Detective Says GPS Tracking Places Murder Suspect Near Shooting

The lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective investigating a homicide case testified that GPS monitoring allegedly places the suspect of a fatal shooting near the incident during a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Oct. 28.

Nelson Bryant, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Townsend Reginald Sowell, 46, on Sept. 2 on the 2800 block of 7th Street, NE.

During the hearing, the prosecution provided the data from Bryant’s GPS tracking device, which was implemented due to charges of carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a firearm, for the MPD detective to review. The detective confirmed that the data allegedly corroborates video evidence of Bryant on the day of the incident and his being near the scene and then heading to the associated address.

The detective also testified to photos extracted from Bryant’s phone. He identified pictures of a person identified as Bryant with a gun on him and pictures of the gun individually. However, the detective could not definitively say whether the gun pictured is the same gun associated with the cartridge casings recovered from the incident.

Due to time constraints, the detective was unable to conclude his testimony.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 10.

Teen Murder Defendants Accept Murder Plea Offers

Teenage co-defendants, charged in connection to another teen’s death, accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors on Oct. 28, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Marlan Smith, 17, and Anthony Monroe, 18, were originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for their involvement in the fatal shooting of Antonio Cunningham, 17, and severe injury of another victim on Sep. 11, 2023 on the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE.

According to court documents, both defendants were participants in multiple armed robberies on the day of the incident, including an attempt to rob Cunningham. The second victim witnessed the attempted robbery of Cunningham and approached the group with their own, legally owned, firearm. Once the defendants saw the shooting victim’s weapon, they fired, hitting Cunningham in the head and the other victim in the abdomen.

During the hearing, Thomas Key, Smith’s attorney, and Stephen LoGerfo, Monroe’s attorney, alerted Judge Okun of their intent to accept a deal.

Through the deal, the teens agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment on higher charges, and five additional robberies that occurred on the same day, as well as eight additional crimes allegedly committed by Smith.

The prosecution also agreed to dismiss a case in which Monroe and Smith are charged with assaulting an employee at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), and will dismiss other juvenile cases they have.

Parties agreed to a sentencing range of 13-to-18 years of incarceration.

Judge Okun accepted both defendants’ guilty pleas.

Sentencing is set for March 14.

Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Missing Defendant Accused of Stabbing His Father

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian issued a bench warrant on Oct. 29 for a stabbing defendant who has been lost to contact since August.

Gregory Edmonds, 34, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the stabbing of his father on July 4, 2023 on the 2600 block of Martin Luther King Avenue, SE. One individual sustained injuries to his abdomen and torso.

According to court documents, Edmonds’ actions took place inside their apartment. His father told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Edmonds’ had attacked him with a pair of scissors while accusing him of trying to kill him.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted the court of the submission of a violation report. According to the report, Edmonds has not been seen or reachable since Aug. 21 and has been avoiding law enforcement.

Lauren Morehouse, Edmonds’ attorney, stated that she had no representations of his whereabouts.

Judge Christian issued a bench warrant for Edmonds with no bail.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 6, 2025.

Defendant Questioned About Changing Accounts of a Stabbing

Prosecutors highlighted apparent inconsistencies in a stabbing defendant’s trial testimony on Oct. 25, before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow.

Charlotte Norris, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree burglary for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 2100 block of 1st Street, SW on Aug. 18, 2023. One individual sustained arm injuries.

Norris was called back to the stand by her attorney, Claudine Harrison, to explain under cross examination about several seeming inconsistencies in her testimony.

The prosecution previously tried to refute Norris’ initial testimony under cross-examination. She revealed that she had been knocking hard on the victim’s door before the victim dragged her in by pulling her hair. While on the floor, she reached for a knife, and slashed the victim’s hands. She explained that she quickly ran out after the victim let go of her hair.

Harrison then showed the court a video of Norris explaining to officers how the victim and another person kicked her out of the apartment.

