‘Your Incarceration is Not to Make You a Better Person [But] Punish You For Killing Your Mother,’ Judge Says to Matricide Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced a homicide defendant to 26 years in prison on Feb. 13 for strangling his mother to death.

On Nov. 26, 2025 Seth Andrews, 39, was convicted of second-degree murder for strangling his mother, Hazel Evans, 67, in her home on the unit block of 35th Street, NE, on July 16, 2020.

Andrews was also charged with two counts of assault on a police officer and one count of destruction of property less than $1,000 for an altercation he had with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) on Aug. 20, 2020. According to court documents, Andrews hit a firefighter in the throat, slammed a police officer’s hand in a car door, and broke the windows of a firetruck with a wood palette.

Prior to the trial, Judge Ryan granted a defense motion to sever the murder charge from Andrews’ other charges.

At sentencing, Andrews accepted a plea deal from prosecutors that required him to plead guilty to the remaining three charges. In exchange, prosecutors did not oppose concurrent sentences for the three charges.

According to court documents, Evans told people she thought Andrews was having mental health issues in the days leading up to her murder. In a 911 call on the morning of Evans’ death, Andrews said “I’m so sorry, it’s my fault mommy, I’m sorry I didn’t want to kill you mommy.”

A prosecutor described the brutal nature of the strangulation in their argument for 26 years in prison for the murder. They emphasized that fatally strangling someone requires several minutes, often with resistance from the victim. Andrews’ DNA was found under Evans’ fingernails, prosecutors highlighted.

The prosecutor also pointed out the violent nature of someone killing their own mother. “The defendant who was willing to kill his own mother, is willing to harm anyone,” they said.

Evans’ and Andrews’ family members gave several statements describing the grief and pain they experienced since her death. Evans’ sister said she retired from the postal service due to emotional issues. The sister described collapsing on the floor after learning her sister died and being unable to move for two hours.

“My crying, my mood, my sleep at night, everything is disrupted,” said Evans’ sister.

Evans’ sister also described a separate incident of Andrews grabbing his sister by the hair and beating her shortly after their mother’s death.

“At the time, I didn’t know he did anything to my sister,” Evans’ sister said, continuing, “I’m thinking he’s mad she’s gone, he’s the one who did her in.”

Evans’ sister said Andrews behaved erratically following the murder. She said he jumped from a Mercedes at the funeral and loudly apologized to her during the funeral.

According to Evans’ sister, Evans put a lot of effort into raising Andrews after his father left her and they became homeless. “There was never a question, ever, how much she loved her children. She fought hard to bring him into this world, and to know he is the reason she is no longer in this world.”

Prosecutors said Andrews was previously convicted for marijuana possession, violence against a significant other, and throwing a cash register at someone.

Andrews’ family members said his mother supported him during his previous convictions. “Everytime he had an issue, everytime he was incarcerated, she was there fighting for him and standing up for him,” Evans’ sister said.

Andrews’ sister, Evans’ eldest daughter, said she did not know why he killed her. “You got more affection and love than I could have gotten from my mom,” Evans’ daughter said. “There was always an excuse for the boys, they could never know better. I had to know better and I had to do better.”

“[Evans] constantly continued the love even if she could not do it as the most model parent,” a prosecutor said.

Evans’ family members said while she struggled with drug addiction and depression, she had largely recovered and was improving her life. Evans’ daughter said her child, Evans’ granddaughter, had no idea she ever did drugs because her life was so together. “I was proud of her,” Evans’ daughter said.

Andrews’ attorney, Kevin Irving, argued that he should receive a lesser sentence given the progress he has made while incarcerated, completing seven professional certifications.

Andrews himself noted that growing up in poverty contributed to many of his life’s problems. He called the area he grew up in as “18 and Dead,” claiming that many juveniles from the area are killed before their 18th birthday. According to Andrews, his upbringing inhibited him and his siblings.

“Because of the curse that we suffer from poverty, from violence, from growing up on 18 and Dead, from depression, from divorce, we never got to shine as bright as we could,” Andrews said. Andrews told Judge Ryan he would like the opportunity to rehabilitate himself.

Judge Ryan acknowledged the family’s struggles with poverty and violence, but emphasized the cruelty of the crime.

