Prosecutors Dismiss Two Charges in Police Stabbing

A prosecution motion to dismiss two charges in a stabbing case involving a police officer was granted by DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Feb. 23.

Tanesha Davis, 31, is charged with two counts of assault on a police officer while armed for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1000 block of Mount Olivet Road, NE on Jan. 21, 2023.

According to court documents, the incident allegedly occurred when two officers were dispatched to Davis’ residence to arrest her. The two officers reportedly requested that Davis go with them, and when she refused they applied force. The two officers reported that Davis swung at one of the officers, stabbing one of them three times in the face.

Davis was originally also charged with assault on a police officer and possession of a prohibited weapon. The prosecution filed a motion on Feb. 2 to dismiss these charges.

Sara Kopecki, Davis’ attorney on this case, agreed with the motion. Davis’ attorney in a separate civil case, Sloan Johnson, agreed as well, and also requested charges in her civil case be dropped.

Judge Pipe granted the prosecutors’ motion to dismiss charges in the stabbing case, along with all charges in Davis’ civil case.

Kopecki then asked Judge Pipe to dismiss all charges in this case, arguing that Davis was found mentally incompetent to stand trial at a hearing on Nov. 6, 2024. Kopecki continued that the prosecution had not requested Davis’ competence be reevaluated by an expert.

Judge Pipe denied the motion for now, on the grounds that the prosecution legally had five years to prosecute the defendant and find evidence. Court records indicate that charges were initially filed against Davis in January 2023. Judge Pipe advised Kopecki to file a written motion with more information if she wishes to continue her arguments.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 23, 2028.

Teen Shooting Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing, Remains Detained

A teen shooting defendant was denied release after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones on Feb. 17.

Kenard Howard, 17, is charged with robbery while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 300 block of 62nd Street, NE on Oct. 28, 2025.

Howard is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the hearing, Howard waived his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence, which Judge Jones accepted.

While requesting his release, Howard’s defense attorney, Clarence Powell, informed Judge Jones that Howard was enrolled in high school where he earned exceptional grades and was a member of the basketball team.

Powell also pointed out that Howard’s mother and grandfather were present in court for the hearing, and assured Judge Jones that Howard had a support network in the community. Powell requested that Howard be released from custody so he could continue his education.

The prosecutor argued Howard remain jailed because he posed a threat to the community, claiming that the incident was an assault with intent to kill.

While describing the offense to Judge Jones, the prosecutor stated that they have no evidence to lead them to believe Howard was armed. However, the prosecutor asserted that Howard and other suspects involved in the case knew each other, disputing Powell’s argument that Howard was unfamiliar with the other suspects.

The prosecutor played the CCTV video footage of the incident that showed a large group of suspects moving toward the victim and stealing his jacket. The video showed some of the suspects reaching for what prosecutors allege was their firearms. According to prosecutors, the suspects then started to walk away but instead chased after the victim. The victim then pulled out his own firearm and began shooting, causing the suspects to flee, said prosecutors.

Powell claimed that based on the video, Howard remained in place and did not follow the suspects when they began chasing the victim.

Judge Jones stated that Howard was possibly associated with two individuals who were armed during the incident, and that he faced the same charges as the other suspects, concluding the hold should stay in place.

Judge Jones said he did not believe any combination of release conditions could ensure the safety of the community.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 23.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal For Multiple Offenses, Awaits Sentencing

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Feb. 23.

Latanya Leonard, 55, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a domestic stabbing that occurred on the 300 block of N Street, NE on Jan. 13.

According to court documents, Leonard and the victim got into an argument where she reportedly accused him of killing a woman. Leonard then grabbed a knife and allegedly slashed him and calling him names. The victim sustained several cuts to his arm and a cut to his face.

During the hearing, Leonard accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required her to plead guilty to simple assault, possession of a prohibited weapon, and two counts of misdemeanor contempt. As part of her plea agreement, Leonard pleaded guilty to an additional count of simple assault in a separate case.

In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon and three separate domestic violence cases against Leonard. Prosecutors also agreed to not seek an indictment with additional charges in any of the four cases.

