Evidence Points to Suspect in Fort DuPont Park Murder

A preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec. 11 revealed physical and surveillance evidence against a man accused of killing his former partner and abandoning her body in a local park.

Desmond Barr Jr., 23, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Ambria Farmer, 20. Farmer’s body was found in Fort Dupont Park, on July 13, located near the 3600 block of F Street SE, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The prosecution presented surveillance footage of a vehicle said to be Barr’s near the scene at the time of the incident where they allegedly found bullet casings in the car and blood stains.

A detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified there was a history of domestic violence between Barr and the victim, as well as explicit photos of the Farmer that were uploaded on social media.

The detective testified traffic surveillance video showing the suspect vehicle stopping near Fort Dupont Park on the day of the homicide as well the car pulling away from the curb and later making a U-turn toward the park. Witnesses in the area reported hearing faint cries for help and gunshots around the same time. Several witnesses described seeing a white Kia Stinger which was like the one registered to Barr.

Forensic evidence from the vehicle, seized less than 12 hours after the homicide, included cleaning supplies, a spent shell casing, a projectile fragment embedded in the car’s interior, a live round, along with the suspected blood stains.

The defense, led by attorney Hannah Claudio, questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, noting that no evidence of the victim’s missing shoes, phone, or purse were found at Barr’s residence.

The defense also cited the defendant’s physical condition, asking if detectives confirmed he was in a wheelchair, something the officer could not verify. Additionally, the defense challenged witness recollections arguing that some details may have been inconsistent or unreliable.

The prosecution countered that Barr’s movements on the day of the incident align with the timeline of Farmer’s death.

Parties are set to reconvene Dec. 12.

Court Corrects Record in Conspiracy and Murder Conviction

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ordered corrections to the judgment and commitment order for two defendants during a Dec. 11 hearing.

The amended order now correctly reflects a conviction for “conspiracy to commit first-degree murder while armed.”

Robert Moses, 27, and James Mayfield, 27, were convicted of conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and, Moses was convicted of two counts of obstruction of justice for their involvement in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Jamahri Sydnor on Aug. 10, 2017.

According to court documents, Sydnor was critically injured while driving through the area and passed away two days later. Investigators linked the defendants to the crime through ballistics evidence, witness testimony, and a firearm recovered from their possession, tying them to the shooting, which police believe stemmed from a neighborhood rivalry.

During the hearing, the court addressed a clerical error in the original judgment against Moses. The prosecution had requested the correction after an earlier version inaccurately stated the offense as “conspiracy to commit a criminal offense.” Judge Raffinan approved the amendment, ensuring the record accurately reflects both defendants’ convictions.

Moses waived his presence at the Dec. 11 hearing, and his co-defendant, James Mayfield, attended virtually.

No further dates were set.

Judge Rules Hit-And-Run Suspect’s Statements to Police Admissible

A motion to suppress key statements in a traffic homicide case was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan during a hearing on Dec. 9, clearing the way for their use in court.

Spiro Stafilatos, 37, is charged with second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and fleeing from a law enforcement officer for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 30, 2022, hit-and-run incident. The collision occurred on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW, and resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui and severe injury to another individual.

According to court documents, the defendant sped away from a traffic stop, ran a red light, and collided with another car. The impact caused his vehicle to spin into a crosswalk, where it allegedly struck Sui and the second victim.

The defense, led by attorney Brian McDaniel, argued that Stafilatos’ statements made to a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were in violation of Miranda rights against self-incrimination and were involuntary.

The prosecution contended that the statements were unsolicited and made of the defendant’s own volition.

The detective testified that Stafilatos recapitulated conversations without prompting and did not request an attorney during the interview. Additionally, body-worn camera footage showed the detective present during an ambulance ride during which the defendant spoke with EMTs.

Judge Raffinan found no evidence the detective conducted an interrogation, concluding that the defendant’s rights were not violated. The motion to suppress was denied.

Separately, the prosecution raised a request from a surviving victim to participate in future proceedings virtually. The matter is expected to be addressed during a status hearing on Dec. 12 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, who will be taking over the case.

Double Murder Defendant Asserts Right to Independently Test DNA Evidence

A double murder defendant asserted his rights to independently test DNA evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 11.

Kevin Foster, 20, is charged with first-degree murder premeditated, second-degree murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in two fatal shootings on March 7, 2023, on the 2700 block of Bruce Place, SE, which claimed the life of 23-year-old Dana Faulkner, along with 15-year-old Abdul Fuller who was shot and killed at the intersection of Mississippi Avenue and Wheeler Road, SE. There was one surviving victim.

