Homicide Defendant Rejects Plea, Opts For Trial

Homicide defendant Dohn Harmon rejected a plea deal offered by the prosecution on Dec. 13 before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Harmon, 24, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Kelvin Goggins on the 1800 block of Q Street, SE, on July 1, 2020.

The prosecution extended a plea deal in that if Harmon agreed to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter, all the other charges would be dismissed. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of 10-to-15 years incarcerated.

Defense attorney Steven Kiersh stated that since parties have not reached an agreement, they intend to go to trial.

The defense also waived its right to additional DNA testing of evidence since the prosecution had concluded its analysis.

Parties expected to convene on Jan. 10.

Homicide Defendant Won’t Be Moved Between Jurisdictions Pending Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe ruled on Dec. 11 a homicide defendant won’t have to remain in Maryland while facing charges in DC pending trial.

Jayden Bracey, 23, and Jadohn Bracey, 25, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the murder of Angela Washington, 41, on Sept. 2, 2021, on the 3300 block of 10th Place, SE.

Jayden was originally held in the Jessup Correctional Facility in Maryland where he is serving another sentence for a robbery charge in an unrelated incident.

The prosecution and defense mentioned difficulties transporting Jayden, who described the experience as “hell to get here,” to the DC Jail which resulted in delaying the case. As a result, the defense requested that he stay in the DC Jail until trial.

Since there was no objection from the prosecution, the court agreed.

The defense also requested that an “administrative separation order” be lifted to allow Jayden to access his brother. The court stated that they did not invoke such the order and the prosecution clarified that usually for co-defendant cases, a separation order is automatically applied.

However, there was also no objection from the prosecution to lifting the order and the court agreed to recommend that to the Department of Corrections (DoC).

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 13, 2025 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty in Connection to Murder of Peace Corps Worker

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges during a hearing on Dec. 16, before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Dearay Wilson, 29, is charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 53-year-old Jeremy Black. The incident occurred on June 29, 2021, on the 1400 block of R Street, NW.

Black, a former Peace Corps worker, was eulogized by the National Peace Corps Association as an individual whose life work was, “[p]romoting understanding between people” in challenging parts of the world.

According to prosecutors, Wilson was one of multiple individuals who exited a white Chevy SUV at the location and unleashed a “barrage of bullets,” which fatally injured Black. Wilson has been the only individual arrested and charged in connection to the incident.

During the hearing, Wilson’s attorney, Thomas Healy, told Judge Okun he intended to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene April 11, 2025.

Defense Wants Shooting Suspect’s Competency Reevaluated

A shooting suspect’s mental competency hearing was delayed on Dec. 13 to give the defense more time to conduct their own evaluation before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt.

Christopher Wise, 34, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful entry, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on June 12 on the 4100 block of Hayes Street, NE. The incident left one person injured.

Wise’s competency was previously established by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH). That evaluation was contested by the defense that wants to use their own expert to evaluate their client.

In order to stand trial, a defendant must be able to understand the charges against him and participate actively in his own defense.

During the hearing, Wise’s defense attorney, Janai Reed, alerted the court that their expert was not available to conduct a competency evaluation until January. Subsequently, she requested later dates for an evaluation.

Both parties agreed to set a later date in to resolve the matter.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 31.

‘I Don’t Wish Death, But I Don’t Wish You to Have a Life,’ Says Murder Victim’s Relative at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced Georgio Hyles to 17 years of incarceration and Omar Williams to 11 years on Dec. 13 for their involvement in the shooting death of 26-year-old Anthony Depetris.

Hyles, 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed, and Williams, also 27, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, as part of a plea deal in which the prosecution agreed to dismiss all other charges in the case. The counts stemmed from an attempted robbery that led to a deadly exchange of gunfire on the 3500 block of Minnesota Avenue, SE, on Nov. 5, 2021.

Teresa Kleiman, Hyles’ defense attorney, told the court Hyles intended only to rob Depetris, not to kill him, and was surprised to discover Depetris had a gun.

Kleiman said about Hyles, “He’s ready to do his time and try to do something productive while he’s there.”

Stephen LoGerfo, Williams’ attorney, said Williams was the getaway driver and didn’t even view the murder scene until he was shown police body-worn camera footage the prosecution introduced as evidence.

