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Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to All Charges

Before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Oct. 18, a murder defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Cory Heard, 23, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 35-year-old Rodney Snead. The shooting occurred on Nov. 20, 2023 on the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. 

Heard’s attorney, Quo Mieko Judkins, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and asserted all constitutional rights. 

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 13.

Parties Will File Severance Motions in Co-Defendant Shooting Case

Three shooting co-defendants alerted DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe that they plan to file motions to sever their cases, during a hearing on Oct. 18. 

Purnell Jackson, 38, Charles Turner, 37, and Kharee Jackson, 31, are charged with conspiracy, eight counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unarmed carjacking, 11 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, unlawful possession of ammunition, carrying a rifle or shotgun outside a home or place of business, second-degree burglary, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

They are charged for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that left three people injured. This crime occurred on Aug. 24, 2022, on the unit block of Quincy Place, NE. 

Defense attorneys, Daniel Dorsey for Kharee Jackson, Rachel Cicurel for Charles Turner and Julie Swaney for Purnell Jackson stated they want to ensure against jury bias so each defendant will receive a fair trial based only on the evidence against each individual.

Parties were given a deadline to file discussed motions of severance on or before Jan. 6, 2025. 

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 15.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspects in a Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating two suspects involved in a shooting in the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Quebec Place, NW. Officers on the scene located the victim, an adult female, who was subsequently transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening gunshot injuries.

MPD Detective Denies Threatening Witness to Lie During Homicide Investigation

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified that he did not threaten a witness or ask a witness to lie during a homicide and conspiracy trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo  on Oct. 16.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020. The court ruled that investigators had searched beyond what was legally allowed.

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial. 

The detective was the former lead detective in the 2015 murder of Osuchukwu before he retired in 2020.

The witness, who was allegedly threatened was Burns’ cousin and Allen’s brother. 

According to the detective, Allen’s brother originally contacted MPD through an anonymous phone call, saying he had evidence regarding his cousin’s involvement in Osuchukwu’s murder.

Following that call, the lead detective said he interviewed the witness on Nov. 20, 2015. The witness told the detective that Burns shot and killed Osuchukwu. 

The witness provided testimony regarding the claim at Burn’s first trial.

The prosecution presented evidence from 2020 when the witness recanted his testimony through a signed affidavit stating that he lied to the court and to the police. 

The affidavit was created by Burns’s former attorney, Ronald Resetarits, and alleged the witness lied because of potential reward money, fear of going to jail, and animosity for Burns. 

The affidavit further alleged that these fears stemmed from the detective’s threatening the witness and asking him to provide a fabricated story.

Allegations include the detective telling the witness that he knew Burns committed the murder but could not prove it, that the witness would receive $25,000 in reward money if he provided testimony that resulted in a conviction, and that he could face jail time as Burns was claiming he was the mastermind of the murder.

The detective said he had no knowledge of the affidavit and was not made aware of the witness’s recantation or allegations until the beginning of this trial in 2024. There was never a formal claim against the detective for any misconduct.

The detective denied the witness’s claims in their entirety.

Footage of the detective’s interview with the witness was shown to the jury and appeared to substantiate the detective’s assertions that the claims of misconduct were false.

Trial is set to resume on Oct. 17.

Carjacking Co-Defendant Must Stay on GPS Monitoring

A carjacking defendant’s request to modify his release conditions was denied on Oct. 18 by DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur. 

Ion Cooper, 20, Javard Harris, 23, and Omari Dantignac, 19, are charged with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in two carjacking incidents on Dec. 1, 2023 on the 1700 Block of Bay Street, SE and the 900 Block on 3rd Street, SE.

Dantignac’s defense attorney, Molly Bunke, requested to modify his release conditions, specifically the removal of GPS monitoring. She noted that the defendant is employed and had finished a college class with a 100 percent score, demonstrating he is not a risk and a contributing member of society.

The prosecution objected, because Dantignac’s co-defendants are incarcerated on the same charges. 

Judge Arthur refused to modify the conditions given the seriousness of the incident.

The parties also alerted Judge Arthur that they are in plea negotiations. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8. 

Judge Orders Competency Evaluation for Stabbing Defendant 

In a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann on Oct. 18, a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing was delayed in order to complete a competency evaluation.

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

According to court documents, Pratt, who was staying at a relative’s home, allegedly began “acting crazy,” before stabbing his relative’s significant other. 

Darryl Daniels, Pratt’s attorney, requested Judge Herrmann issue an order for Pratt to receive mental competency evaluations before moving forward with the preliminary hearing. 

