Prosecutors Claim Defendant’s Purpose Was to ‘Kill, Kill, Kill’

Parties gave their closing arguments to a jury in a gang-related murder trial on Nov. 21 before D.C. Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan.

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder while armed under aggravating circumstances, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Malik McCloud, 19, on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE on Oct 20, 2018.

Morgan’s alleged accomplice, Martinez Raynor, 26, slowly rode around the block with him, in a stolen Audi, and Morgan allegedly fired shots, hitting McCloud, paralyzing him. Seconds after they drove off, the stolen car came back to fire the fatal shots, killing McCloud.

Morgan and Raynor were allegedly involved in the so-called Solid Gang, rivals with the PDS gang, which included McCloud.

Defense counsel, Steven Kiersh and Megan Allburn, argued that Solid Gang was a rap group, rather than a street gang. The prosecution argued that while Solid Gang makes rap content, they also have a history of criminal behavior. Morgan posted about Solid Gang on Instagram stories which were presented in court and notable for their vulgar language, threats, and firearms imagery.

The prosecution also showed Instagram video calls between Raynor and Morgan from the day of the incident. According to the prosecutor, the last call occurred an hour before the shots were fired. Following McCloud’s murder, Morgan and Raynor allegedly began calling one another again.

During the prosecution’s closing arguments, they stated that the main motive was gang rivalry and that everyone in the car knew the purpose was to “kill, kill, kill”. Shots continued from the vehicle even after McCloud had been disabled, creating a “hail of gunfire,” according to the prosecutor.

Autopsy photos showed McCloud’s wounds to his back and left side, which a medical examiner had previously testified were the result of a fatal trajectory. According to the examiner, the bullets traveled through McCloud’s lungs and heart.

They also noted the person in the car shooting was wearing a black ski mask, pre-Covid, which was later recovered in the suspect vehicle. The prosecution stated that samples closely resembling Morgan’s DNA were found on the mask,along with two water bottles found in the backseat of the vehicle.

Defense attorney, Steven Kiersh, argued DNA evidence could not show a certain time when the DNA first appeared. Additionally, no DNA of Morgan was found on the exterior or interior of the vehicle.

The defense counsel noted that throughout the jury trial, no eyewitness identified Morgan as the shooter. Not one person said he fired shots or was responsible for anyone’s death.

At the end of their rebuttal, the prosecution laid out all of the facts and evidence saying the shooter was wearing a mask strongly consistent with Morgan’s DNA, Morgan and Raynor were close; their phone locations were consistent with the shooting and dumping of the vehicle; their Instagram calls and messages were consistent with the shooting, and McCloud was affiliated with the “opps,” or rival group.

According to the prosecution, the evidence proves that “Tony Morgan is not the unluckiest man in the world”, but is involved with this crime.

Parties will continue in jury trial on Nov. 22.

Two Juvenile Girls Convicted of Stomping Elderly Man to Death

DC Superior Court Judge Kendra Briggs imposed a second-degree murder conviction on two juvenile girls for their roles in the fatal stomping of Reggie Brown, a disabled 64-year-old man.

In her ruling from the bench on Nov. 18, Judge Briggs said she reviewed surveillance videos and eyewitness accounts as well as a police interview with one of two defendants in the courtroom to support her verdict.

However, out of 94 exhibits the judge singled out a 55-second sequence of cell phone video taken by one of the five original co-defendants narrating the relentless beating with laughter and cheers of celebration.

“The video graphically shows a portion of the brutal beating of Reggie Brown,” said the judge. The defendants, “viciously kicked him as pools of blood poured from his head,” said Judge Briggs.

Originally, the girls aged 12-to-15 at the time of the attack, were charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Today’s verdict for the then 14-year-old who faced six charges was– for first-degree murder, not guilty; guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, not guilty of assault with intent to kill, guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, shod foot, guilty of conspiracy to commit assault.

The juvenile who was 13-year-old during the incident was found not guilty before the judge of first-degree murder, guilty of second-degree murder, not guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, not guilty of assault with intent to kill, guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon, belt and shod foot, guilty of conspiracy to commit assault, guilty of tampering with evidence and guilty of conspiracy to commit tampering.

She had been accused of trying to destroy the lurid cell phone video.

The incident occurred late at night on Oct. 17, 2023, on the 6200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

As the judge described events leading up to the murder, the group of girls who were known to each other decided to meet up on Georgia Avenue with the expressed purpose of delivering a beating out of boredom shortly after midnight.

