‘Do Not Make Me Regret It,’ Judge Says Lifting GPS For Carjacking Co-Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean granted a defense request to remove GPS monitoring for a carjacking defendant on April 3.

Rashid Woods, 30, Travis Morris, 34, James Matheny, 32, and Kanna Bowen, 26, are charged with conspiracy, armed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident on the 2100 block of Mississippi Avenue, SE on May 30, 2025.

During the hearing, Woods’ attorney, Omar Bississo, asked Judge McLean to remove Woods’ GPS monitor. Bississo argued that Woods was compliant with his release conditions and attended all his court hearings and meetings with the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Bississo also mentioned that he is challenged to see evidence of Woods’ involvement in the incident.

According to the prosecutors, there is social media evidence with Woods possessing firearms, Cash App transfers, and messages between the defendants around the time of the incident. The prosecutor asserted that proves a conspiracy among the co-defendants.

The prosecution also mentioned that Woods has a criminal history regarding a separate past case that was dismissed.

Bississo reiterated his belief that the evidence described from prosecutors does not tie Woods to the incident. He emphasized Woods’ compliance and that he never complains about court orders, including reporting to PSA. Bississo added that Woods always arrives to court before him for hearings.

Judge McLean explained that when people are placed on GPS monitoring, they tend to follow the rules and comply with court orders since they are being monitored. She acknowledged Bississo’s argument and noted that PSA has not provided any notice suggesting that Woods failed to comply.

As a result, Judge McLean granted Bississo’s request to remove GPS monitoring. However, she mentioned that if Woods is not compliant with court orders, the GPS monitor will be reinstated.

“Do not make me regret it,” Judge McLean said to Woods.

Judge McLean also granted Bowen’s request for a new attorney.

Parties for all co-defendants are slated to reconvene on April 24.

‘I Know You Can Do This,’ Judge Tells Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Laura Cordero acknowledged a carjacking defendant’s progress in maintaining sobriety, noting the importance as she considers a mental health plea on March 31.

Kaprice Steward, 27, is charged with carjacking and unauthorized use of a vehicle for her alleged involvement in a Metrobus carjacking at the 1100 block of Howard Road, SE, at the Anacostia Metro Station, on Sept. 15, 2025.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA), expressed that Steward completed drug tests weekly. From those tests, parties addressed concerns that Steward tested positive for Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) on March 11. EtG is a byproduct of the alcohol people consume and the test looks for any sort of recent alcohol consumption, up to 80 hours. The PSA representative mentioned that Steward’s psychiatrist prescribed her medication and she attends regular sessions with the services.

Judge Cordero acknowledged that Steward had a negative test on March 25, expressing that she showed some improvement, as a mental health plea is considered in the case. However, the judge raised the concern about Stewards’s consumption of alcohol. Judge Cordero stated that if alcohol is detected from these tests, it could jeopardize Steward’s participation in the program.

Steward intends to accept a mental health court plea, meaning she agrees to engage in treatment recommendations in exchange for a lesser sentence or the dismissal of her charges.

Judge Cordero instructed Steward to remain completely sober, stating, “I know you can do this.” The judge explained to Steward that even the small amounts of alcohol, that can be found in food or medicine, are detected in the testing. Additionally, if alcohol was consumed a few days before the test it would appear as EtG.

Parties also discussed the medication that Steward was prescribed by her psychiatrist. Steward said her job requires her to watch a building at night and on the days she works, she doesn’t take her night time medication because it makes her drowsy.

Judge Cordero expressed that not taking the medication consistently would affect Steward’s mental health. Additionally, the judge said Steward should let her body rest. Steward replied that she needed to work saying, “I’m doing this because I’m trying to move out of my grandma house.”

Steward was advised by Judge Cordero to talk to her psychiatrist about her medication and address any concerns or dosages to align with her work schedule, instead of her inconsistently taking it.

Judge Cordero commended Steward for her recent progress and participation in Life Enhancement Services, a mental health clinic in DC, acknowledging that she attends appointments and engages with the resources provided to her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.

