Security Footage Issues Dominate Non-Fatal Shooting Retrial

The trial began on Nov 5 for an alleged shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo–the case was previously tried in Aug. and ended in a mistrial.

Andrew Parsons, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and a felony charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

The prosecution showed security footage where Parsons allegedly got into an altercation with the victim outside of their apartment complex. In the footage, an individual, later identified as Parsons left and then returned with a gun, shooting at the victim ten times as he ran away. A forensic scientist who was there as an expert witness testified to finding ten bullet casings at the scene.

Prosecutors called on a Special Police Officer (SPO) who was on duty that night and testified to hearing gunshots. She reviewed security footage, where she saw the shooting occur. She recorded this on her phone. She identified Parsons as the shooter in the video, saying she could tell by his distinctive black coat and limp caused by a leg deformity.

During cross-examination, Darryl Daniels, one of the defense attorneys, questioned why only three camera angles were preserved when multiple views were available.

She first said she provided five, not three, but after reviewing previous testimony, she agreed it was three. She testified that the three angles showed the whole crime and that the others weren’t necessary.

According to the SPO, there were other individuals at the scene, including two other men and the victim’s girlfriend– none of them spoke with police.

The identification stems solely from the SPO, who wasn’t present during the shooting. A later discrepancy came up when she testified that she was on duty that night with another SPO that testified.

The second SPO testified that he was off duty that night but learned of the incident through a company group chat where the first SPO shared her recordings.

The defense questioned whether his identification of Parsons was because of his own experience or because the first SPO initially made it. He paused and finally answered that it was his own, but he admitted that all he saw and learned was from her.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about recovering a Maryland ID with an apparent bullet hole from the apartment where the victim was found.

The trial will continue Nov. 6 with additional witness testimony and closing arguments.

Special Police Officer’s Testimony Disrupts Metro Stabbing Trial

A Special Police Officer’s (SPO) testimony devolved into heated exchanges with DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 5. That following the opening of a trial for a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Metro station after a fight on the platform.

Samuel Robinson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon, allegedly committed during release from another criminal matter, for his alleged role in a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Square Metro Station on the 700 block of M Street, NW, on Feb. 6. One person sustained a wound to the back of the head.

Prosecutors outlined the incident, stating that it began when the victim, who is reportedly schizophrenic, got into an altercation with Robinson, grabbing him by the collar and pinning him against an elevator. After an SPO intervened to break up the initial confrontation, the victim became aggressive.. The situation escalated when Robinson allegedly drew a pocket knife, went after the victim, and slashed him in the back of the head.

The defense, led by attorney Michelle Lockhard, argues that Robinson acted in self-defense. They claim the victim initiated physical contact and maintained a threatening posture even after the SPO’s intervention. Lockhard contended that Robinson drew the knife in response to an ongoing threat to his safety, emphasizing that the SPO should have done more to stop the situation and protect Robinson.

The prosecution’s first witness, the SPO who responded to the incident, testified that she witnessed a fight near the station escalator upon arriving for her shift. She described seeing a bald man “yoking up” a man with dreadlocks and then asking them to stop. After the parties separated, the victim became threatening. She emphasized that Robinson “did what he had to do to protect himself.”

During cross-examination, defense attorney Lockhard questioned why the armed officer didn’t intervene more forcefully. The SPO explained that their use-of-force protocol prioritizes the safety of all parties and that her role is to manage situations while awaiting Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) response.

The testimony was marked by frequent interruptions and heated exchanges between the witness and Judge Pipe, which led to the jury going into recess multiple times. The SPO repeatedly talked over Judge Pipe and the attorneys, refused to answer questions, and demanded to leave, visibly agitated with the proceedings. At points, the two were yelling at each other over what is expected of testifying witness. The testimony, which Judge Pipe said could be fifteen minutes, took over an hour.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 6.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Brandon Ward on Nov. 9 on the 5000 block of First Street, NW near Rock Creek Cemetery. 

Ward was pronounced dead on scene.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Fred Morgan that took place on Nov. 8 on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Morgan, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: Police Investigate homicide of 30-Year-Old Man

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 30-year-old Tyrone Burch, who was killed in the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE on Nov. 7.

When responding to reports of gun shots, officers discovered Burch, who was pronounced dead on scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Atlantic Street Murder

On Nov. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 62-year-old Maurice Jackson, charging him with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident on Nov. 7 on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as 24-year-old Olivia Graves, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: Police Arrest Another Suspect in S Street Murder

On Nov. 7, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 28-year-old Delonte Terrell in connection with a fatal shooting that took place on Jan. 16 on the 2400 block of S Street, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, 23-year-old Javonni Coleman, who was pronounced dead on scene. 