“[Williams] wasn’t present personally for the shooting,” said LoGerfo. “It was very shocking to Mr. Williams that this happened as a consequence of his actions.”

“I am not a bad person and am here trying to make my amends,” Williams said in a statement to the court. He listed the positive actions he has been taking while in DC Jail: earning money to help support his children, taking a parenting class so he is allowed to see them, mentoring young men and testing to enter a General Education Diploma (GED) class.

A cousin of Depetris gave a victim impact statement to the court expressing skepticism about Hyles’ and Williams’ commitment to do better with their lives.

“I’m a person from the streets. We want better when we feel the heat, when we get caught,” said Depetris’ cousin. “I know how many times I tell that story to a judge, and as soon as I get out, I go back to the same things.”

“We ain’t going to see Anthony no more,” Depetris’ cousin said. “I don’t wish death, but I don’t wish you to have a life because he don’t have one neither.”

In addition to their prison terms, Hyles and Williams were both sentenced to five years of supervised release. They must register as gun offenders, and each is required to pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

“I hope you both use the time in prison, as Mr. Williams said, constructively, positively,” Judge Epstein told the defendants.

No further hearings are scheduled in this case.

Murder Co-Defendants Plan to Test DNA Evidence

Defense attorneys representing Deandre Sams and Raymond Mathis told DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 13 they intend to conduct independent testing of DNA evidence, some of which has already been screened by the prosecution.

Sams, 28, and Mathis, 38, along with their 23-year-old co-defendant Keshawn Lavender, are charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with attempt to kill while armed, attempted robbery while armed, conspiracy while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Matthew Miller during an attempted robbery on Sept. 6, 2023, on the 200 block of M Street, SW. Two other individuals were injured during the incident.

The prosecutor told the court they possess extensive DNA evidence collected from the scene of the incident and from the defendants’ and victim’s clothing. The prosecution tested DNA recovered from four pistols and their magazines and found it had a high probability of matching the defendants’ DNA. They tested DNA from blood stains at the scene of the incident and found it had a high probability of matching the defendants’ and the victim’s DNA.

Jessica Willis, the attorney for Sams, and Carrie Weletz, the attorney for Mathis, said they’re still looking for a lab to do the testing they want to perform.

Kevin Irving, the attorney for Lavender, said his client isn’t planning to conduct DNA testing at this time.

Judge Epstein set a deadline of Jan. 10, 2025, for the defense to submit a proposed lab order for DNA testing.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2025.

Murder Defendant Pleads Not Guilty, Schedules Trial

Jakiem Miller pleaded not guilty on all counts before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Dec. 13 and received a trial date in January of 2026.

Miller, 26, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict and obstruction of justice. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 30-year-old Avon Perkins on the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW, on Dec. 17, 2022.

According to court documents, first responders found Perkins on the sidewalk outside the Air Restaurant and Lounge between 1-and-2 a.m., suffering from five gunshot wounds. Security guards at the venue told police they escorted the victim out of the club due to his aggressive behavior some time before the shooting occurred.

Steven Kiersh, Miller’s defense attorney, told the court that the defense and prosecution are engaged in negotiations over a plea deal. He asked to schedule a trial date before the court’s calendar became even more crowded, in case the parties are unable to reach an agreement.

The next hearing in this case is set for Sept. 5, 2025.

‘I Loved That Dude,’ Says Suspect Arraigned for His Murder

In a brief Dec. 16 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe, Rico Parker, 43, was arraigned in connection to the fatal shooting of a teenager.

Parker is charged in a three count indictment for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unauthorized possession of a firearm for allegedly shooting Jabari Malloy, 17. The incident occurred on Feb. 25, 2024, on the 700 block of Lamont Street, NW.

Parker’s attorney, David Akulian, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges, asserting Parker’s constitutional right to a speedy trial.

According to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) report, Malloy was hit with gunfire multiple times in what was ruled a homicide.

Judge O’Keefe found probable cause that Parker committed the crime in April based on surveillance footage and a cell phone call made by the victim to the suspect around the time of the shooting.

In the affidavit filed by police, Parker was described by witnesses as “not a good person” who was known to threaten others. At one point he purportedly said to Malloy, “Don’t you ever f****n talk to me like that. People in the streets don’t even talk to me like that.”

