Judge Severs Mom and Son Co-Defendants in Murder Case

A homicide defendant will now have a separate trial date from her son after DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted a motion to sever during a Nov. 7 hearing.

Violet Davenport, 55, and her son, William Davenport, 33, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Leonard Turner. The incident occurred near a shelter on the 400 block of 2nd Street, NW, on May 14, 2021.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt notified the court that Violet’s attorneys, Carrie Weletz and Camille Wagner, filed a motion to sever her case from her son’s. The prosecution had no opposition and Judge Brandt granted the motion.

The court will decide Violet’s trial date during a March hearing after her son’s trial is complete. Wagner argued that Violet’s case will develop after her son’s trial and that it would be best to wait to schedule a trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene March 6.

‘I Am No Monster,’ Says Defendant Sentenced to 27 Years For Killing of Elderly Man

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Bryant sentenced a defendant in a homicide case to 27 years in prison on Nov. 7 after a jury found him guilty in 2024.

Ky’Lee Palmer, 26, was convicted of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, destruction of property, and tampering with physical evidence. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that killed Barron Goodwin, 60, on the 800 block of 51st Street SE, on Feb. 12, 2020.

Each charge has been enhanced because the offense was committed on pre-trial release for another crime, meaning that additional incarceration could be added to the sentence.

According to the prosecution, Goodwin was shot in the back of the head while sleeping on his couch after Palmer directed a “hand selected” shooter to aim at his house. Seven to nine bullets struck Goodwin’s residence in a day-time driveby.

Goodwin’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law delivered a joint victim impact statement for the court. They shared that Goodwin was an older brother figure that was a source of love and wisdom.

Goodwin’s sister-in-law explained that the family was forced to move out of the house because of the immense effect his death has had on them.

“He was killed in a place that was supposed to be safe, that was a place of family gathering,” Goodwin’s sister-in-law said. “We live in fear. We were robbed of peace.”

The prosecution advocated for 28 years and eight months, with 25 of those years being for the homicide charge and accompanying possession charge.

The prosecution argued the motivation for the homicide was a fight at a restaurant between Goodwin’s niece, who was romantically involved with Palmer. An hour before the shooting, Palmer took the niece’s phone and stranded her at the restaurant, according to the prosecution.

The prosecution explained that domestic violence was a patterned behavior of the defendant. According to the prosecution, Palmer gave Goodwin’s niece a black eye and shoved her over a railing before spraying her with mace.

The prosecution also alleged that Palmer was romantically involved with another victim of domestic abuse at the same time. As a result, the victim tried to committ suicide by jumping out of an eight story building. She survived the suicide attempt and testified against Palmer during the trial.

The prosecution highlighted the premeditated nature of the crime, explaining that Palmer had one hour after the fight to plan the shooting. He “scoped out his house,” “circled the block,” and came back to the area of Goodwin’s house to light the stolen vehicle involved on fire, endangering those in nearby buildings.

The prosecution argued that the sentencing for the homicide, destruction of property, and pre-trial enhancements should run consecutively to account for the reckless and dangerous behavior that put multiple lives in danger.

Defense attorney David Akulian argued that Palmer should be sentenced to 16 years of incarceration, with 14 of those being for the homicide charges. Akulian explained that Palmer never used a firearm himself, emphasizing that he was found guilty for a crime similar to aiding and abetting.

Akulian also explained to the court that, while the crime was committed during pre-trial release of a domestic violence incident, that case was ultimately dismissed.

Akulian mainly focused on the immense character change he has witnessed in Palmer. Palmer has completed more than 50 courses in the DC Jail and is incredibly remorseful for the loss that the Goodwin family has experienced, according to Akulian.

Palmer delivered a heartfelt statement before the court while also maintaining his innocence. He explained that he comes from a background filled with violence and difficult circumstances.

“There was a lot of domestic violence in my life and it rubbed off on me,” Palmer said.

Palmer apologized for the heartache the incident has caused and shared his empathy, having lost two of his brothers to senseless violence.

“I know that kind of pain. It is not something that I want to cause.”

Palmer argued that the incident did not come from a place of anger or revenge. He articulated his love and appreciation for Goodwin’s niece, sharing that she was someone who came to him during a difficult time in his life.

Palmer worked six-to-seven days a week to provide for his son. He has a strong community of family that has supported him throughout his trial. He shared that he did not invite his family to his sentencing.