“It is a set of facts which seem almost in Greek tragedy,” Judge Ryan agreed.

Andrews was previously incarcerated for five years for attempted second-degree murder in Maryland and worked in information technology after release, according to Judge Ryan.

Judge Ryan sentenced Andrews to 26 years for the murder and concurrent sentences totaling 180 days for his assault on MPD and DC FEMS. Andrews’ imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release.

Although Andrews had asked for the opportunity to rehabilitate, Judge Ryan said this was not a central consideration in his sentencing.

“Your incarceration is not to make you a better person. Your incarceration is to punish you for killing your mother,” Judge Ryan said.

No further dates were set.

Shooting Co-Defendants Plead Not Guilty at Arraignment

Two shooting codefendants were arraigned on a 20 count indictment before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on Feb. 19.

Roland Brewer, 20, and Christian Ware, 19, are both charged with aggravated assault with grave risk while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, two counts of unarmed carjacking, armed robbery, two counts of unarmed robbery, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, first-degree burglary while armed, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Brewer is charged with two additional counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and an additional count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business.

Ware is also charged with possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and obstructing justice.

The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the following incidents spanning over two months:

A shooting on the 500 block of 50th Place, NE on July 21, 2024 in which a juvenile victim sustained a gunshot wound to his upper left arm,
An armed carjacking on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE on June 19, 2024,
An unarmed carjacking on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE on June 21, 2024,
An unarmed carjacking on the 4100 block of Hunt Place, NE on July 1, 2024.

Ware, who was 17 when the incident occurred, is charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be charged as adults for certain serious offenses.

At the hearing, Varsha Govindaraju, Ware’s attorney, and Bryan Bookhard, Brewer’s stand-in attorney, both entered a plea of not guilty to all charges on behalf of their clients. Govindaraju and Bookhard also exercised their clients’ legal rights to a speedy trial and evidence related to the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 30.

Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Stabbing Food Delivery Driver

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea agreement before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Feb. 17.

Travis Cole, 37, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon for his involvement in a stabbing on the 2700 block of Wisconsin Avenue, NW on Sept. 28, 2025. The victim was stabbed in the abdomen.

According to court documents, the victim was delivering food to the incident location. An argument broke out between the victim and Cole, which allagedly turned physical. Cole then brandished a knife and reportedly stabbed the victim. A witness claimed to watch Cole flee the scene down a nearby alley after the offense.

At the hearing, Cole accepted a deal offered by the prosecution that required him to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges and will not seek an indictment.

If the case had proceeded to trial, the prosecution said they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the day of the offense at approximately 4 p. m. Cole stabbed the victim over a disputed food delivery.

Judge Arthur found there was a factual basis and that Cole accepted the plea knowingly and voluntarily.

Adgie O’Bryant, Cole’s attorney, asked Judge Arthur to release Cole, citing his deep community ties. O’Bryant claimed Cole would not be a danger to the community, explaining he was trying to find housing and would be open to any conditions of release the court imposed.

Judge Arthur ruled that Cole would remain in confinement pending his sentencing.

The parties are slated to reconvene on April 24 for sentencing.

Judge Hears Testimony in 14th Street, NW Fatal Stabbing

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson heard testimony and arguments at a preliminary hearing of the evidence in a fatal stabbing case that stemmed from a large fight on Feb. 18.

Shawn Conway, 50, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Jermaine Foster, 34, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW on Sept. 12, 2025.

According to court documents, officers responded at approximately 3:53 a. m., following reports of a brawl and located Foster with six wounds to his chest.–one to his heart, and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. There were two additional surviving victims; one sustained a finger laceration and the other a cut to the back of their hand.

At Conway’s preliminary hearing, the prosecution called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective assigned to the case.

The detective testified that MPD officers responded to the stabbing.and later investigated a related scene at the intersection of 10th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NW where they interviewed individuals involved in a fight that occurred prior to Foster’s stabbing

Video evidence included MPD crime camera footage and an Instagram video sent anonymously to the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). The prosecution played the Instagram video in court. The detective showed a physical altercation and depicted an individual standing over Foster making downward stabbing motions while wearing a gray sweatshirt, light-colored jeans, and light-colored shoes.

