Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Request for Release to Home Care

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz denied a request calling for a cognitively and physically impaired homicide defendant to be put into home care, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Tyree Bratcher, 18, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a high-speed chase that led to a multiple car crash at the intersection of 13th Street and R Street, NW. During the incident, Bratcher’s passenger, 18-year-old Devin Clark, succumbed to his injuries.

According to court documents, Bratcher was allegedly driving a stolen Mazda with Clark as a passenger, when they were involved in a high-speed chase with a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) cruiser. During the chase, Bratcher allegedly ran a red light, striking an individual driving past the intersection, before striking multiple parked cars.

The documents stated Clark succumbed to his injuries at the scene, and Bratcher was transported to a hospital for his injuries.

During the hearing, Judge Kravitz brought up Bratcher’s other case, in which he is charged with conspiracy, second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and tampering with physical evidence, for his alleged involvement in the murder of 15-year-old Tyreek Moore.

According to Judge Kravitz, Batcher was in violation of his home confinement release condition when he went driving with Clark.

In court, Sylvia Smith, Bratcher’s attorney, showed evidence of Bratcher’s serious injuries sustained during the incident, including cognitive issues and physical injuries. He is currently held at St. Elizabeths Hospital to manage his cognitive disabilities.

Smith requested Bratcher be released in the custody of his family for home care. She argued that St. Elizabeths does not provide proper care for Bratcher to regain competency and that home confinement is the best route for this “unique case.”

Judge Kravitz responded to the request by stating that Bratcher is still ambulatory and therefore still poses danger to the community.

Sending Bratcher back to the same environment as before his second arrest would pose too much risk, Judge Kravitz argued – denying the request.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 31.

‘I Tried to Get Us to Safety,’ Homicide Victim’s Best Friend Testifies in Trial

A homicide victim’s best friend, who witnessed the fatal shooting, and a medical examiner testified before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 15.

Idrissa Fall, 37, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prior convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting of 29-year-old Dara Northern. The incident occurred on the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, on July 18, 2021.

Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.

Prosecutors called on a witness, who identified herself as Northern’s “best friend,” stating they had spoken and spent almost every day together from 2019 to the day of the incident.

She testified that she and Northern had spent time together on July 17, 2021, stating “[Northern] was so happy that day.” According to the witness, “the week before [the shooting] was really hectic for [Northern] – she was very tense and upset. She was sad, really sad,” due to her relationship with Fall ending.

The friend stated that she and Northern agreed to meet up again late July 17 to go to a reggae club. As per the witness, she showed up to Northern’s house to pick her up so they could go to the club together.

She testified that when Dara came out of her house, Fall, whom she identified as “Idy,” was “on her heels,” following her to the car. As for Northern’s demeanor, the friend testified “she was defensive,” before stating Fall seemed “a little aggressive.”

According to the witness, Northern was attempting to walk away from Fall when he grabbed her arm, before she was able to pull away from him. As Northern tried to get in the car, the witness testified, Fall allegedly tried to stop her by holding the car door closed.

Northern’s friend said she told Fall, “hey Idy,” before he replied, “don’t say my fu***** name.” She also testified Fall told Northern “go on with that gay s***,” before Northern responded “you’re tripping.”

The witness testified Fall and Northern would often get into arguments about her spending time with her close friends, whom she testified are all part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The witness testified when Northern got in the car and shut the door, she heard a sound that seemed like Fall had hit the window. When she turned to see what was going on, the witness testified, she noticed a hole in the passenger side window, before realizing Northern was injured and leaned over.

“I called 911 and drove off. I tried to get us to safety,” the witness cried in court, adding “I saw Idy before I pulled off, still standing by the door.”

A portion of the 911 call was played for the jury before the witness came into the room, in which she could be heard screaming “Oh my God, he just killed my friend,” and “I don’t know what to do, please someone help me.”

“I begged her to please hold on,” the witness cried, stating she was paranoid as she sought help because “I thought [Fall] was coming.”

When asked why she was upset during her testimony, the witness stated “because Idy is here,” before providing an in-court identification of Fall. She also said she was “100 percent sure,” Fall was the one who shot Northern.

Prosecutors also called on the forensic pathologist from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who performed the autopsy on Northern. The doctor testified Northern had a gunshot wound to the right eye. Further evaluation showed a projectile lodged in her skull, at the nape of the neck.

According to the doctor, the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also testified that on the day of the incident he responded to a house at the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW to check on a woman’s welfare.

