After Courtroom Outburst, Judge Sentences Defendant to 17 Years for Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to 17 years in prison after one of the victim’s family members offered a statement and another was escorted out of the hearing for an outburst on Nov. 15.

Kyree Hariston, 25, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on Aug. 9 for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 51-year-old David Coe on Feb. 3 on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

During the hearing, Coe’s niece addressed the court, saying he’s not passing judgment and holds no grudges against the defendant.

Coe’s niece said she couldn’t cry after the incident, and her uncle’s death still hasn’t hit her, but she has been praying for “him, his heart, and his soul.”

“Your family lost you to the system,” she told Hairston, “but we lost our uncle forever.”

Coe’s niece said about Hairston, just because “he made a downfall, doesn’t mean he can’t get back up.” In her closing to the court, she told him, “As long as you have breath in your body, you have a prayer from me.”

Judge Epstein said he admired her courage and forgiveness towards Hairston.

The prosecution asked for Hariston’s sentence to be 18 years, saying that the “victim’s impact statement is representative of Mr. Coe’s family.”

The prosecution also said Hairston showed no remorse and only made excuses for his actions. They said he had no concern for human life and didn’t deserve to be a part of the community.

The prosecution played security footage of the shooting, showing Hairston firing the gun after Coe had already been hit.

After the video played, a family member stood up in the gallery and yelled at Hairston, calling him a “son of a b***” and a “motherf*****” for shooting Coe. US Marshals escorted the family member out of the courtroom. Another family member screamed after seeing the video.

Coe’s defense attorney, Daniel Bruckheim, requested a sentence of 14 years, arguing Hairston accepted responsibility for his involvement in Coe’s death by pleading guilty. Bruckheim asked for Hairston to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) because the YRA committee found him to be an eligible candidate. The statute allows a juvenile defender’s record to be sealed if the terms is successfully completed.

“I truly apologize to [Coe’s] family,” Hairston said, explaining he did not want Coe’s death to happen but he felt “backed against a wall.”

Judge Epstein said he gives Hariston credit for accepting responsibility but he would not sentence him under the YRA because the original charge before a plea agreement was second-degree murder while armed, something the YRA does not cover.

Along with the 17-year sentence, Judge Epstein gave Hairston five years of supervised release.

Parties did not set any further dates.

Document: Help Police Find A Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting public assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on Sept. 18 on the 1600 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Murder Defendant Arrested in Maryland, Misses DC Arraignment

Andrew Ellis was absent for the court hearing at which his co-defendant, Marques Johnson, was arraigned in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 15. The prosecutor said Ellis had been arrested with a gun in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the previous day.

Ellis, 22, and Johnson, 42, are charged with first-degree premeditated 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 by a convict. Ellis is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and an additional charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the shooting death of Leo Colter, 56, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 900 block of 15th Street NW.

At the arraignment, Johnson pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Kevin Robertson, asserted Johnson’s constitutional rights and requested a trial date.

Ellis’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, asked for a delay in choosing a trial date in order for her to meet with her client first. Court documents show that she was appointed to represent Ellis on Nov. 14.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 10.

Murder Trial Ends with Clashing Accounts of Shooting

Parties presented conflicting accounts of the fatal interaction between the victim and the defendant in their closing arguments in a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 14.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is 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. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022 ,on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE.

In their closing arguments, prosecutors argued that Stevens “chose violence” and intentionally escalated a conversation with Umoh into a fatal confrontation. They presented evidence, including cell site data and video footage, showing an individual identified as Stevens leaving the scene to retrieve a gun and returning to confront Umoh, suggesting premeditation.

The prosecution emphasized Umoh was unarmed, had no drugs on him, and was seen in video footage interacting warmly with others. They argued Stevens’ self-defense claim was invalid, as he was the initial aggressor. According to video evidence, Umoh had a cigarette in his mouth and raised his hands as Stevens approached him. When Umoh tried to push Stevens away, he was shot at close range in the chest, with feathers from Umoh’s jacket visible upon impact.

Jason Tulley, Stevens’ defense attorney, argued the prosecution’s case was inconsistent with the evidence and disputed the claim of a point-blank shot. He said the shooting was accidental, with Stevens waving the gun to defend himself after Umoh allegedly threatened him. He also highlighted Stevens’ history of trying to protect his sister from drug dealers, suggesting he approached Umoh, a known dealer, to ask him to stay away from her.

In response, the prosecution reiterated that Stevens was not under imminent threat, pointing to video evidence indicating that Umoh had only his keys and wallet. They argued Stevens’ actions alone escalated the situation, leading to Umoh’s death.

Jury deliberations will continue on Nov. 15.

