Former MPD Detective Testifies About Physical Evidence at Homicide Trial

The defense called a former detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 2.

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

Macedo’s defense called a former MPD detective, who was the lead detective during the initial investigation leading up to Macedo’s arrest, to testify about the investigation and reports of his past misconduct. Macedo’s attorney, Rachel Cicurel, questioned the detective about his role in the case.

Cicurel asked whether it was the detective’s responsibility to ensure the investigation was “thorough,” which he affirmed. However, the detective admitted that he couldn’t recall following up with other detectives about collecting surveillance footage from multiple key locations.

Cicurel also questioned the former detective about his classification of some of Emerson’s belongings found at the scene as personal property, leading to the destruction of the items. The former detective stated he didn’t know what happened to items designated as personal property.

The former detective also said he didn’t recall asking the officer from the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) to swab the personal property items for DNA evidence. He stated that it was his understanding that some items that are swabbed for DNA can still be classified as personal property.

Cicurel also questioned the former detective about his alleged misconduct while he was a detective. As a result, he confirmed he was placed on a non-contact status, meaning he was essentially on “desk duty,” and was only permitted to assist with tasks at the MPD office. However, he stated that he was still allowed to converse with prosecutors over the phone about the case but chose not to.

During cross-examination, the prosecutors asked whether the former detective made decisions about the physical evidence based on limited information, and he said he did. Prosecutors also asked if the detective purposefully labelled Emerson’s belongings as personal property to weaken the case against Macedo, to which the detective responded he did not.

The prosecution called an MPD officer who assisted with handling the evidence. The officer showed the jury a green T-shirt which belonged to Emerson. According to court records, Emerson wore the green T-shirt when he died.

The officer laid the T-shirt on a table in front of the jury, reconstructing it as it would have appeared before being cut on the scene. The prosecution asked jurors to walk around the T-shirt and focus on the center of it.

In two photographs the prosecution presented to the court, there was a visible hole in the middle of the shirt and spots of discoloration.

During cross-examination, Macedo’s other attorney, Jessica Willis, confirmed that the officer was not on scene when the T-shirt was cut. Willis also verified that he had not spoken to DFS, nor was he a forensic pathologist or medical examiner.

The officer confirmed that he was not there to tell anyone how gunshot residue could penetrate a T-shirt.

Another witness the defense called to testify was an employee at the Public Defender Service (PDS), who assisted with annotating video exhibits.

Willis showed four clips from surveillance footage of Macedo and Emerson walking side by side down the street and to a small courtyard on the Catholic University of America (CUA) campus. One of the clips captured the incident that occurred between Macedo and Emerson leading to Emerson’s death.

In the footage, Emerson was shown sitting on a bench in the CUA courtyard, and Macedo was pacing back and forth. At one point in the video, Macedo was shown with his hands on his head, and he appeared antsy. Macedo appeared to touch Emerson’s phone, and Emerson tackled him to the ground. The two men wrestled for a minute, and Emerson went limp while Macedo ran away.

Willis and Cicurel briefly re-called a witness to correct a mistake he made in a previous testimony regarding photos of an emergency phone column near the incident address. The witness stated at a previous hearing on April 1 that he was an investigative specialist at the Public Defender Service (PDS).

Willis originally asked the investigator whether an emergency pole was there prior to 2023, and he said yes. However, he made his testimony based on a Google Maps photo from 2024 without realizing. The investigator stated he didn’t notice the date of the photo, and meant to answer the question based on the Google Maps photo from 2022. Willis showed the photo from 2022 and the investigator confirmed the presence of the pole.

The defense and prosecution both agreed that property of Emerson was in the possession of MPD from July 5, 2023 to May 5, 2024. Following the investigation, Emerson’s family was alerted that they could retrieve the items or they would be destroyed. All the items were eventually destroyed.

The prosecution acknowledged that at the time of the incident, Macedo had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment of at least a year, and was aware of the fact.