Judge Keeps Asking why Stabbing Defendant Doesn’t Have a Wheelchair at DC Jail

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean questioned a representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) on April 13 as to why a stabbing defendant has been continuously denied a wheelchair.

James Gregory, 37, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 2200 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE on March 26, 2025. The victim sustained a stab wound to the left arm.

According to US Marshals, Gregory refused to appear for the hearing. His attorney, Santia McLaurin, said his absence was medically related. McLaurin stated that she saw Gregory walking with a cane on April 9, even though an emergency motion to return Gregory’s wheelchair was ordered on Jan. 27.

“They took away his wheelchair, gave him a crutch, and then took away the crutch,” McLaurin said.

On March 5, Judge McLean said she ordered a representative from the DOC to appear and discuss the Jan. 27 motion and why Gregory’s wheelchair was removed on Nov. 25, 2025.

The representative said that “once [Gregory] was weaned off of his wheelchair,” medical staff who assessed Gregory recommended alternatives such as a cane. He stated that wheelchairs are not allowed in the general population in the DC Jail, where Gregory is being held. According to the DOC representative, they are in the process of moving Gregory out of the general population in order to allow him to use crutches.

Judge McLean asked the representative if he reviewed the motion, but the representative stated he did not and instead “chose to focus on speaking with the doctors” to prepare for the hearing and “[had] not seen the motion.”

Judge McLean questioned “you chose to focus on something I didn’t ask you to focus on.”

Because the representative could not answer Judge McLean’s questions thoroughly, the case was continued. Judge McLean specifically asked the representative to come prepared and read the motion before returning to court the following day.

Parties will reconvene on April 14.

17-Year-Old Homicide Defendant in Perfect Compliance with Release Conditions

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan acknowledged a teenage homicide defendant’s perfect compliance with his release conditions in a hearing on April 7.

Leroy Dixon, 17, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Dominique Dingle on May 20, 2025 on the 1000 block of Third Place, SE.

Dixon is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

According to Judge Ryan, a compliance report was filed on April 6 from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) which stated Dixon was in perfect compliance with his home confinement and GPS monitoring.

Judge Ryan acknowledged his “good behavior.”

Dixon’s attorney, Terrence Austin, told Judge Ryan that prosecutors had not yet indicted for this case, and the deadline would be on May 12.

Prosecutors suggested that they schedule an arraignment hearing for May 12, and “go from there.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 12.

Judge Tells Defense, ‘You Had 6 Years to Prepare’ Fatal Arson Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman rescheduled a fatal arson defendant’s trial to determine if, given his state of mind, he can be held criminally responsible for the crime in a hearing on April 8.

D’Aundrey Scott, 31, is charged with first-degree murder and arson for his alleged involvement in fatally burning 62-year-old Darryl Finney on the 900 block of H Street, NE, on May 13, 2020. Scott is additionally charged with assault with intent to kill and another arson charge for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal burning of another victim on the 1300 block of H Street, NE on the same day.

During the hearing, Scott’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, requested vacating Scott’s trial because the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested a 60-day extension for Scott’s criminal responsibility exam, a forensic psychological assessment determining a defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime.

“I don’t know what the DBH will say,” Winograd said regarding DBH’s report of Scott’s mental state during the incident. He added since the trial is scheduled for June, “I don’t think we can properly prepare” for a different defense than not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) defense without having the report from DBH.

“What I’m getting from this is you don’t know,” Judge Edelman said. “You had six years to prepare.”

Winograd said, “I have been attempting” to resolve this case in other ways, noting he will need more time to put together an entirely different defense regarding DBH’s report.

“We are trying to get to trial expeditiously,” however, “it wouldn’t be prudent to go to trial” given the lack of information, said the prosecution. According to the prosecution, this case has been open since 2020 but Scott’s competency has changed multiple times. They reiterated the importance of having the DBH’s report.

