Carjacking, Robbery Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years for Crime Spree

A carjacking defendant who went on a crime spree was sentenced to 12 years incarceration with three years of supervised release before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Oct. 25.

Montello Washington, 18, pleaded guilty on Aug. 16 to robbery while armed, unarmed carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in multiple robberies and carjackings from Aug. 6 to 16, 2023, in several locations.

According to court documents, the first offense occurred on Aug. 6, 2023, on the 1300 block of Tewkesbury Place, NW, when Washington and four others stole a car from a victim.

The next offense occurred on Aug. 14, 2023, on the 2500 block of 13th Street, NW, according to court documents. Washington stole an empty car from a victim who later found it missing.

On Aug. 15, 2023, at the intersection of Piney Branch Road and Whittier Place, NW, Washington and three others robbed an individual. One of the perpetrators pointed a gun at the victim and stole his car, phone and wallet.

Washington participated in three crimes on Aug. 16, 2023. He was involved in a shooting on the 1300 block of Tewkesbury Place, NW, where two shell casings were found. Later that day, he took part in an armed robbery and stole a victim’s credit card. He went on to commit an armed carjacking on the 1300 block of Missouri Avenue, NW.

The final offense occurred between Aug. 15 and 16, 2023, on the 2700 block of Macomb Street, NW, during which Washington stole another victim’s car.

At the hearing, the prosecution asked for a sentence of 17 years with three years of supervised release. They claimed Washington had been given multiple chances to succeed but had not taken them.

The prosecution opposed sentencing Washington under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) which would effectively seal his sentence if he successfully completed the terms.

The prosecution’s reasoning was the number of victims and serious nature of the crimes. They said Washington had “terrorized” the DC community and received a huge benefit from the plea deal. Washington was originally charged with armed carjacking but pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, which carries a significantly reduced mandatory minimum sentence.

Over the defense’s objection, the prosecution read into the record a victim impact statement from a carjacking incident to which Washington did not plead guilty. The defense asked for the statement not to be read, but Judge Pipe agreed to hear it without letting it carry much weight in her sentencing decision.

In the statement, the victim said he was a veteran who previously thought the enemy was outside the country, but now he is always on guard because “the enemy is everywhere I go.”

“You are the enemy of every law-abiding citizen in this country,” the victim told the defendant in the statement.

Thomas Key, one of Washington’s defense attorneys, said Washington should have been tried in juvenile court because he was 17 at the time of the incident.

Key said Washington has been in protective custody since he was transferred to DC Jail from the Youth Services Center (YSC) when he turned 18. He said Washington should have been held at YSC until he was 21.

Key said Washington was exactly the kind of person the YRA was designed for and requested a sentence of three years.

Aubrey Dillon, Washington’s second defense attorney, told the court that Washington was homeless and going through trauma at the time he committed the crimes. Dillion said, since Washington was not tried in juvenile court, he was deprived of restorative justice–an approach that involves understanding the crime’s impact and trying to repair the damage.

Washington addressed the court to express remorse for his crimes.

“I’m certainly a different man and I have a different mindset,” Washington said.

Judge Pipe sentenced Washington to 12 years of incarceration with three years of supervised release. Washington is also required to pay $400 to the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund and register as a gun offender.

Judge Pipe said Washington’s conduct in these incidents was “egregious” after handing down his sentence.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty After Tupac’s Music Shooting

Defendant Calvon Brown was found guilty on Sept. 26 in DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian’s courtroom of shooting and wounding another individual during an argument about music that turned into a physical struggle.

Brown, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from an incident on March 22 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, that left one individual with injuries.

During the trial, the prosecution argued that Brown lured the victim into an alley and shot him because he was playing rap artist Tupac’s music at high volume over a speaker near his store during a business transaction.

Brown’s attorney, Tammy Thom, argued the victim’s testimony was not credible. Thom said a 911 call placed by an eyewitness described the victim’s walking away from the alley allegedly with a gun in one hand and a speaker in the other. This contradicted the victim’s own testimony that he was not armed during the incident.

The jury ruled in favor of the prosecution’s theory and rendered Brown guilty.

Brown’s sentencing date is scheduled for Dec. 10.

Stabbing Defendant’s Self-Defense Claim Delays Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun delayed a stabbing defendant’s sentencing on Oct. 25, after he said in a pre-sentencing report he acted in self-defense.

On Aug. 28, Carlton Davis, 48, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury for his involvement in the stabbing of a victim’s hand with a pair of scissors on July 13, 2024 at the 200 block of 35th Street, SE.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Okun impose 18 months incarceration, arguing that Davis is a danger to the community. The prosecution argued on the victim’s behalf, stating that the victim’s life was significantly impacted as he had to receive stitches in his hand, was burdened by medical costs, and that his young children were traumatized by witnessing the incident.

