Judge Postpones Trial So Defendant Can Test For DNA

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo granted a defendant’s request to delay his trial until May 2025 to test DNA evidence, during an Oct. 30 hearing.

Kevin Singletary, 32, 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 fatal shooting of 31-year-old Delonte Hazel on Sept. 10, 2021 on the 100 block of Kennedy Street, NW.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a report of gunshots. Hazel was found at the scene of the crime with a handgun allegedly in his waistband and wearing a ballistic vest. He sustained ten gunshot wounds to his head and neck.

During the hearing, Howard McEachern, Singletary’s attorney, informed the court of Singletary’s decision to have two items tested for DNA– a cartridge casing and a surgical mask.

McEachern requested the trial, which was scheduled to begin Jan. 13, be postponed so they could have enough time to study the results. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Judge Demeo granted the continuance and rescheduled the trial to May 2025.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 13, 2025.

Defendant Charged with Shooting at Relative Detained

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann held a shooting defendant after a preliminary hearing on Oct. 29.

Delante Glascoe, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW, on Oct. 14. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim called 911 and reported an individual, identified as Glascoe, was unwanted in the complainant’s house and was making threats by brandishing a firearm. The victim, who is allegedly Glascoe’s family member, told responding officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Glascoe had shot at her in an alleyway, hours before they arrived.

During the hearing, the prosecution called an officer from MPD, who testified the victim identified Glascoe as the suspect on the scene.

The officer detained Glascoe after he didn’t comply with MPD orders. Furthermore, the witness testified that the caller said Glascoe used a brown handgun, and later he allegedly found a “ghost gun,” a gun with no serial number, consistent with the victim’s description in a door frame.

He stated a shell casing was recovered in an alley where Glascoe was allegedly standing when he shoot. at the victim.

Glascoe’s defense attorney, Camille Wagner, elicited the fact that, at the time of his arrest, Glascoe was not in possession of a firearm. Wagner also argued that the evidence the prosecution plans to use against Glascoe was recovered from different rooms in the apartment, none of which was Glascoe’s bedroom.

Wagner argued Judge Herrmann should consider the victim’s daughter’s change in stories, arguing that she told the 911 operator and responding officers contradictory statements.

According to Wagner, the victim’s daughter told the 911 operator that she was maimed with a firearm, but told officers she had never seen the gun on the day of the incident.

Wagner concluded by telling Judge Herrmann that they can’t have an assault with a dangerous weapon case without a weapon being recovered from the person.

Judge Herrmann found there is enough probable cause for the prosecution to take the charges to the grand jury.

After Judge Herrmann’s finding, Wagner asked the court to release Glascoe as he awaits further proceedings, insisting he is not a danger to the community.

She told the Court that Glascoe has four kids and is trying to take care of his extremely ill father. She added his father would prefer it if Glascoe could stay with him instead of going to jail.

Additionally, Wagner explained that Glascoe suffers from mental health issues and is in severe pain from a car crash that occurred years ago. She argued jail is not a place to be for anyone in such a condition.

The prosecution asked the court to find the presumption of dangerousness had not been rebutted, claiming Glascoe is a danger to society due to his prior convictions for firearms and attempting to distribute cocaine.

Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution, saying she cannot trust that Glascoe would not obtain a firearm if he were out on release. She held him without bond.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 6.

Judge Delays Probable Cause Ruling in DC Jail Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan delayed a probable cause ruling in a jail stabbing case following a hearing on Oct. 29.

Koran Gregory, 20, and Byron Matthews, 19, are being charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for their alleged involvement in stabbing an inmate at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Sept. 12.

Gregory and Matthews have additional charges against them for their alleged involvement in other cases.

Gregory is currently facing charges for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that killed 10-year-old Arianna Davis on May 14, 2023 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

Matthews is facing additional charges for his involvement in a mass shooting that occurred on April, 21, 2023 on the 500 block of LeBaum Street, SE and the 2900 block of 2nd Street, SE. Eight individuals sustained injuries.