After finding Leonard understood her rights and knowingly pleaded guilty, Judge Hertzfeld accepted her guilty plea.

Had the case gone to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the day of the offense, Leonard unlawfully assaulted the victim with a kitchen knife by slashing him.

They also would have proved that in December 2025, Leonard violated court orders to not engage in any aggravated or threatening behavior towards the victim and to keep at least 100 yards away from the victim, his home, and place of employment.

Louis Kamara, Leonard’s attorney, requested Judge Hertzfeld release Leonard with GPS monitoring because she was at risk of being evicted. Judge Hertzfeld denied the request because Leonard pleaded guilty, stating Leonard would remain detained pending sentencing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 27 for sentencing.

Domestic Stabbing Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant rejected a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Feb. 23.

Otis Ransom, 51, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on the 1200 block of 3rd Street, NE on Dec. 13, 2025.

According to court documents, an argument reportedly broke out after the victim told Ransom she would not have sex with him. The fight allegedly escalated into Ransom’s grabbing a knife and attacking the victim. She suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations to her face, neck, left hand, right forearm, and body. When police arrived on scene, the victim was unconscious but breathing before she was transported to the hospital.

John Harvey, Ransom’s attorney, told Judge Hertzfeld that he was prepared for a preliminary hearing of the evidence. However, the prosecution said Ransom waived that right in December 2025. Harvey said was confused about the waiver’s language.

According to court records, Harvey was recently appointed to Ransom’s case on Feb. 6.

The prosecution then extended an offer in which Ransom would plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution would not seek an indictment with greater or additional charges. Ransom rejected the plea offer, stating he is the victim in this case.

Harvey also requested Ransom’s release. Judge Hertzfeld said she would not hear any arguments given the lack information, stating she would address motions for release at a separate time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 21.

Probable Cause Found After Carjacking Defendant Rejects Plea Offer

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a carjacking case after a defendant rejected a plea agreement at a preliminary hearing on Feb. 23.

Antwoin Rivers, 35, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in stealing a moped on the 900 block of 17th Street, NE, on Sept. 3.

The prosecution extended an agreement that would have required Rivers to plead guilty to one count of robbery and one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for a maximum sentence up to 17 years in prison. Both counts would run concurrently. According to the DC Sentencing Commission’s sentencing guidelines, the sentence for robbery ranges between 18- to- 60 months in prison.

During the hearing, the arresting officer testified that another off-duty officer allegedly witnessed Rivers pushing a victim off a moped and fleeing the scene. Neither officer checked the vehicle’s registration before pursuing Rivers.

The arresting officer attempted a traffic stop, but Rivers allegedly refused to comply, prompting a chase which ended in a parking lot where Rivers crashed the moped into the arresting officer’s patrol car.

Rivers’ defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, argued the prosecution’s case was built on inferences rather than direct observations. He highlighted that the arresting officer relied on “word of mouth” from the other officer noting the moped’s registration.

He also argued that because the arresting officer briefly lost sight of the suspect for five minutes, the identification of Rivers was compromised. The defense asked Judge Raymond to rule against probable cause, asserting unverified accounts of the incident created reasonable doubt.

The prosecution argued that the “five- minute window” of losing sight of the suspect was “miniscule” and not enough of a gap to be relevant. They addressed the identification issue by stating the registration on the moped was not important because it was taken by force.

As a result, the prosecution asked the judge to find probable cause.

Judge Raymond sided with the prosecution, ruling that probable cause was established. The judge dismissed the defense’s argument regarding the time gap when following the suspect.

“There was no issue at all with identification,” Judge Raymond said, given the short period of time.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 31.

Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 20 Charges Over Dog Dispute

A defendant pleaded not guilty to 20 charges that stemmed from a shooting that injured two people before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Feb. 20.

Antwan Buchanan, 50, is charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, endangerment with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, possession of an unregistered firearm, destruction of property worth less than $1,000, and three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition. All violent charges face an additional penalty of allegedly being committed after Buchanan had at least two prior felony convictions.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured two individuals on the 1700 block of Gales Place, NE on April 29, 2025.

