Convicted Defendant Won’t Say Why He Killed an 81-Year-Old Man

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a homicide defendant to 25 years of incarceration on Nov. 7.

On Sept. 6, Vincent Hemphill, 62, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of assault with intent to kill for his involvement in the fatal beating of 81-year-old Charlames Short, as well as well as assaulting two other surviving victims with a shovel and a sledgehammer on Oct. 12, 2023. The incident occurred at an air compressor rental company on the 1800 block of 4th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Hemphill beat Short with a shovel after a disagreement at work. He further injured two other individuals. According to a release from the DC US Attorney’s Office, “The defendant then returned to where Mr. Short was lying on the ground and hit Mr. Short with the sledgehammer in the back and head area.”

Ultimately, one of the victims was able to disarm Hemphill.
During the hearing, the prosecution brought forth three of Short’s family members for victim impact statements.

Short’s son expressed his anger and frustration with how his father died, adding their relationship had grown in a good way. Additionally he emphasized this was a senseless act that left him very upset and angry. Short’s son requested Judge Christian impose the maximum penalty.

Short’s nephew reiterated the loss deeply impacted the entire family, and he is haunted by his uncle’s absence. Overall, the family feels lost and helpless trying to cope with Short’s death, the nephew added.

Short’s daughter deemed him a hardworking and caring father. “What evil person could do this to my father?,” Short’s daughter cried. She asked Judge Christian for the maximum sentencing, hoping “he goes to hell for killing my father.”

The prosecution played multiple surveillance footage clips showing the events that led up to the incident. Family members were horrified by the explicit videos. The prosecution added Hemphill had a positive upbringing, and there is no justification for this severe incident.

Judge Christian acknowledged the court would not overlook this heinous act, and turned to the defendant to ask him why he committed this crime, giving him the opportunity to explain his actions before sentencing. Hemphill chose not to comment.

Judge Christian sentenced Hemphill to 156 months of confinement, with five years of supervision for the manslaughter charge, and 72 months of imprisonment with three years of supervised release for each of the assault charges. The sentences will be served consecutively, totaling 300 months of incarceration.

There are no further dates for this case.

Tougher Stay Away Conditions Imposed on Domestic Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a shooting defendant’s request for release on Nov. 7, following multiple violations of a stay-away order.

Aaron Carson, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence shooting that occurred on the 2500 block of 13th Street, NW on Sept. 18.

According to court documents, Carson accused his ex-significant other of infidelity, which caused an altercation that escalated from an alleged assault with a belt to the upper body to a discharge of his firearm in the direction of the victim. Their four children were present in the house at the time.

During the hearing, a plea offer was revised and introduced to the defense that would require Carson to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property –misdemeanor, and contempt. The defense requested a continuance to discuss the details.

Defense attorney Erin Griffard requested the release of the defendant to home confinement given the victim’s need for assistance with their four children as she is suffering from increased epileptic seizures.

The prosecution strongly opposed it due to the nature of the case and Carson’s history of domestic violence cases with the same victim. This is the first incident that allegedly included a firearm, which poses an even greater threat to the community, according to the prosecution.

Judge Pasichow rejected the stepped down release request immediately.

Prosecutors also directed the court to the defendant’s jail phone call history with the victim which included discussion of the case and her testimony. Their main concern is potential interference with the fact-finding process, as the victim has changed her story allegedly due to conversations with Carson.

The prosecution requested an enhancement to the current stay away order preventing communication, to no contact between Carson and the victim whatsoever.

Griffard argued that the complainant would like the stay away order to be lifted, citing their shared children. She added communication is necessary between the parents.

Judge Pasichow reminded the defendant that phone calls are recorded and can be used against him as the case progresses. The judge also suggested the prosecution file additional charges of obstruction if conversations potentially affecting the trial continue.

Pashichow adjusted the stay away order to permit communication solely through a third party, for which Carson’s sister volunteered. The communication must solely involve the children.

“If this doesn’t work, we will have to move on to Plan B, or in this case, Plan C,” said Judge Pasichow when referring to the next step of no contact if violations of the stay away order continues.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty

A defendant in a homicide case entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 14.

Niko Hall, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

At the hearing, Hall’s attorney Wole Falodun said he wished to enter a plea of guilty to one count of second-degree murder, which he had advised his client carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in jail or a $250,000 fine.

Judge Brandt asked if he understood the terms of the plea, Hall said yes, and Judge Brandt accepted the plea.

