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Stabbing Suspect’s Trial Delayed So Defense Can Test DNA Evidence

The trial of a suspected killer in a brutal knife attack has been postponed until late next year because the defense wants to do its own testing of extensive DNA evidence in the case. 

In an Oct. 11 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge William Okun said he was “concerned about the delay,” but acknowledged the deferral was justified.

George Sydnor, 45, is charged with three counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed that was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, burglary while armed offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release, and one count of kidnapping while armed offense was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel offenses committed during release for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that killed 31-year-old Christy Bautista on March 31, at a hotel on the 1600 block of New York Avenue, NE.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a 911 call reporting screams coming from a hotel room in the district.

When they arrived, police found Syndor in the room, allegedly with blood on his hands and clothing and a woman on the ground near the door covered in blood apparently suffering from repeated stabbing injuries.  Police recovered half of a blood-stained broken knife in their search for evidence and Syndor was arrested at the scene.

Earlier a person identified as Syndor was seen on surveillance video arriving at the hotel on a red bicycle and making contact with the victim, according to court documents.  Shortly thereafter, the screams for help emanate from the hotel room. 

According to the autopsy report, Bautista was stabbed approximately 30 times, mostly in the back but also in her lungs and liver.  Additionally, the coroner said the victim endured a neck wound that punctured her spinal column, possibly paralyzing her. 

When he was taken into custody, Syndor had two outstanding arrest warrants for robbery, according to court records.

During the hearing the prosecutor said she’d supplied the defense with five reports of DNA evidence including tests on bodily fluid as well as evaluations of other genetic information that could be pertinent to the case. 

“We want to get the case off the ground this year,” she said. 

Jesse Winograd, Syndor’s attorney, said that his client was asserting his right to test DNA evidence in the case independent from the prosecution’s results.  Further that because the task was so complex he wants his own expert to review the reports before sending the material to a private lab.

Syndor “absolutely has the right to do this,” said Winograd, assuring the court that “there was no malfeasance by the government” regarding its handling of the evidence.

“The government has been very diligent,” agreed Judge Okun who said there might still be a chance of the trial starting this year. 

The planned trial date of Nov. 6 was canceled and reset for Oct. 27, 2025.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Multiple Carjackings

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 17-year-old Jordan Grice, who is charged with two counts of armed carjacking that took place on Aug. 16 and 17 on the 1700 block of 10th Street and 1100 block of 6th Street, NW, respectively. Upon responding to reports of carjacking, officers discovered the victims, who were ordered out of their cars at gunpoint.

Document: Suspect Wanted in a Fatal Shooting in Northeast

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old Andre Chillous, who is wanted on an arrest warrant charging him with first-degree premeditated murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 14-year-old David Bailey, that took place on Aug. 1 on the unit block of Tuckerman Street, NE.

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered Bailey, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A second victim, an adult male, was also found and transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

‘You Broke Every Bone in My Dad’s Face,’ Says Homicide Victim’s Daughter as Defendant Pleads Guilty

A homicide defendant accepted a pre-preliminary hearing plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Oct. 11. 

Chanos Monroe, also known as Chanos Marcus Gillis, 42, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating of 52-year-old Keith Sistare on July 27, 2022 on the 4400 block of Benning Road, NE. Sistare succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 11, 2022. 

During the hearing, Shawn Sukumar, Monroe’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to waive his preliminary hearing rights and accept a plea deal. According to Sukumar, the deal required Monroe to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment. 

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of 14 years of imprisonment. 

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they’d have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Monroe, his fiancee, and another individual were at a BP Gas station at the time of the incident. Sistare attempted to go into the driver’s seat of a vehicle, and when he realized Monroe’s fiancee was still in the vehicle, he attempted to flee. 

The prosecutor added that Monroe and his friend exited the gas station and assaulted Sistare, stomping his head multiple times, before Monroe retrieved a firearm from his vehicle. Monroe, his fiancee and companion fled the scene. 

According to the prosecutor, Sistare remained unresponsive, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Maryland (OCMEMD) ruled the manner of death a homicide, caused by complications with blunt force trauma from stomps to the head. 

Sistare’s daughter delivered a statement to Judge O’Keefe, despite Sukumar’s objections. 

“I feel like you did some bi**h a** sh**,” the daughter told Monroe, adding “My father suffered… you broke every bone in my dad’s face.” 

“I don’t know if he knew I was there taking care of him,” Sistare’s daughter stated, ruminating about her time as his caregiver following the attack. 

“You left him for dead,” she told Monroe, adding “I was there every day, until his last breath.” 