“I don’t want to see my mom lose a third son. It’s not something I want her to witness,” Palmer said.

Judge Brandt sentenced Palmer to 27 years in prison, recognizing the seriousness of the charges Palmer was convicted of. She confirmed that Palmer received additional sentencing because the crime was committed while Palmer was on release for another crime. She also cited his 1.5 criminal score that placed him at the top of sentencing guidelines.

“What led up to this event and after was calculated. There is no other adjective that does this justice,” Brandt said.

Judge Brandt shared her gratitude for Goodwin’s family sharing their love for Goodwin.

“I appreciate you coming here. It’s a brave thing to do,” Brandt said. “I have memories of seeing the pictures of him from trial. It’s a shame you had to share him with me in that way.”

Judge Brandt also recognized Akulian for the 112 page sentencing memorandum he compiled that shared letters from Palmer and his family.

“I am going to accept your apology on behalf of the people of DC,” Brandt said.

Judge Brandt explained that she factored in Palmer’s dedication to rehabilitation in her sentencing. She commemorated the strong grades that Palmer received, demonstrating strong retention of the information.

“You are the first person in a long time to do more than just sit in the DC Jail. You turned a dreary situation into a positive one,” Brandt said. “I was struck and impressed that you have been taking anger management classes, contentious relationships classes, and domestic abuse classes.”

Judge Brandt recommended that Palmer be placed in a prison that supported his culinary interests developed in the DC Jail. She hoped that Palmer would consider a career in the culinary arts after serving his sentence.

“You should get credit for the transformation you’ve been on,” Brandt said. “I see a future for you. Don’t let that time drag you down.”

Judge Brandt left Palmer with a final message, sharing that she was moved by the statement he delivered to the court, particularly when he said, “I am no monster, no killer.”

“I heard what you said today about you not being a monster,” Brandt said. “Even though I gave you a long sentence, I don’t see that when I look at you. I see a young man who has been locked up for a while. I see a young man who probably regrets what happened.”

Judge Brandt urged Palmer to stay in contact with his family while he serves his sentence.

“Don’t block your family out of your life, you need your family, everyone needs their family,” Brandt said. “Do good things in the memory of Mr. Goodwin. He would probably tell you the same things I am telling you because that’s the kind of gentle, caring soul he was.”

No further dates were set.

Homicide Defendant Testifies He Shot to Protect Himself, His Children During Trial

A defendant testified he acted in self-defense at trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Dayna Dayson on Nov. 12.

David Pena, 49, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. The charges are in connection to Pena’s alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maurice Robinson, 24, on June 12, 2023 at the 2900 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

Defense attorney Dana Page called Pena to the stand.

Pena stated that on the morning of the incident, he was out shopping with his wife, looking for teething rings for his granddaughter. After he returned, he stopped home, made a quick run to the local liquor store, then came back and began making dinner for his kids.

It was then that Pena’s eldest daughter alerted him to a group gathering outside of their apartment unit, which included some of Pena’s children. He stated that he didn’t know what the group of people wanted, but that they were yelling.

Pena eventually found out that this group gathered because they were looking to fight one of his daughters. His daughter then started moving to go outside and meet the group.

“I yelled to her, ‘no’, because I didn’t want her to fight,” Pena stated. When they started fighting, Pena testified, he made his way outside. “Everything happened so fast,” he said.

He testified to seeing his younger children get maced by a member of the group, and saw his daughter engaging in a fight with others. He stated he had difficulty deciding who to help, but eventually began trying to get his daughter to safety, as she had been knocked to the ground.

As he was helping his daughter, Pena testified, he was knocked to the ground multiple times by someone in the group, although he didn’t know who. As he tried to leave the fight, he thought he heard someone shout “Blow his ass up,” and subsequently reach for their waistband.

It was at this point that Pena testified to pulling his own gun, a .38 caliber revolver, from his waistband and firing six shots in the direction of who he thought was going to fire at him.

When asked by Page why Pena thought someone reaching for their waistband had a gun, Pena responded that “[he] lives around 30th Street, [and] no one comes around there without a weapon… where I live, people get in gun fights at noon”.

After he fired his weapon, Pena stated that he grabbed all of his children, and ushered them inside. “I was the last one inside, making sure all my kids got in okay,” Pena said.