The prosecution also asked why she took so long to answer the police after she went back home. According to Norris, she did not hear the police officers because she was changing clothes, not showering. However, her attorney revealed through another video that Norris previously told officers that she was showering while they were knocking.

The prosecutor also questioned Norris about prior arguments with the victim, right before the altercation. She did not recall any arguments that she had with the victim at all. The prosecution, yet again, showed a video of her explaining to officers how she had been in an argument right before the altercation.

“It is not self-defense,” the prosecution argued in closing arguments. Actively heading to the victim’s home at 5 a. m., banging on their door, pushing to get through, and slashing the victim with a knife is not self-defense,” according to the prosecutor.

The prosecutor reminded the jury that on Oct. 24, Norris told them “I knew I had did something wrong.”

Harrison argued that the prosecution had not proven every element beyond a reasonable doubt. According to Harrison, the prosecution had not given a sufficient motive for Norris’ alleged behavior. “It does not make sense,” she told the jury, “you have to come up with a motive as to why the defendant went to stab the victim.”

The prosecution rebutted by recalling that Norris had purposely gone to the victim’s home to demand they return together.

Parties wait as the jury deliberates.

Murder Defendants in Drive-By Shooting Receive Opposing Verdicts

Ky’lee Palmer was found guilty of murdering Barron Goodwin while his co-defendant Aaron Adgerson was acquitted before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Sept. 11.

Palmer, 25, and Adgerson, 21, were charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition, Palmer was charged with destruction of property worth $1000 or more and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from a drive-by shooting that led to the death of Goodwin, 60, on Feb. 12, 2020, on the 800 block of 51st Street, SE.

The prosecution did not charge Palmer with the shooting until 2022, after he was arrested regarding an armed kidnapping.

According to the prosecution, Palmer and Adgerson committed the murder in a stolen black Nissan Altima. The prosecutor argued Palmer’s actions were motivated by arguments over a stolen cellphone Palmer allegedly took from his then-girlfriend, Goodwin’s niece.

Sweta Patel, Palmer’s defense attorney, argued Palmer and Adgerson had nothing to do with Goodwin’s murder. Patel said Palmer and Adgerson were identified by a witness only after he was arrested for an unrelated matter and “he had something to gain.”

Adgerson’s attorney, Stephen LoGerfo, said Adgerson “did not shoot Barron Goodwin, and was not in the car that shot Barron Goodwin.”

Palmer is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 12.

Judge Rules Graphic Video of Victim’s Murder Mostly Admissible in Trial

During a hearing on Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled on motions regarding an upcoming murder trial including that graphic body-worn camera footage of the victim’s death is admissible.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Aniekobo Umoh, 50, on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2700 block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens’ attorney, Jason Tulley, argued that body-worn camera footage from the incident features two portions that are traumatic and prejudicial for the jury because they are “gory” and show Umoh dying.

Judge Raffinan ruled the value of these videos to the case outweighs any prejudice. However, Judge Raffinan ruled the audio of these two portions is “unfairly prejudicial” and ordered the prosecution to redact the audio.

Jude Raffinan also heard arguments regarding a motion from the prosecution requesting the defense not argue self-defense during trial.

The defense stated they are not required to disclose if they are going to argue a theory of self-defense at this time, but held that it is possible they will argue self-defense at trial.

Judge Rafinnan withheld a ruling on the motion but stated that if the defense chooses to claim self-defense in their opening statement they must provide evidence supporting this claim to the court prior to opening statements.

A defense motion to limit discussion of Stevens’ prior convictions during trial was also discussed at this hearing. According to both parties, Stevens’ past convictions are relevant to the case because of the felon in possession charge.

Judge Raffinan ruled that a stipulation regarding Stevens’ prior felony would be read to the jury but the name and nature of the felony could not be discussed during trial. Additionally, Judge Raffinan added the jury would be provided an instruction on how to consider the prior conviction.