“He ain’t deserved that,” Sistare’s daughter insisted, adding “My father was somebody.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 17 for sentencing.

Judge OKs Child Witness’s Statements in Stabbing Trial 

On Oct. 10,  DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt ruled a witness’s statements, who was five-years-old at the time of the incident, are admissible to the jury in a stabbing case.

Devan Green, 30, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and simple assault. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a domestic stabbing incident on Sept. 19, 2023, on the 500 block of 58th Street, NE, seriously wounding an individual.

During the hearing, parties argued the admissibility of statements made by the juvenile witness, the victim’s child, and audio from six 911 calls made on the night of the incident. 

The prosecution argued they’d show the jury body-worn camera footage from police officers where statements from the five-year-old can be heard. Judge Brandt expressed that the minor’s claims at the crime scene were excited utterances, an exception to the hearsay rule. This makes the statements eligible to be shown to the jury, despite the juvenile not testifying in court. 

Judge Brandt stated most of the 911 calls could be displayed to the jury, as long as the callers were witnesses that were testifying. She ruled parts of the calls irrelevant to the trial, and the prosecutors will need to redact them. 

Parties are set to convene for a jury trial on Oct. 30.

‘I Had Nothing to Hide,’ Says Suspect Claiming Self-Defense

A defendant testified he stabbed the victim in self-defense before DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Oct. 10.

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW. One person sustained injuries.

According to court documents, Reams allegedly met the victim to buy narcotics. Reams allegedly returned sometime later to the scene because he was under the impression that he was missing narcotics he bought. After an argument, Reams allegedly stabbed the victim twice in his left arm and once in the left side of his abdomen. 

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers went to the hospital so that the victim could identify the suspect. They used a photo array consisting of nine individuals. The victim picked out the suspect and called him by his nickname and legal name.

Reams’ attorney, Michelle Lockard, called on Reams to testify.  

Reams testified that, upon moving out of he and his wife’s house after a disagreement, the victim offered his apartment as a place to stay. According to Reams, his belongings were disappearing after the first week, including clothing and money.

Reams further explained that he left the remote and 100 dollars in the victim’s apartment, but when he returned to retrieve the items, they were gone. 

According to Reams, he had just enough time to turn around to see the victim was swinging a knife at him, and they engaged in a physical altercation that, according to Reams, led the victim to cut himself by mistake and land on the knife.

Pertaining to the obstructing justice charge, Reams testified his family was concerned about his arrest, and attempted to discuss some of the case with them without disclosing too many details. 

Specifically, Reams brought up a recording where he said “If they [the victim] do not show up, they will have to throw the case out.” According to Reams, he was not requesting that his family dissuade the victim from going to court, he was explaining court procedure to them.

On cross-examination, the prosecution elicited testimony that Reams owed the victim 100 dollars and that Reams saw the victim dig through a drawer in the kitchen, contradicting what he said previously, which was that he turned around and the victim was ready to swing the knife.

“I had nothing to hide,” Reams said.

During their closing argument, the prosecutor said Reams contradicted his story several times in his testimony. The prosecutor said Reams had previously said on a phone call that it was not him in the CCTV video that shows an individual entering the victim’s apartment, but in his testimony said it was he.. 

The prosecutor said the injuries the victim sustained are inconsistent with the defense’s story that there was a struggle with the knife, since the victim had two distinct stab wounds on his arm, which is more consistent with him blocking his face from a knife. The prosecutor also said Reams was unharmed. 

The prosecutor said Reams is guilty of obstruction of justice because of the phone call played for the jury where he allegedly told someone to “get on top of” the victim and to tell him not to come to court to testify. 

Lockard asked the jury to find Reams not guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon because they do not know for sure what happened in the apartment. She said they have two competing stories of what happened — one from the defendant and one from the victim — and that the victim “has a reason to lie.” 

Lockard said the jury should also find the defendant not guilty of obstruction of justice because the defendant did not give a direct instruction to tell the victim not to come to court. 

The jury then started deliberation.

‘I Recognize I Have a Problem’ Says Stabbing Defendant At Sentencing 

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a stabbing defendant to 84 months of incarceration on Oct. 11. 

On May 21, Donnell Smith, 45, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill for his involvement in a stabbing that occurred on Sept. 29, 2023 on the 2200 block of Adams Place, NE. 

According to the prosecution, a woman sustained life threatening injuries during the incident, including a collapsed lung. 

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Smith be sentenced to 84 months of incarceration, citing that this is not his first time being convicted for assaults, and the “defendant repeatedly resorted to assaultive behaviors.” 