During the investigation, police say Parker spoke with them voluntarily. Tearfully, he said, “I loved that dude.”

Akulian asked the judge for a status hearing and requested discovery evidence from the prosecution. The prosecution acknowledged the request and said it was assembling a large amount of electronic evidence in the case.

Judge O’Keefe set a status hearing for Feb. 11.

Homicide Defendant Sentenced to 20 Years for ‘Shocking and Brutal’ Domestic Killing

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to 20 years of imprisonment on Dec. 13.

On May 29, Daniel Fleetwood, 30, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal beating, strangulation and stabbing of 26-year-old Shana Donahue on May 28, 2020, on the 2900 block of N Street, SE.

Through the deal, parties had agreed to a sentencing range of 20-to-24 years of imprisonment.

At the hearing, Judge Raffinan assured Fleetwood understood that through his plea agreement, he was waiving his right to claim an insanity defense. According to David Knight, Fleetwood’s attorney, there is evidence that Fleetwood was in a psychotic state during the incident.

“This has been a long time coming… losing her has been an ordeal no mother should go through,” Donahue’s mother said at the sentencing as she urged Judge Raffinan to impose the maximum sentence possible.

“She was my best accomplishment,” Donahue’s mother added, insisting “no one deserves to leave this world that way… she fought and advocated for so many people,” as she reminisced about Donahue’s time as a DC public school teacher.

“[Fleetwood] doesn’t know how many people he affected with the brutal murder of my daughter,” Donahue’s father stated.

He told Judge Raffinan he had spoken to Fleetwood three days before he killed Donahue, after learning the couple had decided to give their relationship a second chance following a year-long break. His message to Fleetwood was that if things didn’t work out between them “don’t mess up her life and don’t mess yours.”

He pleaded with Judge Raffinan to take away Fleetwood’s freedom.

Multiple family members discussed the impact Donahue had in the community, mentioning her mentorship and her desire to help Black women love their hair through her Youtube channel.

“She had so much life ahead of her…” Donahue’s step-sister told Judge Raffinan, adding she “[doesn’t] understand how someone could pretend to love someone the way Daniel pretended.”

The prosecution deemed the nature of the offense “shocking and brutal,” stating that after Fleetwood tortured Donahue he left her there to die.

“This wasn’t a stranger – it was someone she loved and trusted,” the prosecutor argued, explaining that neighbors who heard the incident occur described it as an “extended disturbance.”

“Despite doing everything right in her life, she chose the wrong person,” the prosecutor said, adding that “this was certainly a senseless, savage, tragic, escalation.”

Knight deemed the incident “chaotic, wild, illogical and erratic,” stating that Fleetwood’s state of mind left him believing Donahue was alive months after the murder.

“This is not someone who clearly understood what he had done,” Knight argued, asking Judge Raffinan to impose the most lenient sentence.

“I want to start by apologizing…” Fleetwood told Judge Raffinan, stating he doesn’t understand why he did what he did.

“I failed as a lover, provider, and father,” Fleetwood cried, claiming that “Shana was the light of my life… I will always love you Shana, now and forever.”

“No one comes out of here a winner. There’s a whole lot of loss and a whole lot of trauma and tragedy,” Judge Raffinan stated as she imposed the 20 year sentence with five years of supervised release. She ordered Fleetwood to seek and accept treatment and counseling for his mental health issues while incarcerated.

No further dates were set.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in ‘Chilling’ Shooting that Paralyzed Victim

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein agreed on Dec. 11 the prosecution provided evidence showing the probability a defendant was the shooter in an incident that left a victim paralyzed.

Damon Bradford, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that paralyzed a wheelchair user on Oct. 2 at the 1200 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

During the hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from the homicide branch at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who testified his department was assigned to the case due to the severity of the victim’s injuries.

According to the detective, the victim, who was a wheelchair user, sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, which destroyed his esophagus and voice box, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.

The detective testified that surveillance footage of the intersection shows an individual, whom he identified as Bradford, and a companion crossing the street towards where the victim was waiting for a friend.

The detective stated that the victim, Bradford and his companion conversed for a few minutes before shots rang out. According to the detective, the companion left the area and was never identified, and Bradford escaped into his apartment building in the same block as the incident.

An officer nearby rendered aid to the victim, according to the detective, but was unable to follow after the suspect.