Davis had prior burglary convictions and had spent 15 years incarcerated. The prosecutor argued this proves he continues to pose a threat to the community.

Defense attorney Chidi Ogolo argued that Davis could be a productive citizen since he completed his GED and 18 months of college education courses and job training while incarcerated. Ogolo requested a sentence of 14 months of incarceration with six months suspended.

Meanwhile, Davis argued he acted in self-defense, stating that the victim had been acting aggressively at his back door, and he “started swinging uncontrollably,” which allegedly led Davis to grab the scissors and strike him. Davis told Judge Okun he is partially disabled due to being struck by a vehicle.

Davis said he victim is a good person but turns into someone else when he is drunk. Davis claims he “didn’t really mean to hurt [him]” and that he was using the scissors to defend himself, taking full responsibility for picking up the scissors.

Judge Okun asked the defense and prosecution to investigate further and for the defense to file a motion to withdraw a guilty plea if this is the case.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec 3.

‘I Will Die in Prison,’ Says Homicide Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a homicide defendant to 25 years of incarceration and five years of supervised release on Oct. 25, but was not given release conditions because of his age.

On Aug. 23, William Barrett, 69, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for the murder of 36-year-old Romaine Maddox. The incident occurred at the Ivy City Motel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE on Feb. 23.

According to court documents, Barrett and Maddox were in a relationship. The two went to a motel to spend some time together on Maddox’s birthday when things turned violent. A physical altercation occurred which ultimately led to Barrett striking Maddox multiple times with a toilet seat cover which killed her.

Barrett is not a first time offender, according to the prosecution. Prior to this crime he had been incarcerated twice for assaulting two other women–both incidents were violent, one resulting in arson. Those crimes occurred while Barrett was briefly on release after spending most of his adult life incarcerated, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution in this case asked for 25 years of incarceration, citing the nature of the crime and Barrett’s extensive criminal history. They believe that if released Barrett will continue to commit crimes against women and his violent actions are a pattern.

Victim impact statements were given by Maddox’s family with one member stating “you deserve a life sentence.”

Defense attorney Russell Hairston urged Judge Okun to focus on Barrett’s acknowledgement of the crime and his age. Barrett is turning 70 this year and depending on the sentence will most likely die in prison, according to Hairston.

He also requested Barrett get a mental health assessment and a transfer to a prison that houses the elderly in Boston.

Barrett gave his condolences to the family, stating he cared for Maddox and that “it was not supposed to turn out this way.” He acknowledged his guilt and stated that his actions mean, “I will die in prison”.

Judge Okun sentenced Barrett to 25 years of incarceration with five years of supervised release based on criminal history, citing this not being the “first time he has savagely attacked a woman” and the “horrific” nature of this crime. No conditions of release were given based on the age of the defendant.

Judge Okun mentioned that age is usually a mitigating factor, but this case is unique in that Barret has gotten more dangerous as he has gotten older. Usually defendants get less violent as they age but Barret has “gone in the opposite direction”, according to Judge Okun.

Judge Okun told Barrett he will most likely die in prison and that he should make the most of the time he has left.

Document: Updated with Victim’s Name MPD Investigating Pennsylvania Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Antonio Kojesus Riley that took place on Oct 23 on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered two men with gunshot wounds, one of whom was identified as Mr. Riley, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: MPD Investigating Alabama Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the murder of 24-year-old Joevontae Ramsey, who was fatally shot on Oct. 26 on the 1200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of the shooting, officers found Ramsey, who was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

Document: MPD Investigating Langston Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 16-year-old Darren Johnson, who was killed in a shooting incident that took place on Oct 25 on the 2800 block of Langston Place, SE. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered the victim, along with an adult male who was critically injured and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Document: Suspect Wanted in Shepherd Street Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the identification of 31-year-old Orlando Anderson, who is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Jeremy Dewayne Johnson. The incident took place on Feb. 12 on the 900 block of Shepherd Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Johnson, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

Jury Delivers Two-Count Guilty Verdict For Stabbing Defendant

A jury convicted a stabbing defendant on both counts following a one-day trial in DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld’s court on Oct. 4.

Jose Garcia Fuentes, 43, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for his role in a stabbing incident that transpired on April 24 on the 4400 block of 14th Street, NW.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Garcia Fuentes entered a restaurant and started an unprovoked fight with another patron. After the defendant kicked the patron, the complainant defused the situation. As events unfolded, the defendant produced a knife and allegedly slashed the victim’s face and hand. After a struggle, Garcia Fuentes escaped.