According to the prosecution, the victim was a mere bystander of an altercation between Smith and another individual, when Smith bumped into her and stabbed her multiple times. The prosecutor told Judge Demeo the victim sustained the collapsed lung, and had to get a chest tube in order to survive. 

Terrence Austin, Smith’s attorney, requested a bottom of the guideline sentencing of 72 months, stating that Smith has battled substance abuse all his life, and is “truly committed to maintain his sobriety,” this time. 

According to Austin, this is Smith’s most serious conviction, and “a life in a cage isn’t easy for anyone, especially someone [Smith’s] age.”

Austin told Judge Demeo Smith had an “atypical” childhood, stating his father passed away when he was young and his mother was “emotionally unavailable” for Smith. He added that Smith’s mom was not aware of the path he was taking at 15 when he began abusing drugs. 

“He recognizes he has to do differently,” Austin told Judge Demeo, adding that he is “extremely remorseful.” 

“I apologize to the young lady,” Smith told the Court, adding “I didn’t see me, I see a person that’s under the influence,” in a video of the incident that the prosecution provided. 

“I’m not perfect… I recognize I have a problem,” Smith said, stating “this is the time to address it.”

“[He] has a desire to [change], he just needs an opportunity,” Austin proclaimed. 

“Significant harm was done, a victim was stabbed,” Judge Demeo stated, adding that the harm the victim sustained is long lasting and isn’t over when the physical harm heals. 

“There are demonstrations that he has engaged in behaviors that are dangerous to the community,” said Judge Demeo, citing his convictions of assaultive conduct, threats, and drug and weapon possessions. 

Judge Demeo imposed the 84 month sentence, with three years of supervised release, stating that although it’s below the midpoint of the required 72-to-120 months range, she gives Smith credit for taking responsibility. 

She recommended he go through mental health and drug assessments and treatment, trauma and anger management counseling, and ordered he stay away from the victim and incident location. 

No further dates were set.

Acquittal Denied in Carjacking of A Scooter

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied a motion for judgment of acquittal in an Oct. 10 carjacking trial before parties delivered their closing statements

Daquan Jackson, 28, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a March 3 carjacking incident of a scooter on the 1000 block of H Street, NE.

Jackson’s defense attorney, Sara Kopecki filed a motion for judgment of acquittal on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish Jackson ever maintained control of the vehicle he was allegedly “jacking”

Judge Pipe denied the motion, stating it was “close,” and ultimately deciding it was up to the jury to determine whether or not possession and control of the vehicle ever shifted from the victim to Jackson.

In closing statements, the prosecution laid out that Jackson had control of the victim’s scooter while holding the handlebars because that is where the steering and accelerator are located. Prosecutors equated Jackson’s actions to jumping in a running car, grabbing the steering wheel and placing feet on the pedals even while the driver of the car remains. 

The prosecution bolstered their assertions citing that no stolen vehicle report was ever filed for the scooter, which Jackson claimed was his, and “the inference [that Jackson owned the scooter] requires leaps and bounds.”

“Mr. Jackson recognizes that scooter as his,” Kopecki argued during her statements. 

Kopecki claimed Jackson had no intention to hurt the victim as there was never a point in time Jackson had control of the scooter. Kopecki argued that, given the size difference between the victim and Jackson, if Jackson wanted the victim off of the scooter, he could have done it.

Kopecki finished by stating that, “No one asked Mr. Jackson ‘do you want to talk to the police’” despite Jackson’s statements on scene that his bike was stolen and the fact that “no one has seen the title.”

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict. 

Witness Doesn’t Remember Driving a Murder Suspect to Crime Scene

A witness, identified as the defendant’s cousin, testified that she can’t recall driving the defendant to the site where the victim was killed in a hearing on Oct. 10 before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence  for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 14, 2015, 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 the due administration of justice. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in persuading and intimidating a witness who gave their testimony in Burns’ original trial.

The prosecution called the defendants’ cousin to the stand. 

During her testimony, she failed to remember a majority of the events leading up to the incident in 2015. The prosecution refreshed her memory with the grand jury transcripts in which she testified that she had previously admitted to driving Burns to the location the incident took place on the night of the shooting – but claimed she had no recollection today.

The prosecution also called a witness that was a postal inspector at the time of the incident.

The prosecution asked him about 15 packages that were delivered from California to Burns’ mother’s home, where the murder occurred. According to the inspector, narcotics typically arrived at the location from California. 

The prosecution called a cellular data analyst to continue his testimony about Burns’ phone messages.