According to the officer, he was originally dispatched to the shooting, but was sent to the house by detectives to ensure the victim’s mother was safe.

In the officer’s body-worn camera footage, shown to the jury, Northern’s mom was visibly worried, asking if the check-in had anything to do with Northern. “Please, did something happen to my daughter,” Northern’s mom can be heard questioning the officer, as others swept the home to check for the suspect.

“This is rather confusing, I’m worried about my daughter,” Northern’s mom told officers. When asked if Northern had a boyfriend, Northern’s mom told officers she did, and that she had seen him earlier in the day, but hadn’t seen him for hours before the incident. She told MPD the last time she saw him, he was wearing black shorts.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant, Despite Finding Probable Cause

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson found probable cause that a defendant was the perpetrator in a homicide but allowed him to be released, during a hearing on Jan. 14.

Jeremiah Simms, 25, is charged with voluntary manslaughter while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Erik Mewborn, 44, on Sept. 14, 2024 on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) document, the incident took place outside of a homeless shelter in the early morning hours following an alleged shootout between Mewborn and Simms. The precipitating event, say police, was Simms allegedly attempting to rob Mewborn immediately after some of Simms’ property had apparently just been taken by someone else.

Shortly afterward, according to the police affidavit, the suspect, Simms, approached Mewborn and said, “It’s been long enough, give me your shoes and those pants.”

The surveillance video presented in the hearing on Jan. 8 showed a confrontation brewing between the pair as they circled around a black SUV. Both individuals were seen brandishing firearms, with Mewborn appearing to shoot first and the individual identified as Simms returning fire with muzzle flashes visible at least three times.

“The victim was running out of options,” trying to get away from Simms who was recklessly continuing to shoot, according to the prosecutor. He claimed that Simms was the original aggressor and the Mewborn felt trapped.

Another clip showed Mewborn, according to the lead detective, fleeing with Simms in pursuit, when Mewborn falls to the ground, mortally wounded.

During the hearing, Simms’ attorney, Mani Golzari, argued Simms acted “in the heat of the moment” thinking he was in danger even during the pursuit. “It’s the most serious escalation anyone can imagine,” said Golzari of Mewborn’s pulling a gun.

However, Judge Dayson ruled there’s sufficient evidence for probable cause Simms committed the crime and stated that self-defense was not a justified defense.

After two days of debate Judge Dayson granted Golzari’s request to release Simms to home confinement due to his lack of criminal history and extensive family support.

Prosecutors objected, stating that the defendant’s home contained drugs and firearms that could potentially threaten the safety of the community. However, Golzari told Judge Dayson the defendant’s clean record ensures he won’t violate his release conditions.

Judge Dayson ordered Simms to reside with his aunt and he will have a GPS monitor installed.

Parties will reconvene Feb. 24.

Prosecutors Say Homicide Victim ‘Never Saw it Coming’ at Trial

Parties delivered opening statements, and multiple law enforcement witnesses testified, before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt’s courtroom on Jan. 14.

Northern was located inside her best friend’s vehicle on the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW.

“She never saw it coming,” the prosecutor told the jury during their opening statements about the shooting, stating in the days leading up to the incident, Northern had broken up with Fall, and her mother had requested he move out of their shared home by July 19.

However, prosecutors stated, on July 17, Northern, also known as Cookie and Joan, planned a “perfect day” with her best friend, to enjoy Northern’s “light and happy” self following the breakup.

According to the prosecution, things turned sour when Northern began to get ready to go out to a reggae club with her best friend late on July 17.

The prosecution told the jury Northern’s best friend will testify that, on the night of the incident, as she picked Northern up to go to the club, Fall, who was identified as Idy, was “hot on her heels,” as she left her home.

According to the prosecution, as Northern attempted to get into the car, Fall chased her while verbally attacking her. The prosecutor said Northern’s best friend knew “something didn’t feel right.”

The prosecutor indicated that Northern sustained a gunshot wound to her right eye, and her best friend drove away from the scene fearing for her life. They also asserted that Northern’s mother had surveillance cameras at her home, but they had not caught the incident as they had been disconnected from her internet router.

According to the prosecution, the shooting stemmed from Fall’s allegations that Northern may have been part of the LGBTQ+ community, which included a lot of her friends. Before he allegedly shot her, Northern’s best friend told police Fall said “something about gay s***,” – something they claimed Fall and Northern argued about frequently.

“There were signs, but she did not see it coming,” the prosecution concluded.