According to court documents, the gunfire started when the first victim asked Buchanan to leash his dog. The conversation allegedly became heated and the victim reported that Buchanan shot into his car, hitting him in the torso. The victim sustained a fractured rib.

A second victim was reportedly walking on the sidewalk, caught in the crosshairs, and sustained a gunshot wound to his hip.

At the hearing, the court formally arraigned Buchanan on the indictment charges against him and his attorney, Hannah Claudio, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. Claudio asserted Buchanan’s right to a speedy trial, which the parties scheduled for June, 14, 2027.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 11 for a status hearing.

Judge Grants Severance for Homicide, Obstruction Co-Defendants

Editor’s Note: Aillayh Carter was acquitted of all charges by a jury on March 19, 2026.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan granted a motion to sever at a hearing on Feb. 20, ordering that a homicide defendant and his obstruction co-defendant be tried separately.

Robert Carpenter and Aillayh Carter are charged in related matters stemming from a May 7, 2024 fatal shooting.

Carpenter, 27, 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 greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Tremaine Nicholson, 42, on the 3400 block of 25th Street, SE.

According to court documents, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded around 1:35 p .m. and located Nicholson suffering from four gunshot wounds inside an apartment. Nicholson was pronounced dead at 1:49 p. m.

Carter, 29, is charged with two counts of obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to influence or impede two witnesses to the murder between May 7 and May 8, 2024.

Carpenter’s attorneys, David Knight and Christen Phillips, filed a motion to sever on Feb. 6, asking the court to separate the defendants’ cases for trial. Judge Ryan stated that although courts generally prefer joint trials for reasons of efficiency and judicial economy, severance is required if a joint trial would create prejudice that risks compromising a defendant’s right to a fair trial.

In explaining his ruling, Judge Ryan said that if the cases were tried separately, Carter could potentially testify in Carpenter’s trial and provide first-hand information about Carpenter’s knowledge leading up to the shooting, his relationship with Nicholson, and what occurred inside the apartment. The judge noted that those facts could not be adequately established through other witnesses.

The prosecution opposed severance, questioning how Carter could testify without invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, especially if her testimony implicated her in the homicide or conflicted with prior statements. The prosecution also raised concerns about managing approximately 21 witnesses, separate subpoenas, and duplicative disclosures in two separate trials.

During the discussion, Knight noted that Carter would testify in Carpenter’s trial if the cases were severed.

Judge Ryan stated that the court could not base its decision on speculation about whether Carter might invoke the Fifth Amendment or how the cases might unfold. He found that there was a sufficient risk of prejudice to Carpenter in a joint trial and granted the motion to sever. The court ordered that the trials proceed back-to-back, with Carter’s trial first.

The court then addressed trial readiness in Carter’s case.

Carter’s attorney, Gregory Copeland, stated that his understanding had been that the prosecution would not use Carter’s statement on Sept. 18, 2024 to a grand jury. Copeland referenced a statement in which Carter allegedly said she shot Nicholson, characterizing it as false and seeking additional context regarding a statement made without her attorney present.

The prosecution responded that Carter was advised of her rights, including Miranda and grand jury rights, and was not a suspect at the time of her grand jury testimony. The prosecution stated that Carter persisted in claiming responsibility for the murder despite being told she did not commit the offense. If Carter testified inconsistently at trial, she could be subject to impeachment, noted prosecutors.

Carter’s trial is scheduled for March 12.

Carpenter is slated to return for a status hearing on March 17.

Judge Terminates Probation for Compliant Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan terminated probation for stabbing a defendant at a review hearing on Feb. 23.

Donnell Jackson, 33, was sentenced on June 14, 2024 for assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, three counts of simple assault, and five counts of misdemeanor threats to do bodily harm. These charges stem from Jackson’s involvement in a stabbing that took place at the 500 block of D Street, NW on Nov. 11, 2023.