The prosecution did not object, and Judge Herrmann granted the request. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 22.

Judge Won’t Dismiss Carjacking Defendant’s Case for Medical Issues

Defense attorney Darryl Daniels asked the prosecution to dismiss his client’s case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann in an Oct. 18 hearing.

Charles Holt, 68, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 2 incident on the 2500 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE. 

According to court documents, Holt allegedly threatened to shoot a friend unless the friend drove him to an automated teller machine (ATM). Holt, after some time, allegedly kicked his friend out of the car and drove off in the vehicle.

Holt was not present in court as he was found unconscious when he was arrested on Sept. 2, and has been hospitalized since.

Daniels asked the prosecution if they would dismiss the case given Holt’s medical state but the motion was denied.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 22.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

A non-fatal shooting defendant waived her right to DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Oct. 15. 

Diamond Early, 31, is charged with assault with significant bodily injury while armed, two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a pistol without a license outside home/business, possession of unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition, for her alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on July 31 on the 4000 block of Kansas Avenue, NW. One person suffered from a non-fatal gunshot wound to the right leg. 

According to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) documents, the suspect made disparaging remarks in the presence of the victim. The victim and the suspect got involved in an argument, when the suspect produced a firearm and allegedly shot the victim before fleeing.

Under the counsel of her defense attorney, Antoini Jones, Early waived her right to independently test the prosecution’s DNA evidence. 

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 24.

Double Homicide Defendant Accused of Violations Remains on Release

In an Oct. 17 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan allowed a double murder defendant, Amarii Fontanelle, to remain on release, despite multiple reported violations of home confinement allegedly for family emergencies and meeting terms of an out of state probation.

Fontanelle, 20, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed. 

Fontanelle, along with his co-defendant Jahi Rapp, 21, were allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Reginald Lamont Cooper, Jr. and 19-year-old Davonte Berkley on Oct. 17, 2022, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.  A third victim survived the assault.

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) reported that the defendant nearly violated a stay-away order from his co-defendant’s residence on several occasions in late September. 

The prosecution added that Fontanelle continues to defy the terms of home confinement and requested the conditions of his release to be revoked. 

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley explained to the court that the mother of Fontanelle’s child faced emergencies requiring the defendant to break the home confinement. The Metro stop he exited as a result is near his co-defendant’s residence, according to Mosley. 

The defense added that this will not occur again as the defendant’s is now living with his mother in Maryland. His previous residence allegedly put him in life-threatening circumstances, which undermined home confinement.

The representative from the PSA noted another instance of noncompliance on Oct. 12. The defense explained that it was due to mandatory visits with his probation officer for another case in Maryland.

The defense further argued that with mental health services, the defendant’s behavior would change. With the assistance of the court, he will be assigned a new case manager, and Fontanelle will be placed on proper medications after the hearing. 

Judge Raffinan denied the prosecution’s request to revoke Fontanelle’s release. The judge modified the home confinement order to allow travel meet with the probation officer in Maryland, with permission from PSA. She warned the defendant to not break home confinement in the future. 

The parties will reconvene on Dec. 3. 

Judge Issues Warrant For Murder Defendant, No Show in Court

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan issued a bench warrant for a homicide defendant who has continuously failed to appear in court, on Oct. 17. 

Vanessa Bonaparte, 32, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the death of 31-year-old Dwayne Boyd, which occurred on June 22 on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE. 

Defense attorney Kevann Gardner argued that Bonaparte didn’t know that she had to appear in court. 

During her Oct. 16 hearing, the defendant appeared late to her hearing and departed due to health issues before court could reconvene, and she was not informed of the continuance, according to Gardner. 

A representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) attempted to contact the defendant, but could not confirm the messages were delivered. GPS monitoring showed Bonaparte was not in transit to court.

Judge Raffinan issued a bench warrant with no bond. She argued that due to the defendant’s unsuccessful discharge from drug treatment on Oct. 8, the court action was necessary for the noncompliance.

The parties will reconvene when the bench warrant is served.

Domestic Violence Shooting Defendant  Remains in Jail

A shooting defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Oct. 17, and was denied release conditions by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann. 

Marquise Vauss, 21, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in two domestic violence incidents, on the 1700 block of D street NE. 

According to court documents, on Sept. 17, Vauss slapped the victim, identified as his girlfriend, in her apartment and fired three shots at her vehicle as she drove away. Additionally, on Oct. 9, Vauss allegedly punched the victim in the face after she denied him money to purchase marijuana.