There they encountered an unknown suspect in a blue coat, who according to evidence from earlier proceedings, had already begun to attack Brown as he fled into a dark alley hotly pursued by the group of six.

As Judge Briggs put it, they were “planning to trash,” the victim, who suffered from numerous disabilities.

Two of the five girls had earlier agreed to a guilty plea and a third struck a deal with prosecutors on Nov. 8. Details of the pleas were not immediately available.

The pair who faced Judge Briggs at this hearing showed no emotion at the verdict as it was sternly delivered from the bench.

However, earlier in the proceedings, a behavioral report for the youngest defendant indicated she had been involved in numerous violent confrontations while in the custody of the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and that her compliance was unsatisfactory.

All five defendants are currently in the custody of DYRS.

The packed courtroom included relatives from both the victim’s and defendant’s families who had reached out to each other offering support during the proceedings which started in August.

Outside of the courthouse two sisters from Brown’s family met with reporters and said that they were “pretty much satisfied” with the outcome. However, they said they would not rest until the man in the blue coat is brought to justice whose identity, they say, is known in the neighborhood and likely to authorities.

Further, they hope the defendants will reflect on what they have done.

“So that this will not continue happening to other families…our fight is going to be to change the law from 21-year-old for juveniles, that they can stay in [custody], and possibly stay in for life,” said one of Brown’s sisters.

Under current DC law, detained juveniles must be released when they are 21. The approach attempts to blend rehabilitation with punishment.

Sentencing for the youngest defendant is set for Dec. 4, the older girl will face disposition on Dec. 18. Both proceedings will be before Judge Briggs.

D.C. Witness reached out to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to see if they know the identity of the fugitive in the blue coat; however the agency has not responded to inquires.

‘I Will Kill You And This Baby,’ Said Defendant to Victim in Domestic Dispute

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro sentenced a defendant to six months of incarceration and 12 months of probation on Nov. 22 in a domestic stabbing case that was sparked by a McDonald’s Fish Sandwich dispute.

Michael Robinson, 25, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license (outside home/business) for his involvement in a stabbing that injured Robinson. The charges stem from his involvement in a stabbing incident on the 4500 block of Dix Street, NE on April 19, 2023.

According to court documents, a conflict escalated after Robinson and the victim, who were in a relationship, argued about a fish sandwich purchased at a McDonald’s. The item had dirt inside. Upon arriving home, tensions rose, leading Robinson to brandish a gun and threaten to kill the victim and her baby. In return, the victim allegedly stabbed him in the hand.

Judge Di Toro sentenced Robinson to six months incarceration and 12 months of probation.

The prosecution asked for a sentencing at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines, which was six months of incarceration under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) and three years of supervised release, with a year of probation. Under the law, youthful offenders can have their records sealed if they complete their sentencing requirements properly.

Madhuri Swarna, Robinson’s attorney, requested the court give him to a suspended sentence and a brief period of probation limited to the necessary 90 hours of community service.

She said Robinson had a firearm because he had friends and family who were victims of shootings– sometime fatal. He believed that a firearm would keep him safe.

Judge Di Toro stated she understood the circumstances, but added that gun violence is a serious crime in the District. Additionally, she concerned about Robinson’s threat during the incident, “I will kill you and this baby!”

Judge Di Toro granted the YRA sentencing request and informed Robinson that if he did everything right from here on out, he would his conviction would remain confidential.

‘Death Was The Result of His Negligent Behavior,’ Says Sentencing Judge

“There’s nothing I can say or decide that can give back the brother that you lost or the father of your children,” stated DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov 8, during sentencing of a homicide defendant.

Melvin Conley, 63, is charged with two counts of negligent homicide for his involvement in a fatal car accident that killed Rhonda Whitaker, 55, and Waldon Adams on April 24, 2021, on the 4000 block of Dubois Place, SE.

According to the prosecution, Conley, who had been on dialysis and endured coughing fits that caused him to black out, told police that he had no recollection of hitting the victims and that he “must have blacked out.”

After seeing the damage to his car, he did not report to the police.

Defense attorney Kevin Mosely emphasized that Conley did not mean to hurt anyone. The accident could be attributed to his medical problems and that “people who have these medical issues, who have their license, don’t know that they have to report— it’s not well publicized.”