Judge Raffinan also heard arguments regarding a defense motion to compel information from the prosecution about Umoh’s being a government informant in relation to drug distribution.

The prosecution argued that is a rumor they are not required to investigate and the defense is not entitled to any further information. According to the prosecution, the rumor stems from a comment a family member made to a detective which was speculation and not supported by evidence.

The defense made their argument regarding this motion ex-parte.

Judge Raffinan ruled the prosecution must provide the defense with the name of the family member linked to the rumor. However, she needed additional time to make any further rulings.

Judge Raffinan also made a preliminary ruling on a motion filed by the prosecution to limit defense references to Umoh’s past criminal history involving drug charges during trial.

The defense alerted the court they would most likely not reference Umoh’s past criminal history, and Judge Raffinan ruled the defense may not reference Umoh’s criminal history. However, Judge Raffinan added that the defense can challenge this ruling if it becomes necessary during trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 1.

Security Guard Sentenced to 36 Months in Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur sentenced a shooting defendant to 36 months on Oct. 28.

On Aug. 20, Kevin Snead, 41, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue, SE, on April 3. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Snead, who was working at Safeway as a security guard, discharged his firearm at a group of four individuals who he claimed had stolen goods from the store hours before the shooting. Leading up to the incident, the same group of four individuals were there and allegedly threatened Snead before they shot at him.

At the hearing, the prosecution asked Judge Arthur to impose a sentence of 48 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release.

The prosecution acknowledged that Snead was a victim of a crime, however, he had a serious lapse in judgment, especially when innocent bystanders were close to being wounded.

According to the prosecutor, a bullet discharged by Snead struck a car’s windshield while the owner was inside. She saw someone standing in front of her car ducking for cover before she did the same. Seconds later, the prosecution told Judge Arthur, a bullet whizzed through her windshield and went over her head.

Snead’s defense attorney, Todd Baldwin, asked the Court to impose an 18 month sentence with probation to follow.He argued Snead, despite his lapse in judgment, is a stand-up citizen.

According to Baldwin, Snead is dedicated to his book club, is a gifted painter, a respectful, and gentle man. Furthermore, Baldwin told Judge Arthur Snead wants to reimburse the woman whose car he struck by paying for the loss of quality as well as mental health services.

In a statement to the Court, Snead told Judge Arthur that he was sorry for his actions and wished that he could take everything back. Furthermore, he told the Court he tries to be a good citizen, illustrating the fact that, when he catches people who steal from a store he is watching, he often pays for their goods.

Snead told Judge Arthur he acted in self-defense, stating he feared the group of kids would kill him or seriously injure him. He added he regrets becoming a man that everyone reads about on the news, and someone who furthers the stereotype that the District is dangerous.

“It all comes down to responsibility,” Judge Arthur told Snead after admonishing him for failing to do as he was trained and calling the police.

Judge Arthur sentenced Snead to 36 months of incarceration, with all but 18 suspended, two years of probation and two years of supervised release. Snead must register as a gun offender as a condition of probation.

There are no future events scheduled regarding the matter.

Document: MPD Investigating Northwest Carjacking

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a carjacking that took place on Oct. 28 in the 1000 block of Euclid Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of the incident, officers discovered the victim who was pushed to the ground by suspects who then fled the scene with his moped.

Document: Arrest Made in Northeast Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of 19-year-old Malachi Davarchi Mack, who is allegedly charged with second-degree murder while armed in a fatal shooting that took place on Oct. 7, in the 100 block of T Street, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as 29-year-old Taquan Turner, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Juvenile Kicked Murder Victim’s Head,’Like it Was A Soccer Ball,’ Prosecutor Says in Closing

During closing arguments in a trial of two-of-five juveniles accused of stomping an elderly, disabled man to death, the prosecutor said the crime was “a premeditated, deliberate attempt to end his life.”

The group of co-defendants, girls aged 12-to-15 at the time of the attack, are charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 64-year-old Reggie Brown.

