Testimony Begins for Shooting Deemed a ‘Brazen Attack’

Prosecutors deemed an April shooting a “brazen attack,” during opening statements on Oct. 21, before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Cornellius Ruffin, 41, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior offense, carrying a pistol without a license, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on April 12 on the 200 block of Bates Street, NW.

During opening statements the prosecution called the incident “a brazen attack in the middle of the day” describing how Ruffin allegedly fired multiple shots, hitting one victim in the leg, before placing the gun in a woman’s handbag and “casually bik[ing] away.”

Stephen LoGerfo, on behalf of Ruffin, asserted that his client “is not guilty” and that “no one is going to identify Mr. Ruffin as the shooter.”

Following opening statements, prosecutors called on multiple eyewitness who recalled hearing three or four shots, and described the shooter to be a man wearing a “black bomber jacket” with some sort of colorful design or embroidery on the back.

Additionally, the witness stated the shooter “casually got on the bike” before riding west on Q Street. When speaking with police at the scene, the witness also helped canvas the area in an attempt to positively identify the shooter.

Another eyewitness testified they also heard the shots, and provided a similar description of the suspect. They added that, on the day of the incident, they provided the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with images of the suspect as they rode away from the scene.

An additional eyewitness stated the suspect “didn’t seem that hurried.” Furthermore, the witness was able to describe a female, later identified as Natalie Stokes, 33, who they alleged the suspect handed the firearm to after the shooting. The witness described Stokes as an African American woman wearing a pink hoodie around her waist.

Prosecutors also called on an officer who displayed body-worn camera footage of conversations between the officer and the witnesses. In the footage, the officer can be heard providing a description of the two suspects over the radio to all officers in the area.

Trial is set to continue Oct. 22

Judge Partially Restricts Autopsy Photos in Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun partially granted a homicide defendant’s request to limit the display of graphic autopsy images during a trial on Oct. 21.

Juan Peterson, 33, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed offenses committed during release, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence committed during release, two counts of accessory after the fact while armed committed during release, and second-degree cruelty to children committed during release. He is being charged for his alleged involvement in the shooting of four individuals on May 15, 2021, on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE.

One of the victims, later identified as 28-year-old Lester Howard, succumbed to his injuries.

Peterson’s defense attorney, Jonathan Klover, introduced a motion to suppress evidence, taking issue with the presentation of autopsy photographs and officer body worn camera that shows Howard after his death. Klover claims that video of a man dying on the street are not appropriate for the courtroom.

Prosecution introduced the autopsy photographs they planned to show the jury, and argued that the photos are needed to show the location of the injuries and to show that this was not self defense. The prosecutor insisted that photos of this nature are important for the jury to see to understand the reality of a homicide case.

After reviewing the photos, Judge Okun granted the defense’s motion in part, stating that the prosecution should avoid duplicates and narrow down the number of photos they plan to use. He stated that there is a balance between probative value and introducing potential prejudicial material.

Judge Okun will review officer worn body camera footage of Howard before trial resumes on Oct. 22.

Error in Competency Order Delays Stabbing Hearing

A stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing on Oct. 22 was delayed once again following an error in a mental observation order created by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann.

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

According to court documents, Pratt, while staying at a relative’s home, allegedly stabbed his relative’s significant other after displaying erratic behavior.

Judge Herrmann acknowledged an error with the date for the forensic order, which led defense attorney Darryl Daniels II to request a new mental competency hearing.

The mental competency hearing is now set for Oct. 25.

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 14 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow sentenced a shooting defendant to 14 months on Oct. 22.

On Aug. 6, James Guillory, 24, pleaded guilty to assault with significant bodily injury and carrying a pistol without a license outside of their home or business for his involvement in a shooting on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE on June 15, 2023. Two individuals sustained injuries.

According to court documents, Guillory shot a male in the right thigh and a female on her nose. Both individuals were neighbors of Guillory.

Guillory’s attorney, Vasha Govindaraju, claimed that one of the victims approached one of Guillory’s family members with a knife, prompting Guillory to react violently.

Prosecution asked for a 14 month sentence for both charges and that they run concurrently. They also requested he be sentenced to three years of supervised release.

Govindaraju asked for a short-split sentence, meaning he would spend more time on probation than in jail, as Guillory had previously served a 24 month sentence to a prior case. His attorney spoke about his childhood and how it was traumatic, leading Guillory to be in a state of hypervigilance and to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Govindaraju mentioned that once Guillory is released, he will begin individual trauma therapy, according to a representative from the Office of Rehabilitation Services.

Guillory gave a brief statement in which he apologized to his family, the victims, and his community. He said “…given another chance, I guarantee the court will never see me again.”

Judge Pasichow spoke about his past criminal history, making it a concern to the Court. Guillory has had prior charges involving weapons, domestic violence, and assault.

Guillory was sentenced to 14 months for both charges to run concurrent, three years of supervised release. He will need to register as a gun offender for an additional two years and maintain employment, refrain from substances, and stay away from the victims and victims’ families.

Stabbing Trial Delayed After Witness Fails to Appear

A stabbing defendant’s trial was delayed due to a witness’ not appearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Oct. 22.