The prosecution indicated that DNA testing is expected to conclude within three months, keeping the case on track for trial. The defense also plans to conduct independent DNA testing, including swabs from inside the vehicle allegedly used in the incident, and swabs from a gun police say was found in the defendant’s home.

The defense attorney, Matthew Davies, announced plans to file a motion seeking the release of Foster, currently detained.

A detention hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 7 to address the arguments.

Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Aggravated Assault, Firearm Offenses

During a hearing on Dec. 11, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan sentenced a man to 60 months of incarceration for aggravated assault and 60 months for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, with a total of six years of supervised release to follow. The sentences will run concurrently.

On June 15, Martel Howard, 24, pleaded guilty to the charges in June as part of an agreement in which the prosecution did not seek an indictment. The charges stem from a shooting on July 31, 2022, on the 2000 block of 14th Street, NW, during an attempted robbery. The incident left the victim with four gunshot wounds.

Howard addressed the court during the hearing, reflecting on his efforts to reconnect with his faith and education while in custody. He expressed a desire to pursue a career in the trades and to give back to his community by mentoring youth.

His defense attorney, Terrance Austin, highlighted Howard’s personal growth and the hardships he has faced in custody, including being stabbed and shot at, which contributed to his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“All of us are more than any single mistake that you’ve made,” Austin told the court.

Judge Raffinan acknowledged Howard’s efforts but emphasized the severity of his actions. She noted Howard’s choice to fire multiple shots at the victim and to flee the scene, leaving the victim critically injured, as significant factors in her decision. She also pointed out that Howard’s probation had been revoked twice and that he had already received two opportunities to have convictions set aside under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA).

Judge Raffinan ruled that this case would also fall under the YRA, allowing Howard to have his conviction sealed if he successfully completes his sentence and supervised release. She also ordered Howard to register as a gun offender in DC upon his release and to follow an intervention plan during his incarceration and supervised release.

The prosecution had requested 60 months of incarceration per charge served consecutively, and six years of supervised release, aligning with the sentence imposed.

“Ultimately, the decision about what choice you want to make, what mistakes you want to remedy, and what purpose you want to fulfill in your life are up to you,” Judge Raffinan told Howard.

Howard must also pay $100 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund for each charge by Sept. 19, 2027.

No additional court dates have been scheduled for this case.

Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 8 Years, Over Grieving Family’s Objections

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun sentenced a manslaughter defendant to eight years of incarceration, despite the victim’s family’s disapproval and his own “reservations” about the relatively lenient plea deal, during a hearing on Dec. 11.

On Oct. 9, Robert Straughter, 26, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Tyejuan Harkum on Dec. 6, 2023, on the 2600 block of Naylor Road, SE.

According to the prosecution, Straughter and his accomplices stalked and followed Harkum in the hours leading up to his murder, before Straughter’s accomplices exited their vehicle and attacked Harkum as he ran errands.

“He was just minding his business – he was ambushed,” a relative of Harkum told Judge Okun, stating Harkum’s daughter continues to grieve her dad’s murder.

“Find your heart to give justice to my son,” Harkum’s mother begged Judge Okun, adding that [Straughter] needs to be held accountable as much as the shooters.”

“People in DC are walking around with guns because of people like him,” Harkum’s dad told Judge Okun, pointing to Straughter, adding that “DC is a battlefield right now.”

Multiple loved ones deemed Harkum a caring individual, stating his loss has left a gaping hole in their lives. “Grief isn’t the proper term to describe what we’re going through,” one of them cried.

Judge Okun questioned the prosecution’s reasoning behind extending such a lenient plea deal, stating that “eight years just seems way too low given the nature of the crime.”

The prosecutor told Judge Okun that because Straughter wasn’t considered a shooter, proving his guilt at trial would be difficult due to the evidence being merely circumstantial. They also argued that there was evidence that showed Harkum may have been armed at the time of his death.

The prosecution requested Judge Okun accept the deal, and sentence Straughter to eight years despite the backlash from the family.

The prosecution stated that eight years were sufficient punishment for Straughter’s “[decision] to prioritize the life of crime over his family,” despite his having a child, a diploma, and a stable life.

Michael Bruckheim, Straughter’s defense attorney, also urged Judge Okun to accept his guilty plea, stating that he has expressed remorse and regret.

“I think this is a really tough case,” Judge Okun stated, saying “I am going to accept the plea agreement, but it’s a close call. I have my reservations… my gut reaction is that this isn’t enough.”

However, he stated, he understood the prosecution’s concern that a jury may not convict him in a trial based on the circumstantial evidence.

