Judge Extends Response Deadline For MOtion to Dismiss in A Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan agreed to extend the prosecution’s deadline to respond to a homicide defendant’s motion to dismiss his case on Oct. 9.

Michael Sanders, 30, and Darnell Resper, 31, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, attempt to commit robbery while armed, conspiracy, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. Additionally, Resper is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

These counts stem from their alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in the death of 30-year-old Youness Zarouaki and the injury of another individual at a row home on the 1000 block of Thomas Jefferson Street, NW on Feb. 18, 2022.

According to court documents, Sanders and Resper allegedly entered the home while Zarouaki was hosting a “marijuana party” and demanded drugs and personal property from the individuals present while pointing guns at them. Sanders allegedly fired, fatally shooting Zarouaki in the neck and wounding another individual.

On Oct. 1, Kevin Robertson, Sanders’ attorney, filed a motion for Sanders’ case to be dismissed with prejudice. Originally, the prosecution had a deadline of Oct. 16 to respond to the motion but at the Oct. 9 hearing, Judge Raffinan approved a request to extend that deadline. The prosecution now has until Nov. 1 to respond.

The prosecution also informed the court that interview transcripts and a plea offer would be provided to both defendants by the end of the week.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 19.

Carjacking Defendants Waive Preliminary Hearing

Two carjacking co-defendants waived their rights to a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond on Oct. 9.

Shani Burriss, 24, and Rodre Holloway, 26, are charged with two counts of carjacking for their alleged involvement in carjacking incidents on Aug. 18 and Aug. 25. The Aug. 18 carjacking took place on the 1400 block Morse Street, NE, while the Aug. 25 incident took place at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Piney Branch Road, NW.

According to court documents, the victim stated that he was walking to a residence after leaving his car to deliver food. When he approached the residence, he turned around to see someone getting into his car and driving away.

Pertaining to the Aug. 25 hearing in the case, the victim stated that he was at the incident intersection when he saw six individuals stop in a crosswalk blocking his way. During the argument, a suspect punched the victim through the driver-side window and a verbal altercation turned physical. The remaining suspects got into the victim’s car and waited for the last suspect to get in before driving off.

During the Oct. 9 hearing, Elizabeth Paige White, Burriss’ defense attorney, and Derrick Page, Holloway’s attorney, alerted the court of their intent to waive their preliminary hearing rights.

White requested Burriss be released, arguing that several release conditions, at the judge’s discretion, could be put in place to ensure the safety of the community. She argued that Burriss does not pose a threat and has several connections to the community, along with family ties. He also has a six-year-old daughter he wishes to still care for and has stable employment.

Likewise, Page requested that Judge Raymond release Holloway to house arrest so that he could continue to care for his three kids and maintain his job. He argued Holloway’s criminal history is light.

Judge Raymond found that the presumption of dangerousness had not been rebutted, and ordered Halloway and Burriss continue to be detained.

Parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 30.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

A homicide defendant was arraigned in a murder case on Oct. 9, before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Deandre Miles, 28, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and destruction of property worth 1000 dollars or more, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Davon Fuller. The shooting took place on the 1500 block of Maryland Avenue, NE, on Oct. 16, 2023.

Kevin Robertson, Miles’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty and asserted his constitutional rights.

The prosecution requested a 90-day continuance in order to share all discovery with the defense.

There will be a status date on Jan. 10, 2025, and the trial is set to begin Sept. 22, 2025.

Co-Defendants Found Guilty of Assault in Armed Carjacking Trial

A jury in DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom partially convicted two co-defendants on Oct. 8 for their involvement in a carjacking incident

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, were charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and assault with significant bodily injury for their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that Johnson and Patterson worked together along with two additional masked individuals to assault, rob, and attempt to carjack the victim while armed. Patterson’s defense attorney, Alvin Thomas, stated that while he was involved in a physical altercation with the victim, that was the extent of his participation.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, argued that he had no criminal involvement in the matter and was instead trying to help the victim. The victim’s testimony, in which he stated he remembers Johnson helping him and telling others to leave him alone, corroborated the claim.