Wole Falodun, Fall’s attorney, implored the jury to “keep an open mind” during the trial, stating that they should presume Fall innocent until all the evidence is admitted, and they can make a decision.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called on multiple law enforcement witnesses, who responded to the scene of the crime.

One of the officers testified she was the primary officer on the scene, and was approached by Northern’s best friend, who she described as “in duress, disheveled and upset.”

In body-worn camera footage provided to the jury, Northern’s best friend is seen frantically approaching the officer while stating “He shot her, he shot her, I can’t breathe – he shot her in front of me,” as she begged with the officer to send the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to Northern’s home, where her mother was.

“Please, someone go check on her mom,” Northern’s best friend could be heard crying, adding “He said something about gay s***, and shot her.”

According to the officer, Northern’s best friend was “trying to get her friend help,” and was able to provide a description and identification of the suspect. As per the officer, Northern’s best friend identified the suspect as a “dark-skinned man, wearing a white or gray tank top and shorts,” and was able to state his name was “Idy.”

“He shot her in front of her house – she’s been letting him live there,” Northern’s friend told the officer.

Another officer testified he responded to the 6800 block of 5th Street, NW, for the report of a shooting. According to the officer, when he arrived at the scene, he assisted the DC Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to break open the driver side window in the vehicle in order to help Northern, who was later transferred to a hospital via ambulance.

When asked why he didn’t break the passenger side window, the officer testified the window had a bullet hole they wanted to preserve for evidence, and wanted to prevent more harm to the victim.

Prosecutors also called on an individual who lived in the area of the scene, who provided surveillance footage to MPD, in which Northern’s best friend can be seen running up to the witness’ porch begging for help.

In the surveillance footage, Northern’s friend is on the phone with 911, stating “Oh my God, someone help me, please, please, someone help me. I don’t know where I am.”

“She appeared to be in duress,” the witness said about Northern’s friend, adding that she was acting erratic and was visibly afraid.

The witness testified that when MPD responded to the scene, the flashing lights enhanced his view of the vehicle, and he noticed “visible damage” to the passenger’s side window.

Prosecutors also called on a neighbor, who lived on the 300 block of Quakenbos Street, NW, located around the corner from the shooting incident.

The neighbor testified that she was awakened by the sound of the gunshot on the night of the incident, and her home security system recorded an individual crossing the street from the 6100 block of 4th Street, NW, towards her home.

The video, shown to the jury in court, depicted an individual in a white shirt and black shorts walking through the neighborhood minutes after the shot rang out.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 15.

Homicide Defendant Asserts Right to Test DNA Evidence

A homicide defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Jan. 14.

Tywan Morris, 29, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Danielle Stuckey on Oct. 17, 2021. The incident took place at a gas station on the 2800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

According to the police affidavit, on the evening of the incident, Morris and his girlfriend Keyjuana Sinclair, 27, were getting gas when Stuckey allegedly approached them at the pump.

A dispute ensued, captured on the gas station’s security cameras. According to the affidavit, the footage showed Sinclair allegedly swinging at Stuckey with a knife. Stuckey’s 12 year-old son ran to the scene, but fled immediately once Sinclair allegedly lunged at him.

Sinclair was originally charged alongside Morris, with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business, and two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon for her alleged involvement in the incident. Sinclair accepted an agreement on Nov. 7, 2024, pleading guilty to carrying a dangerous weapon and simple assault, in return for the prosecution’s dismissing the remaining charges in her case.

During the hearing, Morris’ defense attorney Steven Kiersh alerted Judge Ryan that his client planned to assert his right to independently test DNA evidence recovered from the scene – including clothing, suspected blood, and a cellphone, among other items.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 27.

FBI Agent Testifies Defendant’s Phone Was Near A Shooting Incident

An FBI agent testified a defendant’s phone records show he was in the general area of a shooting incident, before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan’s courtroom on Jan. 14.

Antoine Johnson, 28, is charged with with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on May 21, 2023, on I-695 southbound near exit 2B. No injuries were reported from the incident.

The prosecution claimed the shooting occurred after Johnson’s mother found her 14-year-old daughter in bed with a 17-year-old boy. An argument broke out between the two families following the romantic encounter and the boy and his father left the scene, allegedly pursued by Johnson.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on an agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who specializes on cell-site data testified that he was able to use AT&T phone records for Johnson’s phone number, which put him in the general location of the original incident at Johnson’s mom’s house and the shooting.

However, the FBI agent testified he could not pinpoint the exact location of Johnson’s phone at the time of the incidents.

