Shooting Suspect Says He was Trying to Help His Friend

During a continuing trial on Nov. 18, it was confirmed no firearms or bullets were found on the spot where a non-fatal shooting victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec 7, 2021. The shooting was non-fatal.

The prosecution called their first witness who provided a 911 call recording on the day and at the address of the incident. The caller stated, “I’ve been shot in the leg!”

A second witness testified the victim received trauma surgery at Howard University Hospital. He sustained a gunshot wound to the upper thigh where the projectile exited.

The lead detective detailed the results of a search warrant for Gibson’s apartment, where he allegedly recovered a gun container and a magazine.

The detective later attempted to interview the victim at the hospital but was unsuccessful.

The witness was able to interview Gibson who stated on video he had “been around this man [the victim] since I was two years old…I was trying to help my friend.” Gibson stated he heard shots and the victim scream, saying someone was trying to rob him.

During cross-examination, it was revealed that no guns were recovered on the scene on the date of the incident. Defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, that said victim was actually found on the fourth floor of the apartment building, contradicting earlier testimony.

No ballistic evidence was collected, and even though the detective testified that during his investigation officers looked thoroughly throughout Gibson’s apartment, no guns were found.

Gibson was not arrested until Sep 29, 2022, about 11 months after the incident, when Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers searched his apartment again.

The witness is scheduled to finish his testimony on Nov. 19 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Shooting, Armed Robbery Defendant’s Attorney Bores in on Lead Detective

A shooting defendant’s attorney scrutinized the lead detective’s practices during a trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on Nov. 19.

Demonte Gibson, 26, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1400 block of Fairmont Street, NW on Dec. 7, 2021. One individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries to their left leg.

According to court documents, the victim is Gibson’s childhood best friend. He told police he was going out to get food and a drink, until he felt a sharp pain in his left leg. He did not hear gunshots or see who shot him.

During the hearing, Gibson’s attorneys, Kevann Gardner and Rachel Cicurel, cross-examined the lead detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) who investigated the incident, scrutinizing his actions.

Gardner elicited the fact that he did not instruct the Department of Forensic Science (DFS) to take pictures of a pool of suspected blood where the victim was shot. Furthermore, when the detective was testifying, he was unable to answer questions about how investigative tasks were delegated

Additionally, the detective’s testimony was apparently contradicted after Gardner showed him a Twitter profile picture. Gardner asked him if the subject in the Twitter picture was Gibson, and he answered with, “I can’t say that it’s not him.” Prior to the trial, he testified that it was in fact Gibson in the Twitter profile picture.

Finally, Gardner asked the detective about how he and his team assessed the incident scene. The officer testified that he and his team assumed the incident stemmed from a suicide attempt, not an armed robbery and a shooting.

Parties are set to gather on Nov. 20.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Guilty Plea Deal

On Nov. 15 a non-fatal shooting defendant accepted a guilty plea in front of DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park.

Torrence Wimbish, 20 is charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of endangerment with a firearm, and one count of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Feb 11, 2024 on the 1300 block of Alabama Avenue, SE.

Wimbish accepted a guilty plea for two charge– assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business.

According to the prosecutor, Wimbish went to meet the victim that he previously agreed to fight. The victim was accompanied by a group of people when someone threw a fire extinguisher and bleach at the defendant. In response, he walked across the street and allegedly pulled out a P 80 Ghost gun, shooting at them three times. The gun was reportedly recovered on his person.

For the count of assault with a dangerous weapon the maximum sentence would be ten years incarceration with three years of supervised release and a $25,000 fine. For carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or place of business the maximum would be five years incarceration with three years supervised release and a $12,000 fine. Wimbish would also be required to register as a gun offender.

Judge Park, accepted the guilty plea.

Parties are expected to return to hear full sentencing on Jan 23, 2025.

Release Conditions Reviewed for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan advised the prosecution to revise a stay away no contact map they presented in court on Nov. 18.