The expert read outgoing messages from June 2015 and July 2015 revealing that Burns allegedly had a 9mm firearm in his possession. The messages appeared to have been deleted after they were sent.

The prosecution called the previous prosecuting attorney from Burns’ first trial in 2017.

According to the prosecutor, the case was the first that he received when he transferred into the homicide unit. He testified that he met Burns’ cousin who is also Allen’s brother, as he was a witness in the case. Afterwards, he crossed paths with him at a gym.

After the encounter, Allen’s brother messaged him, “Give me a call.” The attorney testified that he called the brother and he had a concerned tone to his voice. Later, the brother texted the attorney, “Can’t testify at no [trial].”

Appellate attorneys from the Public Defender Services (PDS) Claire Roth, Laura Hankins, and Shilpa Satoskar, were brought regarding concerns to attorney-client privilege during discussion of bringing in Burns’ previous attorney from 2015 as a witness. 

Judge Demeo ruled parties could only question the attorney on facts, rather than opinions. 

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 15. 

Murder Victim’s Girlfriend Says Suspect Comforted Her After Shooting

The long-time high school girlfriend of a murder victim, who also knew the defendant, broke down in tears as she recalled messages when the defendant comforted her after she learned of the victim’s death. The testimony came during a jury trial before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 9.

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.

The victim’s girlfriend and Burns exchanged emotional messages about Osuchukwu, according to the witness. 

She testified Burns sent her a message saying, “I still feel like this is my fault,” adding “I rushed him and stepped out and left the door unlocked for him.”

The witness responded, “What you mean somebody shot him in your house?” Burns replied, “Well that’s what he says when I come home the next day.”

Burns wrote, “It had to be for me and him,” adding, “O dies in my spot.”

Burns was convicted of the original 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. 

Osuchukwu’s girlfriend who knew him and Burns since high school was called as a witness. She stated that she and Osuchukwu started dating when they were 14-years-old. During that time, the witness testified, she was introduced to Burns and also became friends with him. She stated that Osuchukwu and Burns referred to each other as “best friends.”

She explained that she and Osuchukwu broke up when he went to college but then reconnected. She stated that she was close to him until the day he passed and would talk to him almost everyday.

She testified that in 2015 Osuchukwu was living in California but would come to DC once-or-twice a month. When Osuchukwu was in DC, he would either stay with her, Burns, or cousins, the witness testified.

The witness told the jury she assumed Osuchukwu was selling drugs because he didn’t have a job but had previously sold drugs in high school.

On Nov. 14, 2015, she picked Osuchukwu up at the airport in the morning, and spent the day with him at her house in Maryland. That night, around 7:30 p.m., she and Osuchukwu left for DC. 

She testified she was dropping Osuchukwu off at Burns’s mother’s house, and she was heading to her cousin’s place in Virginia. Before they arrived, the witness testified, Osuchukwu was on the phone with Burns.

She told the jury that she dropped him off around 8:50 p.m. and never heard from him again that weekend, despite trying to contact him.

A few days later, she learned of Osuchukwu’s murder from his cousin and her friend.

The witness testified she contacted Burns over Instagram direct message because they were both close to Osuchukwu and she had dropped him off with Burns the last time she saw him.

The witness told the jury she and Burns agreed to rely on one another during that time.

She added she and Burns remained in occasional contact, but Burns failed to appear at Osuchukwu’s funeral. According to the witness, Burns left town and bought a new car.  

Trial will resume on Oct. 10.

Judge Revokes Probation For Convicted Shooter

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe terminated probation on Oct. 9 for a shooting defendant after his arrests in multiple jurisdictions.

In 2018, Cesar Morales, 29, was convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and prisoner escape. The charges stemmed from his involvement in a shooting that occurred on Aug. 25, 2017 on the 3000 block of 16th Street, NW.

Morales was re-arrested on Oct. 1 following a bench warrant’s being issued in May due to his failure to appear in court.

During the hearing, Judge Pipe canceled Morales’ probation, citing he had unsuccessfully completed the terms due to his new arrests and convictions in other jurisdictions. 

No further dates were set. 

Judge Denies Assault Acquittal in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a defendant’s motion for judgment of acquittal on Oct. 9 for an assault with a dangerous weapon charge, but allowed the parties to continue to argue about a charge of obstruction.

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW. One individual sustained injuries to his left arm and abdomen.

According to court documents, a suspect met the victim to get drugs. He returned sometime later to the scene because he believed he was not given all the drugs he paid for. After an argument, the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim twice in his left arm and once in the left side of his abdomen.

Michelle Lockard, Reams’ attorney, asked for an acquittal stating that the prosecution had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Reams is guilty. 