The detective testified that crime camera footage showed an individual wearing clothing consistent with the person depicted in the Instagram video exiting a vehicle and walking toward the sidewalk where the altercation occurred.

The detective said that the primary witness described the suspect who stabbed Foster as the same individual who exited the vehicle and later identified Conway by name.

According to the detective, a surviving victim said they attempted to pull the suspect off Foster and described that the suspect had a knife and made stabbing motions.

The detective also testified that the day of the offense MPD received an anonymous tip that identified Conway as the suspect.

On cross-examination, Conway’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, questioned the scope and documentation of the investigation.

The detective acknowledged that not all witness interviews were recorded and that some were documented only in handwritten notes. He testified that the witness who identified Conway did not name him during their first interview and that no formal identification procedure was conducted.

Cicurel established that several individuals in or nearby the fight did not see the stabbing or a knife and that some were drinking prior to the incident.

The detective also acknowledged that the suspect’s face was not clearly visible in the Instagram video and that the witness who identified Conway from the video based their identification on clothing, build, and context rather than a clear facial close-up. He testified that he does not know the identity of the anonymous tipster or how the tipster obtained the information.

The prosecution argued there was ample evidence that proved probable cause. Both the witness statements and video evidence prove that Foster was actually attempting to break up the fight when Conway stabbed him, asserted prosecutors.

They added that witnesses placed Conway’s vehicle at the scene and the primary witness identified him as the suspect by name. They argued it was clear Conway was present because the witness’ description of his clothing matches an individual in video footage in the surrounding areas and the person making stabbing motions in the Instagram video.

Cicurel argued there was no probable cause because the prosecution had not sufficiently established identification of Conway as the person who stabbed Foster. For example, Cicurel noted that the witness did not name Conway in their initial interview and the video did not clearly show the suspect’s face.

Several individuals on scene told the detective they did not see the knife or who left the scene following the incident, Cicurel pointed out. Cicurel emphasized that witnesses were intoxicated and reluctant to speak to MPD officers. The anonymous tipster did not provide any details, reasoning, or evidence to substantiate their claim, asserted Cicurel.

Judge Dayson delayed ruling on probable cause until the next hearing at which time she’ll hear arguments for detention or release.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 23.

More Victim Testimony in Shooting After a Halloween Party

Parties heard testimony from the victim, a detective, and an eyewitness in a shooting trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Feb. 23.

Gerald Day, 34, Special Police Officer, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and threatening to kidnap or injure a person for allegedly pointing a gun at a woman after a fight on Oct. 29, 2023, at the intersection of O Street and Carrollsburg Place, SW.

Day’s co-defendant, 32-year-old Paul Poston, was sentenced on June 26, 2024, to two years of imprisonment, with all but 10 months suspended, for shooting at the same victim’s car after the altercation.

The victim, who the prosecutors called to continue her testimony, said during cross-examination that Day pointed a gun at her. According to the victim, her arm was at her side holding mace and she did not say anything to Day before he pointed the gun at her.

The victim’s friend and eyewitness also testified, describing the fight leading up to the assault while looking at surveillance footage.

The victim’s friend said the victim met her after a party and they started driving away together, before the victim saw a group of people, including a man she had a casual sexual relationship with.

According to the victim’s friend, the victim yelled at the man and got out of the car to approach the group, who proceeded to “beat her up.” The victim attempted to mace the group, her friend said in court, but she did not see the chemical weapon make contact anyone.

When Day approached the victim and allegedly pointed a gun at her, the victim was not macing anyone, the friend testified.

During questioning from Steven Polin, Day’s attorney, the victim’s friend said she was not positive she saw a gun in Day’s hand but thought he hit the car the victim was in with the gun before the victim drove away.

The victim’s friend said during cross-examination that the victim appeared angry and confrontational during the fight and her interaction with Day.

Prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who interviewed Day on Nov. 7, 2023. He testified that Day did not initially disclose he was carrying a firearm during the incident but later acknowledged being armed during a meeting with another detective and Day’s work supervisor.

According to the detective, Day said during the second interview that he pulled his gun after the victim yelled, “I got somethin’ for y’all,” and sprayed mace. Prosecutors played CCTV video footage showing the mace deployed before Day entered the frame.

The detective also testified that he confirmed that Day’s license to carry a firearm expired between June and September 2023, prior to the incident.