Matthews had taken a plea deal for his involvement in the mass shooting in August which reduced his counts from fifty to three. Sentencing is pending for this case.

According to court documents, the stabbing victim had been transferred to the unit where the defendants were located on the day of the incident. In just 15 minutes of being there, he was attacked by “three to four” individuals who he could not identify. The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for various body injuries from the assault.

Court documents also stated that surveillance footage depicted the defendants attacking the victim, before fleeing the scene after Department of Corrections (DoC) officers sprayed them with pepper spray.

During the hearing, the prosecution called the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) — who identified the defendants in court.

The MPD detective testified she was given a profile sheet by investigators — which included last names and photos of the inmates at the prison — which she used to try and identify those involved in the stabbing on the video footage. She said she was able to identify them through their complexion.

When asked how she found out who was involved, she said by speaking to three witnesses — all DOC employees — who gave her their testimony. The detective claimed they saw the incident, but didn’t immediately know where the individuals had gone after the incident but later put them in different rooms.

Molly Bunke, Matthews’ attorney, and Gregory’s attorney, Michael Bruckheim, insisted the prosecution failed to meet the standards for probable cause, claiming the prosecution did not have sufficient evidence that the suspects acted with the intent to kill the victim.

Bruckheim also argued that the prosecutors failed to recover any blood evidence or the victim’s medical records describing his injuries.

Bunke suggested the identification of the defendants seemed like it was a matching game based on their complexions on the video and profile photos. She stated that the prosecution has provided no evidence that Matthews is in the video, since the person in the video had a head scarf that masked his face.

Judge Raffinan said that the testimony of the detective, along with the video footage and injuries that were sustained were enough evidence to prove there was an intent to kill. However, the ruling on probable cause was delayed due to technical issues on reviewing video footage from the incident at the jail.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 31.

Carjacking Defendant Waives Right to Prelim Hearing

A carjacking defendant waived his preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 29, and parties alerted her they are in plea negotiations.

Donovan Adams, 30, is charged with robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for an incident that transpired on Sept. 27. The carjacking took place on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and there were no injuries.

According to court documents, Adams was apprehended on the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue the same day. In a search, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers allegedly found keys to a stolen Mercedes Benz vehicle and credit/debit cards belonging to the victim.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas Jr., Adams’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his preliminary hearing, and is participating in plea negotiations with the prosecution.

The prosecution meanwhile requested Adams be detained, arguing that he remains a danger to the community. According to the prosecution, Adams has two convictions stemming from gun crimes.

Judge Herrmann held the defendant, citing there were no conditions that could be set to ensure the safety of the community or that he would return to court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 6.

Teen Defendant Pleads Guilty to Parking Garage Shooting

A teen defendant involved in a shooting pleaded guilty in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 30.

Owen Mendez, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Dec. 17, 2023 at a parking garage on the 1600 block of L Street, NW. A vehicle was damaged by gunfire, but no individuals were injured.

According to the proffer of facts, Mendez got into an altercation with the complainant at the parking garage while he was with friends. After the complainant punched him, he walked away and grabbed a pistol from his car, firing one shot before the gun jammed.

The shot had hit and damaged a nearby vehicle, according to the prosecution. The owner of the vehicle reported the damage to the police and started the investigation.

During the hearing, Mendez pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to not seek an indictment.

Mendez’s age allows him to potentially receive a sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which would allow seal his conviction if he successfully completes all sentencing requirements.

The prosecutor also requested increased reporting measures for Mendez until the sentencing date. A representative for the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) and defense attorney Nabeel Kibria argued that Mendez has been compliant, and is already on GPS monitoring. After learning about Mendez’s compliance, the prosecution rescinded their request.

The sentencing date is scheduled for Jan. 16.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Receives Suspended Sentence, Released

A shooting defendant received a suspended sentence of 10 months, with credit for time served, before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Oct. 30.