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

Trial was set for opening statements on Oct. 22, but once called, the prosecution stated they needed to speak to Judge Pasichow privately.

After the discussion, the prosecution stated that they were not ready to proceed with the trial due to a key witness not appearing at the designated time. That may lead to a subpoena.

Norris’ attorney, Claudine Harrison, motioned for the case to be dismissed, but the request was quickly denied by Judge Pasichow. She stated they could discuss the motion at a later date if the witness issue continues.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 23.

Data Shows Violence Interrupter Neighborhoods Still Have Most Homicides

Neighborhoods with Violence Interrupter programs aimed at curbing the most dangerous crimes still had 60 percent of the District’s homicides and 29 percent of nonfatal shootings between June 2023 and June 2024, according to D.C. Witness data.

During that period there were 95 homicides and 89 nonfatal shootings in DC. Of these homicides, 60 occurred in neighborhoods where government officials have established Violence Interrupter Programs to intervene in and prevent violent crime. Twenty-six of the nonfatal shootings occurred in these areas.

Violence Interrupter programs were implemented in 2018 in DC in high-crime neighborhoods and feature investments in community programs, direct intervention in violent incidents, and connecting at-risk individuals with mental health resources.

Priority Communities, represented by the purple areas in the map, is a violence interrupter program established by the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement in 2018 that serves 27 communities in DC. According to D.C. Witness data, between June 2023 and June 2024 areas under Priority Communities had 26 homicides and 13 nonfatal shootings.

Cure the Streets, represented by the blue areas in the map, is a violence interrupter program established by the Office of the Attorney General in DC that serves 10 communities in the District. According to D.C. Witness data, between June 2023 and June 2024 areas under Cure the Streets had 34 homicides and 13 nonfatal shootings.

Congress Heights was the deadliest area in DC with 16 homicides and 7 nonfatal shootings, but it has implemented a Cure the Streets program. According to Cure the Streets Data, gun-involved violent crimes in the neighborhood are down 45 percent in 2024.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea offer to voluntary manslaughter in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct. 22.

Ted Brown, 54, was originally charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 58-year-old Tommy Hudson on May 26 on the 500 block of Harvard Street, NW.

According to court documents, Brown stabbed Hudson — who Brown identified as his boyfriend — several times in the shoulder outside of Brown’s place of residence after Hudson allegedly hit him in the head. Hudson allegedly had filed domestic violence reports against Brown before, including an incident in 2014 where Brown allegedly stabbed Hudson after an argument.

Todd Baldwin, Brown’s attorney, indicated during the hearing that Brown would be accepting a plea offer to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not pursuing an indictment. Brown waived his right to a trial and independent DNA testing.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 10 for sentencing.

In Spite of Support, Carjacking Defendant Receives 10 Year Sentence

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Antone Watkins to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release on Oct. 21. He ordered Watkins to pay $500 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

Watkins, 29, was found guilty on July 3 of robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and two counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence. The incident took place on June 17, 2022, on the 1200 block of Howison Place, SW.

According to court documents, Watkins robbed an individual trying to purchase marijuana, struck him on the head with a pistol, and took his car. The victim suffered facial lacerations and a chipped tooth.

The prosecutor reminded Judge Salerno of sentencing enhancements based on Watkins’ two prior felonies that increased the limit of the guidelines from 10 years to 30 years.

The prosecutor requested a 10 year sentence for Watkins. He emphasized this sentence wasn’t at the top of the guidelines but in the bottom third.

Darryl Daniels II, Watkins’ attorney, requested a six-year sentence at the bottom of the guidelines, noting that several of Watkins’ prior convictions were for illegal gun possession.

“The District of Columbia is a dangerous jurisdiction,” Daniels argued. “The court does not have to look far to see the reasons people might possess firearms, even though by statute they shouldn’t have them.”

Daniels mentioned Watkins was injured by gunfire in one of the cases that resulted in his conviction for gun possession

“I understand the [prosecution’s] position that he shouldn’t have had that firearm, but the fact is that’s what saved his life,” Daniels said.

When Daniels asked who was at the courtroom for Watkins’ sake, six individuals in the gallery raised their hands. One said she had traveled from Atlanta, and another said he flew from California.

“When he came back from being incarcerated, the first thing he did was buy food for his nieces and nephews,” said one of Watkins’ supporters. The supporter said acts like these demonstrate the kind of person Watkins is, and he will do more of them if he moves away from DC.

“He has a good heart,” another supporter said about Watkins. “Although he has made mistakes, there has been a lot of failure on the part of our society since he was a young child.”

The supporter said Watkins went to Atlanta after his most recent incarceration, quickly found a job and a place to live, and stayed out of trouble until he had to return to DC.

“Let me start by acknowledging all the support Mr. Watkins has here. I have read his background, and I understand the difficult circumstances from which he comes,” said Judge Salerno. “Notwithstanding everyone saying what a good heart he has, he has not yet shown that he is ready to change his ways.”

Judge Salerno said Watkins had five prior convictions for simple assault, three for illegal possession of a firearm, one for a prison escape, and one for a violation of the Bail Reform Act (BRA). BRA violations are failures to appear in court when required.