Herbert Young, 41, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed of a senior citizen, aggravated assault knowingly while armed of a senior citizen, assault with a dangerous weapon of a senior citizen, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside his home, for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on Feb. 4, 2023, on the 2500 block of N Street, SE.

The victim was hospitalized in critical condition with nine stab wounds, including one to the neck

According to court documents, on the day of the incident, the suspect, later identified as Young, went to the victim’s apartment allegedly to stab him. The victim’s girlfriend said she witnessed the attack and she positively identified Young as the individual who stabbed the victim.

In a previous hearing held on Nov. 5, prosecution raised concern that changing Young’s release conditions would increase the likelihood that Young would run into the victim or his girlfriend in the community.

The prosecution presented the court with a stay away no contact map, to which Hannah Claudio, Young’s attorney, objected, stating that there were multiple streets that Young frequently travels on that were within the restricted area.

Judge Raffinan instructed the prosecution to revise the map and present it at their next status hearing.

Claudio also said the defense elects to conduct independent DNA testing of the government’s evidence.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 25.

Guilty Plea Entered in Armed Carjacking of FBI Agent

In a Nov. 18 hearing, DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro accepted a guilty plea from a defendant for charges stemming from an armed carjacking of an off-duty FBI agent.

Devonte Lynch, 18, plead guilty to one count each of armed carjacking, robbery, and posession of a pistol without a license for an incident that occurred on Nov. 29, 2023, near the 100 block of 12th Street NE.

According to the statement of facts, which Lynch testified to be true, Lynch and another individual approached the victim, knocking the agent to the ground, pointing a handgun, and demanding a cell phone and car keys before fleeing in the agent’s vehicle.

Lynch expressed his desire to graduate with a GED while at the DC Jail before his sentencing. Agreeing to the importance of finishing school, Judge Di Toro scheduled the sentencing with sufficient time for Lynch to accommodate his wishes.

A Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) study was ordered in consideration of his rehabilitation prospects, with sentencing scheduled Dec 5, 2025. If sentenced under the YRA, Lynch’s criminal record would be effectively sealed.

Supporters From Both Sides Testify in Stabbing Trial Hinging on Self-Defense

Family members and supporters of both the victim and the defendant testified in a stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Nov. 14.

Darin Anthony, 59, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a Sep. 11, 2023, stabbing incident that took place on the 400 block of W street, NW.

The wife of the victim testified, confirming that she saw the Anthony acting like a crazy man and waving a knife around.

Anthony’s attorney, Jamison Koehler, questioned the victim’s wife about whether she owned a cane since Anthony alleges the victim swung a cane at the defendant and the stabbing was in self-defense.

The victim’s wife denied ever owning a cane, but Koehler played a clip of body-worn camera footage, from the night of the incident, where the witness admits to owning a cane, but not knowing its whereabouts.

During redirect examination, the prosecutors asked the witness to clarify the issue of the cane. She said she had simply forgotten walking with a cane and the “cane wasn’t there that day.”

The victim testified that Anthony was chasing the victim’s brother with a knife, prompting the victim to go outside and pick up a stick as a weapon to defend him. The victim alleged that he swung the stick at Anthony and missed, but Anthony retaliated by cutting the victim’s forehead above his left eye.

Koehler suggested the weapon the victim used was actually a cane from inside the apartment rather than a stick from the ground. The victim confirmed Koehler was correct but the purpose of grabbing it was still the same.

“He swung first,” the victim said regarding Anthony.

The victim’s brother testified that the victim never had any weapon at all to threaten Anthony with and that the cut was completely unprovoked. The victim was “trying to talk to [Anthony] man to man,” his brother said.

Koehler asked whether Anthony made any threats to either brother that could have provoked physical violence. The witness confirmed he did not.

The prosecution reminded the witness of grand jury testimony in which he testified Anthony asked him, “You want some of this too?” and made other threatening comments.

The defense called Anthony’s wife as a witness. She said Anthony was upset because of a package that he believed to have been stolen before leaving the apartment.