Darryl Yates, 33, was originally charged with endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his involvement in the discharge of a firearm on May 18 on the 3900 block of 9th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Yates shot his gun in broad daylight. A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who investigated the crime said it was unclear if there was a target for the shooting.

On Aug. 28, Yates plead guilty to attempted endangerment with a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license, asserting that his actions were voluntary and done without legal justification. He was held until sentencing.

During the hearing, Yates was sentenced to 10 months for carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, as well as attempted endangerment with a firearm. The sentences were suspended.

He will serve one year of probation and three years of supervised release. He also needs to receive mental health counseling as well as register with the gun offender registry.

With credit for time served, Yates was released from the DC Jail today.

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Arraigned on Second-Degree Murder Charge

A homicide defendant was arraigned on one charge before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 30.

Oliver Gomes, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident on Oct. 14, 2022 that occurred on the corner of 11th and L Streets, SE. This incident resulted in the death of 61-year-old Thomas Gray.

According to court documents, Gomes and Gray were observed having an argument when Gomes picked up a 2×4 plank of wood and hit Gray over the head. Gray was unconscious at the scene when officers arrived. Gray was transported to The George Washington University hospital but succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 3, 2022.

At the hearing, Gomes was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. Sara Kopecki, Gomes’ defense attorney, alerted the court of her intention to file a motion for Gomes’ release conditions to be reconsidered. Gomes is currently being held at the DC Jail.

The prosecution alerted the court that they had called in a detective and technician to perform a buccal swab to obtain DNA from Gomes’ mouth before he was returned to the jail. Kopecki said Gomes was prepared to consent to the swab.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 9.

Stabbing Defendant Acquitted

A jury acquitted a stabbing defendant of two charges following a trial in DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow’s courtroom on Oct. 28.

Charlotte Norris is charged with second-degree burglary and assault with a dangerous weapon for a stabbing on the 2100 block of 1st Street, SW on Aug. 18, 2023. One person sustained injuries.

Norris and her attorney, Claudine Harrison, argued throughout the trial that Norris acted in self defense and had grabbed a knife from the victim’s kitchen during a struggle and accidentally stabbed the victim.

The prosecution had argued that Norris was acting “erratic” when she showed up at the victim’s door and had brought a knife herself to stab the victim.

There are no further proceedings in this case.

Defendant Convicted in Non-Fatal Shooting of Transgender Sex Worker

A jury found Jerry Tyree guilty of five-out-of six-charges after shooting a transgender sex worker while possessing liquid PCP before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Sept. 24.

Tyree, 46, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of liquid PCP. The charges stemmed from a shooting on the 5900 block of Foote Street, NE on Nov. 29, 2023. One victim sustained injuries to the groin and genitals from the incident.

The jury found the defendant not guilty for attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution argued the shooting resulted from a transaction gone wrong with a sex worker.

The defendant testified that the victim took money from his pocket while performing oral sex. He said he pulled out a firearm and demanded his money back. He said the gun discharged during a struggle.

The victim testified that the encounter escalated into an argument when Tyree accused her of trying to pick his pocket and she accused him of undervaluing her services. She said Tyree pulled out a gun and shot her, hitting her in the genitals.

The prosecution argued the defendant’s testimony was inconsistent with the victim’s and other witnesses’ testimony, as well as with surveillance footage.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki argued the gun likely belonged to the victim. She said the victim’s testimony about where the gun came from wasn’t credible.

Tyree’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 13

Judge Denies Carjacking Codefendants Request For Release

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied two codefendants’ requests for release on Oct. 30 as the judge believes they continue to pose a threat to the community.

Rodre Holloway, 26, and Shani Burriss, 24, are charged with two counts of unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in two separate carjacking incidents. The first occurred on Aug. 18, 2024, on the 1400 block of Morse Street, SE and the second occurred on Aug. 25, 2024, on the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Piney Branch Road, NW.

Defense attorney Elizabeth White requested for the release of Burriss on the basis that he does not have a significant criminal history, he has strong family support, and a young child at home that he needs to care for.