Victim’s Brother Identifies Defendant as Shooter In Nightclub Murder Retrial

“I knew what I saw,” testified the brother of a victim who was fatally shot outside a nightclub regarding his identification of the defendant in a photo array. The moment came during a murder retrial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 13.

Mark Beasley, 52 is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for the fatal shooting of Darryn Conte on April 26, 2015, on the 6900 block of 4th Street, NW. One other individual sustained injuries.

Beasley’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah, questioned Conte’s brother over his statement to police that he identified Beasley based on a “gut feeling.” Amissah asked the witness if he was uncertain and had possibly identified Beasley because he recognized him from the nightclub, not because he saw him at the shooting.

The witness responded that he “knew what [he] saw” and only used the term “gut feeling” because it was still difficult to reconcile the night as real.

“He was the individual I saw walking towards [the] car,” the witness said. “I saw him shoot at the passenger side of the Lexus,” which was where the victim was sitting.

The witness also clarified that he was “clear headed” when the shooting occurred. He said the night was a “blur” only after the shooting because he was trying to get his brother to wake up and not focusing on anything else.

The prosecution called another of Conte’s brothers, who was in the car at the time of the shooting and sustained injuries.

“Everything was happy,” the witness said about the night before the shooting took place. He said there were no fights. He left the club with his brother and sat in his Lexus in the alley while they waited for their other brother and a friend.

The witness testified he was “intoxicated” and his memory of the night was “pretty poor,” but he saw the silhouette of a man on the passenger side where his brother was sitting immediately before the shooting. He added that the shooter was “right on the car.”

Following the shooting, the witness described pulling his brother towards him and stepping out of the car to see the shooter but falling to the ground because he had been shot in his lower back. He said he saw a light-skinned male in a light-colored shirt or jacket before he fell.

The prosecution also called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the shooting.

The officer testified that, when he arrived at the scene, one individual was hanging out of the car. He explained it is typical in some cases to leave a victim in as they are until officers can gather photographs and evidence.

The prosecution showed the jury photograph of Conte hanging headfirst out of the car, with his foot stuck in the steering wheel and multiple placards indicating bullet cartridges on the ground.

The trial will resume on Nov. 14.

‘I Feared For My Life,’ Defendant Testifies in Murder Trial

The defense presented their only witness, the defendant, to tell his side of the story in a murder trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 13.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

These counts stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE.

Jermall Johnson, 40, is also charged in connection to Umoh’s death. On Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defendants’ request to sever their cases, which allowed them to be tried separately.

During the hearing, Judge Epstein granted the defense’s motion for acquittal of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon due to lack of evidence. The prosecution had added this charge due to a mother and child’s being present at the scene of the crime. The judge ruled the shooting was at point-blank range and not in their direction.

The defense called Stevens to provide context for the shooting. Stevens said the altercation occurred when he confronted Umoh and asked, “Please stop selling my sister drugs.” According to Stevens, Umoh responded, “F*** you, Imma crush you, Imma kill you.”

The prosecution had described these events as premeditated, with Johnson as Stevens’ accomplice. Stevens said he told Johnson he was going to approach Umoh, but “there was never a plan,” according to Stevens.

Prosecutors called Stevens’ report of Umoh’s words, “the threat nobody but you heard.”

“I don’t have a relationship with him like that,” Stevens said. Johnson grew up in the same neighborhood but they never texted or called each other. According to Stevens, they were just acquaintances.

The prosecution questioned Stevens’ protectiveness toward his sister, given his criminal history of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine, his sister’s drug of choice.

Stevens said he has turned his life around since then.

“That’s what goes on in that neighborhood,” Stevens said multiple times. He said he moved out of the neighborhood to raise his child because he didn’t want them exposed to violence and drugs.

The prosecution accused Stevens of shooting while running from the altercation after the fatal blow to Umoh.

“I thought they were shooting at me,” Stevens said, “I feared for my life.” He explained that he heard two additional gunshots and responded by shooting behind him without looking carefully.

“You did it to finish the job,” the prosecution said.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 14.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 80 Years For ‘Senseless Act of Violence’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a defendant to 80 years incarceration on Nov. 15.

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting which occurred on July 27, 2022 on the 4300 block of 4th Street SE and resulted in the deaths of 19-year-old Ronald Brown and 41-year-old Tijuan Wilson.

Prosecution requested that because of the “senseless and horrifying violence” of the incident and the lasting effects that this has had–not only one family but many–that Jones should be charged to the full extent of his crimes.

The request was 86 years incarceration or 1042 months. Jones was found guilty on all charges by a jury on June 26, 2024.

Family members of both Brown and Wilson also gave impact statements saying they hope that Jones takes this time to think about his actions and the their consequences.

Defense attorneys Charles Murdter and Carrie Weltz argued that since Jones had been a prior victim of violence and that he should receive the bottom of sentencing guidelines range which is about 60 years.