Defense attorney Henry Escoto insisted throughout the trial that Garcia Fuentes used self-defense to protect himself from the victim, who used brute force to kick him out of the restaurant.

The prosecution argued that the defendant acted with malicious intent during the verbal and physical altercation while intoxicated.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 12.

Stabbing Defendant Is Court No-Show For The Second Time

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun further delayed a defendant’s after he refused to appear in court for a second time on Oct. 25.

Rubin Holman, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Oct. 4, 2022.

Defense attorney Jesse Winograd stated that his client would not be present as he refused to get on the bus from the DC Jail and he was never in US Marshals’ custody at the courthouse.

Parties discussed ways to ensure the case is not further delayed. Previously, Judge Okun alerted Holman that if his behavior persisted the proceedings would have to go on without him.

Parties were ready to continue until Winograd stated it wouldn’t be legal now, as Holman was supposed to decide if he wants to independently test DNA evidence.

This matter was moved to another date with a possibility of the defendant’s appearing online so the case can continue for a jury trial, which is set for Nov.10, 2025.

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 15.

DOCUMENT: MPD Seeking a Vehicle in a Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that injured an adult male that occurred on Oct. 27 on the 2200 block of Savannah Street, SE. After responding to the crime scene, officers found the victim alive, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was swiftly transported to a local hospital with non-lethal injuries.

Document: MPD Arrests Northwest Stabbing Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 34-year-old Michael Trone, who is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place on Oct 20, on the 1400 block of Irving Street, NW. Upon responding to reports of a stabbing, officers discovered the victim, who was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Given ‘Degree of Depravity,’ Judge Sentences Murder Defendant to 50 Years

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced Marvin Lopez to 50 years in prison on Oct. 25 for fatally shooting his girlfriend nearly ten years ago

Lopez, 43, was found guilty by a jury on Nov. 14, 2023, of premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in the death of 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW.

Arroyo’s uncle submitted a victim impact statement that the prosecutor read before the court.

“On that day, this little girl lost her loving and caring mother,” the uncle said about Arroyo’s daughter, who was three-years-old on the day of the shooting.

He said Arroyo had left Lopez and was trying to stay away from him when he killed her.

The aunt of Arroyo’s daughter, who has been the daughter’s guardian since the murder, gave a victim impact statement in Spanish. According to the court translator, she said, “Only I know how much this little girl has suffered for her mother. She writes to her every day through texts.”

“Mr. Lopez fled the country in order to get away with the murder he had just committed, and he almost succeeded,” the prosecutor told the court. She said Lopez’s absence postponed the trial and weakened the prosecution’s case because witnesses became harder to find.

According to the prosecutor, Arroyo’s daughter’s father was involved in a traffic accident that injured him so seriously he couldn’t appear in court to testify at the trial. Before the accident, he gave testimony that placed Lopez in the area of the shooting close to the time it occurred.

The prosecutor played video footage of a police interview that took place immediately after the shooting with an eyewitness who died before the trial started. The eyewitness told police he was on the sidewalk outside the restaurant where Arroyo worked, only 20 feet away from her and Lopez at the time of the shooting.

“There were gestures like they were arguing, and then he took out a gun and shot her,” the eyewitness said. “He walked past like nothing happened.”

John Machado, Lopez’s attorney, objected this information wasn’t relevant because the jury had already convicted Lopez.

Judge O’Keefe overruled the objection, saying, “Delay helps the defense, and this was significant delay.” He said the information supported the prosecution’s argument that Lopez should receive more than the minimum sentence.

The prosecutor said members of the community where Lopez and Arroyo lived were skeptical the police would put effort into investigating Arroyo’s death.

“Who’s going to care about a young, undocumented single mother of one who waits tables?” the prosecutor said. “This is an opportunity for the court to show that she mattered.”

The prosecutor said Lopez’s jail calls to his current girlfriend in El Salvador revealed his continuing tendencies to partner violence and control.

“As far as the [prosecution] can tell, Mr. Lopez is still the same person he was in 2014,” said the prosecutor. “[Arroyo] was trapped in a cycle of violence, and she tried to get out, and this is what happened to her.”

Machado said, “What is at issue–and this was told to Mr. Lopez, it was told to the family–is that in El Salvador, where he was, the maximum he could be sentenced to was 20 or 30 years.”

Machado said the extradition treaty limits Lopez’s sentence in the US to what he could receive in El Salvador. If Lopez is given more than 30 years, Machado said he will file for reconsideration of an illegal sentence.