He described seeing all of his kids run into the bathroom to wash the mace out of their eyes when they got back to their apartment. Pena stated he removed his shirt, and set his gun on the bed. Eventually, he heard sirens and ran to the back stairwell.

Pena also admitted that he drank a half-gallon of Long Island iced tea in the stairwell. When asked why by Page, Pena stated he was “confused, hurt, [and] scared”.

On cross examination, the prosecution emphasized numerous times that Pena had been previously convicted of illegal firearm possession charges, and did not possess the firearm Pena used in this shooting legally. Pena affirmed that this was true.

Prosecutors asked Pena to demonstrate to the group how he physically put bullet casings into his gun. “You put one, then two, then three, four, five, six in,” they stated, with Pena agreeing. He also confirmed that following the shooting, he put his weapon on his bed, and it later disappeared – indicating that one of his children had taken the weapon.

When asked who had taken the weapon, Pena responded, “if I knew who had taken the gun, they wouldn’t have the gun”.

Pena was asked to confirm that he was an alcoholic and had been drinking in the “days leading up to the incident,” according to prosecutors. Pena said that while he is an alcoholic, he denied drinking the day before the incident.

Prosecutors also questioned Pena on his actions amidst the fight his daughter was in. “You weren’t trying to stop the fight?,” they asked. “I physically couldn’t stop everyone at once,” Pena responded.

Prosecutors claimed that Pena could have left the scene, instead of staying involved in the escalating fight. “You physically couldn’t leave the scene?,” they asked.

“I physically could not leave my children alone, no, ” Pena responded.

When asked how long Pena had to think about the incident and his story, Pena responded that “[his] story has been the same since day one”.

Prosecutors pressed about where he got the gun that was used in this incident. Pena admitted to purchasing the gun from an individual who sold drugs on 30th Street, but refused to name him when asked by the prosecutor.

The prosecutors also questioned Pena over the dangerous nature of 30th Street, prompting Pena to say “no one comes by 30th Street to fight without a weapon.” They questioned if “that day, you were one of those dangerous people”? Pena replied, “No, I wasn’t.”

On redirect, Page emphasized that Pena was trying to protect his daughter on the day of the incident. Pena recalled shooting five times because he “was scared,” adding that Robinson was coming toward him.

When Page asked what he was telling the jury, Pena replied, “My truth.”

Midway through the trial, Judge Dayson received a note from a juror who shared she was no longer able to keep an open mind about the case. After speaking privately with her, Judge Dayson confirmed that she had already made up her mind and could no longer devote sufficient attention to the case. Both parties agreed to excusing her from the trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 13.

Defendant in Fatal Stabbing Gets Mental Competency Screening

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt granted the defense a competency screening to determine if a defendant in a homicide case is mentally fit to stand trial during a Nov. 7 hearing.

Kevin Johnson, 39, is charged with felony murder while armed, first-degree premeditated murder while armed and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 44-year-old Antonio Woody on the 1700 block of Lincoln Road, NE, on Oct. 6, 2024.

According to court documents, Woody sustained five sharp force wounds after being stabbed while he was sitting in a wheelchair outside of a Department of Human Services’ shelter.

During the hearing, defense attorney Elizabeth Weller’s motion for Johnson to undergo a competency screening was granted without objection from the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a shooting on Oct. 24 on the 3100 block of 16th Street, Northwest. An adult male was found with a gunshot wound and transported to a hospital, surviving the incident. Surveillance footage of the suspects is available for viewing.

Judge Orders New Mental Evaluation After Defense Reveals Additional Records

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ordered a new mental competency evaluation on Nov. 13 for a defendant after defense counsel revealed he had medical issues that evaluators did not use to complete the previous evaluation.

Kevin Andrade,34, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill for allegedly stabbing six people with a knife on April 3, 2025 on the 1700 block of Montello Avenue, NE.

Defense attorney for Andrade, Steven Kiersch, disagreed with the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) finding that Andrade was mentally competent and requested an independent competency assessment with an independent expert.

Kiersch revealed that he has two binders that are “substantial in size” of Andrade’s medical records that DBH evaluators did not have when they conducted Andrade’s initial competency evaluation.

Judge Brandt asked Kiersch to send those medical records to the prosecution and DBH, to which he agreed. Additionally, Judge Brandt ordered DBH to complete another evaluation that takes into account the medical records the defense will send.