At a probation review hearing, a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) representative appeared via Webex and verified that Jackson was in compliance with her probation. Judge Ryan noted that the case was ongoing for an extended period of time and that this was Jackson’s last chance to remain compliant with the terms of her probation.

According to the CSOSA representative, Jackson made significant progress, securing stable housing and passing drug tests. The CSOSA representative described it as a “Full 180.” In light of this, Judge Ryan said he wanted to consider terminating Jackson’s probation immediately.

Jackson’s attorney, Gregg Baron, explained that Jackson had surgery scheduled on March 18 and he requested that her probation be terminated early to prevent any complications related to court supervision during her recovery period.

The prosecution requested that Jackson’s probation continue but be terminated on March 17 to ensure that her surgery goes smoothly. After considering this request, Judge Ryan decided to terminate Jackson’s probation effective immediately.

No future proceedings have been scheduled.

Homicide, Obstruction Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant and two co-defendants pleaded not guilty before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan at an arraignment on Feb. 20.

Richard Price, 27, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and five counts of obstruction of justice.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Danielle Hicks-Best, 28, on April 27, 2022 on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE. Hicks-Best sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and succumbed to her injuries on May 22, 2025.

Price’s charges also stem from his alleged involvement in another shooting on June 1, 2022, on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE. No injuries were reported but investigators recovered shell casings and firearms from the scene.

According to court documents, a witness reported seeing a silver Lexus sedan and identified Price, also known as “Heck,” as the shooter. A second witness independently identified a person said to be Price.

Danielle Price, 30, and Tyeesha Miller, 29, are charged with conspiracy and three counts of obstruction of justice for their alleged involvement in efforts to influence or harass witnesses connected to the case. According to the indictment, the charges stem from alleged jail calls with Richard and social media activity in July 2022 involving discussions of potential witnesses related to the shootings.

Following the court’s formal reading of the indictment charges, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Richard’s attorney, Andrew Ain, Danielle’s attorney, and Quo Judkins, Miller’s attorney entered pleas of not guilty on behalf of their clients. Additionally, they asserted the defendants constitutional rights to a speedy trial and evidence in the case.

Ain and Judkins requested their clients remain released, which Judge Ryan granted, citing their continued compliance with release conditions.

Trial is scheduled for June 15 and parties are set to meet for a trial readiness hearing on May 15.

Stabbing Defendant Considers Plea Offer

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz allowed a stabbing defendant more time to consider a plea offer during a status hearing on Feb. 20.

Christopher Moore, 32, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on March 1, 2024 on the 700 block of 15th Street, NE. The victim sustained a stab wound to his neck and three injuries to his thigh.

Moore is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly assaulting the same victim with a stick on Feb. 27, 2024 at the intersection of 14th and H Streets, NE.

During the hearing, Moore’s defense attorney, Sellano Simmons, told the court that the prosecution had sent a plea offer, but Simmons had yet to discuss it with his client. Judge Kravitz and both parties agreed to schedule another hearing to give Simmons and Moore time to review the offer.

The prosecution stated the offer would require Moore to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange, for the prosecution’s dismissing the remaining charges.

As part of the plea deal, the prosecution said they would request a sentence of seven years of imprisonment for the aggravated assault charge, along with an unspecified concurrent sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 3.

Judge Suspends Sentence for Stabbing Defendant, Imposes Probation

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a defendant in a stabbing case to probation after suspending the majority of her prison term on Feb. 20.

Michelle Bowman, 35, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing that occurred near the Suitland Parkway exit on I-295 on Sept. 24. According to prosecutors, Bowman attacked her ex-girlfriend with a knife during an argument inside a vehicle after attempting to slash the tires when the victim pulled over.

Bowman’s sentence included 48 months of confinement, all suspended except for time served, followed by 2 years of supervised probation and 3 years of supervised release. She must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violence Crime Fund, comply with an intervention plan through the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, CSOSA, and stay away from the victim.

During the hearing, the victim described the financial and emotional impact of the incident. She explained that her car was towed after she was taken to the hospital and later accidentally totaled by a private towing company. She also reported losing her personal property, including a laptop and AirPods, after the vehicle was transferred to a private towing company. The judge informed her that those losses would need to be addressed in civil court.