In his impact to the court, Adams’ brother requested justice stating, “I did not lose my brother, my brother was killed.”

By all accounts, Adams was deeply involved and respected not only by his family, but the homeless community he worked to get off the streets.

“My condolences to the family, I never imagined it to happen…I’m sorry to the family– I blacked out and I didn’t know what happened until the police showed up” said Conley.

For both counts, Conley was sentenced to three years of supervised release with an additional two years probation. He must also surrender his license to the Department of Motor Vehicles and never, under any circumstances, drive again,

“He pled guilty to negligent homicide, not an accident, because he was aware of the effects of his illness on his driving– death was the result of his negligent behavior” stated Judge Raffinan during sentencing.

No further dates have been set.

20-Year Old Pleads Guilty to Assault With a Dangerous Weapon

A defendant accepted a plea deal in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 13.

Tevin Spivey, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in an incident on July 22 on the 5000 block of Fitch St, SE.

According to court documents, the victim was driving past an apartment complex and was flagged down by an acquaintance. She slowed down, and Spivey walked up to her vehicle yelling and demanding to know where her brother was.

The victim got out of the car to try to talk Spivey down; during the confrontation, Spivey pointed the gun at her multiple times and racked the slide.

She eventually got back in her car and started to leave. When she drove away, she heard a gun shot behind her.

The agreement states that in exchange for Spivey’s pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, the prosecution wouldn’t oppose a concurrent sentence, will cap sentencing recommendations to the midpoint of the guidelines, and won’t press any further charges.

Defense attorney Theodore Shaw requested that Spivey be released on GPS monitoring while he awaits sentencing in January. Shaw stated that this is his Spivey’s first conviction, is open to meeting with a social worker for employment, and has reliable family ties and can stay with them. Shaw also stated Spivey has been taking classes, and wants to finish his GED.

The prosecution opposed the request, stating that Spivey just pleaded guilty to two serious offenses; and there aren’t conditions that could properly protect the community.

Judge Pipe agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense’s request for release.

Spivey is scheduled for sentencing on Jan. 31.

DOCUMENT: MPD Makes Arrest in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 21-year-old DeAngelo Jones who is charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Gun) for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on November 7, 2024, in the Unit block of 53rd Street, Southeast. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, who was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Homicide Defendant Shoots Victim, Starts Fire, Accepts Plea Deal

A homicide defendant accepted a plea deal extended by prosecutors before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 21.

Karon Brown, 32, was charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Cynthia Barringer on Oct. 31, 2021, at the 2000 block of Green Street, SE.

During the hearing Brown’s defense attorney, Marnitta King, stated that he would be entering a plea of guilty to the charge of second-degree murder while armed, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges. Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 15-to-21 years of incarceration.

Upon reading the proffer of facts, the prosecution explained that Brown knowingly and willfully shot Barringer, whom they identified as Brown’s significant other, in the head before starting a fire and leaving her to die. Throughout the investigation police spoke to a witness who saw the defendant with a gun before and after the incident–the firearm was later recovered by the police covered in a red substance.

Brown said although he was not completely satisfied with his attorney, he accepted the guilty plea.

Sentencing is set for Feb. 14.

DOCUMENT: MPD Seeking to Identify Persons of Interest in Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Dwaun Simpson, which occurred on November 1, 2024, in the 100 block of 44th Street, Northeast. Upon responding to the incident, officers discovered the victim, identified as Dwaun Simpson, who was pronounced dead at the scene

DOCUMENT: MPD Arrests Two Suspects in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of 20-year-old Darion Muhammad and a 17-year-old male, both allegedly charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The incident took place on November 18, 2024, in the 500 block of Valley Avenue, Southeast. There, officers discovered the male victim, who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and transported to a local hospital.

DOCUMENT: MPD Seeking Suspects in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating an attempted robbery and shooting that took place on November 11, 2024, in the Unit block of O Street, Northwest. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered an adult male with gunshot wounds, who was conscious and noted that multiple suspects attempted to rob him. When the victim resisted, one of the suspects shot him.

‘You Made Up A Story,’ Defense Says to Shooting Witness

A shooting victim said she was terrified by a gunman while cooking in her kitchen in trial testimony before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Nov. 20.

Nathaniel Daniel, 34, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in a gun free zone, unlawful possession of a firearm in a gun free zone, carrying a pistol without a license, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm in a gun-free zone, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an April 2 incident on the unit block of N Street, NW, no one was injured.