The detective testified that eyewitnesses told MPD that the suspect wore a mask, and surveillance footage depicted the suspect wearing all black clothing.

According to the detective, surveillance footage tracked the shooter’s path as he fled the scene of the crime into the floor of the apartment building in which Bradford lived, before he was seen leaving the location again moments prior to being stopped by MPD officers canvassing the area.

Body-worn camera footage depicted Bradford, who the detective claimed changed his clothing, being stopped by MPD officers for matching the description of the masked shooter. However, MPD released Bradford that day due to insufficient evidence.

The prosecution provided images of trash recovered from a dumpster in Bradford’s building, in which they stated they located black pants that matched that of the shooter’s with Bradford’s driver’s license inside, a gray beanie that matched the one worn by the shooter in surveillance footage, as well as .45 caliber bullets and a face mask.

According to the detective, the .45 caliber bullets recovered from the dumpster closely matched the shell casings recovered near the victim.

Two special police officers (SPOs) identified Bradford as a resident of the apartment building through surveillance footage. Although they were unable to identify him by name, according to the detective, the SPOs identified Bradford by his distinctive walk.

Joseph Yarbough, Bradford’s attorney, argued against probable cause for lack of positive identification. He insisted no witness was ever able to identify Bradford as the shooter, and the victim has not been able to identify anyone in a photo array or by name.

Yarbough argued the SPOs identification was unreliable because it was made with “insufficient basis.”

Judge Epstein argued there was sufficient evidence to find probable cause, stating that the shooter in the video has the same distinctive walk as Bradford, his driver’s license was found in the same trash bag as pants and a beanie that matched that of the shooters, and bullets that appeared to match the casings from the scene were recovered as well.

Judge Epstein also ordered Bradford remain detained, stating that “the nature of the offense is quite chilling.”

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 8, 2025.

Judge Imposes 9 Year Sentence for Homicide Defendant, ‘Living a Life of the Streets’

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a homicide defendant to nine years of imprisonment on Dec. 12.

On Aug. 28, Terrance Prue, 24, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Bruce Gilmore on the 300 block of 22nd Street, SE on June 5, 2019. Another individual sustained injuries during the incident, but survived.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of eight-to-12 years of imprisonment.

During the hearing, Gilmore’s loved one deemed him a “valued, beloved member of the family and community,” stating that “the heinous occurrence that caused the death of my cousin remains painful.”

Gilmore’s loved one told Prue she forgave him, but won’t forget his involvement in his death, as she asked for the maximum sentence to be imposed, despite it not being enough.

According to the prosecution, on June 5, 2019, Gilmore became “another statistic, another victim of gun violence in the city,” at the hands of Prue and 22-year-old Miguel Gibson – who will be sentenced for obstructing justice next month.

Prosecutors requested Judge Raffinan sentence Prue to 12 years of incarceration, stating that he “had a gun he wasn’t supposed to have… he used that gun for its intended purpose, which is to kill.”

The prosecutor argued that Prue was “living a life of the streets, making money and selling drugs,” adding that one of the guns he owned and often “paraded” was “a weapon of war – an offensive weapon.”

“Prue made the choice to go with Gibson to confront Gilmore,” the prosecution insisted, explaining that Gilmore was Gibson’s mother’s ex-boyfriend and had become involved in stealing each other’s belongings back and forth.

The prosecutor insisted the plea is “not a reflection of the seriousness of the case,” and requested the higher sentence, citing Prue’s alleged involvement in eight fights at the DC Jail in the last year.

James King, Prue’s attorney, apologized to Gilmore’s family, stating he understands this was “senseless and stupid,” adding, “what happened to Mr. Gilmore is tragic, and it happens repeatedly in our community.”

“People who lose their family members to gun violence know they are not just a statistic,” King said, responding to the prosecution’s statements.

According to King, Prue had no idea that Gibson had stolen things from Gilmore, as Gibson had lied to him repeatedly about other issues.

“He did not go there with the intent to kill anyone,” King said, as a family member blurted out, “He shot him in the back.”

King insisted that Prue “has promise and a bright future… he’s someone who made a willful mistake,” adding “he would take it back if he could.” He requested an eight year sentence under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows the defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements.

Prue also apologized to Gilmore’s family, thanking them for their forgiveness, and explaining that he too has lost loved ones while incarcerated.