As a result, Judge Edelman decided to replace his June trial date with another status hearing to give the parties time to receive the DBH’s criminal responsibility exam. Judge Edelman rescheduled Scott’s trial for May 18, 2027.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 22.

Defense Ponders Severance Request For Homicide Charges

In a status hearing on April 3, a homicide defendant’s attorneys said they were planning to request severance of their client’s charges before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Jaykell Mason, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, assaulting a law enforcement officer while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Terence Dantzler, 29. The incident occurred on Feb. 13, 2020 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NW.

If the severance were granted it would separate Mason’s charges and require they be tried at different times. Page said they are planning the move, but are still in the process of figuring out the details before proceeding.

Judge Park emphasized the importance of finalizing the request in a timely manner, because severance would affect scheduling. He asked the defense to file their motion within 30 days, and for the prosecution to file their response within ten days of that deadline.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 26.

Judge Sentences Defendant to 6 Years For Stabbing 2-Year-Old

A stabbing defendant received a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) from DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 3.

Devonte Wright, 27, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, carrying a dangerous weapon, and cruelty to children, all committed against a minor. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a stabbing on May 27, 2020 on the 1700 block of Benning Road, NE. The two-year-old victim sustained a laceration to the forehead and stab wounds to the abdomen

On Feb. 4, Wright pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill and possession of a prohibited weapon in exchange for dismissal of his other charges and two unrelated cases. Parties agreed to a sentencing range of five-to-six years in prison, subject to Judge Park’s approval.

Before parties presented their arguments, Judge Park acknowledged that there was only a two-month difference in the prison sentences the parties suggested, with the prosecution requesting 72 months of incarceration and the defense requesting 70 months.

The prosecution said that the main discrepancy between the parties’ requests was their argument for whether Wright should be sentenced under the YRA, which allows people under the age of 25 to have their convictions sealed after successfully completing their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

The prosecution said that they consulted the victim’s family and also considered Wright’s mental health struggles in determining their request. They argued that due to the seriousness and violent nature of the crime, Wright should not be sentenced under the YRA. They said Wright is “lucky” the victim did not die and, if the case were a homicide, the YRA would not be applicable.

Christen Philips, Wright’s attorney, argued that his mental health was the root cause of his actions and should be considered when determining his sentence. Philips acknowledged concern that his mental health deteriorated to stabbing a minor, but said his mental state was also a mitigating factor that explained his actions.

Philips told Judge Park that Wright has received consistent mental health care and support for six years, and shown significant improvement. She pointed out that Wright’s age at the time of the incident directly related to the struggles he experienced. According to Philips, Wright’s age aligned with the age range when many people experience the initial onset of psychotic symptoms.

Philips also emphasized Wright’s lack of a criminal history supporting his mental health issues directly related to the circumstances and nature of the incident.

Now that Wright has access to better resources an improved mental health, Phillips argued he was a good candidate for the YRA. Phillips said Wright wants to maintain contact with his clinicians and his community and is capable of reintegrating into society.

Wright said, “I had no excuse for my actions, just my sorrow,” and apologized for the pain he caused to the victim and their family. Philips noted that Wright wrote out his statement ahead of time after careful reflection, and that this level of thoughtfulness showed his remorse.

Philips asked Judge Park to allow Wright to stay at Saint Elizabeths Hospital where he would receive better mental health care than at the DC Jail until the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) completed their sentencing calculations

Judge Park said that Wright’s lack of criminal history supported Philips’ argument about the incident stemming from his health struggles.

Judge Park sentenced Wright to six years under the YRA for assault with intent to kill, 180 days for possession of a prohibited weapon, to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Wright received credit for having already served almost six years of incarceration since his arrest on May 28, 2020.

Additionally, Judge Park granted Phillips request to let Wright stay at Saint Elizabeths with the expectation that he will be released from the hospital since he has served nearly his entire sentence.

Wright is also required to adhere to all mental health treatment recommendations from the mental health unit at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), participate in employment training, and complete 90 hours of community service during his supervised release.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 7 for a post-sentencing hearing.