Johnson’s attorney Matthew Rist argued that the agent’s presentation was unreliable, and questioned its validity as evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 15, when a decision will be made as to whether or not to include the testimony as evidence in Johnson’s case.

Murder Defendant Shuns Plea, Waives DNA Testing

In a brief hearing on Jan. 10, a murder defendant gave up his DNA testing right before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Juan Guerra, 32, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 32-year-old Peter Miller III on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

According to court documents, officers responded to the scene to investigate a “natural” death, but were suspicious of the circumstances and immediately called homicide detectives.

They located Miller inside the residence, which he shared with Guerra, and the victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead five days later. The DC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) ruled that the death a homicide due to blunt force trauma.

Kevin Mosley, representing the defendant, told the court that Guerra was giving up his right to DNA testing as specified in the Innocence Protection Act. Guerra agreed and Judge Kravitz verified that it was Guerra’s decision.

During the proceeding Mosley mentioned that the prosecution had made an unspecified plea offer to Guerra but that effort had failed since he is also a defendant in a federal case. No additional details were provided.

Judge Kravitz set the trial date for July 21.

Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Victim’s ID in Shooting Case

After an argument about two conflicting identifications of a shooting suspect, DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied a defense motion to suppress the victim’s identification of the shooter at trial, during a hearing on Jan. 7.

Daniel Cary, 30, and his co-defendant, Chantel Stewart, 33 were originally charged with two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of aggravated assault while armed, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 22, 2020, on the 4000 block of First Street, SE.

One woman sustained a gunshot wound to the back which caused a collapsed lung and required surgery.

During the hearing the prosecutor said he was dropping the possession of an unlawful firearm and the possession of ammunition charges against Cary.

According to a police affidavit, the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute earlier in the day, which escalated in a shouting match between Stewart and the victim. Stewart allegedly told her to “Get out of here!”

As the victim was attempting to drive away she described hearing several loud booms and realized she’d been shot. Carey was later identified as the alleged trigger man.

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers interviewed the victim shortly after the incident. Initially, she failed to identify Cary’s picture, saying she didn’t see the shooter. However, she changed her mind five months later, picking out Cary’s picture from another group of photos.

Cary’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, said that police were “unduly suggestive” in the way they conducted the photo array presentation of possible suspects. When the victim said she didn’t recognize the suspect, an officer asked if a different view “would change her perspective?”

The prosecutor countered that the two photo presentations were different in that the victim described the suspect as having “dreads.” None of the individuals presented in the first group had that hairstyle present among those pictured in the second group.

Further, the prosecutor said the victim allegedly identified Cary as present during the earlier argument and in a vehicle involved in the shooting.

In reviewing the facts of the case, Judge Edelman noted that the victim responded emotionally within three seconds of seeing the second set of pictures. “She began to cry,” he said.

The judge said while the Constitution prohibits “impermissively suggestive” identification procedures on the face of it” there’s nothing suggestive about the second photo array.

He denied the defense motion deferring the matter for trial, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22. Judge Edelman said he was anxious to get the proceeding underway given how long the case has been pending.

“Perhaps all the cases these days are older,” he said.

Youth Worker Sentenced to 12-and-a-Half Years for Teen Manslaughter

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a manslaughter defendant to 12-and-a-half years of incarceration on Jan. 10 in a case characterized by ironies.

Jason Lewis, 42, was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, three counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on the 1000 Block of Quincy Street, NE on Jan 7, 2023. Lewis worked as an advocate for DC Youth.

During the hearing, the prosecution played surveillance footage of the incident, in which Blake can be heard yelling “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry – help! I’m a kid, I’m only 12,” following the gunshots.

They requested Judge Epstein sentence Lewis to 25 years incarceration, stating that he did not accept accountability through a plea deal, and “continues to make the three young men villains.” Through the trial, the prosecution provided evidence that Blake and two companions were shot at by Lewis as they were looking into cars that early morning. Lewis thought they might have been attempting to break into the vehicles.

The prosecution argued that Blake “ran at the gunman,” to protect his two friends who were under fire despite Lewis’ claiming he only fired because he thought someone was shooting at him.

“There was no one who shot at the defendant that morning,” the prosecution insisted, stating that although the defendant has done a lot of good in the community by working with vulnerable kids in the area, “he chose gun violence here.”

The prosecution argued Lewis should have never left the safety and comfort of his home to confront three kids allegedly committing property crimes. They argued he “had no authority to fire at them with deadly force, narrowly avoiding another homicide.”