Judge Raffinan stated she would sentence Prue to nine years, under the YRA, because he doesn’t have any criminal history. However, she stated, she “hopes he shifts his focus to get his education and vocational training.”

As part of his sentencing, Prue must participate in substance abuse assessments and treatments and get his GED and vocational training.

No further dates were set.

Tearful Co-Defendant ‘Disappointed and Ashamed’ at Sentencing for Close Friend’s Shooting.

Her voice breaking, Natasha Mack,41, repeatedly said she was sorry for a shooting that prosecutors say caused the victim great physical and emotional harm.

“I am very disappointed and ashamed at what has brought me here today,” said Mack in a proceeding before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Dec. 13.

“I am asking for forgiveness.I am going to do better,” continued Mack.

Her statements of contrition came during Mack’s sentencing, along with co-defendant, Stephen Moorer, 43, for an incident that occurred on Jan. 26 at an apartment on the 400 block of Chesapeake Street, SE.

In October, the pair accepted a plea offer – Mack to assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license. Moorer agreed to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. Moorer was convicted of manslaughter in 1997.

According to court documents, robbery may have been the motive in that the victim had just received a $2,000 divorce settlement. Prior to the shooting, police say, Mack appeared in the victim’s apartment with a handgun saying, “I just got this new baby.”

When Mack later returned with Moorer, the victim was getting her hair done. Then there was a demand for money, which led to Moorer’s shooting the victim in the shoulder. In an attempt to get away she ran out of the building and jumped over a fence.

“This was a very traumatic experience” which triggered pre-existing trauma, said the prosecutor, noting the victim still has bullet fragments in her shoulder.

In particular, the prosecutor said the victim felt a very deep sense of betrayal because Mack was like her second mother. Adding to the irony, Mack is a nurse’s assistant who received a service award for her work at a nursing home during the COVID pandemic.

In asking for consecutive sentences of 48 months and 12 months on the charges respectively, the prosecutor said two of Mack’s grandchildren were in the apartment during the shooting.

Arguing for an 18-month suspended sentence for time served, Mack’s attorney, Erin Griffard, said Mack is “a caregiver at heart,” and provides the sole support for her children and grandchildren.

“She deeply, deeply regrets her involvement” in that she never intended to shoot the victim, said Griffard. Further, Griffard said that the victim was high on “boot”– an increasingly prevalent street drug derived from synthetic bath salts that is intoxicating but can lead to aggressive behavior.

Of Mack’s behavior on release, Judge Di Toro said, “You have done everything we could have asked you to do.” Even though you inflicted great harm, said the judge, “No one is defined by doing one bad thing.”

Mack was sentenced to 18 months suspended for time served on the assault with a dangerous weapon charge and ten months suspended on the carrying charge with 12 months probation with a stay away order from the victim.

The prosecutor said, Moorer “was actually the one that fired the gun. You committed a very, very serious crime.”

The prosecution recommended Moorer serve 72 months for assault with a dangerous weapon and 42 months for committing a crime of violence with a prior conviction.

“I’m sorry for what I did,” Moorer told the court. “I had a good life…I lost my life,” he said, referencing a $25 an-hour “dream job” as a crossing guard.

In passing the sentence the judge told Moorer, ”I don’t have to lecture you. What you did was an incredibly reckless decision.”

Moorer’s sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon is 60 months with 24 months suspended. On the unlawful possession count, the term is 36 months in prison. He also has an 18-month probation. The sentences are set to run concurrently.

No further hearings were scheduled.

‘I Was in Shock,’ Witness Says About Contradictory Testimony

During cross-examination, the defense pointed out apparent contradictions in an eyewitness’ testimony at different times during the investigation of a murder before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 11. At issue is whether the victim was involved in a home invasion.

Amard Jefferson, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a license, and obstruction of justice. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Kendall Brown which occurred in the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE on Aug. 7, 2021.

In trial, defense attorney Jason Clark continued his cross examination of a prosecution witness who was in the apartment moments before Brown was shot and later interviewed by police that responded to the scene.

Clark asked the witness a series of questions pertaining to interviews that she gave to Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigators and testimony that she provided to the Grand Jury.

In trial, the witness testified that Jefferson’s girlfriend, who rented the apartment, knew that the witness was coming over to retrieve the items that had been left in the apartment.