The press release also mentions a prior arrest of a 21-year-old Karim Ibrahim, from Oxon Hill, MD, who is also connected to the same incident.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect in 13th Street Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Nov. 7 Jordan Thurman, 25, who was allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Denzel Greenwood. 

The incident happened on Aug. 4, 2023, on the 1900 block of 13th Street, NW. Thurman is charged with first-degree murder while armed.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Fatal Mass Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested Nov. 7 25-year-old Andre Greene.

Greene is allegedly charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on July 18 ion the 2200 block of Alabama Avenue, SE. 

After responding to reports of a quadruple shooting, officers discovered four victims, with two adults, identified as 29-year-old Lamont Street and 50-year-old Jermaine Proctor, succumbing to their injuries.

Stabbing Defendant Rejects Global Plea Offer

A stabbing defendant formally rejected a global plea offer that would have resolved three cases in a Nov. 7 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

James Callen, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a July 13 stabbing incident on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE.

According to court documents, Callen called for help after the victim arrived at Morris Road apartments, clearly intoxicated and bleeding. According to Callen, the victim drunkenly moved around the apartment, constantly falling over, and leaving blood stains everywhere. Callen said he called 911 once he was able to get the victim to remain still and saw the extent of her injuries.

EMS on scene later reported that they found Callen involved unwontedly in helping them care for the victim. Once the victim was loaded into the ambulance, emergency technicians told Callen he would not be able to ride with them on the way to the hospital, as he would continue to get in the way of administering care to the victim.

As the ambulance pulled away, Callen allegedly jumped on to the back, causing the responders to stop and remove Callen from the back of the vehicle.

While Callen was explaining what happened to police, officers found Callen had a standing stay away order from the address on the 1600 block of Morris Road, SE and arrested him for contempt.

During the hearing, Alvin Thomas, Callen’s attorney, alerted the court that Callen was rejecting a plea offer from the prosecution. Had Callen accepted the offer, he would have been required to waive his indictment and plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed. In exchange, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in this case and two other cases Callen currently has pending.

Callen’s trial date was set for Sept. 3, 2025.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 28, 2025.

Bench Warrant Outstanding for Armed Carjacking Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian alerted the parties on Nov. 8 that a bench warrant, issued on Oct. 9, remains outstanding for an armed carjacking defendant.

Peguy Sikadi, is charged with armed carjacking, eleven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of robbery while armed, and five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, for his alleged involvement in an armed carjacking which occurred on May 26, 2024 on the 2000 block of 13th St, NW.

Sikadi failed to appear before Judge Christian on Oct. 21 and Nov. 8 despite his outstanding bench warrant.

Sikadi’s co-defendant, Lamar Stephens, is moving ahead with a jury trial in December despite Sikadi’s absence.

Parties are set to reconvene Nov. 19.

Homicide Defendant, Also Accused in Jail Stabbing, Denied Release

A homicide co-defendant’s request for a review of his release condition was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 8.

Keith Baham, 25, and Tyler Stringfield, 26, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, conspiracy, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, two counts of possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in the death of 23-year-old Rafiq Hawkins in the 1200 block of Brentwood Road, NE on March 23, 2019.

Baham and Stringfield are also co-defendants in this matter with Raymond Avent, 24, who is facing the same charges and was not present at this hearing.

Brian Shefferman, Baham’s defense attorney, alerted the court that Baham wanted to review his release conditions. Baham is currently being held at the DC Jail.

Shefferman argued Baham was sentenced to five years for an armed carjacking case and has successfully served that sentence, making him eligible for home confinement while awaiting trial for this homicide case.

The prosecution said they were opposed to Baham’s release citing his alleged involvement in a stabbing case at DC Jail.

Judge Okun denied the motion for release but informed Shefferman that he could file something in writing and the issue could be addressed more in depth.

All parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 4.

Defense Seeks to Exclude Sobriety Evidence in Triple Traffic Homicide

Defense attorneys in a traffic homicide case argued motions to exclude statements by the defendant to police and sobriety tests in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 7.

Nakita Walker, 44, 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 March 15, 2023 car crash resulting in the deaths of Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on Rock Creek Parkway.

According to court documents, Walker allegedly fled a traffic stop by Park Police minutes before crashing into the vehicle occupied by Cabrera, Kamara and Torres. Walker’s blood-alcohol level was twice the limit during the incident.

Albert Amissah, Walker’s attorney, argued the blood alcohol tests of the defendant should be excluded due to gaps in the chain of custody from when it was taken from the scene to the laboratory. He also said the tests were done during the traffic stop before the incident, so they do not accurately reflect her blood alcohol level at the time of the incident.

Prosecutors argued that under DC law, they do not need to prove her blood alcohol level at the time of the incident, just when the test was taken.

Amissah also argued statements Walker made to the police after the incident should be suppressed because she was under the influence of medications and did not knowingly give up her Miranda rights.