The prosecution requested a 60-month sentence with 20 months of supervised probation, noting the seriousness of the offense.

Defense attorney Joseph McCoy highlighted Bowman’s limited criminal history, difficult childhood, strong family support, and progress in therapy while incarcerated, proposing an 18-month sentence with time served and probation.

Bowman addressed the court,accepted responsibility and apologized to the victim. She described how she was dealing with a lot on the day of the stabbing and emphasized with the victim.

“Please consider my life, accountability, regret, and want to get better in the sentencing,” she told the judge.

After weighing the statements given, Judge Salerno stated he believed Bowman was sincere and considered her rehabilitation efforts and low likelihood of reoffending.

No further proceedings have been scheduled in this case.

Judge Finds Shooting Defendant Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld found a shooting defendant mentally competent on Feb. 23.

Bryant Russell, 48, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 5000 block of Just Street, NE on June 6, 2024. One individual sustained a gunshot wound to his arm.

According to court documents, the victim did not know Russell, claiming he’d been sitting on his porch when he was shot. Witnesses reported that Russell emerged from behind a building before threatening to kill himself. The victim allegedly told Russell to leave before a witness watched Russell enter a vehicle. That same witness then returned inside before they reported hearing gunshots.

Based on the most recent report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) on Dec. 11, 2025, a doctor found that Russell was competent. At the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld ruled that Russell was mentally competent and fit to stand trial. To stand trial a defendant must understand the charges and help in his defense.

The prosecution and Russell’s attorney, Daniel Dorsey, both agreed with the DBH report and judge’s ruling.

The parties are slated to reconvene on March 23.

Parties Question Whether Shooting Defendant Permitted to Have Gun

An officer’s former boss testified about whether he was supposed to have a gun in a shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 24.

Gerald Day, a Howard University Special Police Office, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and threat to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman’s face after an altercation with a group of his friends at the intersection of O Street and Carrolsburg Place, SW on Oct. 29, 2023.

Day’s co-defendant, Paul Poston, 32, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

The defense resumed testimony from Day’s girlfriend’s sister, who was present during the incident. The eyewitness said that she was Maced by the victim after the fight broke out.

According to the eyewitness, the victim said “I got something for you,” as she walked towards her car to retrieve the caustic self-defense chemical after the fight.

Day’s attorney, Steven Polin, asked the witness what it felt like to be Maced and she answered that her vision went blurry and that she moved towards her husband for help.

In the cross-examination, prosecutors showed video footage of the incident in which they asserted the eyewitness was Maced and then approached the victim multiple times after. The prosecution questioned the eyewitness’ behavior, describing it as defensive.

Polin asked the eyewitness in re-direct if her behavior could be explained by her being Maced moments prior, and she agreed.

Polin then called a commander at the Howard University Police Department, Day’s former boss.

The commander highlighted that there are two different types of police officers for Howard University, Security Officers and Special Police Officers (SPO). Day was employed as an SPO and SPOs are allowed to make arrests and carry a firearm on Howard’s campus, said the commander.

Prosecutors asked the commander if in SPOs training they go through a de-escalation training course. The commander answered that all SPOs go through that training and the protocol is to calm the subject down.

The prosecution questioned whether there were different protocols if a subject had a weapon and the commander reiterated that the goal remained to calm the subject down.

“Should a special police officer pull out their firearm if the opposing subject has Mace?” asked prosecutors, to which which the commander answered, no.

Prosecutors confirmed with the commander that Howard SPOs have the right to carry a firearm, but their jurisdiction is strictly limited to the university.

Then, prosecutors discussed the process of Howard SPOs obtaining their work firearms. The commander said the SPOs must be licensed through the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and the firearm must stay at Howard and be checked in and out after every shift.

The prosecution confirmed with the commander that Day called out sick the day of the incident. Polin later emphasized that Day was originally scheduled to work that day.

After the jury left for the day, Judge Brandt denied Polin’s motion for acquittal, ruling that the government presented enough evidence to send the case to a jury.