Clark then showed video footage of the witness’ interview with an MPD detective where she said the inhabitants of the apartment did not know of an anticipated visit. She also testified to this fact to the Grand Jury.

The defense has argued that Brown’s actions were part of a home invasion. The prosecution detailed a narrative that Brown and two of her friends arrived at the Nelson Place apartment to retrieve a bottle of tequila. The situation escalated when the homeowner, a former friend of Brown’s, claimed not to have it.

When faced with the contradiction, the witness said she was “in shock.”

“It was my truth in the moment,” she said.

The witness also testified that she did not see any MPD officers on scene mimicking where Brown had been shot or talking about her being injured. Clark then showed footage of the witness allegedly mimicking where Brown was shot and telling another witness who was at the scene she had seen an officer doing the same thing.

“The officer said she got shot right here,” she said in the video.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 12.

Declaring It Unsuccessful, Judge Still Terminates Shooting Suspect’s Probation

In a brief Dec.11 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ended the probation of a defendant who pleaded guilty in July of 2023 to a non-fatal shooting. However, she ruled he unsuccessfully completed his term.

Robert Fenner, 30, was originally indicted on multiple counts including burglary while armed, possession of a firearm in a crime of violence, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a dangerous weapon.

The charges were in connection to an incident on Jan. 15, 2020, when, according to documents filed with the court, police responded to multiple shots of gunfire near the 700 block of 21st Street, NE.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) encountered an individual at the scene who was shot in his right ankle. The victim told police that Fenner, along with two others, wanted to buy drugs from him. However, he had none to sell.

Shortly thereafter, the encounter turned violent with the trio punching him repeatedly. One of the suspects allegedly said shoot the victim and that’s when he was wounded. His house was also struck with several rounds of gunfire.

During Tuesday’s hearing a DC probation officer told the court that Fenner had violated the terms of his probation on two occasions in October and November, committing unlawful entry and assault. As a result, Fenner was arrested three times.

The prosecution asked Judge Di Toro to continue Fenner’s 18-month probation.

Defense attorney Michelle Lockard countered that these incidents were “not papered,” meaning they weren’t referred for prosecution.

“To say he was not adherent to his probation is…somwhat incorrect,” said Lockard. She pointed out that the infractions were committed just one month before the end of Fenner’s obligation and that he wasn’t served with notice that he was barred from the premises.

Judge Di Toro gave Fenner a “piece of advice,” to resolve his living situation since it appears the problems are a monthly event.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Sever or Join Cases? A Key Question Looming Over Gender-Reveal Party Murder

Counsel argued Dec. 12 whether defendants charged in a murder case should be tried together.

Nyjell Outler, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, for allegedly shooting 21-year-old Demetris Johnson on March 20, 2021, on the unit block of Madison Street NE. Another individual was also injured.

Outler’s co-defendant, Keevsayah Polite, is charged with four counts of accessory after the fact while armed and obstructing justice while armed for her alleged role in harboring the defendant while he was wanted for the murder. Polite is currently released on her own personal recognizance.

According to court documents, Polite and Outler, who were a couple at the time, went to a gender-reveal party for Polite’s cousin. At the party, Outlet allegedly pulled out an AK-47 from his backpack and began shooting at three individuals standing in the drive-way outside the home where the party was being held.

Outler is scheduled for trial on March 3, 2025, however Polite’s defense attorney, Brandi Harden, disputed joining the cases because Polite was apprehended and indicted two years after Outler’s arrest.

Harden also said that she was not being given sufficient time to prepare considering the severity of the incident. . Harden said she would not be available to try a felony 1 case until 2026.

According to DC Court records,, in August the prosecution agreed to sever the cases; however, in October the case was continued to give defense counsel time to file a motion to sever the cases.

Outler’s defense counsel, Gemma Stevens and Thomas Key, said they didn’t want to reschedule Outler’s trial date because he has been in jail for an extended time.

Even though DC Superior Court Judge Micael O’Keefe began Thursday’s hearing saying he had not received any motions to sever, he did agree to set a status hearing on Jan. 10, 2025, giving counsel more time to review the evidence and file any necessary motions, including a motion to sever the cases.

An additional July 14, 2026 trial date was also set depending on the result of the January hearing.

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