To stand trial, a defendant must comprehend the charges and help his lawyer defend the case.

The parties are expected to reconvene on Jan. 16, 2026.

Judge Sentences Shooter Who Killed One Victim and Paralyzed Another

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a homicide defendant for a shooting that left another victim paralyzed in a sentencing on Nov. 7.

On April 7, Dawayne Smith, 23, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed and aggravated assault knowingly for his involvement in the murder of Antonio Riley, 44, on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Oct. 23, 2024. Another individual was paralyzed as a result of the shooting.

During the sentencing, two members of Riley’s family gave statements. His mother told Judge Edelman that Riley’s death “has left a devastating mark” on her life.

“The only way I see my child is if I visit him in the cemetery,” she said. She explained how her whole life changed after the incident, along with the lives of his two kids. She asked Judge Edelman not to give Smith a “slap on the wrist” like other defendants received, which she said was “a slap in the parents’ face.”

Riley’s sister also gave a statement. She explained that she and Riley would talk “every other day.” She told the judge that her nephew was set to graduate this year, and asked who was going to make sure his tie was straight.

Riley’s sister told Judge Edelman that Smith “destroyed a big family.” Regarding a sentence, Riley’s sister said that Smith “took the breath from me and my brother,” and that she wanted to do the same to him.

The prosecutor called the murder “callous, brazen, and cold-blooded,” and said that it created a “sea of harm” for Riley’s family, as well as the surviving victim of the shooting who was paralyzed.

He also discussed Smith’s dangerousness, noting how Smith committed the murder months after completing his sentence for a robbery. He claimed that Smith was “repeatedly putting people in danger,” and that it was “what the court can expect” when Smith is released.

The prosecution reprised Riley’s mother and told Judge Edelman that “some folks get a slap on the wrist, and it’s really a slap to the face.” He asked the judge to sentence Smith to 264 months of incarceration for the murder charge and 72 months for the assault charge.

Defense attorney Madalyn Harvey told the court that Smith was “very much aware of the pain he’s caused.” She responded to the prosecution’s allegations by saying that Smith was “neither callous nor cold-blooded.” She claimed that Smith’s upbringing had been difficult and that people are more likely to imitate and engage with the behaviors that they grow up around.

Harvey asked the court to give Smith hope and claimed that the court’s decision could allow him to be “the better person he’s struggled to be.” Harvey asked for the bottom of the “harsh” sentencing range, which was sixteen-and-a-half years of incarceration.

Judge Edelman credited Smith for accepting the early plea offer before his preliminary hearing. He also noted Smith’s age. Smith “just turned twenty-three” and was even younger at the time of the offense. Judge Edelman said that Smith’s actions and the nature of the offense “reflect that immaturity.”

Despite claiming that Smith’s age “weighs on me,” Judge Edelman said that he had to take into account the “violent and destructive nature” of the offense. He called footage of the murder “staggering,” and said that the first words that came to mind were “execution style.”

Judge Edelman said that “incarceration is necessary” for Smith, citing the brutal nature of the offense and his past criminal history as proof of his dangerousness.

Judge Edelman sentenced Dawayne Smith to 216 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release for second-degree murder while armed, and 72 months of incarceration with three years of supervised release for the aggravated assault charge. The charges are slated to run consecutively to each other, totaling 24 years of incarceration.

No further dates were set.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendants in Family Killing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a homicide defendant and his accomplice, who killed his cousin, in a sentencing on Nov. 7.

On June 6, Darius Robertson, 32, and Antonio Hensley, 33, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for fatally beating Andre Robertson, 33, at the intersection of the 200 block of 53rd Street and the 5300 block of Clay Terrace, NE, on Oct. 1, 2021.

Through the deal, parties agreed that Hensley should be sentenced between six-and-12 years of imprisonment, while Darius’ sentence would be up to the judge based on the DC sentencing guidelines.

During the hearing, five members of the victim’s family gave statements. Andre’s mother told the judge that Darius was like her own kid. She told the court that, after the incident, her family had been torn apart.

“I can barely sleep,” Andre’s mom told the court. She asked for Darius to be incarcerated, saying that Andre’s murder proved that he would do the same to her or anyone else, and that he was dangerous.

Andre’s father also gave a statement, where he told the judge that “no father should ever have to bury his son.”