On Dec. 14, 2023, Judge Brandt granted a defense motion to withdraw a guilty plea Hall had previously entered on what was supposed to be the start of his trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 17 for sentencing.

Defendant Convicted of Assault With Intent to Kill in Girlfriend’s Stabbing

The jury returned a guilty verdict on five of seven charges Nov. 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, convicting a stabbing defendant of assaulting his girlfriend.

Devan Green Jr., 30, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 19, 2023 stabbing incident on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

Green’s attorney, Lee Smith argued Green acted in self-defense when stabbing his girlfriend, stating Green was trapped between his girlfriend wielding a knife and her family outside the apartment door.

Prosecutors argued that the 21 stab wounds allegedly sustained by the victim were far beyond what was reasonable for self-defense and the severe injuries caused by the stabbing proved Green’s disregard for the victim’s safety and intent to kill.

The jury began deliberations on Nov. 12 and returned on Nov. 14 with a verdict convicting Green of all five assault charges, and acquitting him of both kidnapping charges.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 10

Brother Testifies He Tried, Failed to Wake Up Murder Victim

The victim’s brother testified that at the crime scene, “I tried to wake him up but I couldn’t.” That remark came as the prosecution continued their homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 12.

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, outside a nightclub. One other individual sustained injuries.

Beasley was convicted and sentenced to 40 years of incarceration in 2017 and in 2019 the case was reopened after the defense appealed.

The victim’s brother said that the pair was at a nightclub enjoying a band as a friend performed and danced until the lights were turned on. He noted two men dancing around Conte, recalling, “It was kinda weird,” later identifying one of the men to be his brother’s alleged shooter.

The group later separated – one party, including the victim, returned to a vehicle, and the other, including the witness, was not far behind. However, the group reunited after the shooting while the witness tried to save his brother.

The brother went to the police station for an interview, and later, the police brought the witness back to identify the suspect, and he allegedly picked Beasley out of a photo-array of nine “light-skinned bald” men, saying in court, that this was “the person who murdered my brother.”

The prosecution introduced a medical examiner who performed Conte’s autopsy and detailed how the bullets entered the victim. He described how many were “intermediary targets,” meaning the bullet must have passed through another object before hitting the victim, causing “atypical wounds.”

The expert noted the damage done to Conte’s body was “incompatible with life.” Toxicology reports showed that the victim had both alcohol and marijuana in his system. The coroner determined the cause of death to be a shooting, in the manner of a homicide.

The last witness was a crime analyst who documented the damage done to the victim’s vehicle during the shooting. She observed extensive bullet holes and fragments, repeating “copper in color possible projectiles.” Most notably one of these projectiles went through the passenger’s headrest where the victim was seated during the incident.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied a carjacking defendant’s request for release after he waived a preliminary hearing on Nov. 6.

Bruce Hart, 30, is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place, carrying a pistol without a license- outside home/business, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and unlawful possession of a firearm- tampering with a serial number, for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident that occurred on the 1800 block of Wiltberger Street, NW on Oct. 26.

According to court documents, Shot Spotter detected a bullet’s being fired, while officers received calls reporting sounds of gunfire at the crime scene.

During the hearing, Hart’s defense attorney, Howard McEachern, filed a waiver for the preliminary hearing to determine if there’s enough information to evidence to charge a defendant . The judge accepted, and filed an additional request for Hart to be released as he awaits further proceedings.

McEachern argued that Hart has been a lifelong resident of DC for the past 30 years. Despite the severity of the crime, there are safe conditions that can keep the community protected and enable him to report to court.

The prosecution argued against release based on failed opportunities on reporting to court in another matter, the weight of evidence, and the severity of the crime.

Judge Hildum agreed with the prosecution, explaining based on Hart’s history of not reporting to court when being on release, there are no conditions he could impose that would keep the community safe and enable Hart to report to court.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 15.

Document: Police Arrest 2 Suspects for Shooting on Chesapeake Street, SE

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 32-year-old Vance McIlwain and 31-year-old Kenneth Johnson, who are charged with assault with the intent to kill for a shooting that took place on Nov. 8 on the 700 block of Chesapeake Street, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered a male victim who was injured with gunshot wounds and is now in a stable condition at a local hospital.

Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Six Years for DC Jail Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a stabbing defendant to six years in prison to be served concurrently with his previous sentence on Nov. 8.

On Sept. 12, James Mayfield, 25, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in relation to a stabbing incident that took place in the DC Jail on June 3, 2021.

According to court documents, three individuals including Mayfield were arguing in one of the common areas. Mayfield struck first, assaulting one of the other inmates with a homemade knife. Mayfield was also injured in the altercation and fled the scene while the other two inmates continued fighting.