Homicide Defendant’s Motion to Withdraw ‘Coerced’ Plea 6 Years After Sentencing

Parties scheduled an evidentiary hearing for a homicide defendant’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea on the basis he was “coerced” into taking the agreement in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Milton Lee Jr. on April 3.

Darius Murphy, 32, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 39-year-old Jason Wood on the 1600 block of Benning Road, NE, on Feb. 22, 2019.

Murphy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed as part of a plea agreement on Sept. 12, 2019. In exchange the parties agreed to a sentencing range of 13-to-22 years in prison.

Murphy was sentenced to 236 months in prison and five years of supervised release on Feb. 14, 2020.

In February 2022, Murphy wrote a letter to the court asking to withdraw his guilty plea. He stated that his previous attorney, Dana Page, told him he would be charged with involuntary manslaughter for taking the plea deal, not second-degree murder while armed. Murphy said in the motion that Page “coerced” him to plead guilty before he was indicted, and that he was under the influence of “heavy mental health medications” when he accepted the agreement.

“I was never read my rights,” said Murphy in the letter.

After Murphy asked for a new attorney to file an ineffective assistance of counsel against Page, Sara Kopecki was appointed as his new attorney on March 25, 2024.

Murphy is currently being held in prison in Illinois, according to Kopecki.

Parties scheduled a hearing to address Murphy’s motion to withdraw his guilty plea based on ineffectivecounsel for Dec. 17.

Nightclub Mass Shooter Accepts Plea Deal

A mass shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 6.

Langston Wedge, 20, was originally charged with two counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a mass shooting on Nov. 2, 2025 at Power Nightclub on the 2300 block of Bladensburg Road, NE. Five victims sustained gunshot wounds.

At the hearing, Wedge accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to two counts of aggravated assault while armed, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years, and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years with a mandatory minimum of five years.

In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek an indictment with additional charges against Wedge. Parties agreed upon a sentence between eight-to-10 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Arthur’s approval at sentencing.

Prosecutors presented the evidence that they would have used to prove Wedge’s guilt if this case had gone to trial. They stated that “Wedge fired a handgun into a crowd outside of Power Nightclub, striking five individuals in the chest and arm. He also struck one car during this shooting.”

Wedge’s actions were not committed in self-defense.

Judge Arthur accepted his guilty plea and set sentencing matters for July 27.

Judge Orders Murder, Mass Shooting Defendant Remain Detained in DC After Mistaken Transfer

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered that a homicide defendant remain in the DC Jail April 6 after he was transferred there by mistake.

Gerald Thomas, 23, is charged with first-and second-degree murder while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted kidnapping while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business. The charges stem from Thomas’ alleged involvement in a mass shooting that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Dasha Cleary and injured four others. The incident occurred on the 4400 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, on Jan. 27, 2022.

According to court documents, Thomas was scheduled for a hearing on Feb. 2, which he missed due to being moved to another jurisdiction for a separate matter. Judge Ryan stated he was absent due to being “accidentally shipped out to a different matter in another jurisdiction.”

At the hearing, the prosecution requested that Thomas be detained under the DC jurisdiction to avoid another transfer and ensure his presence for future hearings.

Thomas’ attorneys, Dominique Winters and Quiana Harris, expressed no opposition.

Judge Ryan subsequently changed Thomas’ detention to the DC jurisdiction.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 5.

Defense Argues to Suppress Evidence in Moped Carjacking Case

A defense attorney argued a teenage carjacking defendant’s arrest was not legal in a motions hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 6.

Dylan Boney, 17, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and possession of a prohibited weapon for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on June 29, 2025 on the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW.

Boney is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

The court arraigned Boney on the six charges and his defense attorney, Patrick Nowak, pleaded not guilty on his behalf and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

According to prosecutors, approximately fifteen minutes after police were flagged down to report the carjacking of a moped, Boney was found behind a wall in a parking garage and detained. They said the stolen moped was also found in the same garage. Prosecutors argued that he was “hiding” in the garage, while Nowak argued that he was homeless and sleeping.