Judge Pasichow believed that a reasonable person could conclude guilt for the first count of assault with a dangerous weapon, but not for the charge of obstruction of justice. She explained that during prison calls, during which prosecutors claimed Reams attempted to coerce a witness, did not indicate the defendant initiated coercion, or trying to protect of a second person. 

She told parties they could continue making arguments for the obstruction charge on Oct. 10. 

During the trial, the prosecution called the manager of the property where the incident occurred.

She revealed she received a phone call from one of the tenants explaining the incident. She testified she called the police and they asked her to pull video footage for their investigation. 

The prosecution showed video footage of a person identified as the victim walking to the third floor of the building, and entering the apartment of the person who made the call. The footage depicts the victim going to the fourth floor to another apartment. As he leaves, a building resident follows him to the garage where there is some commotion, but it’s not completely visible.

Lockard asked the property manager about the officer’s requesting the video footage. According to her, the officers asked her to pull video footage from specific times and she did not review any footage from different time periods.

One of the officers testified he met the victim at a Metro station.

After following the victim to the hospital, the victim informed the officer that the suspect was a man named ‘Skinny’ whose first name is Wendell or Warnell. 

A second officer testified about the photo array he created for detectives to use in the investigation.

Lockard crossed the officer and revealed that the photo array document was not signed by the detective who used it, and there were missing fields in the document. 

Prosecutors also called on another officer that responded to the scene, and displayed his body worn camera (BWC) footage.

The footage depicted the officers going downstairs and the neighbor pointed out the individual who had previously exited the elevator as Wendell. The officers stopped him but quickly released him afterwards. According to the officer, the individual had a blood stain and was seen with an injury to his left ankle.

A fourth police officer was called to the stand to testify.

The officer was dispatched to the incident and observed Reams, who matched the description of the person of interest, leave the apartment complex. The officer stopped Reams and asked him a couple of questions before he began to run away. The officers detained him after some time and arrested him for assault with a dangerous weapon and theft.

During the last officer’s testimony, the prosecution brought up audio from prisoner calls between Warnell Reams and an unknown individual. The audio played a person saying, “Tell him not to come,” and, “He ain’t going to come,” which the officer identified as Reams.

During cross examination, Lockard revealed that when the officers stopped Reams, he did not have any weapons on his person.

Parties are slated to reconvene Oct. 10.

Officer Testifies Suspect is Carjacker

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who observed a carjacking as it was happening identified the defendant as the perpetrator before a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom on Oct. 9.  

Daquan Jackson, 28, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident on March 3 on the 1000 block of H Street, NE. 

According to court documents, Jackson and another individual were riding scooters, when Jackson allegedly attempted to remove the victim from the scooter. Officers pulled over the suspect “in an attempt to stop what appeared to be an active carjacking.”

Prosecutors called on the victim, who testified through an interpreter that he was  delivering a DoorDash order on his scooter when he was jumped. He testified he was scared, as he only understood the vulgarities being yelled at him. According to the victim, the carjackers approached him from the right and forced him off the scooter.

Sara Kopecki, Jackson’s attorney, wanted to question the victim about his immigration status, claiming he’s in the United States illegally. However, Judge Pipe denied the request to question him, stating it was biased and irrelevant to the case.  

An officer, who was present at the scene when the incident occurred, testified that two individuals were riding a scooter near him, when one got off and began to carjack the victim. The officer’s body-worn camera footage was shown to the jury, which depicted the officer quickly getting out of the car and running towards what appeared to be Jackson trying to grab onto the scooter.

The officer testified that Jackson was “somewhat” compliant when arrested and that he had claimed “that’s my bike…it was stolen.” The officer supposedly responded by questioning his decision to carjack it back.

The officer stated that the carjacking was identified as a robbery, since Jackson had his hands on the vehicle, in a grip, while it was still on. He argued that since Jackson had possession and control over the vehicle, it was also a carjacking.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Oct. 10. 

Carjacking Suspect Gets Drug Screening

A carjacking defendant’s preliminary hearing was delayed on Oct. 10, as he requested a drug evaluation and treatment before DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann.

Tony White, 53, is charged with unarmed carjacking, simple assault, and leaving after colliding with property damage, for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on Sept. 20 on the 2300 block of 18th Street, NE. 

According to court documents, White allegedly stole a vehicle and caused a collision. During arrest, the defendant allegedly punched a police officer.

During the hearing, defense attorney Craig Ricard requested the preliminary hearing be continued, and Judge Hermmann order White go through a drug screening for potential drug treatment. 

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

The parties will reconvene on Oct. 18.