As for Blake’s two unidentified companions, the prosecution argued they could not imagine the “unbearable grief they must feel, abandoning their friend as he died.”

They requested all sentences run consecutively, stating “each victim’s life mattered – the defendant does not get a two-for-one deal because these victims didn’t come forward.”

However, Judge Epstein stated the assault with a dangerous weapon charges and their respective possession of a firearm charges would merge, since the same shot almost hit both victims.

Blake’s family voiced their anger with Lewis, with his grandma saying “your irresponsibility with a firearm took away a human life, a son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. An adolescent who begged for his life.”

“When he took [Blake’s] life, he didn’t just take his life, he took all of ours,” Blake’s aunt cried.

“I see all too often the toll that gun violence takes on our community,” Judge Epstein stated, as he extended his condolences to the family.

Edward Ungvarsky, Lewis’ attorney, continued saying Lewis acted in defense and his loved ones, stating he had worked two jobs until early morning and thought someone was trying to break into his home.

According to Ungvarsky, Lewis believed the person running at him was threatening him, so he took action. “That was a mistake,” Ungvarsky said, adding that Lewis remained on scene, called 911, and performed CPR on Blake as he waited for responding officers.

“The young man was dying in his hands,” Ungvarsky told Judge Epstein, adding “things went really bad really fast.”

Ungvarsky requested Judge Epstein sentence Lewis to five years of imprisonment, stating that is “sufficient punishment,” for an individual who “found his calling working for and with DC’s children.”

“He’s the kind of person who gives hope in our community,” Ungvarsky insisted, stating he’s “tortured by what he did.” He requested Lewis, who remained on release throughout his trial and after his conviction, be allowed to surrender himself following his appeal – against an objection by the prosecution.

In a statement to the court, Lewis apologized to Blake’s and his family, stating “Blake was a young man who deserved to live a full life,” adding, “I know I’ve destroyed the trust I built with the youth of the city.”

“Everyone agrees this was a very serious crime,” Judge Epstein stated, adding Lewis “wrongly took the life of a 13-year-old boy” in a needless act of violence.

However, Judge Epstein stated, there was no way for Lewis to know the age of the figure he saw approaching him, insisting that “this is not a case where a person deliberately killed a child.”

“I think it’s fair to say Mr. Lewis is a good man – a good man who committed a serious crime, but a good man nonetheless,” Judge Epstein said, sentencing him to 12-and-a-half years of incarceration.

As part of his sentence, Lewis is required to register as a gun offender and pay $400 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund. Judge Epstein reminded him he has 30 days to appeal.

No further dates were set.

Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence in Road Rage Homicide

A homicide defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.

George Sutton, 44, 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 for his alleged involvement in the murder of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.

According to court documents, Sutton was driving his car and Coleman was riding a bike when they met each other and got into a verbal altercation. Sutton allegedly shot Coleman three times in the knee, thigh and neck in an apparent road rage incident.

During the hearing, Sutton’s attorney, Steven Kiersh, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to test the evidence, stating there was no DNA evidence recovered from the scene.

However, the prosecutor said there was DNA evidence recovered from the scene, but their testing came back inconclusive.

Parties are slated to reconvene July 11.

Homicide Defendant Waives Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A homicide defendant waived his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.

Deandre Miles, 28, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth 1000 dollars or more, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller. The shooting took place on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023.

During the hearing, Miles’ attorney, Kevin Robertson, alerted the court of his intent to waive his right to independently test DNA evidence. The prosecution added that they had not gone through with testing because nothing was swabbed for DNA and a firearm was never recovered.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 18.

Judge Allows Prosecutors to Use Defendant’s Police Statements in Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt denied a homicide defendant’s motion to suppress his statements to police in trial during a hearing on Jan. 10.

In February 2024, Fall’s previous attorney, Kevin Mosley, filed a motion to suppress his statements made to police at the time of his arrest, arguing Fall did not knowingly and voluntarily waive his Miranda rights against self-incrimination at the time of the interview on Aug. 2, 2021, and a second conversation with detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) on Aug. 3, 2021.

His current attorney, Wole Falodun, adopted the motion.

Judge Brandt denied the motion, stating that the three-hour-long video of the interrogation on Aug. 2 showed the detectives stopping him from talking to read him his rights, which he agreed to waive in a signed document. It is unclear which specific statements the prosecution plans to admit at trial.

“Anyone can tell Mr. Fall is an intelligent man,” Judge Brandt said, stating his ability to speak not only in English but multiple other languages, despite not being born in the United States, was shown through the police interview.