Weltz emphasized Jones has strong family support demonstrated by a letter written to the judge and that this act was in retaliation for an earlier shooting.

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution that retaliation could have been avoided simply by calling the cops and that this was just a “waste of life for such a senseless crime.”

Accordingly, Judge O’Keefe sentenced Jones to 80 years of incarceration with five years supervised release. The term is in addition to other ongoing charges.

Judge O’Keefe also ordered if ever Jones is released he must comply with supervised probation as well as register as a gun offender and take a mental health screening.

Prosecution Offers Plea Deal to Murder Defendant

A plea offer in a homicide case was presented by the prosecution in a Nov. 15 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Joshua Allen, 33, is charged with first degree murder premeditated while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson, on June 11, 2021 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

Prosecution extended an offer to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of obstruction in another case– all other charges would be dropped.

The defendant and the defense have until January 24 to make a decision.

Parties are set to reconvene Jan 24, 2025.

Prosecution Links Homicide to Gang Rivalry

During the first day of trial, the prosecution called multiple witnesses to present evidence they say links the defendant to a gang-related homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, on Nov. 13.

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.

The parties began with opening statements.

The prosecution explained how Morgan and Raynor got in a stolen vehicle, armed themselves, hid their identity with ski masks, and went into “enemy territory” allegedly to kill McCloud. They showed video footage from the incident, where one could see the car pulling up and the shooting. Then, they explained Morgan’s alleged affiliation with, “Solid Gang,” and that the motive behind the shooting was linked to gang rivalry.

Megan Allburn, Morgan’s attorney, opened by saying that Morgan was not on trial for what he had done, but he was on trial for the people he is friends with. She explained how the prosecution was going to use the “Solid Gang” implication to create fear, but that it was merely a rapper name. Allburn told the jury that the prosecution would not present any DNA evidence of Morgan on the car or on the firearm used in the shooting.

The prosecution called McCloud’s mother to the stand where she became emotional.

She testified to his character as her child. She explained that he was a, “big boy,” but a, “gentle giant,” and that he was not the type of person to walk around the street with bad intentions. At some point, she started stuttering and began to cry before she said, “He didn’t deserve that… he didn’t deserve that.”

The prosecution called a responding officer to testify about his investigation.

He received a call for a shooting next to the Holiday Liquor Store. When the officer arrived, he went straight to McCloud who was lying unconscious on the floor. A later investigation found shell casings around the floor and he noted nearby surveillance cameras.

The prosecution also called a witness who saw a suspect believed to be Raynor.

The witness lived two blocks away from the liquor store and he testified that he heard the gunshots but continued to watch television in his home. After some time, he saw a figure walking across his front porch. When he went to investigate, he saw a person in dark clothing and a ski mask holding a firearm.

When the person noticed the witness, he told him to “go back in the house,” and, “don’t call the cops.” The witness complied, but could hear the suspect communicating with someone outside the home.

The prosecution called another eyewitness to the incident, a friend of McCloud to testify who had been forcefully brought in after not answering a subpoena.

He explained that he knew McCloud and was outside when he was killed. He saw a person exit a vehicle with a ski mask and shoot McCloud. According to grand jury transcripts from 2019, he did not see who shot McCloud.

Parties are slated to reconvene with additional testimony on Nov. 14.

Carjacking Co-defendants Waive DNA Testing Rights

Two unarmed carjacking co-defendants waived their rights to perform DNA testing of evidence on Nov. 14, before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Eligah Hughes, 34, and his co-defendant, Elias Robertson, 29, are charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in a carjacking, which occurred on Feb. 25, on the 1000 block of F Street, NE.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Robertson approached the victim and told her he wanted her keys and had a knife. The police allegedly found the keys to the victim’s stolen vehicle in Hughes’ possession.

At the hearing, Anthony Eugene Smith, Hughes attorney, and Jason M. Kalafat, Robertson’s attorney, informed the court of their intent to waive their rights of DNA testing.

Additionally, Robertson was arraigned, and pleaded not guilty.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 29.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter, Enticing a Child

On Nov 14, 2024, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo accepted a murder defendant’s guilty plea.

Warren Tyson, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon, and enticing a child for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Michael Johnson on Oct. 22, 2021, on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, the stabbing followed an altercation about Tyson’s allegedly sending inappropriate material to a minor.

Tyson pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and enticing a child. Tyson entered an 11c1c plea, which means the parties agreed to a sentencing of 11 years-and-five-months; if the judge does not agree with the terms of the sentencing, Tyson will be allowed to withdraw his plea.

Sentencing is set for Jan 17, 2024.

Judge Severs A Co-Defendant Matter in A Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld severed a carjacking co-defendant’s matter on Nov. 14.