He stated that Andre was a loving father, brother, and son, and that Darius killed him “without any regard” for “the family that loved him beyond words.” He told the court that when someone kills someone, they “take a piece of everyone who loves them.” The father asked the judge to deliver justice for his family.

Andre’s aunt told Judge Edelman that she wanted to “share the deep pain” with the court, and that the loss of her nephew was “unbearable.” She told the judge how difficult his loss was on the family, and explained that his parents had lost their firstborn son, and that her nephew would “never walk his daughters down the aisle.”

Andre’s older sister told the court how their mom “kept” Darius and his siblings from going into the system after their mom passed, and how her family “looked at them like siblings.”

Andre’s younger sister explained how difficult it was for the same cousin who told her he loved her to kill her brother, and how she looks at family differently now.

The prosecution, after listening to the family’s statements, called the murder “haunting.” The prosecutor claimed that it was the result of both defendants’ extensive criminal history involving a “horrific mix of PCP, guns, and violence.” He noted that Hensley had a drug history and “assaultive conduct” that stretched back several years, and that Darius was similarly involved with PCP and was involved in a violent stabbing a few years prior.

The prosecution acknowledged that both the victim and the defendants were antagonizing each other during the incident, but claimed it was Darius who turned the fight “from verbal to physical.” The prosecutor described how Hensley stomped on the victim’s head and how Darius “struck him repeatedly” as Andre was motionless and “defenseless.”

The prosecution argued that one of the goals of sentencing was to impose a “just punishment,” and asked that, in light of the family’s statements and the nature of the murder, the judge sentence Hensley to 12 years of incarceration and Robertson to 13 years. The prosecution claimed that there was “no sentence” but the top of the sentencing range that was appropriate.

Defense attorney Michael Madden, on behalf of Darius, claimed that the prosecution had given the court a “very wrong impression of what happened.”

He argued that Darius had not “had it out” for his cousin, but that there had been 20 minutes leading up to the murder in which Darius had “attempted to extricate himself” and Andre had “pursued him.” He argued that the prosecutor’s claim that Darius threw the first punch was “misleading.”

Madden also described Darius’ repeated assault on the victim, claiming that when the defendant saw the victim on the ground after Hensley struck him, in Darius’ mind, the victim was “still a threat.” Madden asked Judge Edelman to impose 72 months of incarceration for Darius.

Defense attorney Kevin Robertson, on behalf of Hensley, said that Hensley had “no intent” for the murder to happen. “He participated in some ways,” he said, but claimed that there were multiple times where video footage of the murder captured Hensley “standing in the background.”

Kevin asked Judge Edelman to give Hensley a split sentence, where Hensley would serve six years of incarceration and finish the rest of the sentence outside of prison. “The person sitting in front of you is not a murderer,” the attorney said, and Hensley “lives with the trauma of being involved.”

When prompted by Judge Edelman, Darius addressed the court. He apologized to the court and to his family, and said that he wished his family could forgive him. “I know you’re still healing from the loss,” he explained, but he claimed that he was too. “I lost a cousin that night,” he said.

Hensley also gave his “deepest condolences” to the family. He said that he “had no hard feelings” for the victim, and that the incident was an accident.

Judge Edelman described video footage of the murder as “brutal to watch,” and said that it was “even more difficult” knowing that the victim and the defendant were relatives.

He acknowledged that there was an “element of mutual combat” before the victim’s death, but said that there was “no mutuality” when the victim was on the ground, and that “both defendants went beyond what could possibly be justified.”

The judge noted that Darius and Hensley pleaded guilty, and were “entitled to some credit for accepting responsibility,” but still held that there was no excuse for the defendants’ actions.

Judge Edelman sentenced Darius to 126 months of incarceration and five years of supervised release, and Hensley to 96 months of incarceration with five years of supervised release for his “lesser role” in the incident and smaller criminal record.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Searching for Southeast Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting incident on Oct. 18 in the 3400 block of 15th Street, SE. The suspect fired a handgun at a victim, who was not struck. Surveillance footage of the suspect is available, and the community is urged to provide any information to the police.

Document: MPD Makes an Arrest in Northeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 35-year-old Hakim Johnson, of District Heights, MD, in connection with a shooting on April 5 on Minnesota Ave, NE. Johnson is alleged to have shot an adult male, who survived and was treated at a local hospital. He faces charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun), Carrying a Pistol Without a License, and Felon in Possession.