“They don’t give a f**k,” Harkum’s family exclaimed as Judge Okun imposed the eight year sentence. He ordered Straughter to serve five years of supervised release, and undergo substance abuse assessments and treatments during his incarceration.

“You can see how emotional people are by this case. For your sake and the community’s sake, I hope you can comply and never be back here again. Good luck,” Judge Okun told Straughter.

No further dates were set.

‘Jesus Got You, Baby,’ Says Mother of Mentally Ill Son at Sentencing

The issue before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian in a Dec. 10 sentencing hearing was how to balance appropriate punishment for a carjacking against the defendant’s lifelong mental health problems.

“This case shows how the system deals with mental health issues,” said Jay Mykytiuk, attorney for Kevin Weaver, 32.

According to court documents, Weaver confronted a ride share driver at the intersection of 7th Street and Monroe Street, NE on Sept. 10, 2023. When he attempted to drive away, Weaver allegedly told him, “Drive where I tell you to drive or I will shoot you.”

Ultimately, according to the police report, the driver stopped his van and fled fearing for his life. Responding officers tracked Weaver who absconded in the vehicle and arrested him on the 1200 block of Perry Street, NE.

He was initially charged with unarmed carjacking and pleaded guilty in October.

Referring to a stack of documents on the defense counsel’s table, Mykytiuk said the reports were “just a small sample,” of Weaver’s troubled mental health history and its tragic consequences.

Among other things, Mykytiuk’s said, Weaver has been diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder meaning that in addition to experiencing delusions he has dramatic mood swings. Further, Weaver’s cognitive scores are “in the extreme low range.”

In this case the defense mental health expert agreed with the diagnosis provided to the court by the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

“He doesn’t come here as a normal defendant,” says Mykytiuk. He said Weaver never intended violence in that he didn’t have a weapon, but rather that, “He was in crisis.”

Judge Christian said, putting himself in the victim’s position, “I would be scared to death.”

The prosecutor played surveillance video of the incident presenting multiple angles as the carjacking unfolded with the ride share driver clearly in distress. Given the seriousness, he recommended a sentence of 72 months.

When given the opportunity, Weaver apologized briefly for what he did.

However, the most dramatic summary of Weaver’s mental challenges came from his mother who addressed the court.

“I’ve just been trying to get assistance for my son’s mental illness,” she said “since he was three-years-old.” Among his problems, she said, are PTSD, learning disability, processing disorder and he was born with just one eye.

As for the times when Weaver doesn’t take his meds, “I say, Jesus got you baby. That’s what I tell him.”

In response, Judge Christian said, “This case cries out as a recommendation for treatment.” But the best option, Mykyutiuk said, is to get Weaver stabilized, there is “no magic bullet.”

Judge Christian imposed a 48 month sentence for kidnapping and a 24 month sentence for threat to kidnap or injure a person. The terms of supervised release are five years for kidnapping and three years for making the threat.

Weaver will be held at the Devens Federal Medical Center in Ayer, Massachusetts.

As Weaver left the courtroom, Judge Christian said, “Don’t do that again!”

Murder Defendant in Decade Long Case Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant charged in connection to a decade-long incident pleaded not guilty during an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 10.

Angel Monge, 51, also known as Alex Lobos, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 49-year-old Matias Molina on Sept. 2, 2013 at the intersection of Beach Drive and Joyce Road, NW.

According to documents from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) the United States Park Police were notified of a body found on the bank of Rock Creek, where they located Molina suffering from multiple stab wounds.

During the hearing, Joseph Yarbough, Monge’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to his indictment charge, and asserted his constitutional rights, including the right to a speedy trial.

Parties scheduled a trial for Oct. 26, 2026.

They are slated to reconvene March 27, 2025.

Suspect in Convenience Store Stabbing Pleads Not Guilty

A suspect in a stabbing case pled not guilty to all charges in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 9.

James Petticolas, 40, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, second-degree burglary while armed and destruction of property less than $1000 for allegedly stabbing a male victim in the back on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW on May 10.

According to court documents, Petticolas entered a store and got into an argument with the victim, who was a cashier. He allegedly left and returned with a knife, chasing the victim around the store and stabbing him in his back before attempting to flee.

Marnitta King, Petticolas’ attorney, asked to be heard on the conditions of his release. Judge Brandt requested a formal bond review motion be submitted in writing before the next hearing.

Judge Brandt also acknowledged the prosecution’s submitted motion to continue Petticolas’ hold, but did not address it.

Judge Brandt vacated the original trial date of Dec. 10, due to having just received the case after it was moved from DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 11, 2025 to set new dates for trial.