Judge Brandt also credited a detective’s testimony from Jan. 3, stating he specifically testified that Fall did not seem under the influence of any substance, and that he never mentioned feeling ill, despite having a seizure in a cell-block following the interview.

She argued the video corroborated Fall was not slurring his words or struggling to get around the room at the time.

Judge Brandt also denied the motion for the Aug. 3 statement, in which Fall requested to speak with the detectives following his release from the hospital, and asked if Northern’s mother, whom they both lived with, knew of his arrest. In a recording of that interaction, Fall can be heard telling the detectives, “I feel bad about everything that happened – I want to tell [Northern’s mother] how I really feel and how sorry I am.”

Judge Brandt ruled those statements could be used against him in trial, arguing the statements were not made during an interrogation, but rather because Fall requested to speak with the detectives.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 13 for jury selection.

Judge Releases Stabbing Defendant to In-Patient Drug Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt released a stabbing defendant to an in-patient drug treatment program on Jan. 10.

John Scogins, 53, is charged with aggravated assault and assault with intent to kill while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that injured one individual on Dec. 9, 2024, at a bus stop on the 1700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Scogins, the victim, and a third individual were aboard a bus when a verbal altercation ensued between the victim and Scogins, before it led to a physical altercation that turned into a stabbing.

Alvin Thomas, Scogins’ attorney, had requested he be released during a Jan. 7 hearing. Judge Brandt delayed the ruling, stating she wanted Scogins to receive a drug and mental health assessment by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) to see if he was eligible for release.

During the hearing on Jan. 10, a PSA representative told Judge Brandt Scogins was eligible for a 30-day in-patient treatment program for drugs, but was ineligible for mental health treatment from PSA.

The prosecution objected to the request for release to a treatment program, stating that residential treatments allow the defendants to “come and go as they please,” stating she was worried about him leaving based on an outstanding bench warrant from Frederick County, Maryland, issued in 2018.

The representative from PSA clarified that Scogins could wear a GPS monitor during his time at the treatment facility, and Thomas argued Scogin’s wife had assured him she would ensure he won’t run away.

Judge Brandt said the weight of the evidence against Scogins is “relatively significant,” despite Thomas stating they plan to argue self-defense – stating the victim threw the first punch.

“I don’t worry that he’s a danger to the community,” Judge Brandt stated, adding she would require a stay-away order that would prohibit Scogins from contacting or being near the victim.

She ordered him to reside with his wife once treatment is successfully completed.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 24.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Drops Challenge of Competency For Trial

A stabbing defendant withdrew a planned challenge to a finding he was competent to stand trial and accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Jan. 10.

Kenneth Garner, 33, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Jan. 17, 2023, on the 700 block of Brandywine Street, SE. One individual sustained life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 19, 2024, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) that found Garner competent to stand trial, Janai Reed, his defense attorney, alerted Judge Brandt of her intent to contest the finding and hire an expert to evaluate the defendant.

During the hearing on Jan. 10, Reed told Judge Brandt she believed they could move forward and withdraw the challenge to the finding, stating that Garner was ready to take responsibility for his involvement in the incident.

The prosecution stated the deal required Garner to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment, and the dismissal of a misdemeanor case from 2022.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim attempted to go into an apartment in which he and multiple others, including Garner, were staying. Garner opened the door and stabbed the victim multiple times.

The prosecution added that the victim ran away as Garner chased after him trying to stab him again, and was able to get into a friend’s house, where he called 911. He was transported to the hospital with more than ten injuries to multiple organs, head, and torso.

The prosecution argued that Garner acted voluntarily and not in self-defense.

Garner agreed with the facts, and accepted the deal.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

Fatal Shooting Suspect Declines Evidence Testing

In a Jan. 10 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz, a murder suspect turned down DNA testing of the prosecution’s evidence.

Antwain Ulmer, 20, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Charles Sullivan on July 9, 2023, on the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE.

Ulmer’s attorney, Frances D’Antuono, said even though there was physical evidence in the case including clothing, blood residue and the victim’s gun there was little to test.

Judge Kravitz acknowledged the defense’s position and advised Ulmer of his right to test the evidence and if he understood he was waiving the opportunity guaranteed by the Innocence Protection Act. Ulmer said he agreed.

Meanwhile, Ulmer’s co-counsel, Thomas Healy suggested that Ulmer would be pleading self-defense in the killing.

Judge Kravitz set Ulmer’s trial to begin on June 15.

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