The incident occurred late at night on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

During the proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs on Oct. 29, the prosecutor reviewed evidence in the case including a 55-second cell phone video purportedly taken by one of the suspects showing them celebrating the beating.

“This is glee,” said the prosecutor.

“These are the girls that were all together in Mr. Brown’s homicide,” said the prosecutor as she argued for a first-degree murder and conspiracy conviction.

While the prosecution summarized “a mountain of video evidence” in the form of surveillance footage of the darkened alley off of Georgia Avenue where Brown’s, bloodied, lifeless body was found and gruesome autopsy pictures depicting holes in Brown’s skull, the core of the case against a 14-year-old defendant was four devastating blows to the victim’s head.

“You kicked his head like it was a soccer ball,” said the prosecutor, noting that the defendant lingered on a fence in the alley for some 20 seconds before allegedly jumping on Brown then landing the blows

“She was choosing. She was premeditating,” said the prosecutor. Regarding the other suspect who was 12-years-old at the time, the prosecutor said,”She wanted to make sure she hit him as much as possible,” pulling a hood off Brown’s head.

Brown was said to be five feet, five inches tall, weighing only 110 pounds and suffering from numerous medical issues.

“How scared Mr. Brown felt when he saw six people running after him,” said the prosecutor.

Surveillance video shows a man in a blue coat who committed the initial assault on Brown and encouraged the five girls to help in the beating. The individual has never been identified.

During the trial, which started in August, the prosecution introduced binders full of social media messages, in particular from Instagram accounts, suggesting that the juveniles were aware that they allegedly committed murder and conspired to get rid of incriminating evidence on a cell phone.

Earlier in the hearing, attorneys for the two defendants in the courtroom filed motions for a judgment of acquittal.

“None of the girls brought a weapon to the scene,” said Geofffrey Harris on behalf of his 13-year-old client. “We would turn every garden variety assault into an attempted murder,” if the court accepted the prosecution’s argument, said Harris. He said his client had no intention of killing anyone, even though the group was looking for a fight.

“They cannot prove there was a conspiracy to commit first and second-degree murder. They have to prove there was a specific intent to kill,” argued Charlotte Gilliland, attorney for the 14-year-old.

”The last four strong stomps. I can make that intent,” said Judge Briggs. “The court can make a finding of deliberation,” said the Judge in denying the acquittal motions.

In her closing for the 14-year-old accused of the stomping, co-counsel Victoria Clark argued it was a case of mistaken identity. She cited flaws in the photo ID of the suspects saying that a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective prompted a witness to identify her client.

Further, Clark claimed the detective didn’t initially identify himself as a police officer when he met the girl for what turned out to be a recorded interview.

“[The fourteen-year-old] was not there the night of the murder.” She questioned the lack of DNA evidence in the case. Clark further observed that a key witness for the prosecution, a 15-year-old juvenile, contradicted some of her statements, and was incentivized with a plea deal in return for her testimony.

“She had a motive to lie,” said Clark, who called the evidence “unreliable, untrustworthy and frankly unacceptable.”

“[The juvenile] was not given a deal for her testimony. “There’s no additional benefit,” said the prosecutor.

Judge Briggs said she would review the evidence and deliver her verdict from the bench on Nov. 18.

‘If I Didn’t Comply, He Would’ve Shot Me,’ Says Mass Shooting Defendant

A murder defendant, who was allegedly the getaway driver in a murder incident, claimed that he had no knowledge of the shooter’s intentions, stating “[I] thought I was about to buy some drugs,” during testimony in an Oct. 28 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Juan Peterson, 34, is charged with first degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, second-degree cruelty to children, and two counts of accessory after the fact while armed, all committed while on release, for his alleged role in a May 15, 2021 mass shooting on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. Lester Howard, 28, was killed and three others were wounded in the incident.

Peterson testified that on the day of the incident, he believed he was going to purchase drugs from someone he had dealt with before stating that he “knew he had what I was looking for.”