During the proceeding, Vauss waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and Anthony Smith, Vauss’ attorney, argued he should be released as he awaits future court dates.

Smith argued that Vauss had a support system and place to live in the community through his mother, had a steady job, and Vauss’ girlfriend, the complainant in this case, had indicated Vauss would be allowed to live with her again.

The prosecution opposed release conditions citing Vauss’ criminal history and the seriousness of the offense as reasons the community would not be safe with Vauss on release.

Ultimately, Judge Herrmann agreed with the prosecution and denied Vauss’ release.

Parties are scheduled for next on Oct. 24.

Shooting Defendant Denied Release After Waiving Preliminary Hearing 

A defendant in a shooting case was denied release conditions by DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann in an Oct. 17 hearing, after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Marquise Henry, 29, is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in an Oct. 13 shooting on the 1300 block of Stevens Road, SE. No injuries were reported.

According to court documents, the victim and the suspect, later identified as Henry, were following one another leading up to the shooting. 

Henry allegedly shot at the victim’s vehicle three times, before getting back in his car and fleeing the scene. 

During the hearing, Henry waived his right to a preliminary hearing before his attorney, Anthony Smith, argued for Henry to receive release conditions.

Smith argued Henry did not discharge the gun in a manner which put the complainant in any danger and requested Henry be released with electronic monitoring.

The prosecution argued against release conditions, stating that there is no way a gun can be fired without putting people in danger. They cited Henry’s probationary status for both a hit-and-run in DC and a rape case in Maryland at the time of the incident.

Judge Herrmann ruled to continue detaining Henry given his documented non-compliance with probation and the serious nature of the offense.

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 6.

Homicide Defendant’s Prison Calls Used as Evidence in Trial

Jail calls between co-defendants referencing a “plan” were played for the jury during a homicide and conspiracy trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 18.  

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the Nov. 14, 2015, fatal shooting of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE. 

Burns was convicted of these charges in 2017, but the DC Court of Appeals overturned the verdict in 2020. 

Burns and Tyre Allen, 24, are also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of justice for their alleged attempts to persuade a witness—Allen’s brother and Burns’s cousin—to redact testimony from Burns’ first trial. 

The prosecution played audio recordings of phone calls between Burns and Allen while Burns was in prison. 

The phone calls took place in the Fall of 2020 shortly before and after Allen’s brother signed an affidavit recanting his testimony that incriminated Burns at the first trial.

The phone calls also reference Burns asking his lawyer to file a release motion based on the recanted testimony. 

During the calls to Allen, Burns says, “he need to do what the plan is,” “this sh*t about to be over,” and “we did our part,” in reference to needing his attorney to file his release motion.

In a call where Allen informed Burns of the witness recanting his testimony he stated, “the way he was before is over” and “he’s starting to see the bigger picture.”

The defense also began their case out of order due to scheduling conflicts, and called the ex-girlfriend of Allen’s brother as a witness.

She testified to overhearing an argument over the phone between Burns and Allen’s brother in the fall of 2015, which ended with Allen’s brother saying he was, “going to get [Burns] locked up.”

She also stated, “he not truthful” when asked whether she had an opinion about whether Allen’s brother is honest. In response to whether others had an opinion, she stated, “everybody say he lie a lot.”

During cross examination, the prosecutor asked about the statement that Allen’s brother was, “going to get [Burns] locked up,” questioning why the witness didn’t come forward knowing that Burns had been arrested for alleged murder. Her response was that she didn’t know he had been arrested for murder until around a year later because she was a juvenile.

Trial will resume on Oct. 21.

Judge Grants Stabbing Defendant’s Request to Represent Himself

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a stabbing defendant’s request to represent himself in court on Oct. 17. 

Brian Long, 42, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on Nov. 23, 2023 on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. One individual sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, the suspect, later identified as Long, became enraged after he observed an individual touching his “rideshare” bicycle with his bag on the handlebars. The suspect and the individual got into a verbal altercation, which escalated after a female accomplice allegedly handed him a knife, then stabbed the individual in the back after chasing him down.

Judge Arthur granted the request for Long to represent himself in court, naming Long’s defense attorney Howard McEachern as his advisory counsel. Judge Arthur had previously denied Long’s request, in addition to Long’s request for a civilian to represent him. 

In addition, a plea agreement was placed on the record stating that if Long pleads guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, prosecutors will not indict him on more serious charges.

Long requested additional time to make a decision. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 5.