Judge Kravitz denied the defense’s request to dismiss charges after the prosecution rested. He said that the prosecution had met their burden of proof and a reasonable jury could find Macedo guilty.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 3 to discuss jury instructions. The jury is scheduled to return on April 6.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty To All Charges

An armed carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty to his indictment charges in a felony arraignment on March 31 before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Rodale Broadus, 22, is charged with armed carjacking and armed robbery against a transportation provider, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges were allegedly committed during Broadus’ release for a prior offense.

These counts stem from Broadus’ alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 900 block of 24th Street, NW on Aug. 15, 2024.

During the hearing, Broadus’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, waived further reading of the indictment, entered a plea of not guilty on her client’s behalf, and asserted Broadus’ constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Morehouse additionally requested that Broadus’ release conditions be amended to allow him to work at his previous place of employment.

Judge McLean spoke to a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer who appeared via Webex after the hearing, and shortened Broadus’ curfew by two hours, allowing one hour before and after work to allow for travel. Broadus was also instructed to pre-verify his employment hours with his PSA officer.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 19.

Shooting Defendant Detained in Baltimore, DC Judge Could Issue Warrant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro reserved bench warrant rights after a shooting defendant failed to appear in court on March 31 because of pending charges outside DC.

Tyrhez Williams, 25, was sentenced June 17, 2025 to a suspended sentence of six months incarceration and one year probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE on July 8, 2024.

According to court documents, Williams was witnessed pulling a handgun out of a hidden compartment in his car radio, and discharging the handgun out of the moving vehicle.

The hearing was called to discuss alleged probation violations, however Williams never appeared. According to his attorney William Howell, Williams did not appear because he was arrested and held in Baltimore, MD for violating a peace order.

Howell stated the Baltimore case was set for court on April 1, but Williams’ attorney in Baltimore has not received evidence.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant as a retainer, to ensure if he’s released in Baltimore, he is then placed in custody in DC. Judge Di Toro said she will reserve bench warrant rights.

Prior to the Baltimore case, Howell stated Williams had no probation violations and maintained contact with Howell.

Judge Di Toro decided to reschedule the hearing until Williams’ Baltimore case is resolved.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 3.

‘My Presence Alone Uplifts,’ Says Stabbing Defendant Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a defense attorney’s motion for bond review in a co-defendant stabbing case on March 30.

Trevon Randolph, 27, and Antonio Halfacre, 37, are charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE on Feb. 15.

The victim sustained stab wounds to his back, a fracture in his hand, bruises to his head and face, scrapes to his shoulders and arms, and blood in his lung cavity. Randolph’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested his client’s release during the hearing.

Randolph addressed Judge Hertzfeld explaining the allegations against him were misleading. He stated that he has strong community ties as an active member of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) among other organizations. He also explained he has four kids and another on the way.

“My presence alone uplifts,” Randolph told Judge Hetzfeld when requesting his release and continued, “I am a blessing with humble expectations.”

The prosecution argued that the community’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed and that Randolph should remain held. They brought up Randolph’s history with the victim, stating Randolph pistol-whipped him in a different case. He was also on supervised release for simple assault when the alleged offense occurred, said prosecutors.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that there was no reason for her to revisit DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann previous decision to hold Randolph at the preliminary hearing on Feb. 19.

As a result, Judge Hertzfeld denied Thomas’ motion and Randolph is held without bond.

Parties also mentioned during the hearing that plea negotiations are ongoing for both Randolph and Halfacre.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

After Seizure, Judge Releases Teen Homicide Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a teen homicide defendant after he experienced a seizure during a status hearing on March 26.

Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Roy Bennett Jr. on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE on Dec. 5, 2025. Bennett sustained seven gunshot wounds.

Johnson is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

An educational support advocate appeared on behalf of Johnson to discuss his conditions in the Youth Services Center (YSC). The support advocate stated that Johnson has not been receiving proper education or medical attention. According to the advocate, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is violating the law.

According to the advocate, Johnson, who has epilepsy, is not receiving proper medical treatment, and there may be something wrong with the dosage of his medication.

Defense attorney Jesse Winograd asked Judge Ryan to release Johnson on home confinement so that he can receive the medical care he requires and attend school. Winograd additionally stated that YSC has not allowed him to get access to Johnson’s medical records. The defense also requested that Johnson be able to join a five-day program at a children’s hospital, where he would receive medical attention and an education.