The jury delivered their verdict and found them both guilty of assault with significant bodily injury and not guilty of all other charges. Judge Arthur accepted the verdict and set the matter for sentencing.

Their sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 12.

Parties Give Opening Statements in A Drug-Related Stabbing

Parties in a stabbing defendant’s jury trial delivered opening statements in front of DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Oct. 8.

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 get drugs. He returned sometime later to the scene because believed he was not given all the drugs 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, according to court documents. They used a photo array consisting of nine individuals, and the victim allegedly identified Reams as the suspect.

During the prosecutor’s opening statement, she stated that the victim knew the defendant, despite giving a slightly incorrect name to the police. In a similar vein, she stated the victim suffered from hallucinations, but is sure that Reams is the man who attacked him.

Reams’ defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, told the jury that the knife pierced the victim after Reams pushed him away. Additionally, she told the jury that the lead-up to the stabbing was that the victim allowed Reams to sleep on his couch and stole money from Reams, explaining that they knew one another from dealing drugs that caused the fight.

During the incident, she argued that Reams discovered 100 dollars missing, and went to the victim’s apartment to get it back. She stated that when Reams walked into the apartment, the victim ran for a knife and swung at him.

According to Lockard, Reams grabbed the victim’s wrists and the knife got turned around and sliced his left arm and poked his abdomen.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called the victim to the stand.

He testified Reams and a friend went to his apartment late at night to pick up a TV that Reams let the victim borrow.

According to the victim, Reams came back less than an hour later, and accused him of still having items that belonged to him. After a verbal altercation, the victim testified, he was backed into a corner. After slashing the victim, Reams allegedly panicked at the sight of blood and ran out of the apartment, according to the victim.

On cross-examination, the victim contradicted his story, claiming he did not own a couch, he never let Reams stay with him, and he never took any money from him.

The trial is planned to continue on Oct. 9.

Murder Defendant Testifies He Acted in Self-Defense in Drug Dispute

On Oct. 8, a homicide defendant told a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun’s courtroom that he acted in self-defense in a drug-fueled incident.

Dennis Chase, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Anthony Orr. The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020, on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE.

At the hearing, Chase testified he and Orr were partners in the distribution of cocaine and crack. According to Chase, complications began with a disagreement about Orr’s stealing stealing drugs to sell.

After Orr allegedly stole a kilogram of cocaine and a gun, he became paranoid, as a bounty was allegedly placed on his head.

Chase testified that Orr believed Chase was in contact with the individual who placed the bounty and would attempt to kill him. Testimony from the girlfriend of the victim explained that Orr made the connection because Chase mysteriously gained possession of more drugs to sell.

During the homicide, Chase said, the two were selling drugs around the neighborhood. The defendant alleges that at an intersection, Orr pulled out a gun and threatened to shoot as he demanded the remainder of Chase’s drugs.

Chase testified he felt threatened and attempted to grab the gun from Orr, which discharged and accidentally shot and killed Orr.

In a panic, Chase said, he pushed Orr out of the car and drove away.

The prosecution claims the defendant changed his story from from when he was in jail up until now.

“Wish I could tell the police what happened,” the defendant said, indicating that he didn’t trust the police would believe his self-defense claims.

“Did you kill Anthony Orr in self-defense,” Megan Allburn, Chase’s attorney, asked him. He said, “Yes!”

His girlfriend described Orr as being very paranoid in the days leading up to his death, including staying up all night due to a vehicle’s following him to their house, which he assumed was Chase.

“I need to kill Dick before Dick kills me,” the girlfriend quoted Orr as saying. According to the girlfriend, Chase’s nickname is Dick.

Chase, an investigating detective, and Orr’s girlfriend indicated that the defendant and victim were under some heavy drug use, including cocaine, Molly( MDMA), and marijuana.