The prosecution called the victim who testified she was in her kitchen cooking when she heard loud voices coming outside her glass front door. She said she recognized one of them as Daniel’s, who she knew from the neighborhood.

She testified she pretended to call 911 in an effort to scare Daniel off, but instead he flashed a gun at her that was visible through the door–then she immediately called the police. “I was terrified, I thought he was going to come in the door. He terrorized me,” said the victim.

Under cross examination, Emma Mlyniec, who is representing Daniel, asked several questions about the victim’s previous encounters with Daniels, and whether she knew if he had a relationship with her upstairs neighbor.

Mlyneic also asked the victim whether detectives helped her access the Victims of Violent Crimes Fund, and exactly how much she received. At that point, she became less forthcoming.

“You made up a story about him having a gun,” said Mlyneic in response.

The prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who was present at Daniel’s arrest. Police body-worn camera footage was presented to the court showing a person identified as Daniel, and then the officer proceeded to identify him as the defendant in the courtroom.

“I want to be absolutely clear about what you did and didn’t see when it comes to Mr. Daniel,” Erin Griffard, also Daniel’s attorney, told the officer. The officer said he never saw Daniel in possession of a gun, or disposing of one.

The prosecution also called a DNA analyst who explained that because the gun recovered at the scene was wet, it was difficult to get samples from the firearm. Under cross examination, the expert said that it is not impossible. However, she was not able to link the gun to Daniels.

Parties will reconvene Nov. 21 and cross will continue.

DOCUMENT: MPD Arrests Suspect in Northwest Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of 27-year-old Damon Bradford, who is charged with Assault with Intent to Kill While Armed. The incident took place on October 2nd in the 1200 block of North Capitol Street Northwest. Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered an adult male suffering from critical gunshot wounds.

Prosecutors Say Carjacking Fueled by ‘Ego, Fury, Revenge, or Road Rage’

Parties delivered closing statements in an armed carjacking trial before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Nov. 20.

Maurice Edwards, 20, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11.

Azusa Beatty, 29, was previously a co-defendant with Edwards but the cases were severed and Beatty will have a separate trial. Beatty is also charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement.

“Accidents happen,” the prosecution told the jury, explaining that an accident happened in this case but that what happened after is a crime.

The prosecution played a video of the car accident which, according to both parties, depicts Edwards and Beatty driving in a car together running a stop sign and hitting another car. Following the accident, Edwards and Beatty exit their car and the victim does the same.

According to the prosecution, the parties got into an argument fueled by “ego, fury, revenge, or road rage.”

The prosecution alleged that Edwards brandished a gun during the argument, citing the victim’s and an eyewitness’ testimony that they believed there was a gun. According to the prosecution, Edwards allegedly brandishing a gun allowed Beatty to the the victim’s car.

The prosecution argued the video footage and the victim’s testimony corroborate that after Beatty entered the car, Edwards told the victim, “Get off the car. Get off the car. Mother******. ‘Fore I f*** you up.” The prosecution argued these statements demonstrate that Edwards played a critical role in the carjacking because they forced the victim to submit allowing Beatty to drive away.

According to the prosecution, the victim’s car was found at Beatty’s house and Beatty told police that she “fell into the victim’s car and accidentally hit the brakes” before being arrested.

When Beatty was incarcerated, the prosecution claimed, she made several phone calls to a number linked to Edwards. Recordings were played for the jury and included a person identified as Edwards saying, “I know you’re not telling on me,” and “We hit him, or he hit us.”

The recording also featured Beatty’s allegedly saying, “I’m only in here because of you,” and “I would not even be in here if I snitched on you.” According to the prosecution, these statements imply consciousness of guilt and collusion.

The prosecution asked the jury to “make decisions for yourself” and use “common sense” when deliberating and find Edwards guilty of all charges.

Raymond Jones, Edwards’ defense counsel, argued the prosecution’s evidence leaves reasonable doubt because there is no proof that Edwards threatened the victim with a gun to aid in a carjacking. Instead, Jones focused his closing statement on Beatty’s responsibility in the crime.

Jones stated that Beatty went into the car without conferring with Edwards and that Beatty was “not in her right mind.” He argued that Beatty was not acting “normally,” citing her loud screams and erratic behavior after getting out of her car. He explained that most people are angry after a car accident but Beatty’s behavior was “irrational.”