Maurice Edwards is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11.

Azusa Beatty is his co-defendant and is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement.

According to court documents, Edwards and his girlfriend, Beatty, ran a stop sign while driving and struck the victim’s car while he was inside. They approached the victim’s car yelling at him and Edwards brandished a firearm at the victim. Beatty got into the car and drove off, while the victim was holding onto the side of it, but ultimately fell off.

During the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld announced that she would grant Edwards’ defense counsel, Raymond Jones, motion to sever the two defendants, meaning they will have separate trials instead of being tried simultaneously. Consequently, the same motion filed by John Harvey III, Beatty’s attorney, was ruled moot.

In his motion, Edwards argued that he and Beatty were unaware of whether either one would testify in the matter on their own behalf, and if either party did, the evidence would be considered exculpatory. Furthermore, Edwards would be unable to call Beatty to the stand.

The prosecution objected to the motion, arguing it was filed late, the cases were properly joined together, and the evidence against both parties was strong. Additionally, he argued that the defendants had not explained what evidence would be exculpatory and that the willingness of both parties to testify could change.

Judge Hertzfeld ruled in favor of the defense, thus the motion to sever was granted. Therefore, they will proceed with Beatty’s case first, and then begin the prosecution’s case against Edwards.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Suspect On Trial in Stabbing of Homeless Man

Opening statements detailed extensive wounds sustained by the victim during a jury trial on Nov. 13 for non-fatal stabbing defendant Willie Byrd.

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 on the 400 block of 2nd Street, SW on Feb. 28, 2023.

During opening statements, the prosecution showed surveillance footage to the jury of the stabbing incident, taken from cameras outside the homeless shelter where Byrd resided. After a physical altercation between the victim and defendant and possibly others, the footage shows Byrd allegedly stabbing the victim in the chest.

The prosecution says Byrd was concealing the knife behind his back and waited for the victim to come close, using the full force of his body in the attack.

The victim sustained life-threatening injuries in several organs, requiring multiple operations and a stay in intensive care. Medical providers also had perform heart massage and deal with significant blood loss.

The victim has since passed away due to unrelated injuries.

Defense attorney, Stephen Logerfo, is asking the court to find Byrd not guilty, given his age, and that he was defending himself, not necessarily intending to kill or injure. Defense counsel argued that no knife was found.

The first witness called was a volunteer at the homeless shelter who said no weapons are allowed and he had never had a problem with Byrd.

An officer called to the scene said he stayed with the unconscious victim in the ambulance and on the way to the hospital. The witness testified that paramedics moved expeditiously as the victim was in a critical state and bleeding badly.

The witness said he found the defendant at George Washington University Hospital where he was lying on the bathroom floor, appearing to be incoherent, and paramedics were called to supply Narcan for an apparent overdose. The officer said Byrd’s clothing was not bloody and he didn’t find a knife.

During cross-examination the witness said he spoke with several individuals at the scene after the incident, none of whom stated Byrd was armed.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled a continuation of the trial for Nov 14 where the court is supposed to finish in terms of evidence.

Blue and Gray Jacket, Cell Phone Data Presented as Murder Evidence

A jacket said to match the description of one worn by a shooting defendant and tracking data from his phone near the crime scene were introduced into evidence during the continuation of a homicide trial on Nov. 14.

Mark Beasley, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Darryn Conte, and the non-fatal shooting of another victim on the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW on April 26, 2015.

A prosecution witness specializing in cell phone analysis was called to pinpoint Beasley’s movements based on tracking data from his phone.

The report concludes Beasley moved towards the location of the incident, leading up to the crime.

Another prosecution witness displayed evidence of a jacket from the scene, which was allegedly recovered from Beasley’s apartment. The jacket was blue at the top with gray sleeves, matching the description of what a witness previously described that Beasley was wearing.

The front of the jacket read “Casino” on the top, and the back also read “Casino”, with an emblem of a skull with wings.

When the jacket was put back away, defense attorney Albert Amissah, in an effort to create doubt about the identification, asked the witness if he recalled whether it had any pockets or a hood, but he did not remember.

During the cross examination, the witness requested to see the jacket a second time to clarify that there were no pockets or hood.

The government is planning to call one more witness. by So DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted the request for a continuance

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov 18.

Document: Police Search for Suspects, Vehicle Connected to October Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting involving two unidentified suspects that took place on Oct. 19 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. 

Following a verbal altercation, both suspects reportedly brandished firearms and fired at each other before fleeing the scene. There were no reported injuries. 

The suspects and their associated vehicles, a dark Chevrolet with a Maryland tag of 4EH6136, and a red Nissan Ultima with a DC tag of GU6960, were captured on nearby surveillance cameras.