Believing this person was not a threat, Peterson testified, he left his firearm on the passenger seat of his personal vehicle while reaching for cash to consummate the deal. Turning back around, Peterson found his acquaintance allegedly holding Peterson’s gun and wearing a face mask.

“I thought he was going to rob me,” Peterson claimed.

Peterson stated that the man ran away from his car out of his line of sight. He affirmed hearing three to four gunshots, but that he could not see the gun or shooter as they rang out. The “trigger man” then returned to the car, saying “open the door” followed by “go, go, go, drive.”

“if I didn’t comply… he would’ve shot me.” testified Peterson.

Peterson also testified that growing up in Northeast DC in a community nicknamed “Little Vietnam,” he was surrounded by drugs and guns, using and selling drugs himself as well as carrying his own firearm for personal protection nearly everyday.

In acknowledgement of his past convictions, Peterson described the process of drug deals and firearm trades, stating that it has to be quick and is often done through a handshake so that it “looks like a friendly gesture”. Furthermore, there is often little negotiation between parties, “you kinda know your clientele,” Peterson stated.

The prosecution asked Peterson about seeming inconsistencies in his testimony during cross examination– they produced text conversations revealing Peterson confirming purchases of multiple firearms at once despite Peterson’s claiming to only own one gun.

The prosecution also persisted in asking about Peterson’s failure to be forthcoming with police during the mass shooting investigation.

Peterson stated that he lied to detectives investigating the homicide, telling them he didn’t know anything about the shooting or potential suspects asserting during testimony. He claimed he “froze up … [and] panicked” when talking to police.

“I didn’t want to openly admit to buying drugs … I wanted to get out of there,” Peterson told his attorney, Daniel Kovler, when asked why he lied to authorities for so long.

Peterson’s trial will continue on Oct. 29.

Murder Defendant Guilty on All Charges

A jury found a murder defendant guilty on all charges in a Sept. 18 trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Darius Anderson, 23, was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license for the fatal shooting of Israel Mattocks, 30, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE, on June 15, 2022. Anderson was also found guilty of a second count of carrying a pistol without a license for the handgun police found on him at the time of his arrest on July 11, 2022, on the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE.

During trial, Anderson said he agreed to purchase a pair of shoes for Mattocks in exchange for $10 but failed to follow through. After Mattocks angrily confronted him. Anderson said he purchased the shoes and walked home.

Anderson later returned with a gun.

Anderson’s attorney, Wole Falodun, argued Anderson was acting in self-defense when he shot Mattocks. Falodun said Mattocks had a firearm in his waistband and Anderson feared for his life.

The prosecution argued that Mattocks posed no threat to Anderson as he exited the store because his hands were full of shopping bags and his phone. They said Anderson planned Mattocks’ death and lay in wait for him outside the store.

Anderson’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 20.

Murder Defendant ‘Tortured’ at DC Jail, Attorney Claims

A homicide defendant’s attorney requested DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein transfer his client from the DC Jail to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on Oct. 25, claiming that the defendant is being “tortured” at the jail.

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, on the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

During the hearing, Jason Tulley, Ghebrekidan’s attorney, described Ghebrekidan’s jail conditions to be similar to solitary confinement, stating that recently he has only been let out of his cell for one hour every day.

He noted that this is especially concerning when considering Ghebrekidan’s already poor mental state and language barrier, making it difficult to communicate with the few people he comes in contact with.

The defense requested that Ghebrekidan be moved back to St. Elizabeths Hospital, so he could be ready for his competency hearing. Counsel explained that honest results of the competency hearing heavily rely on Ghebrekidan’s transfer from jail as the physiological concerns pose grounds for inaccurate results.

“Even if he was left there, I still don’t think he could be considered competent enough to stand trial,” stated Tulley.