Then in a dramatic moment, Johnson showed signs of a seizure and received emergency medical attention in the courtroom.

Following the incident, Winograd stated that although Johnson experiences seizures regularly, this one appeared to be worse than normal.

Winograd continued to argue for Johnson’s release, stating that he is at risk of exposure to pathogens at YSC, which makes his condition worse. According to Winograd, at one point, someone entered YSC with the flu.

Prosecutors conceded that Johnson’s lack of medical and educational resources at YSC is concerning, but stated that there are no conditions of release that will help protect the community. According to the prosecution, Johnson had a history of violent behavior that was both continuous and escalating. Additionally, prosecutors claimed that home confinement wouldn’t prevent Johnson from taking violent action while attending school.

While Judge Ryan had previously found no conditions of release that would ensure community protection, he stated that he would be open to changing his mind, as Johnson’s age and lack of medical attention concerned him. The argument was underscored by the medical emergency that took place during the hearing.

Judge Ryan decided to release Johnson on 24-hour home confinement with exceptions for medical appointments and legal visits. Both therapy and the five-day program will fall under the medical exception. As part of the release conditions, Johnson will be restricted from visiting the area where the incident took place or interacting with anyone who was present during the incident.

Parties will reconvene on April 2 to discuss Johnson’s compliance with release conditions.

Jury Acquits Stabbing Defendant After Deliberating 1 Day

A jury empaneled by DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna found a stabbing defendant not guilty of all charges on March 27.

Darryl Myers, 52, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, misdemeanor sex abuse, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2024, in Dupont Circle. One victim was stabbed and the other sexually assaulted.

After less than a day of deliberations, the jury acquitted Myers of all six charges.

In the trial, the prosecution attempted to prove that the stabbing was not self-defense, arguing Myers provoked the confrontation, stabbed the victim four times, and bragged about it afterwards.

Myers’ defense attorneys argued that there were too many inconsistencies in the victims’ stories and not enough evidence to prove that Myers was the culprit. They also highlighted that the victims were drinking the night of the incident and their description of the clothes worn by the culprit differed from the clothing Myers wore that day.

The trial lasted four days, with the jury delivering its verdict just after lunch on the fourth day.

Myers was released from the DC Jail and no further dates were set.

Probation Continued for Pregnant Shooting Defendant As She Awaits Assault Trial

A shooting defendant’s probation was continued by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 27 as she awaits the results of a simple assault trial.

Javonee Jackson, 26, accepted a sealed plea agreement in early 2025 for her involvement in the shooting of her oldest child’s father on May 10, 2023 at the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. She was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, and the terms of the plea are not accessible.

Jackson was additionally charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm in a separate case on Nov. 11, 2025.

At her probation hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said Jackson had been compliant with her probation, despite her new arrest. Jackson is enrolled in anger management and grief counseling and had negative drug tests, the representative said.

Judge Dayson said she would follow CSOSA’s recommendation to wait for the results of Jackson’s new case, set to go to trial on April 23, before deciding on her probation. There were no objections to allowing CSOSA to handle further probation actions if Jackson is found not guilty.

Jackson did not object to the schedule, but alerted Judge Dayson that she could give birth around the time of her trial. She and her attorney, Alvin Thomas, said they would coordinate and contact the court if any scheduling changes are needed.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 23.

Defense Asks Judge to Release Carjacking Defendant Held on Other Charges

A defense attorney in a carjacking case asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to release her client in a hearing on March 31.

Antwon Brown, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE on July 20, 2023.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Quiana Harris, informed parties that her client is held on other unrelated charges in a strangulation case and has filed a motion for Brown’s release in that case. Brown was previously on release in the carjacking case until he was arrested on the new charges.

Harris also stated that her motion asks Judge Arthur to review the probable cause finding from a hearing on March 4 in the strangulation case.

The prosecution explained that they have received the motion, but want two weeks to be able to respond.

Additionally, the prosecution alerted parties that the case was previously before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel who asked them to investigate Brown’s compliance on release with the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA).