Nowak argued a motion to suppress identification the defense filed on Nov. 14, 2025. They argued that the victim’s identification of Boney needed to be suppressed because he did not initially give any identifying features to the suspect besides “wearing all black and covering their face.” Then, when Boney was detained in the dark and from a distance, the victim said that [Boney] was the perpetrator.

Further, Nowak noted in court that in the body-worn camera footage the police officer accompanying the victim is heard yelling “we got someone,” which he argued could have unfairly skewed the victim’s identification.

Nowak also highlighted that a witness identified someone else as the suspect before Boney was detained. A phone with a lock screen picture of multiple men was left at the crime scene and the witness pointed to someone in the middle of the picture, telling officers that that man was the suspect. Boney was not the person identified or present in the photo at all.

Nowak in the motion argued, “because of the suggestivity of this alleged identification, the [victim’s] out-of-court identification and any subsequent in-court identifications by the [victim] must be suppressed.”

Prosecutors argued that there was no formal identification process for this case, “it was spontaneous,” and that the victim in the body-worn camera footage looked at Boney before he started pointing to him as the suspect.

Prosecutors also argued that the witness identifying the suspect on the phone did not negate the suspicion that police officers had when arresting Boney.

Judge Arthur did not rule on the suppression motion during the hearing but clarified that police responded to the stolen moped, not the witness phone identification.

Another defense motion filed on March 6 asked Judge Arthur to suppress GPS data and all other “fruits of the seizure,” obtained during Boney’s arrest. Nowak argued that the use of Boney’s GPS data after the arrest in this case goes against his constitutional rights, which protect against unreasonable search and seizures.

According to Nowak in the motion, “Boney did not voluntarily consent to the attachment of the GPS device to his leg,” and was not informed that the data would be shared with law enforcement or the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO).

Prosecutors disagreed and argued that GPS could be obtained by police officers at any time, and that the GPS device was visible on Boney in the body-worn camera footage. They argued that the GPS should be kept in as evidence because Boney consented to wearing it.

Prosecutors explained that Boney initially rejected the GPS, but he quickly accepted it after finding out his only other option was a youth group home. They also argued that in previous cases, similar situations have been upheld on appeal.

The motion to suppress all “fruits of the seizure” also includes the keys to the moped, which were found on the walkway up to where Boney was found. Nowak argued that the keys could have been dropped during the seizure.

Prosecutors refuted this, saying that where Boney was found had only one exit point and one entry point and that there is no evidence that the keys were dropped during his arrest. They argued that these were an abandoned item with no expectation to privacy.

Prosecutors argued that the location Boney and the moped were discovered, the time of day and the nearby offense were all “particularized facts that officers can consider,” making the seizure and evidence both legal.

Erica Arensman, Boney’s other attorney, told Judge Arthur that the only GPS data they received is a series of tables and maps, not the actual “raw data.”

Arensman reported that she and Nowak had “asked for the information multiple times,” and that they “still don’t have it.” She believes that they can’t have meaningful testimony without all of the information relayed to them from prosecutors.

Prosecutors said that this was the first time they had heard this and that they thought all of the information was provided. They asked Arensman for an example.

Arensman said that “[they’ve] been making this request for the raw data for quite some time,” and that there has been a lot of back and forth because “this is not something new.”

As a result of time constraints, parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 7 to continue arguments.

Investigator Describes Suspect Vehicle’s Path in Homicide Trial

An investigator testified about recovering surveillance footage of what prosecutors allege is the defendant’s vehicle during a fatal shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on April 7.

Jamil Whitley, 38, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than one year for his alleged involvement in a June 11, 2020 shooting that fatally injured 32-year-old Kevin Redd on the 4700 block of Jay Street, NE. Redd sustained three gunshot wounds to his chest, forearm, and shoulder.