“He didn’t have much of a childhood,” Machado told the court about Lopez. He said Lopez’s mother left him with his grandparents in El Salvador, where he had to leave school and go to work after eighth grade, because she was in the US earning money to bring her children to join her.

“He did return to El Salvador, and he has a child there of eight years of age and a wife. They are already missing him,” Machado said about Lopez. “As to his going, there was nothing improper.”

“It took a long time for the [prosecutor] to indict the case,” Machado said. “For the [prosecution] to now say about the delay that it should all be held against [Lopez] is baseless.”

Machado said he has never seen evidence that Lopez is controlling or violent, as the prosecutor alleges.

“On the occasions that I’ve spoken to [Lopez’s mother], she only speaks lovingly,” Machado said. “There was a lot of blood and sweat and effort that went into bringing him here legally, and now, to speak honestly, he will spend a lot of his life in prison.”

Machado asked Judge O’Keefe to give Lopez the minimum sentence of 30 years.

Lopez chose not to address the court.

“There was the Facebook post by Mr. Lopez saying, ‘I am going to kill you. If you leave me, I will kill you.’ And he said that multiple times,” Judge O’Keefe said in summing up the case. “Then, on the night of the murder, he disappeared.”

“I don’t know about extradition treaties between El Salvador and the US. No one has filed anything. And so I’m going to sentence according to our sentencing guidelines,” said Judge O’Keefe. “The degree of depravity is what makes this not at the low end of the guidelines.”

Judge O’Keefe said he felt bad for the harm done to Arroyo and her family, and to Lopez’s own family as well.

“His children are also suffering, and that is his doing,” Judge O’Keefe said.

Judge O’Keefe ordered Lopez to pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund, to complete the general education Ddploma (GED) in prison, and to participate in a domestic violence program. Assuming Lopez finishes his 50 year incarceration, he must complete five years of supervised release and register as a gun offender.

Judge O’Keefe gave Lopez credit for time served in the US but not in any other countries where he was held before being extradited.

Machado objected that the law required Lopez to be given credit for time served on account of US charges. Judge O’Keefe instructed Machado to research the relevant law and inform the court of what he finds.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Judge Holds Shooting, Carjacking Suspect

A carjacking defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing in carjacking and shooting cases before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann in an Oct. 25 hearing.

J’Mond Fields, 21, is charged with unarmed carjacking and robbery for his alleged involvement in a March 12 carjacking incident at the intersection of Martin Luther King Junior Avenue and Chicago Street, SE.

According to court documents, Fields is alleged to have acted as the getaway driver for another suspect during the incident. The unknown suspect is alleged to have pushed the victim off his motor scooter while waiting at a red light and taken control. Additionally the suspect crashed the motor scooter, and robbed the victim before getting back on the motor scooter with Fields and driving off.

Fields is also charged, in a second case, with carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in an April 19 shooting inside of a bus on the 1100 block of Howard Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, Fields is alleged to have witnessed the victim in a verbal altercation with two individuals while on the bus. The victim exited the bus and Fields fired his firearm twice in the direction of the victim, shattering the bus window.

During the hearing, Fields’ attorney, Howard McEachern, filed a waiver of preliminary hearing to determine probable cause for both cases and argued for Fields’ release.

McEachern argued that Fields’ only criminal history was a misdemeanor, and that Fields not the perpetrator.

The prosecution, however, argued that Fields’ actions showed continued dangerous behavior citing, and that his alleged aiding and abetting role in the March 12 case carries the same weight as if Fields was the principal offender.

Judge Herrmann ruled for Fields to be held, stating that Fields is a danger to the community, and that there are no conditions she could place that would protect the community from Fields.

The next hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Stabbing Defendant Held After Waiving Preliminary Hearing

A defendant accused of stabbing his sister’s significant other waived his preliminary hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 25.

Dayon Pratt, 31, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in stabbing a victim on Oct. 16 on the 4600 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Pratt allegedly stabbed the victim—his sister’s significant other—while the victim was sleeping. Pratt was staying with family members the night before the incident, and was reportedly acting “crazy,” appearing naked.

During the hearing, Pratt waived his rights to a preliminary hearing meaning the prosecution can continue with his case.

Defense attorney Darryl Daniels argued on behalf of Pratt’s release, stating that he has no criminal history and no bench warrants. Daniels stated that Pratt has mental health issues that need to be addressed, and that he has family members who can help him stay on track.

The prosecution argued to the contrary stating the wound could have been fatal stabbing because it was in the stomach.

The prosecution also argued that having Pratt stay with family is not reassuring, because the incident happened while he was staying at a family member’s house.

Judge Herrmann ruled that there were no conditions that she could set that would ensure the safety of the community, and therefore Pratt will be detained.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Search