Defense attorney Derrick Page also requested release for Holloway, arguing that he does not have a significant criminal history as well and if he were to be released on home confinement and GPS monitoring the community can still remain safe.

The prosecution objected to the request, arguing that the defendants both have multiple carjacking offenses. According to the prosecution, Holloway allegedly committed one with multiple outstanding warrants for theft. The prosecution believes that both defendants still pose a threat to the community and should not be released.

Judge Arthur denied release for both codefendants. He denied Holloway’s request due to the number of pending cases he has and the fact that one incident took place when Holloway had an outstanding warrant.

He denied Burriss’ request based on the nature of his charges and an outstanding weapons offense against Burriss in Arlington County. These instances lead Judge Arthur to keep the pair in custody.

The defense requested a few weeks to discuss a possible plea deal. The prosecution vowed to not indict the defendants during the discussion.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Motion to Postpone Shooting Trial For Lawyers’ Personal Reasons Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park rejected a motion on Oct. 29 to delay a jury trial set for Nov. 4 due to preparation issues by the defense lawyers given unforeseen circumstances.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

During the hearing, Gibson’s defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, requested a continuance of the trial due to his ten-year term with the Public Defender Services (PDS) ending in unforeseen circumstances.

Gardner argued that his co-counsel, Rachel Cicurel, would be unprepared for trial on the previously scheduled date.

The prosecution objected to the motion, arguing the defense should have informed the court earlier and Gardner’s leave was foreseeable. The prosecutor argued they have been working tirelessly to make sure their arguments are ready for the trial set for next week.

Cicurel is currently pregnant in her third trimester and anticipates having to prepare alone for the trial in Gardner’s absence. She asserted that she would be unable to “pull all-nighters” due to the mental and physical consequences potentially putting her and her baby in jeopardy.

Both defense attorneys argued that the circumstances that are presented will not ensure that Gibson will have a fair trial. Gardner stated, “I am not going to be there for any part of the trial” due to travel responsibilities.

Judge Park denied the continuance due to Gardner’s still being employed with PDS until Nov. 15, determining that the trial is expected to be completed before the date. He maintained that Gardner shouldn’t have made travel plans during the trial, reiterating that it was “not even close to a good cause.”

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 31.

Two Murder and Obstruction Defendants Found Guilty

Both a murder defendant and an obstruction defendant were convicted of all charges by a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Marissa Demeo’s courtroom on Oct. 28.

Eugene Burns, 32, was charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020 on a technicality.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, were also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness—Allen’s brother who is also Burns’ cousin—to redact testimony of an alleged confession to the murder made by Burns to the witness.

During closing arguments, the prosecution stated that Burns planned the murder of Osuchukwu, his best friend, because he felt he wasn’t getting his fair share of the money from their joint drug business.

They added that after his conviction in 2017, Burns conspired with Allen to coerce the primary witness, identified as Burns’ cousin and Allen’s brother, to change his testimony.

On Oct. 28 a jury found Burns and Allen guilty of all charges.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 31.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Assault with Intent to Kill

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal from the prosecution and pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 28.

Jeremiah Smalls is charged with assault with intent to kill for a stabbing that occurred on the 1700 block of S St, SE on April 7, 2023 that left one person injured.

According to court documents, Smalls and the victim had a “partner-in-common relationship”, meaning that they both had a child with the same woman.

According to prosecution, Smalls entered the apartment where the victim was located and stabbed him multiple times, intending to kill him. “There is no legal justification for what happened,” stated the prosecution.

Through the deal, the parties agreed the prosecution would not seek an indictment on other charges.

Judge Demeo accepted Smalls’ guilty plea.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 13 for a status hearing.

Prosecutors Call Mass Shooting an ‘Execution in Its Purest Form,’ in Closing Argument

The jury heard closing arguments from the prosecution and the defense in a mass shooting trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 29.