Another witness, a woman who gave Chase and Orr shelter in alleged exchange for drugs, mentioned an event with Orr that left her terrified.

She testified that Orr took her hostage in her own home with a firearm. She alleged that he was talking to himself and seeing people that were not there. She claimed she was scared for her life, stating he took her phone when she tried to call the police.

“I was really bad on drugs at the time,” the woman testified, adding that she has a history of mental and physical ailments.

The parties will reconvene on Oct. 9.

Judge Conditionally Accepts Manslaughter Plea in Murder Case

A defendant pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 9, but the judge says he needs time before ruling on the sentence.

Robert Straughter, 26, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the murder of 24-year-old Tyejuan Harkum on the 2600 block of Naylor Road SE, on Dec. 6, 2023.

According to Michael Bruckheim, Straughter’s attorney, the agreement required Straughter to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

The maximum sentence for voluntary manslaughter is 30 years or a $250,000 fine with no more than five years of supervised release.

Through the deal, the parties agreed on a sentence of eight years.

Harkum’s mother told Judge Okun that she disagrees with the reduced charges, stating Straughter knew what he was doing and the sentence too lenient.

Judge Okun ruled he will conditionally accept the guilty plea before passing sentencing based on a thorough review of the case and a pre-sentence report.

Judge Okun will also look into whether or not Straughter will have to register as a gun offender based on the charges.

Court will reconvene for sentencing on Dec. 11.

Mass Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to Thirty-Nine Charges

A defendant pleaded not guilty to 39 charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun for a nightclub shooting on Oct. 8.

Rennwel Mantock, 23, is charged with six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, six counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, six counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence while armed, seventeen counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured six individuals on April 26 on the 1200 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, outside Decades nightclub.

Defense attorney Margaret Anthony alerted the court of the defendant’s intent to plead not guilty, and requested a speedy trial, enacting his constitutional rights.

Previously, the defendant rejected two plea offers that would have reduced the charges to three counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Parties agreed to a jury trial that is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2025, which is delayed due to the prosecution’s DNA testing of the firearm.

The defense questioned the necessity of testing, as the defendant had declared ownership and placement under his vehicle at the time of his arrest.

Anthony alerted the court she plans to file another bond motion due to inconsistencies in the prosecution’s previous written opposition.

Parties will reconvene Jan. 18.

Good Samaritan or Accomplice? Jury Acquits Carjacking Defendant

Defendant Michael Robinson was found not guilty for carjacking and two counts of robbery by a jury in DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe’s courtroom on Oct. 8.

Robinson, 39, was charged with unarmed carjacking and two counts of robbery for his alleged involvement in a carjacking on May 26 on the 3000 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

During the trial, Robinson stated that he intervened in an incident after a driver hit a person on a bike, saying he was trying to help the cyclist. The cyclist, still unidentified, attacked the driver and drove off with his vehicle.

The prosecution had argued that the defendant and the cyclist knew each other and created the incident to steal the victim’s car. Defense attorney Martin V. Rosendorf said that this was an unsupported theory, and that he was only trying to help the biker and mediate the incident.

The jury ruled that Robinson is not guilty on all three charges, and the case was dismissed.

No further dates were set.

Stabbing Case Set for Trial, Defendant Rejects Plea Deal

A stabbing case is headed to trial after a defendant declined a plea deal on Oct. 8, in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Michael Fenwick, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in an Aug. 21, 2023 stabbing on the 4400 block of Quarles Street, NE. The victim sustained cuts to the back of her head, swollen hands, and a cut on her left thigh.

According to court documents, Fenwick and the victim, the mother of his child, allegedly got into an argument in the hallway of the victim’s apartment building while he was visiting his daughter. The stabbing allegedly stemmed from a disagreement about the victim’s messages on her phone.

At the felony status conference on Oct. 8, Fenwick’s defense attorney Elizabeth Paige White declined the plea deal proposed by the prosecution, which was not discussed in open court, and requested a trial date. The court set the date for Dec. 12.