During cross-examination, defense attorney Polin questioned the detective about Day’s authority as a Howard University Special Police Officer (SPO). The detective said SPOs have limited authority but may carry firearms while on duty.

Polin referenced a recorded interview in which the detective told Day, “As one law enforcement officer to another, I would have done the same thing under those circumstances.”

Prosecutors objected, and after a discussion outside the jury’s presence, Judge Brandt cautioned against Polin taking the comment out of context before allowing the recording to be played.

Then, Polin played the video for the jury.

After the prosecution rested its case, the defense called Day’s girlfriend’s sister, who was present during the incident..

The witness testified that after leaving a Halloween party, the victim approached her family aggressively, leading to a fight. She said the victim yelled, “I got something for y’all,” and sprayed her in the face with mace. Polin then showed the jury surveillance footage of the altercation.

Outside the jury’s presence, Judge Brandt questioned the defense’s argument that Day acted in self-defense, noting the footage appeared to show Day’s girlfriend’s sister, not Day, as the target of the mace.

The trial is set to resume Feb. 24.

Defendant Won’t Get Another Attorney in Jail Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Ryan denied a jail stabbing defendant’s request to dismiss his attorney at a hearing on Feb. 18.

Ovid Gabriel, 21, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and assault on a police officer for his alleged involvement in stabbing a correctional officer on Aug. 3, 2025, inside the DC Jail, on the 1900 block of D Street, SE. The officer sustained nine stab wounds, a collapsed lung, and a lacerated intestine.

At the hearing, Gabriel’s attorney, Kevin Irving, asked Judge Ryan to grant his request to withdraw because Gabriel wanted new counsel.

The prosecution opposed Gabriel’s request for new counsel and argued to the court that he had asked for new counsel on multiple occasions. According to the prosecutor, this was Gabriel’s fifth or sixth attorney. According to court records, Gabriel only had two attorneys in this case, but he has other pending cases.

Judge Ryan then asked Irving and Gabriel to approach the bench, where they conferred privately about whether Irving would remain on the case.

After the discussion, Judge Ryan decided Irving would continue to represent Gabriel in the case.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Jan. 4, 2027.

Felony Murder Defendant Waives Preliminary Hearing in Backback Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson accepted a first-degree murder defendant’s waiver of his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence on Feb. 20.

Javier Montgomery, 18, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed for his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting of Jermaine Durbin, 18, at the 2300 block of Washington Place, NE on Oct. 3, 2025. Durbin died from one gunshot wound to his face.

According to court documents, a witness reported that Montgomery took Durbin’s backpack because it contained marijuana. Durbin followed him when Montogomery allegedly pulled out a gun and shot him.

Another witness reportedly told the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that Montgomery called a former partner and told them that he shot and killed someone. According to court documents Montgomery said something to the effect of “it was an accident, and it wasn’t supposed to happen.”

At the hearing, Montgomery waived his right to a preliminary hearing that would have determined whether probable cause existed for the charge against him. Judge Dayson questioned Montgomery to ensure that he knowingly and willingly waived his right.

Montgomery’s attorney, Carrie Weletz, submitted a medical alert to the court to request mental health treatment for her client, which Judge Dayson granted.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 24.

Homicide Defendant Acted As, ‘Judge, Jury, and Executioner,’ Prosecutor Says

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz accepted expert testimony Feb. 18 from a forensic psychologist that a defendant was not suffering from PTSD during his alleged involvement in a shooting.

Khalid Claggett, 42, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Isaac Aull Jr, 30, on the 1600 block of Franklin Street NE, on June 11, 2021. All charges face an aggravating factor of allegedly being committed during Claggett’s release for another offense.

A forensic psychologist testified that she conducted a court-ordered evaluation of Claggett’s mental health and did not find any evidence of PTSD symptoms through his responses or body language. In addition, his results for other personality and emotional functioning tests, according to the psychologist, were not clinically significant or indicative of a PTSD diagnosis.

After reviewing footage of the incident, the psychologist said she does not believe Claggett experienced post-trauma symptoms during the shooting. She described his actions as “reactionary” and “purposeful.”