Juan Peterson, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of accessory after the fact while armed, and second-degree cruelty to children.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, that killed 28-year-old Lester Howard and injured three other individuals.

In their closing statement, prosecutors described what they said was a “perfect handoff,” during which Peterson allegedly gave the shooter the gun used to commit the mass shooting and then allowed the shooter to get into his car before he drove away.

Prosecutors played security footage depicting the shooter approaching the defendant’s car, reaching in, and walking off with a gun before committing the shooting. Prosecutors called the shooting “an execution in its purest form.”

Prosecutors then reviewed evidence they say links Peterson to the car depicted in the video, which Peterson testified was his car. They also reviewed evidence of cell site data that places Peterson at the scene of the crime at the time it occurred.

The prosecution also said that the smooth execution of the crime shows that the crime was premeditated, arguing the “circumstances prove the plan.” Prosecutors asked the jury to use their common sense even though they do not have text messages or emails showing the planning process.

“If it looks like a plan, drives like a plan, and shoots like a plan, it’s a plan,” the prosecutor said.

Prosecutors also asked the jury to not believe Peterson’s testimony since he had previously lied to police when originally questioned about the incident and said he was only coming up with this story now because he knows the evidence against him.

Daniel Kovler, on behalf of Peterson, stated in closing arguments that while a lot of what the prosecution asserted was true, it “does not make Juan Peterson a murderer.”

Kovler told the jury there was no evidence of a plan between Peterson and the shooter, stating that in “50 thousand pages” of messages from Peterson’s phone there was “nothing about a plan.”

Kovler insisted that “any time there’s a preplanned something … there’s evidence of that.”

Regarding Peterson’s testimony, Kovler stated that Peterson “opened himself up” to the jury, claiming that “we don’t know what happened in the car,” we can’t know if Peterson drove away voluntarily. Peterson “believes this guy (the shooter) might just shoot him any moment now,” according to Kovler.

Kovler continued, affirming that Peterson believed the shooter was “not someone he expected to steal his gun” and that the shooter was an “impulsive kid, doing an impulsive thing.”

Kovler concluded the prosecution’s evidence requires the jury to make large assumptions. They “gave you a lot of assumptions … Mr. Peterson gave you everything.”

In the prosecutors’ rebuttal they said the defendant has testified to having multiple cell phones and they only extracted one, so evidence of a plan could be on any one of those other phones. They also said the video proves that Peterson handed the shooter the gun because the shooter did not bend down to the sedan to grab the gun from the passenger seat.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Transfer to Psychiatric Hospital

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a defendant’s request to be transferred back to St. Elizabeths Hospital during a hearing on Oct. 29.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 53, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023 at the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Ghebrekidan allegedly stabbed Mamo in the head and arm with a pickaxe and hit another individual with the handle of the pickaxe before witnesses were able to restrain him in an alleyway. Mamo succumbed to his injuries two days later.

Ghebrekidan speaks Tigrinya, which is a language spoken in Ethiopia, and does not understand any English. Ghebrekidan’s defense attorney, Jason Tulley, explained that it is disorienting for Ghebrekidan to be locked up at the DC Jail because he does not understand what is going on and the guards cannot communicate with him.

“This exasperates the torture that Mr. Ghebrekidan has suffered at the DC Jail so far,” said Tulley.

Tulley noted that Ghebrekidan did not experience this same communication issue when he was held at St. Elizabeths, and requested that he be sent back there.

A representative from the Department of Corrections (DOC) said he instructed operations and language access staff to speak with the defendant and he is currently being held in the mental health unit. He also added that the phone line available at the jail for language translators is the same as available at St. Elizabeths, so there is no difference in capability to communicate.

Judge Epstein denied the defense’s request for transfer, stating that he is still receiving mental health services and medication at the jail and he has the ability to work with lawyers and understand legal issues.

The case was continued to allow the court to speak with the doctor from Saint Elizabeths Hospital about the defendant’s competency, and decide how the case will move forward.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 26.

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