Jones stated that if Edwards intended to get in a car accident and help his girlfriend carjack a car by primarily staying in the background then that’s “one of the dumbest crimes in the world.” He added, “No one’s that stupid.”

The defense counsel said the calls between Edwards and Beatty arguing imply confusion, and not guilt, citing the “We hit him, or he hit us?” exchange.

Jones also emphasized that the eyewitness stated he did not see a gun and only believed there was a gun based on Edwards’ “clutching” his waistband.

Jones clarified he is not arguing that Edwards was not in the car but rather he did not aid in the carjacking and there was no conspiracy or “mental agreement” between him and Beatty.

The prosecution rebutted, arguing that it is “obvious” Beatty took the car and the relevant question before the jury is whether Edwards helped Beatty.

The prosecution asked the jury to count how many times Edwards tells the victim to get off of his own car during their deliberations, arguing that these statements are an indication of assisting Beatty.

Parties are set to reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

At Sentencing, Judge Says Defendant Has Been, ‘Raging For Decades’

D.C. Superior Court Judge Pasichow sentenced an assault defendant to 14 months of incarceration with three years of supervised release on Nov. 15. This was the lowest sentence possible under the sentencing guidelines.

Steven Spencer, 28, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in an incident on July 7 at the intersection of E and 8th Streets, SE, that left one person injured.

According to the prosecution’s allocution, the dangerous weapon in this case was a wine bottle, which the defendant used to hit the victim over the head after they both got off a Metro bus. The victim required extensive care for a brain bleed.

Before requesting the sentence of 14 months with four years supervised release, the prosecution acknowledged the fact that Spencer assaulted the victim only after the victim stabbed him three times on the bus. Thus, the prosecution chose a sentence at the bottom of sentencing guidelines.

Although the prosecution understood the circumstances leading up to the crime, they said Spencer was not a good candidate for probation, considering his criminal history and inability to comply with pretrial release conditions.

Defense attorney Jamison Koehler described Spencer as a “charming” man who regretted his actions and wished he had never gotten off the bus to assault the victim. The defense argued the victim’s brain bleed was caused by a third man, who kicked him in the head as soon as he was off the bus. The defense said the third man has yet to be arrested.

The defense asked for 14 months of incarceration and three years of supervised release, with credit for time served.

Despite giving Spencer the most lenient recommended sentences, Judge Pasichow denied probation citing the defendant’s criminal history, persistent drug usage, and past noncompliance with pretrial release conditions.

Judge Pasichow explained that the incident showcases Spencer’s “rageful behavior,” saying, “Mr. Spencer has been raging for decades.” She required Spencer to seek drug treatment, anger management courses, and grief counseling.

Carjacking Victim Testifies He Was Dragged by Fleeing Suspect

Trial continues with testimony from several prosecution witnesses in an armed carjacking case before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld on Nov. 19.

Maurice Edwards is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11.

Azusa Beatty is his co-defendant and is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement.

According to court documents, Edwards and his girlfriend, Beatty, ran a stop sign and struck the victim’s car while he was inside. They approached his car yelling and Edwards allegedly brandished a firearm at the victim. Beatty got into the car and allegedly drove off, while the victim, who testified today, was holding onto the side, but ultimately fell off.

Prosecution began by calling the victim, who testified that as he was holding on to his car in an effort to prevent the theft, Edwards yelled, “Get off the car before I F*** you up,” before pinning him to the ground.

Prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who went to the victim’s home with a photo array, from which the victim ultimately identified a suspect as Edwards. The detective also explained that this was a “blind array”, which means he had no prior knowledge of who was the main suspect to prevent the detective prompting the identification process.

Prosecution called a monitoring expert from the Department of Corrections(DOC), who reviewed phone calls that were retrieved after they received a subpoena for Beatty’s records. Prosecutors presented the court with five phone calls made between Beatty and Edwards, during which they spoke about the incident as well as their relationship.

Under cross, Katherine Massey, one of Edwards defense attorney’s, asked the expert if in the phone calls presented to court the couple had ever made reference to planning a car crash, to which she responded they did not. Although when Massey asked if the couple had ever referenced being armed, or committing a crime, the expert could not recall.

Prosecutors also called a Special Agent with the US Attorney’s Office who investigates criminal cases and extracts data from cellphones. They presented text messages and images to the court, which the Special Agent confirmed were recovered from Edwards’s phone that contained images of firearms.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 20.

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