While the defense says Day acted in self-defense, the prosecution highlighted the video evidence and witness testimony identifying Day as the individual who approached the victim and pointed a gun.

Judge Brandt noted that the combination of witness testimony about Day’s alleged threats and his allegedly possessing an unregistered firearm was potentially enough for the jury to find him guilty on the charges.

The judge initially questioned the self-defense claim, but acknowledged that certain phrases from the victim during the incident, such as “I’ve got something for you,” noting that a jury could interpret this as a credible threat.

She emphasized that the jury remains the “sole arbiter” of witness credibility. She concluded that the prosecution met its burden. As a result, Judge Brandt denied the motion for acquittal.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 24.

Plea Deal Set in Revered Peace Corps Worker’s Fatal Shooting

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal in a case that caused the death of a Peace Corps Worker before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Feb. 13.

Dearay Wilson, 30, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for killing Jeremy Black, 50, on June 29, 2021 on the 1400 block of R Street, NW. No other defendants have been charged in the case.

Black was eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

According to court documents, Black, had dinner with a group that night on 14th Street but when he returned to his car on 15th Street, he was shot by four suspects. The group allegedly circled the block once before parking their vehicle and moving towards Black’s party walking down 15th Street turning to R Street. Court documents reported that after firing multiple shots, the four suspects ran back to the car and fled the scene.

“Black, the victim, was an innocent bystander walking through the area with his wife and two friends,” according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In court, Wilson accepted a deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and in exchange, prosecutors dismissed the remaining charges, including first-degree murder. As part of the deal, parties agreed to a sentence range of 15-to-21 years of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release, subject to Judge Kravitz’s approval at sentencing.

The prosecutor read out the evidence in court that they would have presented to prove Wilson’s guilt at trial. According to the prosecutor, CCTV surveillance footage of R Street showed four armed individuals, including Wilson, leaving a previously stolen Chevrolet. The suspects then approached Black and his group before firing numerous rounds, said the prosecutor.

According to an autopsy report cited by the prosecution, Black was shot once in the torso, resulting in his death. The prosecution concluded that the evidence would have proved Wilson’s intent to kill with no justification of self-defense.

Judge Kravitz confirmed that Wilson accepted the plea deal knowingly and voluntarily.
Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on April 10.

Defendant Gets Suspended Sentence For Mental Treatment in Uber Carjacking Case

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a carjacking defendant to two years, time suspended on Feb. 13.

On Oct. 3, 2025, Shannara Macku, 38, pleaded guilty to the destruction of property $1,000 or more, first-degree theft, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle for her involvement in a carjacking on Oct. 19, 2024 on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW.

According to court documents, Macku crashed into the tire of a car while she was riding a bike. The driver and the five Uber passengers in the car abandoned the vehicle as Macku jumped into the driver’s seat and fled with the vehicle.

The prosecutor requested that Macku serve three years in prison given how her conduct affected the Uber driver and passengers in the car; nonetheless, acknowledging that her mental health history would make her a candidate for probation after her sentence.

Destiny Fullwood-Singh, Macku’s attorney, said that her client was on the precipice of a mental break at the time of the incident. Fullwood-Singh emphasized that no one was in the car when Macku got into the driver’s seat.

Fullwood-Singh requested that Macku serve 10 months in a structured mental health program where her needs would be adequately met and her condition improve. Instead of incarceration, “Ms. Macku has a better option,” Full-Wood Singh said and asserted that when placed in a stable, structured environment and medication readily available, Macku thrived.

Judge McLean agreed with Fullwood-Singh that because of Macku’s mental health, she would be better off receiving treatment. She sentenced Macku to 12 months for destruction of property, and six months each for first-degree theft and the unauthorized use of a vehicle. The sentences will run consecutively, all suspended, in favor of two years of probation.

Requirements of Macku’s probation include maintaining medical treatment and prescribed medications, drug testing, job training, housing assistance, and mental health evaluation. If she fails to complete the requirements, Macku will be required to serve two years of imprisonment.

No further dates were set.

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