The next hearing for this case is scheduled for Nov. 12.

Carjacking Defendant Claims He Owns The Stolen Scooter

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe is presiding over a trial in which the defendant claims he’s actually the victim after his scooter was stolen, not the other way around.

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.”

During their opening statements on Oct. 8, the prosecution claimed that Jackson assaulted the victim and attempted to steal the victim’s motor scooter at the intersection of 11th and H Street, NE. They argued he was only unsuccessful because unmarked police were close to the incident and responded.

Jackson’s defense attorney Sara Kopecki countered stating that Jackson had a right to the motor scooter, because the scooter the victim was driving was allegedly Jackson’s scooter.

Kopecki stated during her opening that Jackson’s bike had been stolen before the incident, and Jackson was trying to get his bike back from the perpetrator. Kopecki stated Jackson acted in good faith and self-defense, and that the prosecution won’t be able to prove during the trial wasn’t right to take the scooter.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called on the victim who claimed Jackson attempted to take his scooter

The individual testified that he is a DoorDash delivery driver that was working the night of March 3. He said he was waiting at a stop light during a delivery, when a moped with two people on it ran a red light, pulled up next to him, assaulted him, and attempted to take his scooter. He identified the people on the scooter as two black men with hoods over their heads.

The prosecution prepared to show the victim the camera footage from the night of the incident, but Judge Pipe excused the jury because of time constraints.

The trial is set to resume on Oct. 9.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Orders Detentions in Carjacking Case

On Oct. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann found probable cause during carjacking co-defendants’ preliminary hearing.

Terrell Edmondson, 18, and Taurian Anderson, 20, are charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that occurred at a gas station on the 5200 block of Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE on Oct. 4.

According to court documents, the victim in the case reported two individuals getting out of a car at the gas station, approaching him with a gun and forcing him to turn over his keys and cell phone.

Prosecutors called an officer with the Capitol Police Department who testified that he engaged in a chase with a gold Infinity that had allegedly been stolen on Oct 4. He testified that he observed the car weaving in and out of traffic before it eventually crashed and two individuals stepped out of the car.

The witness said the two suspects ran in different directions and he pursued the one that was later identified as Anderson to the Anacostia river, where Anderson pointed a gun at his own head. He said at that point a crisis negotiation team was deployed and they apprehended Anderson.

The witness testified that no weapons were recovered on Edmondson upon arrest and the gun that Anderson was holding was found the next day in the river.

The witness testified that he did not participate in the interviews of the suspects, but heard from other officers that Edmondson said he was at the gas station during the carjacking and that he had received a call from Anderson earlier about purchasing a vehicle. The witness testified that Anderson said during his interview that he was in possession of a handgun while in the stolen vehicle.

Varsha Govindaraju, Edmondson’s attorney, asked the witness why the victim described the car the two suspects were in at the gas station as a black Audi in his statement when the car turned out to be a blue Mercedes? The witness said during the interview the victim had trouble recalling the make and model of the vehicle and an officer may have suggested it was an Audi because the victim said there was a circle on the logo.

According to the officer, there is no surveillance footage of the incident.

Marnitta King, Anderson’s attorney, and Govindaraju asked the judge not to find probable cause because of inconsistencies in the victim’s statements about the make and model of the car.

They also argued that the victim’s descriptions of the suspects did not match the defendants. Govindaraju said since there was a span of hours between the carjacking and the arrest, there is uncertainty about if the car changed hands during that time.

Judge Herrmann found probable cause for the carjacking due to the defendants’ statements to law enforcement allegedly saying they were at the scene of the carjacking. She ordered both to continue to be detained.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 18.

Judge Finds Probable Cause, Orders Detention in Stabbing Case

On Oct. 8, DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann found probable cause during a stabbing defendant’s preliminary hearing.

Ethan Cunningham, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident that occurred on July 10 at the Central Treatment Facility (CTF) on the 1900 block of E Street, SE. One individual was stabbed, and sustained an injury to the neck and lower back.