‘There’s More to Life Than Violence,’ Teen Says as He’s Sentenced to 6.5 Years for Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a teen defendant to six-and-a-half years in connection to a shooting during a Dec. 10 hearing.

On Aug. 30, Thomas Leach, 18, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and assault with a dangerous weapon for his involvement in a shooting that injured three individuals at the Benning Road Metro Station on the 4000 block of Central Avenue, NE, on Dec. 8, 2022.

Leach also pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license for his illegal possession of a firearm on Dec. 9, 2022, when he was arrested after triggering a metal detector at a school on the 3200 block of 16th Street, NW.

Leach was charged as an adult under Title 16.

During the hearing, the prosecution requested Judge Demeo sentence him to 78 months of incarceration with three years of supervised release for the “egregiousness” of his conduct during the incident. The prosecutor argued that the intended target was a juvenile, who sustained life-threatening injuries, adding that two additional individuals took fire from stray bullets.

“Leach brought a gun to a fist fight,” the prosecutor insisted, stating that one of the mitigating factors for the plea deal was the fact that the victim was the initial aggressor, as he attempted to punch Leach before he was shot.

The prosecutor argued the plea deal was a “large departure” from what Leach would have been sentenced to had the case gone to trial and he had been convicted.

Terrence Austin, Leach’s attorney, stated Leach had “dark and harsh times” in his childhood, which caused a lot of trauma for Leach, which he argued had “lasting effects” on the defendant.

“He was just 16-years-old when he was brought in… but he was treated like a hardened adult man,” Austin insisted.

“He was a child then, and he is very much a child now,” he added, stating that Leach recognizes how much room for improvement he has.

Austin argued Leach is a “young man experiencing grief, potential post-traumatic stress disorder, mental health needs and bullying. He never received any support,” but he is resilient and confident in his future.

“I truly and sincerely apologize to the victims,” Leach told Judge Demeo, arguing that “incarceration takes a toll on the mind and body” of an individual.

Leach argued he is committed to becoming a youth advocate, in order to show kids in similar situations that “there’s more to life than violence.”

“He wants to use his story to give back,” Austin highlighted, claiming that “a 60 month sentence is appropriate for this case.” He requested Leach be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), which allows a young defendant’s conviction to be sealed if they successfully complete all sentencing requirements – the prosecution vehemently opposed the request, stating that Leach was charged with two additional assault cases while he was incarcerated.

Judge Demeo denied the defense’s request for a YRA sentencing, stating that she has “great concern about his decision making,” and cited the nature and circumstances of the offenses.

She sentenced him to 34 months each for the aggravated assault and assault with a dangerous weapon charges, as well as 10 months for carrying a pistol without a license. The sentences will be served consecutively, totaling 78 months of incarceration.

She cited his “excessive force,” and continuous dangerousness to the community as part of the reason why she sentenced him as the prosecution requested.

However, Judge Demeo argued she is optimistic that he can be rehabilitated, but remains concerned given where he is now.

She deemed the plea deal “fairly lenient,” adding that he will be required to get mental health assessments and treatment, as well as trauma therapy, anger management counseling, and is required to get his GED.

No further dates were set.

Son Says He Was Defending His Mother in Shooting Case

Mother and son co-defendants say their violent actions were justified given the threat posed by the victim in an assault case argued before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Dec. 10.

Ralph Price, 20, and his mother, Wilinda Barron, 45, face charges respectively for aggravated assault knowingly, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Barron is accused of assault with a dangerous weapon and simple assault for an incident that occurred on July 27, 2023, on the 1300 block of Congress Street, SE.

According to Barron’s attorney, Raymond Jones, Barron was being punched when Price came to her aid by firing a shot at her assailant. Thus, he says, a valid claim for self-defense and an argument for release.

“He saw an older man beating his mom,” said Jones, explaining Price’s response. “She didn’t say, ‘Go get a gun and shoot him.’”

The prosecution opposed release for the pair based on the circumstances of the case.

“Ms. Barron was the original aggressor,” said the prosecutor. He said she hit the victim in the head with a glass object and continued to beat him when he was on the ground suffering from a serious gunshot wound to the back.

According to the prosecution, Barron has three prior convictions for assault, including one outside of DC.

While Judge Christian acknowledged that the victim was assaulted, he nonetheless allowed a modification of the pair’s release terms to 24-hour, seven-day-a-week house arrest with GPS monitoring.

“There is to be no movement outside the home,” said the judge.

Earlier, Judge Christian issued a bench warrant for Price and Barron after they failed to make an October court appearance.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2025.