Prosecutors argued that from watching footage of Walker at the station they could tell she was aware of what was happening and made informed decisions.

Judge Okun said he would take these matters under consideration and issue a written ruling at a later date.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 18.

Co-Defendant Testifies in 2018 Murder Linked to Drug Robbery

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled there is probable cause a homicide defendant was allegedly involved in a weed robbery that turned into a fatal shooting, during a preliminary hearing on Nov. 6.

Darrion Blake, 28, is charged with first-degree murder while armed – felony murder, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Denard Orlando Hartwell, which took place on Aug. 18, 2018, on the 4400 block of Livingston Road, SE.

The prosecution asked Judge Raffinan to find probable cause for these charges and called the lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective on the case as a witness.

The detective testified that there were three total suspects in the case and one was Blake. The detective identified Blake in court.

The prosecution introduced surveillance footage from the incident as evidence and played the video for the court.

According to the detective, the video depicts a car driving into a parking lot, parking, sitting in the spot for a few minutes, and two suspects exiting the car and heading in the direction of the incident. The detective testified that he believes one of these suspects is Blake.

Additional surveillance footage from a different angle shows the two suspects at the location of the shooting, which is another parking lot. According to the detective, a physical struggle between the suspects and Hartwell is obstructed by glare in the video, but the video then shows the two suspects running from the incident back to the car that dropped them off.

The detective testified that Hartwell was not found in the possession of any weapons and no eyewitnesses saw him with any weapons.

During cross-examination by Blake’s defense attorney, Errin Scialpi, the detective conceded that while eyewitnesses provided a description that seemingly matched Blake, none of the eyewitnesses were given a photo array with Blake and never identified Blake as being at the shooting.

Scialpi introduced the claims of an individual who was referred to as a charged co-defendant involved in the incident that previously entered a guilty plea and was the driver of the car involved in the incident.

He is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting.

According to Scialpi and the detective, this person made statements during an interview following the incident.

In the interview, the witness stated he was scared of being arrested and deported but that he had driven two guys, one being Blake, to buy weed in DC on the day of the incident.

He said Blake had texted him asking for a ride to rob the “weed man,” but Blake was not the one who shot Hartwell. Instead, he stated another suspect shot the “weed man” after he resisted the robbery. He also stated that once back in the car, Blake asked the other suspect “why he did that” in reference to the shooting.

Scialpi pointed out the witness told MPD officers he smoked weed that night and could not remember the night well as a result.

Scialpi also questioned the detective about whether anything was done to corroborate his statements, including call logs, messages, and cell site data.

The detective responded that, to his knowledge, nothing of that nature was done to corroborate the witness’ story.

The prosecution asked the judge to credit the witness’ statements because they are consistent with the surveillance footage and there is no “exaggeration” or “embellishment” of any statements.

Scialpi disagreed, and argued the case rests entirely on statements by the witness which are not objectively corroborated, and cited his fear of deportation and arrest as a reason to “exaggerate” or “embellish” the story.

Scialpi concluded the evidence “doesn’t rise to the level of probable cause.”

After hearing from both parties, Judge Raffinan ruled the prosecution showed there is probable cause for felony murder. Judge Raffinan stated that while the witness may have some bias because he entered into a plea, his ultimate statement combined with the surveillance video and text messages from Blake provide a sufficient case for probable cause.

Following Judge Raffinan’s ruling, Scialpi argued for Blake’s release, stating that he has strong community ties, a child, a long-term relationship, and steady employment as a geotechnical engineer. Scialpi also pointed out that this offense occurred in 2018 and Blake’s only criminal offense since is a DUI where he was compliant with all court orders, so Blake is not a danger to the community.

Judge Raffinan stated that the nature and circumstance of the crime favor detention but the weight of the evidence that Blake was not a shooter and Blake’s strong history and community ties favor release.

Judge Raffinan ordered that Blake be released under home confinement with GPS monitoring with allowance for work.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov 7.

Homicide Defendant to Test DNA Evidence Found in His Car

A homicide defendant asserted his right to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 8.

Korriek Akinola, 23, is charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Joshua White at a Shell gas station in the 4700 block of South Capitol Street, SE on June 6, 2023. According to court documents, White was shot in the chest, shoulder, lower back, and calf, and succumbed to his injuries.

At the hearing, the prosecution read onto the record all of the evidence they tested for DNA. The prosecutor said they swabbed multiple areas of Akinola’s car, including the driver’s seat, door panel, gear shift, and rearview mirror.

Kevin Mosely, Akinola’s defense attorney, alerted the court that Akinola would be asserting his rights and independently testing the DNA that the prosecution had collected.

The results of the prosecution’s swabs were provided to the defense but not read in open court.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Aug. 8.

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