Judge Terminates Probation for Defendant Without Housing

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean terminated an unhoused defendant’s probation despite its being unsuccessful during a Nov. 12 hearing.

On Nov. 15, 2024, Amare Admasu, 32, entered a plea agreement and was convicted of attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 100 block of Gallatin Street, NE, on May 3, 2022.

According to court documents, the victim was physically assaulted by Admasu while walking on a National Park Service trail.

During the hearing, defense attorney Steven Polin argued for the termination of his probation. Judge McLean agreed to terminate the probation as unsuccessful because Admasu served his full sentence regardless of his loss of contact with Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

Admasu was not present during the hearing. Polin waived his client’s right to be present at the hearing. Polin explained that the defendant was living in Maryland without housing and in the midst of a mental health crisis.

Parties are not slated to reconvene.

Document: MPD Investigating Reservoir Road Officer-Involved Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into an officer-involved shooting on Nov. 14 in Northwest D.C. Officers responded to a residential alarm on Reservoir Road, where they encountered 41-year-old Kevin Booker, who was subject to a Civil Protection Order. After Booker allegedly lunged at officers with a knife and screwdriver, an officer discharged his firearm, resulting in Booker’s death. The incident is under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau, and involved officers have been placed on administrative leave.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Shooting near Howard University

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 17-year-old Kaevaughn Dudley, alleged to be involved in a shooting near Howard University on Oct. 24. The incident, which occurred after the Yard Fest event, resulted in injuries to five individuals, including three adult males, one adult female, and one juvenile male. Dudley was charged with Assault with Intent to Kill (Gun) after being identified through extensive surveillance footage analysis.

Undercover Cop Testifies Again in 7 Co-Defendant Conspiracy Case

An undercover officer, who previously testified in a carjacking case, was called in to be cross-examined by defense counsels before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 17.

Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Taj Giles, 20, Bryon Gillum, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Jaelen Jordan, 20, and Warren Montgomery, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. These charges stem from the group’s alleged involvement in a series of armed carjackings and the subsequent distribution of the stolen vehicles between February and May of 2023.

One of the carjackings occurred on Feb. 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW. Another carjacking took place at the intersection of K and 8th Street, NE, on April 27, 2023.

Additionally, Ellis-Bey, Flowers, Giles, Gillum, Goff, and Jordan are charged with two additional counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023.

Judge Kravitz asked defense counsels whether they planned to raise an argument of entrapment when cross-examining an undercover officer called to testify. Meaning the officer tricked or pressured any of them to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed.

Brian McDaniel, the attorney for Jordan, was the focus of this question as his client allegedly sold a stolen vehicle to the undercover officer. The prosecution stated that if he tried to argue that Jordan had been entrapped, they would be forced to rebut it by filing a motion containing evidence of other offenses committed by Jordan.

McDaniel stated he did not believe the foundation for entrapment was sufficient, and would simply be questioning the witness about inconsistencies in his testimony.

The witness reiterated under cross-examination that he purchased a BMW and a Toyota from Jordan using pre-recorded funds, a tool for investigators to be able to track the money used by undercover officers. The witness stated that he believed the vehicles were stolen, but that he was not present when Jordan was arrested for the sale.

Prosecutors also called an specialist in geo-location data analysis to testify about cell site data related to the co-defendants’ phones. The witness stated that he collected call detail records and data session records for the case.

The special agent provided a visual representation of his analysis, which consisted of thirty-seven pages of cell site data. Shown in the exhibits were each defendants’ name, their home addresses, as well as a map connecting cell towers to the defendants’ phones.

The first event was a carjacking that occurred on the 6200 block of Allentown Road in Temple Hills, MD, on Feb. 26, 2023 at approximately midnight.

A cell site tower site near Camp Springs, MD, depicted activity from one of the defendants’ cell phones between 11:05 and 11:09 p. m., which showed that they were in Camp Springs, Maryland at that time. It was unclear which defendant was using the phone.

The special agent’s testimony will resume on Nov. 18.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 12.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, tampering with physical evidence, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on June 7 on the 1400 block of Morse Street, NE. The victim sustained a stab wound to his neck that caused life-threatening damage to an artery.

According to court documents, Bridges reportedly stabbed the victim with a kitchen knife at a transitional home where they both resided.

The court arraigned Bridges on the charges against him and his attorney, Molly Bunke, pleaded not guilty on his behalf and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 19.