Judge Epstein requested another hearing to get information from the Department of Corrections, which the defense and prosecution agreed to.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

‘This Court Saved My Life… Thank You,’ Says Stabbing Defendant

A stabbing defendant received his sentence before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct 25.

Raymond Watson, 45, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in the stabbing of a longtime friend with a pocket knife on Feb. 16 on the 2000 block of Q Street, SE.

On Aug. 9, he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Epstein impose the maximum sentence of five years with three years of supervised release, citing the nature and circumstances of the offense.

Defense attorney Micheal Bruckheim requested the judge sentence Watson to the lower end of the sentencing guidelines — two years in prison with three years of supervised release with credit for time served.

Bruckheim requested that Judge Epstein take into consideration Watson’s forthcoming, willingness to take responsibility, and desire for mental health, drug abuse, and anger management resources that would become available to him when he is released.

Judge Epstein acknowledged Watson’s humility, saying “the victim started the altercation and verbally threatened him, he [Watson] escalated the situation.”

Judge Epstein pointed out that even with this acknowledgement, he would still have to consider his criminal history and lack of compliance while on release.

Watson was sentenced to four years incarceration with three years of supervised release with the addition of intervention plans while on parole.

Watson expressed that “being locked up” helped him in regards to his drug addiction, which was not only hurting himself but also his family.

“This court saved my life…thank you,” replied Watson in his emotional statement to the court.

No further dates were set.

Judge Denies Murder Defendant’s Release, Delays Ruling for Co-Defendants

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a murder defendant’s request for release on Oct. 25, and delayed the ruling for two of his co-defendants.

Steven Metts, 19, Keondre Carroll, 21, and Jovontae Wallace, 19, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed and two counts of kidnapping while armed for their alleged involvement in shooting of 59-year-old Raymond Ballard on Jan. 23. The incident occurred on the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

Metts also faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device and an additional count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Carroll also faces charges of carrying a pistol outside a home or business, assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a large-capacity ammunition feeding device.

According to court Marshals, Carroll refused to come to court. His lawyer, Gemma Stevens, asked the court to refrain from ruling on his request for release until he is present. Judge Raffinan granted this request.

Metts’ lawyer, Kevin Irving, asked that Metts be released under home confinement with GPS monitoring, citing that he is a 19-year-old with no criminal history and has a supportive family he could stay with.

The prosecution countered Irving’s request, arguing the nature and circumstance of the crime favor detention as an innocent bystander was killed. The prosecution added that Metts’ family previously helped him evade police and there is strong evidence against Metts, including social media evidence and surveillance footage.

Judge Raffinan agreed with the prosecution that the nature and circumstance of the crime and weight of the evidence favor detention, citing that 24 shots were fired, an innocent bystander is dead, and surveillance footage and witnesses corroborate that Metts was one of the shooters.

Judge Rafinnan ruled that Metts will remain detained while awaiting trial.

Wallace’s lawyer, Megan Allburn, argued that Wallace be released under home confinement, citing that there is no evidence Wallace was a shooter.

Allburn stated that the prosecution is arguing that Wallace did not prevent the shooting but that not preventing a shooting is completely different from committing murder. She said the prosecution is treating the three co-defendants interchangeably.

Allburn referenced that Wallace has no criminal history, a supportive family, and a stable home to stay at while under confinement.

The prosecution responded to Allburn’s claims by arguing that Wallace’s support system did nothing to stop him from the alleged 28-day reign of terror he and his co-defendants were allegedly involved in.

According to the prosecution, one witness saw Wallace with a gun and it is possible Wallace was a shooter. The prosecution also argued that even if Wallace was not a shooter, he was the driver and part of the conspiracy.

Judge Raffinan requested more time to consider counsels’ arguments and to evaluate the weight of the evidence against Wallace.

She ruled that Wallace will remain held until she rules on his motion for release at his next hearing scheduled for Oct. 30.

Parties for Carroll, Wallace, and Mets are slated to reconvene on April 25.

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