An investigator for the Evidence Surveillance Unit at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified that he recovered footage on the day of the incident from a residence on the 900 block of 47th Street, NE. According to court documents, the residence is located next to the alleyway in which Redd’s body was found.

The investigator clarified that the timestamps on the footage were approximately 15 minutes earlier than the actual time. He identified videos from two cameras affixed to the residence that show a white car passing the residence at approximately 1:49 a. m. and driving through the alleyway at around 1:50 a. m. According to court documents, detectives reportedly tied this white car to Whitley.

On cross-examination, the investigator told Whitley’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, that he collaborated with the lead detective in the case to specify the time discrepancy.

The forensic services manager at SoundThinking Inc., the entity who owns ShotSpotter, testified that a report was generated for MPD based on data collected by ShotSpotter at 1:50 a. m. on the date of the incident. ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection system used by MPD to locate and identify gunfire throughout the city. The prosecution played three audio recordings collected by ShotSpotter, each of which appear to record two consecutive gunshot noises.

On cross-examination, Whitley’s other attorney, James Brockway, questioned the manager about report automation and a disclaimer on the report stating that data should only be used for initial investigation. The manager said that all reports are reviewed by employees before publishing to MPD.

On re-direct, prosecutors confirmed that the company advises ShotSpotter to be used in conjunction with other corroborate evidence.

The prosecution also called a T-Mobile records custodian. He testified that the defendant’s phone number, as seen on the arrest warrant, is associated with a prepaid phone that was last renewed in June 2020.

He also said that T-Mobile maintains records of cell tower data including the date, time, and running time of phone calls when the phone is connected to a tower.

The prosecution also called a forensic examiner for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who testified that she reviewed approximately 100 pieces of glass recovered as evidence from the scene.

On cross-examination, Brockway asked whether the examiner tested black debris that was found amongst the glass which she did not.

A second FBI forensic examiner who examined the glass was called by the prosecution. She testified that the glass in evidence was light green tempered glass, which can be found in a variety of places including automobile and architectural windows.

During cross-examination, she confirmed that she does not know the origin of the glass, nor is she offering an opinion about how long the glass has been broken.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.

Judge Denies Release For Stabbing Defendant Waiving Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones denied the release of a stabbing defendant who waived her preliminary hearing of the prosecution’s evidence on April 6.

Donnita Fountain, 38, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on April 2 on the 3300 block of 13th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Fountain reportedly approached the victim and the two engaged in a verbal altercation. Fountain then allegedly knocked the victim to the ground, the victim attempted to get up and leave, but Fountain continued to assault the victim, and stabbed her. The victim sustained lacerations to her face and hands.

During the hearing, Fountain’s attorney, Lucas Dansie, waived his client’s right to a preliminary hearing. After making sure Fountain understood the rights she surrendered, Judge Jones accepted the waiver.

Dansie requested Fountain’s release, stating she wasn’t a threat to the community. Dansie highlighted that Fountain is a stay-at-home mother of two children, lived with her partner, and would stay away from the victim.

According to Dansie, the incident was a specific altercation that might raise the legal issue of self-defense, arguing the victim brought the knife. He also noted that Fountain successfully graduated from mental health court.

The prosecution opposed Fountain’s release, citing the violent nature of the offense and safety concerns for the community. The prosecutor argued that Fountain was the initial aggressor and used a knife to significantly harm the victim. They noted Fountain’s lengthy criminal record, including prior assault cases and 10 executed bench warrants.

The prosecutor concluded there are no conditions that can be set for Fountain’s release that could reasonably ensure the safety of the victim or community.

Judge Jones acknowledged that Fountain’s prior criminal history and bench warrants are dated. However, Judge Jones decided that due to the severity of the offense and Fountain’s pending simple assault case, she would remain held.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Shooting Case, Denies Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Dorsey Jones found probable cause in a shooting case after a detective testified during a preliminary hearing on April 6.