Brown’s carjacking case was transferred to Judge Arthur’s calendar since he presides over his other case.

The prosecution stated that Judge Israel wanted to be sure that Brown was in compliance with PSA to find out if there were grounds for Brown’s release.

Judge Arthur explained to the prosecution that if they want to maintain Brown’s hold, they can file a formal motion.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17.

Two Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 20 Counts at Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 20 charges stemming from two shootings before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31.

Daquan Baker, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and a misdemeanor unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

All violent charges face an aggravating circumstance of allegedly being committed after Baker had two prior felony convictions.

Most charges stem from Baker’s alleged involvement in a January 25, 2025 shooting on the 5400 block of B Street, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh and graze wounds.

Additionally, Baker faces charges for his alleged involvement in a separate January 1, 2025 shooting on the 5300 block of Astor Place, SE. No one was injured but ShotSpotter detected 13 gunshots.

At the hearing, the court arraigned Baker on the charges against him while his attorney, Terrence Austin, pleaded not guilty on his behalf and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution also presented evidence in the case which they chose to test for DNA which included a handgun and magazine from the January 25 incident. Prosecutors stated that their testing showed DNA evidence recovered from the handgun very likely belongs to Baker. They added that other evidence, including multiple handguns, shell casings, and a pill bottle, recovered during Baker’s arrest and from the January 1 incident, were not tested for DNA.

Baker waived his right to re-test evidence or test any additional materials. Defendants have a right to conduct independent DNA testing under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA).

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.

First Responder Says Defendant’s Behavior was ‘Consistent with Intoxication’ After Fatal Crash

Several witnesses testified about the level of intoxication of a defendant accused of killing three people in a fatal car crash before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 30.

Nakita Walker, 46, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a fatal car crash. The incident occurred on March 15, 2023 on Rock Creek Parkway and killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22.

A detective with the US Park Police testified that according to medical records, Walker was “currently intoxicated” while hospitalized immediately after the incident based on her “ethanol level and clinical appearance.” Her ethanol levels were determined by blood and urine tests. Ethanol is the variant of alcohol for human consumption.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah countered that the detective had little involvement in the case as he was not present on the scene at the time of the incident and had nothing to do with the collection of the samples of blood and urine.

The next witness was a firefighter and paramedic from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) that responded to the scene. She testified that she did a quick examination of Walker and claimed she was “acting abnormally” and her behavior was “consistent with intoxication.”

She also admitted in cross-examination that she was unaware Walker had a concussion and people with concussions can exhibit odd behaviors as well.

The prosecution then called a medical doctor from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who testified that the blood and urine tests ran for Walker “detected ethanol.” Additionally, the doctor said when individuals show “signs and symptoms of impairments” they should not be driving.

During cross-examination, Amissah confirmed with the doctor that the alcohol level in a blood sample can change depending on if it is stored properly. Alcohol levels can increase due to fermentation taking place, but they can also decrease when the sample is repeatedly opened, letting alcohol escape. The doctor said she did not know whether the tests were stored correctly.

The prosecution also called the medical examiner that performed the autopsies of the victims who testified that the cause of death for all three were “multiple blunt force injuries” and were classified as accidents for the purpose of public health statistics.

Finally an expert in accident reconstruction demonstrated that while Walker was allegedly going nearly double the speed limit at the time of the collision, she was slowing down from her original speed from around 100 miles per hour. At the time of the crash, she was said to be traveling at about 73 miles per hour.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 31.

Judge Denies Release For Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied release for a stabbing defendant, despite defense concerns about her condition at the DC Jail in a hearing on March 30.

Thelma Speed, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 200 block of 51st Street, NE on Jan. 6. The victim sustained lacerations to both hands and his left forearm.

Speed’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, asked Judge Pipe for a continuance because he sent the prosecution a counter plea offer for review. Daniels requested a mid-April date for the court to reconvene.

After a conversation under seal, Judge Pipe alerted parties that she denied Daniels’ request to release Speed, stating that the facts of the case, as well as Speed’s previous cases, were “concerning.”