Claggett’s attorney, Howard McEachen, cross-examined the expert witness by asking her the likelihood of symptoms going away in two months. She said that it is possible, but very unlikely.

Two months prior to her evaluation, another psychologist diagnosed Claggett with PTSD. She testified that she was surprised by his diagnosis since he did not request to review any records, a crucial step in determining someone’s condition.

After the cross examination, the prosecution urged jurors to find Claggett guilty for all charges, emphasizing exhibits and witness testimonies allegedly showed the defendant did not act in self-defense but rather made a deliberate decision to use deadly force.

The prosecutor told the jury, during closings, that each witness mentioned they saw Claggett shoot the victim or walk past them in the direction of the victim. This proves Claggett was not using self-defense and acted voluntarily, the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor expressed that Claggett testified as a witness stating that “It is to his benefit to make up a story.”

The incident video was presented an additional time to the jury.

The prosecutor mentioned that Clagget acted as the “judge, jury, and executioner.” Claggett decided to take matters into his own hands, instead of letting the law and police fix it, the prosecutor said. The prosecutor concluded statements by asking the jury to find the defendant guilty of all charges.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 19 when the defense is expected to give a closing argument in the case.

Carjacking, Robbery Defendant Detained After Preliminary Hearing

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied release for a carjacking defendant after he waived his preliminary hearing on Feb. 19.

Da’Andre Pardlow, 31, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and kidnapping while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in seizing a motor vehicle from a victim while armed on Sept. 13, 2024 at Fort Dupont Park in Southeast.

According to court documents, the victim and Pardlow reportedly met in the park for a sexual encounter. Pardlow allegedly threatened to shoot the victim while forcing him to surrender his phone. Then, Pardlow allegedly forced the victim into the passenger seat of his car, Pardlow drove the vehicle to a bank, and allegedly withdrew money from the victim’s account.

Pardlow decided to waive his right to a preliminary hearing of the evidence and Judge Hildum agreed.

Defense attorney Patrick Nowak argued that Pardlow should be released to home confinement due to his extensive ties in the community. Nowak said Pardlow was employed for most of his adult life, most recently at several moving companies and Amazon. Additionally, Nowak noted that Pardlow’s family was present at the hearing and he could stay with his parents if released.

The prosecution asked that Pardlow remain in custody to protect community safety. They emphasized the “egregious” nature of the crime and that Pardlow had a criminal history that included robbery and other firearms offenses. In addition, the prosecution claimed to have an overwhelming amount of evidence to convict Pardlow, including surveillance footage.

After reviewing his criminal history, Judge Hildum decided to keep Pardlow in jail. Though he has yet to be tried on the current charges, the judge stated, “many people have already been endangered by his [Pardlow’s] actions.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 12.

Crucial Witness Testimony Debated in Homicide Case

Parties in a homicide case discussed the admissibility of crucial witness testimony in a motions hearing on Feb. 23 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of then 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE, on July 5, 2023.

In February, the defense filed several motions –the first regarding witness testimony concerning the victim’s father.

The prosecution said they plan to call both the victim’s parents as witnesses in the upcoming trial. Emerson’s father, however, requested to attend parts of the trial and the pre-trial hearings, during which he could hear information that could influence his or his wife’s testimony.

The prosecutors argued that it was necessary to call Emerson’s father as a witness due to “the facts of the case.” The defense stated they felt that prosecutors were in a “precarious situation.”

The parties agreed that Emerson’s father would be allowed to attend pre-trial hearings and parts of the trial as long as his testimony would not contain information about the incident itself. Additionally, he can not share information regarding the hearings with his wife, the victim’s mother.

Parties discussed another defense motion regarding Macedo’s prior conviction, which involved the testimony of a Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) officer whom prosecutors plan to call at trial. The officer said Macedo’s probation was under his supervision at the time.

According to the CSOSA officer, he first met Macedo the morning of the murder and briefly entered the defendant’s home during a scheduled check-in meeting. As the witness is likely to testify during the trial, defense attorneys Rachel Cicurel and Jessica Willis were concerned that telling the jury the witness’s occupation would reveal prejudicial information about the defendant’s criminal history.

While parties couldn’t agree on a way to describe the witness accurately and in a non-prejudicial manner in front of the jury, they agreed to continue the discussion at a later time, closer to trial.

