needs physical therapy and medication, but treatment is unavailable at the DC Jail. She said the injury also makes him more vulnerable to violence.

“Jail is a very dangerous place for someone with plates in his neck,” Weletz said.

Weletz added that Colter has a family in the community and a job guarantee from an employment agency.

The prosecution countered that Ellis’ record does not make him a good candidate for release. According to the prosecution, Ellis has been arrested multiple times for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia and carrying a pistol without a license. Most recently, Ellis was arrested for an alleged gun violation in Prince George’s County, Maryland causing him to miss his arraignment in DC.

Judge Kravitz denied the defense’s request due to the serious nature of the crimes and Ellis’ previous criminal history. He said the prosecution had proven that no combination of release conditions would ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are expected to convene on Feb. 21.

Judge Orders Mental Evaluation for Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered a mental competency exam for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Jan. 27.

Anardo Little, 18, is charged with armed carjacking and aggravated assault while armed for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 1200 block of H Street, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

Susan Ellis, Little’s attorney, requested a mental competency exam for Little. The prosecution had no objections.

Judge Pipe granted the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 5.

Suspect Accused of Wounding Victim 17 Times Rejects Plea Offer

Defense attorney Quo Mieko Judkins explained a plea deal her client rejected during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 24.

Marcus Martin, 28, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE, on Jan. 11, 2024.

According to court documents, one individual sustained 17 wounds from the shooting.

Judkins told the court the plea deal would have required Martin to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in the case and requested a sentence at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.

Judkins said Martin rejected the plea deal before the preliminary hearing, which took place on Sept. 27, 2024.

Judge Brandt scheduled Martin’s trial for July 7.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 28.

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