Judge Pipe instructed Daniels to alert her chambers if there’s anything he’s concerned about regarding Speed’s incarceration in the DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Defense Challenges Prosecution’s Expert Strangulation Witness

Defense attorneys opposed the use of a prosecutor’s expert witness on strangulation, requesting the analyst testify in a separate hearing before trial in a March 27 hearing.

Juan Guerra, 34, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Peter Miller III, 32, on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021.

Prosecutors were planning on calling a “crime scene recreator” as their expert witness for trial.

However, Guerra’s defense attorneys Kevin Mosley and Diana Yu intend to challenge the prosecution’s expert witness because he “doesn’t use scientifics” in his expertise.

Mosley and Yu are opposing him in areas of supposed expertise in because his testimony will be “more prejudicial than probative.”

The defense’s request is said to ensure the expert witness’s testimony is reliable and relevant.

The prosecutor said he believed their witness should be deemed more of a “strangulation expert” rather than a “crime scene recreator.” The prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that the prosecution will oppose the defense’s challenge.

Judge Kravitz suggested they set another date to get things figured out before trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Co-Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Jail Stabbing Case

A defendant rejected a plea offer while his co-defendant requested additional time to consider the agreement in a jail stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on March 30.

Tyrone Hawkins, 25, and Christian Ware,19, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail that left a victim with five stab wounds on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Oct. 21, 2025.

According to court documents, Hawkins and Ware allegedly entered the victim’s jail cell and stabbed him with a makeshift shank. The victim was found with numerous stab wounds including two stab wounds to the back, two stab wounds to the right arm, and one stab wound to the abdomen.

Court records show that Hawkins was previously charged for his alleged involvement in a separate jail stabbing case that occurred in 2023, which prosecutors dismissed on Jan. 23.

During the hearing, the prosecution mentioned a recently offered plea deal, but did not disclose any terms.

Hawkins’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, rejected the plea offer on behalf of his client and asserted his right to a jury trial.

Ware’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Erin Griffard, requested additional time to review the plea offer with their client.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 5.

A Victim Says Shooter is not ‘a Monster,’ at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a shooting defendant to two-and-a-half years in prison on March 27 for shooting 26 times at his extended family members in a car.

Amonte Moody, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for firing into a vehicle on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE on April 22, 2024. Despite the car containing four individuals, no one sustained injuries.

In a victim impact statement, one victim said the situation was very sad, but Moody has “already endured enough.”

She told the court she hates how Moody has been painted as “a monster,” especially given how he was assaulted before the shooting and shot at the car in anger.

As a mother herself, the victim explained, she doesn’t want Moody to have his life taken away. She asked Judge Edelman to not just put him behind bars, but to provide services that could actually help him such as mental health counseling or services that would allow him to gain an education.

The victim emphasized that she feels Moody has already been held accountable in the two years he’s been incarcerated.

The prosecutor asked Judge Edelman to impose a sentence at the top of the sentencing guidelines. He acknowledged that Moody is young, but highlighted the seriousness of the crime. The prosecutor argued the only reason Moody didn’t hit anyone in the car was because bullet trajectories curve and he isn’t a sniper.

According to the prosecutor, Moody used a semi-automatic gun, meaning he had to pull the trigger 26 different times when shooting at the car.

The prosecutor claimed, after the police were called, Moody changed his hairstyle and clothes, indicating he made a conscious choice and knew what he did was wrong afterwards.

The prosecutor argued due to the serious nature of the crime, Moody shouldn’t be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows people under 25 who are convicted of certain crimes to have their convictions sealed after they successfully complete their sentence and potentially offers sentencing flexibility.

Moody’s attorney, Kavya Naini, insisted Moody didn’t injure anyone because his intention wasn’t to harm. According to Naini, since Moody’s arrest, he has taken every opportunity he could to better himself and help the community. Everyday, she said, he independently volunteers to do things like counseling, classes, schooling, or debate, showing how support and guidance can go a long way.

“We are confident he will succeed in the community,” Naini said.

Anaya Thompson from the Public Defender Service (PDS) Office of Rehabilitation and Development told the judge that with the right support in place, Moody would continue to move forward. Thompson stressed the importance of community based interventions over the prison, arguing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is not designed to provide individualized care.