Prosecutors also called a detective at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) regarding their opposition to a defense motion to exclude other witness testimony.

The defense argued the witnesses should not be allowed to testify at trial because they did not witness the actual events of the incident, but identified Macedo.

According to the detective during testimony, days after the incident, a “seeking to identify” flyer was distributed throughout the MPD, and the department was taking tips from civilians regarding the murder.

The prosecutors questioned the detective about two witnesses who provided tips regarding Macedo’s identity over the phone, claiming to have connections to Macedo through family or friends.

One witness, who called in, told the detective their sister attended school with Macedo’s girlfriend, and would see him hanging around the school often. The second witness, who texted, told the detective they had known Macedo and his family for two years, providing what they knew to be Macedo’s Instagram handle and a nickname.

Due to time constraints, parties are scheduled to resume questioning her on Feb. 24.

Document: MPD Investigating Southeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 21 on the 4400 block of 3rd Street, SE. The victim, identified as 40-year-old Travis Fears of Southeast, DC, was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

Judge Frustrated Over Evidence Delays in 16-Year-Old Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman didn’t rule on probable cause in a shooting after criticizing the prosecution for introducing long-delayed evidence in a hearing on Feb. 20.

Terry Greene, 35, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on June 7, 2010, on the 5800 block of Fields Place, NE. One person suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body.

The lead detective testified that two witnesses were referenced in court documents, but that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later identified two additional witnesses who were not listed in the material turned over to the prosecutor.

According to the court documents, the first witness observed Greene walking with two other males and noticed what appeared to be the imprint of a firearm under Greene’s shirt. According to the record, the witness stated that after the group walked out of view, several gunshots were heard coming from that direction. Shortly after, they reported seeing Greene run from the alleyway holding a gun.

The second witness similarly stated that they saw Greene walking with two other males. After the trio moved out of sight, the witness heard gunshots and then observed Greene running from the alleyway with a gun in his hand, according to court records.

According to the detective, the third witness was present with both Greene and the victim at the time of the shooting. The witness reported walking slightly ahead of Greene and the victim in the alleyway when gunshots were heard. The detective stated that the witness immediately turned around and observed Greene with his arm extended, holding a firearm, while the victim fell to the ground.

The detective further testified that a fourth witness had a separate conversation with Greene. During that conversation, the witness said Greene admitted to taking a gun and shooting the victim.

During cross-examination, Greene’s attorney, Todd Baldwin, asked the detective if filing the court documents to include the two missing witnesses took a lot of time. The detective responded yes and Baldwin pointed out that the detective had 15 years to file new documents.

Baldwin also pointed out that the detective did not witness the shooting and his entire knowledge of the case comes from the witnesses, two of them unconfirmed.

Baldwin further questioned the detective about the intent of the shooting. The first two witnesses never saw the shooting, so they could not speak about intent, Baldwin argued. He stated that since the third witness was not facing Greene and the victim, the witness can’t say what they were doing right before the shots were fired. The fourth witness wasn’t even there, Baldwin asserted, so they could not speak about the intent behind the shooting either.

Then, Baldwin addressed the gun used in the shooting. The first witness never saw the gun being fired but identified the defendant as the shooter because he thought he saw a gun in Greene’s shirt. According to Baldwin, the detective never questioned the witness on how he knew it was a gun, what kind of shirt Greene was wearing, how tight it was, or whether he was wearing a jacket that could’ve obstructed the witness’ view.

Additionally, Baldwin questioned the detective about other evidence that was available to connect Greene to the crime scene. The detective confirmed there was no DNA, no fingerprints, no gunshot residue, or no video surveillance linking Greene to the shooting. The detective told Baldwin he did not know where the four witnesses were now.

Judge Edelman asked the parties “how in the world am I supposed to rule on probable cause now?” The defense had not received the supplemental arrest warrant that mentioned the two additional witnesses, in addition, the incident took place 16 years ago, said the judge. The judge acknowledged how difficult it was for Baldwin to cross-examine the detective without seeing all of the evidence.

The prosecutor asked Judge Edelman to hold Greene without bond, but the judge stated that he didn’t see how he could rule on that until he knew this case was going to move forward. He told the prosecutor he was going to give him another week to “hold this together.”