Prosecution Witnesses Stitch Together Evidence of a Homicide

A witness testified that he saw a possible murder suspect crouch near a drainpipe and drop something inside in a trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 9.

Police say they later retrieved a gun from that location thought to be a murder weapon.

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 obstructing justice for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kendall Brown, 30, on August 7, 2021 on the 3000 block of Nelson Place, SE.

The prosecution called an accountant who was near the crime scene around the time of the incident.

He testified that he saw a man, a woman and a child approach the street from between two houses. As the man crouched down, he appeared to drop something into the drainpipe, despite not being able to see what it was.

The witness flagged down a nearby police officer and they recovered the gun.

The prosecution called a former crime scene investigator with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that helped to process DNA evidence for the case.

He testified that he tested only certain parts of the pistol used in the case – the grips magazine, slide release, magazine release and sights – in order to pull the most DNA. He did not test the entire pistol because it would likely destroy any DNA evidence that was available.

The prosecution called a former forensic analyst at a private DNA lab who testified that he tested several evidence items from the crime scene, and two reference items – DNA samples from Jefferson and Brown.

He said that testing showed that there is a strong likelihood – estimated to be in the quadrillions – that the evidentiary DNA samples are from Jefferson rather than unknown sources.

The witness mentioned a phenomena called drop-in, which can indicate low levels of DNA contamination. He added that the lab software did not detect any signs in the reviewed evidence.

During the defense cross, the witness testified that in order to shed DNA, a person must leave cells behind. He said it’s possible for a person to touch an object but leave no trace of DNA.

He testified that there’s no way to tell when and how the DNA lands on an object, and cannot tell who touched an object first if there are multiple samples of DNA.

The prosecution also called the mother of Jefferson’s girlfriend at the time of the incident. She testified that two days before, she received a call from her daughter, and hearing the voice of a woman who had been living there until she was recently told to leave.

The witness testified that she heard the woman threatening her daughter, and could tell that her daughter was uncomfortable.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 10.

Defendant Arraigned on Murder Charge Gets Modified Release

A murder defendant pleaded not guilty during a Dec. 9 arraignment, and the court granted a request to modify release conditions as well as scheduling a trial date for March 2026.

Christian Wilkerson, 21, appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, to hear the charges against him including second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Rashawn Phifer, 20, on Nov. 11, 2022 on the 500 block of Riggs Road, NE.

Wilkerson entered a plea of not guilty.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows Wilkerson chasing Phifer before pinning him to a fence. Though the stabbing itself was not captured on video, eyewitness testimony and additional evidence, including social media activity and cell phone records, were cited by prosecutors in earlier hearings.

During the Dec. 9 hearing, Wilkerson’s defense team sought a modification of his release conditions. Currently on home confinement with GPS monitoring, Wilkerson has had no compliance violations to date.

His attorney, Joseph Caleb, argued that a job offer received in September demonstrated his readiness to reenter the workforce and requested permission for Wilkerson to seek and maintain employment. The court granted the request under supervision.

Judge Raffinan scheduled the trial for March 30, 2026, with a status hearing set for March 12, 2025.

Shooter With A Prior Conviction Accepts Plea Deal

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec.9.

Anthrone Cabos, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace SE, on June 28, 2020. One person sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, Kevin O’Sullivan, Cabos’ attorney, alerted the court of his intent to accept a plea deal, for aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm with a conviction greater than one year, in exchange for a dismissal of all other charges.

Through the deal, parties agreed to four years of incarceration and three years of supervised release.

According to the prosecution, had the case gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Cabos knowingly and purposefully shot a woman in the stomach. They added that he had a firearm despite knowing he was prohibited due to a prior conviction with a sentence longer than a year in prison.

The prosecution insisted there was no legal justification for Cabos’ actions, and he did not act in self-defense.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 7 for sentencing.

Non-Fatal Shooting Co-Defendants Request– Pre-Trial Release, Vacation Travel

Jonathan Young and Daquawn Lubin both indicated they want to change their pre-trial conditions of release during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Dec. 9.

Young, 34, and Lubin, 29, are charged with conspiracy, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol outside a home or business, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

Lubin is additionally charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that injured two on the 4000 block of Benning Road, SE, on July 24, 2023.

Young’s defense attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, told Judge Okun she intends to file a motion requesting Young be released from DC Jail pending trial.

Judge Okun said Lubin’s defense attorney, Kevin O’Sullivan, had recently submitted a request to go on vacation outside the jurisdiction with his family for a few days in January. The prosecutor asked for time to file a motion opposing the request.

The next hearing for Young is set for Jan. 16, 2025.

The next hearing involving both defendants is set for July 25, 2025.

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