Sending Moody to the BOP would cause “irreparable harm,” Molly Bunke, Moody’s other attorney, said. “There’s only so much growth you can do in a cage.”

Bunke argued Moody should be sentenced under the YRA to give him further opportunity for rehabilitation after his sentence.

“I know I made a mistake, but I’ve learned from it,” Moody told Judge Edelman. He urged the judge to “look at [him] as a whole person, not just the worst decision [he’s] ever made.”

Judge Edelman told Moody there is no minimizing what he did. The shooting was a “violent, terrifying, reckless act,” he said.

However, he agreed with the defense’s assertion that this shooting was out of character for Moody. Judge Edelman said that while this was a “spontaneous and impulsive act of extremely poor judgment,” Moody has had no interactions with the criminal justice system prior to this incident.

That as well as his conduct after his arrest, and his existing support system from friends and family, Judge Edelman ruled to sentence Moody under the YRA.

In a legal twist, the victim is advocating for Moody’s release, the crime was serious but resulted in no physical harm, and the defendant has no prior involvement with the criminal justice system.

The judge stated two years in prison was substantial punishment for Moody and he’s concerned that a lengthy period of incarceration would jeopardize any progress Moody has made.

Judge Edelman sentenced Moody to 18 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and 12 months in prison for attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, followed by three years of supervised release and 18 months of probation.

The judge sentenced Moody to 72 months in prison, suspending all but 30 months, for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentence will be followed by 18 months of probation.

The sentences for assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon will be consecutive while the sentence for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence will be concurrent.

Judge Edelman specified Moody’s probation wouldn’t be the “regular kind of probation.” Rather, it would be a check in with Judge Edelman every few months to help keep Moody accountable.

“I’m giving you this sentence because it’s the right thing to do for you, and more importantly it’s the right thing to do for the community,” the judge said.

Judge Edelman delayed Moody’s formal sentencing until May 1 to allow him time to participate in a debate at the DC Jail. Parties are scheduled to reconvene May 1 for Judge Edelman to issue the sentence.

‘You Had Five Years to Get More Information,’ Stabbing Defendant Says To Judge During Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld stated she needed more information before deciding on sentencing for a stabbing defendant on March 30.

Nahum Posner, 56, was convicted on Jan. 16, 2026 of assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 3000 block of 30th Street, SE on Oct. 22, 2020.

According to court documents, the victim was standing at the trunk of her car on the side of her residence when Posner approached her and stabbed her. The victim screamed, alerting her son, who came out of the house and hit Posner’s arm with a hammer, knocking him off the victim. Posner then fled the scene.

“There’s a level of comfort that was taken from us,” the victim’s son stated during the hearing.

He explained that his mother hasn’t been the same since the incident and they had to move from their home of over a decade.

The prosecution stated voluntary sentencing guidelines for the offense were 18-to-60 months of incarceration. However, they argued that Judge Hertzfeld should sentence Posner to eight years, above his guidelines, due to aggravating circumstances. They explained the attack was unprovoked and that Posner has had “continuous homicidal ideations,” presenting a serious safety concern to the community.

Posner’s attorney, Albert Amissah, requested that Judge Hertzfeld release Posner on probation and require that he be compliant with his treatment plan. Amissah suggested a suspended sentence, which would potentially keep the time in place as Posner serves probation. He argued that Posner hadn’t had a criminal charge prior to the stabbing and that Posner had suffered a mental brake.

Amissah explained that Posner would receive help from a case manager and an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team if released on probation. They would make daily visits and make sure Posner takes his medication and attends programs.

“I’m not a violent person,” Posner told Judge Hertzfeld.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that she didn’t have enough information to make a decision on Posner’s sentence during the hearing.

“You had five years to get more information,” Posner yelled at Judge Herzfeld before being removed from the courtroom.

Judge Hertzfeld said she would not make a decision until she received more information on Posner’s mental health and his release plan from the defense. She also stated she needed the prosecution to flag any aggravated circumstances and send them to her.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 5 for sentencing.

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