If more evidence didn’t come to light, Judge Edelman said he would have to rule without it.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Feb. 27.

Judge Grants Mistrial in Fatal Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman granted the defense’s request for mistrial in a homicide case on Feb. 13, due to lead counsel’s unavailability mid-trial because of a personal emergency.

Jakiem Miller, 27, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with prior crime of violence, and obstructing justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Avon Perkins, 30, on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Dec. 17, 2022.

On Feb. 9, during the fourth day of the trial, Judge Edelman informed parties and jurors that the trial would be delayed due to a personal emergency for lead defense attorney Steven Kiersh.

On Feb. 12, defense attorney Megan Allburn filed a motion for mistrial. Allburn argued that moving forward with the trial would deprive Miller of his lead counsel with whom he has built a lengthy relationship. Allburn clarified to Judge Edelman that she has only known the defendant since November of 2025.

That same day, the prosecution filed an opposition to the motion. They argued that a mistrial would impose further burdens on the prosecution, witnesses, victims, and Perkins’ family. The prosecution emphasized that 21 witnesses have already taken the time to testify, and some of them had to travel to do so.

They further argued that Miller has competent counsel in Allburn, who is an established homicide trial attorney, and could conclude the trial.

Prior to making his decision, Judge Edelman noted an aspect of this case that makes it unique from other mistrial cases is that Miller had previously raised concerns about his counsel not aligning with his goals.

During an inquiry to discuss the issue in 2025, Judge Edelman told the defendant that there are not many attorneys with the same level of experience and expertise as Kiersh. Miller decided to withdraw his motion to change counsel, and told Judge Edelman it was because of what was said during the inquiry.

Due to the nature of Miller’s relationship with his lead counsel, Judge Edelman determined that it would not be fair to continue the trial with a replacement counsel.

Judge Edelman told the court that Miller is not an object attorneys can just pass around, rather he is a person with significant interest in the case and has to continue to play a role in his own defense.

He granted the motion for mistrial.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 6.

Judge Scolds Teen Carjacking Defendant Following Release Noncompliance

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean admonished an armed carjacking defendant to improve his compliance with release conditions on Feb. 13.

Richard Bates, 19, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and three counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 13, 2023 on the 1600 block of Frankford Street, SE.

Judge McLean said she saw few curfew violations and asked the defense to provide an explanation.

Bates’ defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, said his family is currently unhoused resulting in missed curfews because he was staying at a family friend’s house to keep warm.

Judge McLean also noted that Bates went to a tobacco store around midnight on Feb. 3. Swarna said the store sells food alongside cigarettes and drugs. The reason was was Bates was hungry and went to the closest food store near him.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) said that Bates has not reported for mental health screening from Dec. 8 to Feb. 2, making him a lost contact. Bates was recently placed with a caseworker to begin a drug program.

Christen Philips, Bates’ other attorney, said he was still meeting with a social worker and therapist that provided substance abuse counseling.

Judge McLean raised concerns about Bates’ attendance at Youth Build, an educational program to re-engage his learning, since he only participated a few times. Philips said that Bates’ family lives very far from Youth Build and must take two connecting buses to get there.

Judge McLean said the only reason why she won’t detain Bates is because he has not reoffended. According to Judge McLean, it doesn’t seem like Bates is putting in effort, and she demanded better results, especially with his trial approaching.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Release For Victim’s Changing Statements

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean denied a shooting defendant’s motion for release on Feb. 13.

Anthony McKoy, 33, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related shooting on the 5000 block of E Street, NW on Jan. 1. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, McKoy and the victim were reportedly involved romantically on-and-off for nine years prior to the incident.

At the hearing, McKoy’s attorney, Antoini Jones, asked Judge McLean to reconsider releasing his client. Jones said the victim changed her story about what she witnessed during the incident hours after she first spoke with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers.

The prosecutor opposed McKoy’s release and raised concerns about jail messages and call logs that show frequent communication between McKoy and the victim. They claimed this called the honesty of the victim’s recantation into question.

Judge McLean agreed with the prosecution and also expressed concern with the reliability of the victim’s testimony. Therefore, the judge denied the motion to reconsider McKoy’s release.

The prosecutor also requested that Judge McLean issue a stay-away order from the victim, which was granted.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17.

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