Veronice Holt, Mayfield’s attorney, argued that Mayfield is seriously troubled and his time incarcerated has not helped him. Mayfield was severely injured in jail previously, so much so that the family was allowed into the hospital to say goodbye.

Holt noted that Mayfield already has a lengthy 50 year sentence for the 2017 murder of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor

Mayfield also spoke on his own behalf, stating that his “goal is to return back to the community” and “start a family.”

Judge Pasichow said of Mayfield’s actions that “this violence is so unnecessary” and admonished him stating that, “What goes around comes around and you’ve got to stop the cycle.”

Judge Pasichow sentenced Mayfield to six years of incarceration to be served concurrently with the 50 year sentence he is already serving and three years of supervised release. Additionally, Judge Pasichow recommended Mayfield undergo mental health and violence reduction treatment.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Stabbing Defendant Acquitted on All Charges

A stabbing defendant was acquitted on all counts after jury deliberations on Nov. 7 in a trial before DC Superior Court Judith Pipe.

Samuel Robinson, 44, was found not guilty of assault with intent to kill, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a Feb. 6 stabbing incident on the 700 block of M Street, NW.

According to court documents, a Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) officer on a Green Line train arriving at the Mount Vernon Square station heard a commotion coming from the train platform. The officer exited the train and learned by speaking with an Allied Special Police Officer (SPO) officer the scene that Robinson had allegedly stabbed another man in the back of the head.

During the trial, Robinson testified that his actions were in self-defense, claiming that the victim assaulted him while waiting for the train, pushing Robinson into an elevator and swinging at him.

Prosecutors rebutted this idea, showing video footage of the incident and asserting that Robinson’s actions were motivated by revenge rather than self-defense. Clarifying that while the victim did attack first, the response was what could reasonably be considered self-defense.

No further hearings are scheduled.

Remorseful Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Six Months

On Nov. 13 DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a defendant to six months incarceration, with 18 months probation transferred to Virginia.

Guilbert Rojas Villarroel, 40, on July 17, 2024 accepted a guilty plea to robbery, first-degree theft and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on the 2000 block of L Street NW on Sept. 9, 2023.

Prosecution in their sentencing requests stated that due to the nature of the crime, the danger to society and the impact on the victims punishment was warranted. They recommended 28 months all but six suspended for robbery and ten months time suspended for both threats to kidnap, and harm to an individual and first-degree theft.

Prosecutors say one of the victims no longer goes to the District of Columbia anymore because of the incident. As a result he is losing income because DC was the most lucrative market for his food delivery services.

Defense attorney Christopher Mutimer asked for a suspended sentence. While Villarroel realizes that there is no way to justify his actions he has no criminal history.

Furthermore, he has strong family support is a business owner in Virginia attesting that he is not a danger to society. Mutimer said his client made a mistake under the influence and is facing the consequences.

Rojas Villarroel is remorseful and he acknowledged that in letters that he wrote to both victims. Since the incident he has taken concrete steps to pull his life together through substance abuse programs, according to his attorney.

The defendant’s family members say they would suffer if Rojas Villarroel was jailed because he has two children to raise. The family asked the judge for leniency so Rojas Villarroel can continue in his car business in Virginia.

Judge Heidi Pasichow acknowledged this incident has been a huge wake up call for Rojas Villarroel and she takes into account his family support, personal growth and compliance with release conditions. However, she has to consider there is no proof that he was intoxicated on the night of the incident and that his threats to the hijack victim were highly dangerous.

Given the need for deterrence and that Rojas Villarroel does have some traffic and vehicle registration offenses some jail time is in order, she said.

Therefore, Judge Pasichow sentenced Rojas Villarroel for robbery to 28 months with 22 suspended–ultimately being six months confinement–with the three years of supervised release being suspended to 18 months.

For the other two charges of first degree theft and threatening to kidnap or injure a person, the term is reduced to are time served along with the 18 months probation. The sentences are concurrent.

No further hearings were scheduled in the case.

Defendant Waives Right For DNA Firearms’ Testing in Shooting Case

A defendant waived his rights to have four weapons tested for his DNA before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Nov. 8.

Jordan Therman, 25, is charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), and endangerment with a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on Feb. 7 on the 3900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SW. No individuals were injured.

According to court documents, an officer allegedly saw Therman approaching multiple cars and engaging in arguments ultimately firing shots at the victim. The officer was able to detain Therman and noted that he appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance.