“I hear about all the plans Mr. Watkins has for his release and all the plans people have for him, and I hope when he gets out he’ll be able to do them,” Judge Salerno said.

After Judge Salerno gave Watkins’ sentence, Daniels asked him to reconsider. He urged Judge Salerno to disregard Watkins’ juvenile convictions or give greater weight to the fact that they occurred in foster care situations in multiple jurisdictions.

“I would have given it greater weight, Mr. Daniels, if he didn’t have ten prior convictions,” said Judge Salerno. “I’ve reconsidered, and I think the original sentence is the right one.”

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 30 Months

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a stabbing defendant to 30 months in prison on Oct. 21.

On Aug. 22, Everette Johnson, 50, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon, for his involvement in a stabbing incident on the 2700 block of Wade Road, SE. The incident transpired on June 4 and left one woman harmed, with injuries to her left forearm.

According to court documents, Johnson went to the scene to collect ten dollars that the victim owed him. After a verbal altercation, Johnson was stabbed and ran out of the apartment, before returning to slash the woman.

During the hearing, the prosecution recommended that Judge Di Toro sentence Johnson to 30 months of incarceration and supervised release, citing his tendency for run-ins with the law, including assaultive behavior. Furthermore, the prosecution stated he has never had a successful completion of supervised release or probation.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Susan D. Ellis, agreed with the prosecution’s recommendation, stating that Thompson was out of line during the incident, however, he is remorseful. Furthermore, she cited he has a good history of employment, ranging from the food service industry to carpentry.

Johnson told Judge Di Toro he is “remorseful to the court’s time” and to the victim.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Johnson to 30 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release for the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and five months of incarceration for possession of a prohibited weapon. Both charges will run concurrently.

Additionally, Judge Di Toro recommended that he continue mental health services, take anger management classes, and move into a reentry house when he is released from prison. Johnson must pay 200 dollars to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund (VVCF).

There are no further dates scheduled.

Judge Reduces Shooting to Misdemeanor

DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann downgraded a shooting defendant’s felony charge to a misdemeanor charge on Oct. 21.

Brandon Tyson, 37, was charged with felony unlawful discharge of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 17, 2022. The incident occurred at an apartment complex located on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, when officers arrived at the scene, they located three shell casings.

During the hearing, Thomas Healy, Tyson’s attorney, and the prosecution agreed that at the time of the incident, the charges for this incident would have been considered a misdemeanor.

Healy requested that his case be downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor which was granted by Judge Herrmann.

The preliminary hearing was not held and a new date was set before a misdemeanor judge.

The defendant was released, despite being found non-compliant with release conditions, including submitting drug testing. He was ordered to report to the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).

A new hearing was scheduled for Nov 15.

Document: MPD Investigating Kentucky Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 23-year-old Jakele Allen, who was fatally shot on Oct. 21, at the intersection of 16th Street & Kentucky Avenue, SE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered Allen, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Document: UPDATED WITH VIDEO MPD Seeking Suspect in a Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting that took place on October 18, 2024, in the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, Northeast. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, an adult male, suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

Document: MPD Investigating Bruce Place Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Malkijah Clark, which took place on Oct. 21, on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered Clark, who was pronounced dead on the scene.

Document: MPD Investigating a Fatal Northwest Stabbing

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 46-year-old Micheal Buie, which took place on Oct. 19 on the 300 block of Delafield Place, NW.

Upon responding to reports of a stabbing, officers discovered Buie, who was suffering from apparent stab wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Evidence Concludes After Four Weeks of Murder and Conspiracy Trial

The prosecution and defense finished introducing evidence and rested their cases in connection to a homicide after four weeks of trial on Oct. 21 before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Eugene Burns, 32, is 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.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are 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 and Burns’s cousin—to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial.

The prosecution concluded their case by finishing jail calls between two individuals, who they identified as Burns and Allen.

In one call, the individual identified as Burns says, “one wild individual already outta the way,” presumably referring to his cousin recanting his testimony.

In further reference to the recanted testimony in a call, Burns stated, “he took that s*** back,” and “a lot of people don’t do that.” He further added, “that’s some real s***,” and “this s*** complicated and they play on what you don’t know.”

In another call, Burns reacted to hearing about the obstruction charges brought against him and Allen. He stated, “that’s my brother – I can communicate with him,” and “that’s my cousin – I can communicate with him.”

He said he made the statements, “not talking about anything real,” claiming “no one [was] harassed,” and “nothing to worry about.”

The prosecution rested their case after playing the jail calls.

Allen’s defense attorney, Brandon Burrell, began Allen’s case and entered evidence into court, including a jail call that was not included in the prosecution’s evidence.

Statements made by Burns to Allen in the recording included,, “tell your truth, do you, what you gotta do, you not lying, they’re gonna try to say you’re being forced, and I don’t want you to lie.”

Judge Demeo gave the jury a limiting instruction for this call, which stipulated that they should not use the statements made by Burns in the call to determine truth but to evaluate Allen’s state of mind.

Defense for Allen rested their case following this jail call.

Trial is scheduled to resume on Oct. 22.

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