Jovan Pratt, 46, is charged with substantial risk of endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 400 block of 51st Street, SE on March 28.

During the preliminary hearing, the prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify, and he identified Pratt in open court.

The detective testified that three shots were registered on ShotSpotter, a software used to detect and collect sounds of gunshots in DC, before receiving a call for a shooting victim. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Pratt with a gunshot wound to his inner left thigh. Pratt was uncooperative, refusing to provide identifying information before being transported to the hospital, said the detective.

After reviewing surveillance footage, the detective testified that Pratt likely had a firearm, having been seen holding an “L-shaped” object in the footage.

The detective stated that a muzzle flash could be seen in the footage, the timestamp matching the second ShotSpotter activation. The detective also noted that gunshots and the sounds of someone loading a firearm was heard from residential doorbell footage. He pointed out footage of Pratt appearing to load a firearm and point it was consistent with the third ShotSpotter activation and that officers found two spent casings and six unspent rounds in the location of the shooting.

During cross-examination, Pratt’s attorney, Karen Minor, requested officers’ body-worn footage from the scene, the detective’s interview with Pratt at the cellblock, and the radio runs. The detective testified that he was unsure of the caliber of the casings and the firearm, stating officers were unable to locate a weapon.

Minor confirmed that the detective was aware of gun violence in the area and emphasized that the casings and unspent rounds could’ve come from anywhere.

The prosecution argued for probable cause based on the testimony of the MPD detective. They said that a person identified as Pratt is seen on the surveillance footage holding an object consistent with a firearm and subsequent flashes. Pratt has prior convictions for robbery and therefore is not legally allowed to carry or own a firearm. They also stated that Pratt would’ve known he wasn’t allowed to possess a firearm given his prior conviction.

The defense argued against probable cause, citing that there is not enough evidence for either charge. The detective said the object that Pratt was holding looked like a firearm in the video, but Minor argued it was not because the “barrel” was not longer than 12 inches. Additionally, the suspect’s face isn’t clearly identifiable in the surveillance footage. Minor emphasized that there was no gun found at the scene or taken off Pratt at the hospital. She also added there was no proof of projectile discharge.

Judge Dorsey found probable cause for both charges. He stated that the conditions for carrying a pistol without a license were met because of the two spent casings being found, the detective’s testimony, and Pratt’s prior convictions. Judge Jones said the conditions for endangerment with a firearm were met because there was evidence Pratt allegedly fired the gun on a public street.

The prosecution asked the judge to continue holding Pratt, stating he was on supervised release for a different case when the offense occurred and has a violent criminal history.

Minor requested release for Pratt. She argued that, although Pratt has criminal history, he only has two bench warrants, one of which is over 10 years old. She suggested Pratt could report two times a month to court and be on GPS electronic monitoring. She emphasized Pratt’s stability and commitment to following his release conditions.

Judge Jones stated that due to the weight of the evidence, there were no conditions he could impose that could guarantee the safety of the community. He maintained Pratt’s hold.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Judge Rules Jail Stabbing Defendant Mentally Competent For Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld ruled that a stabbing defendant is mental competent to stand trial at a hearing on April 7.

Joly Germine, 33, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in stabbings that took place in the DC Jail on the 1900 Block of D Street, SE on Aug. 28, 2025.

According to court documents, one victim suffered a stab wound to the right shoulder, a second victim suffered two stab wounds to his armpit and back, and a third victim suffered two stab wounds to the chest and the arm.

At the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld alerted parties that Germine had been found competent to stand trial based on a report done by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). Judge Hertzfeld asserted that she agreed with the report of Germine’s competency.

To stand trial, Germine must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

Additionally, Germine’s attorney, Brandon Taylor, submitted a request to Judge Hertzfeld in order to withdraw as counsel because he is leaving the Criminal Justice Attorney (CJA) panel which handles the overwhelming number of criminal cases against indigent clients.

Judge Hertzfeld set the next hearing in order to appoint a new attorney for Germine.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 9.

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