During the hearing, the prosecution informed the court of the DNA results on multiple firearms. According to the prosecutor, the results indicated that it was probable that the DNA on the evidence came from Therman. They also listed various items that were untested.

Judge Demeo informed the parties that it was still Therman’s right under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to have the evidence tested independently if requested.

Lisbeth Sapirstein, Therman’s attorney, informed the court that Therman did not want any additional evidence tested and he was waiving his rights under IPA.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 10, 2025.

Homicides Rise in DC From September to October

As of Nov. 7, D.C. Witness data reports that in October there were 20 homicide incidents and 25 homicide victims in the District. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested three suspects in relation to the homicides, two of whom were in connection to domestic violence incidents.

This data represents an 18 percent increase in homicides compared to September, during which D.C. Witness reported 17 homicide incidents.

There was also a 32 percent increase in homicide victims, with 19 victims reported in September, compared to October.

Ward 8 — which includes neighborhoods like Anacostia and Congress Heights — had the highest number of homicide incidents, with seven reported in the month of October.

Robert Simpson, 56, is being charged with arson and felony murder for his alleged involvement in an arson that killed 85-year old Margaret McKinnon, 64-year old Ronald McKinnon, and 34-year old Jessica Cunningham on Oct. 6 on the 3400 block of 23rd Street, SE.

The MPD investigation revealed that Cunningham, who had previously been in a romantic relationship with Simpson, had alerted MPD of multiple domestic disputes in the past.

Wyatt Michelin Swan, 48, is being charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Teresa Francisco on Oct. 1, on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Further investigation by MPD revealed the victim and the defendant were in a relationship together.

Police have not made any arrests for the remaining twelve homicides.

Judge Won’t Sanction Prosecution for Evidence in Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo denied a defendant’s motion to place sanctions on the prosecution for losing evidence in a homicide case on Nov. 8.

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.

Michelle Lockard, Tyson’s attorney, previously filed motions requesting sanctions, claiming that the prosecution did not provide the defense with a SIM card from a lavender iPhone involved in the case. This was following the last hearing focused on suppressing some of Tyson’s text messages.

The prosecution called a special agent who testified about the contents of the SIM card which excluded messages and pictures contained in the phone. He explained that the contents could also be provided by unlocking the iPhone and searching in the settings.

The prosecution acknowledged that they had the physical SIM card after an arrest and warrant for the lavender iPhone, but informed the court that a SIM card does not contain messages or pictures from the phone’s memory.

Lockard acknowledged that the SIM card may not have had important information, but believed that there was still negligence on the prosecution’s part by not making it available.

Judge Demeo emphasized that there are established protocols for handling and storing evidence, and that the missing SIM card did not contain information that would significantly impact the defense’s ability to mount a case.

The prosecution, the judge noted, was slightly negligent in handling the SIM card properly, but they photographed it, and tried following proper chain-of-custody procedures. She denied the motion for sanctions explaining that there was no indication of bad faith on the part of the prosecutor.

Parties are slated for trial on Nov. 14.

Stabbing Defendant’s Sentence Postponed For Apprenticeship

On Nov. 13, DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed a stabbing defendant’s sentencing to be pushed to April, 2025 to allow him to finish a painting apprentice program at the DC Jail.

Jeremiah Smalls, 31, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a stabbing in the 1700 block of S Street, SE on April 7, 2023 that left one person injured.

Smalls accepted a deal and pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed in exchange for all other charges to be dropped on Oct. 28.

At the Nov. 13 hearing, Terrance Austin, Smalls’ defense attorney, requested that Smalls’ sentencing be delayed until April 2025 to allow Smalls to complete the painting apprenticeship. Austin said the program would certify Smalls in professional painting, making him more employable when he is released.

The prosecution opposed any postponement and said they had spoken to the victim and witnesses and they would like for this case to be resolved as soon as possible so that they can have closure. The prosecution requested sentencing in January or February of 2025.

Judge Brandt said she understands the family’s need for closure but thinks it is equally important that Smalls gets a trade to be better prepared to return to society.

She said the fact that Smalls took responsibility via a plea agreement should help the family begin the closure process. She accepted Austin’s request.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 11, 2025.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in Double Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 20-year-old Bernard Matthews on Nov. 12.

Mathews is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, and receiving stolen property. 

The charges stem from a double shooting incident that took place on Nov. 8 on the 600 block of Mellon Street, SE. Officers responding to the reports of shooting and discovered a teenage male and an adult male, both injured with gunshot wounds.They received treatment at a local hospital.

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