The incident occurred as Cunningham was detained and charged with three counts of felony murder while armed, burglary while armed, seven counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, kidnapping while armed, attempted robbery while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in the death of 38-year-old James Curtis on May 10, 2022, on the 2600 block of Stanton Road, SE.

Prosecutors called an investigator with the DC Department of Corrections (DOC) as a witness, who testified that his superiors notified him of an altercation between two inmates at CTF on July 10.

The witness said he later reviewed surveillance footage of the incident, and prosecutors played the footage for the courtroom. The footage showed an individual, later identified as Cunningham, running up a set of stairs and appearing to make stabbing motions at another individual, who fell to the ground. The suspect was then detained by two officers on the scene.

The witness testified that there was no weapon found at the scene, but the victim was transported to a local hospital for stab wounds to the neck and back.

The witness also testified that a lieutenant with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) later told him that the suspect was identified as Cunningham by the officers who detained him.

Thomas Healy, Cunningham’s attorney, asked for the court not to find probable cause because no weapon was found so there is no way of knowing if the victim was actually stabbed. Healey also said there is no way to know the suspect in the video is Cunningham.

Judge Herrmann ruled that the video shows the suspect making stabbing motions and since the victim sustained stab wounds, there is probable cause that he was stabbed. She ordered the defendant be held with a cash bond of $100.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 29.

Judge Releases Carjacking Defendant After Finding Probable Cause

On Oct. 4, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum determined probable cause agreed to releasing an armed carjacking defendant to home confinement with the exception of school.

Julan Byrd, 17, is charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, robbery while armed, and unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on Sept. 1 on the 5500 block of Jay St. NE Washington with two other suspects.

Prosecutors called on a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), who revealed there is video footage of three individuals, including who he identified as Byrd, before the crime occurred.

However, the detective testified there was no video of the car being taken and officers did not recover footage from the Pentagon parking lot where the car was found.

According to the detective, one of the three suspects threw a gun into a storm drain, but testified it was not clear which did so and there was no specific evidence that could specify the identity of a possible gunman.

There was no gun, bullets, or paraphernalia found on the defendant when arrested according to the detective, and the victim could not clearly identify the three suspects..

When arguing for probable cause, the prosecution said Byrd tossed the gun during a foot chase. In addition, the prosecution stated the victim’s key and lanyard reported stolen, was found on Byrd during his arrest.

Defense attorney Varsha Govindaraju said the prosecution lacked specific evidence in that it wasn’t clear who threw the gun based on witness testimony.

The court found that there was enough evidence to determine probable cause that Byrd was the perpetrator.

In regards to Byrd’s release, Govindaraju requested home confinement, emphasizing his strong ties to the community, dedication to completing his high school education, and lack of contact with the criminal justice system until now.

Prosecution argued that even despite all these factors he allegedly committed a serious offense and out of the three that were involved in the crime, “One was the ringleader, and it may well have been Mr. Byrd.”

The court found that “although he jumped off the deep end,” home confinement with the exception of attending school would be able to ensure the safety of the community and his return to court.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Oct. 8.

Defendant in Kidnapping, Carjacking Case Requests Independent DNA Testing

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur gave the defense time to perform independent DNA testing in a kidnapping and carjacking case on Oct. 8.

Winston Timoteo, 26, is charged with armed carjacking, kidnapping while armed, three counts possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with attempt to commit robbery while armed and first-degree theft for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 100 block of 6th Street, NE on Dec. 26, 2023.

According to court documents, Timoteo was pulled over for driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road. A carjacking victim later told police that an individual, later identified as Timoteo, had stolen his car. He also alleged that the defendant had a gun and that he allegedly fled on foot after being approached by an officer.

Timeteo’s attorney, Terrance Austin, told Judge Arthur they were asserting his right to independently test DNA evidence, and required more time to complete the testing, which Judge Arthur allowed.

Parties will return on Oct. 29.

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