The witness said she heard an argument minutes later and went to the window in time to see the victim swinging the cane at Anthony, eventually connecting with the defendant’s left shoulder and breaking the cane. It was after this, according to the witness, that Anthony retaliated by slashing at the victim with his knife.

Koehler bolstered this argument by displaying a photograph showing a large bruise on the defendant’s shoulder.

The prosecution said there was no timestamp on the photo or identification of whose shoulder was bruised and asked why the photo was never brought to their attention during the grand jury trial.

The witness simply said the prosecution never asked.

Anthony’s close friend and neighbor testified that he too saw the victim strike first with the cane, breaking it over Anthony’s shoulder. He said Anthony’s stabbing motion was “reactionary.”

The trial is set to continue on Nov. 18.

Defense Requests Evidence in Murder Case Linked to MS-13 Gang

A murder defendant alleged to be connected to “Mara Salvatrucha” (MS-13) appeared before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Nov. 15 as the defense reiterated requests for evidence from the prosecution.

Pedro Joya Argueta, 25, also known by the nickname “Peluche,” is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, and conspiracy. The charges are connected to Argueta’s alleged involvement in the execution-style killing of 16-year-old Eberson Guerra-Sanchez on April 27, 2019, on the 5200 block of Canal Road, NW.

During the hearing, Julie Swaney, Argueta’s attorney, asked to know the date when the defense will receive all of the evidence from the prosecution, since the process thus far has allegedly been slow.

The prosecution explained that the delays are due to the complexity of the case. They currently have over 30 witnesses and intend to add more co-defendants.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 14, 2025.

Defense Tries to Exclude Police Interview With Ailing HIt-And-Run Defendant

The attorney for a traffic homicide defendant argued that his client’s interview with a police detective should be excluded from evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 15

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

According to court documents, Stafilatos sped away from a traffic stop, ran a red light and collided with a car. As a result of the collision, Stafilatos’ vehicle spun into the crosswalk and allegedly hit Sui and the other victim while they were crossing the street.

According to both parties, Stafilatos received medical treatment at a hospital and then was interviewed by law enforcement.

The prosecution opposed the defense’s motion to suppress statements from the interview and called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective who conducted the interview as a witness. The detective viewed a screenshot of surveillance footage from the interview and confirmed it was his.

Stafilatos’s attorney, Brian McDaniel, asked the detective if he remembered Stafilatos telling him he was “not okay” at the beginning of the interview. The detective affirmed he recalled Stafilatos saying this, and McDaniel asked the detective if he did anything about Stafilatos not feeling well. The detective responded that he did not.

McDaniel argued Stafilatos’s statements during the interview should be suppressed because the detective conducted the interview despite being aware Stafilatos was out of the hospital after a serious car accident and was not okay. McDaniel also argued Stafilatos could not be fully aware of his rights in this situation

The prosecution disagreed that Stafilatos, citing that he was read his Miranda rights against self-incrimination during the interview. The prosecution argued there is no basis for suppression because Stafilatos was volunteering information and not being interrogated. According to the prosecution, Stafilatos’ statements were not made in response to questions from the detective, but were unprovoked and voluntary.

Judge Raffinan informed the parties she will rule on the motion at the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 26.

MPD Detective Testifies in Hit-And-Run Murder

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified about his investigation of a fatal car accident in a preliminary hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 15.

Kyle Piunti, 35, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the hit-and-run traffic death of 54-year-old Michael Hamlin on I-295 southbound on Jan. 3.

According to court documents, Hamlin took an off-ramp from I-295 after avoiding a separate collision. Allegedly, Piunti was driving at a high speed in a blue car when he hit Hamlin and fled the scene on foot.

An MPD detective involved in the investigation testified in the hearing that he recognized images of a blue car linked to the incident.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 19.

Prosecutor Says Stabbing Defendant, ‘Knew What He Was Doing and Had No Fear’

Opposing Willie Byrd’s claim of self defense, the prosecution said Byrd, “knew what he was doing and had no fear” in their closing argument before D.C. Superior Court Judge O’Keefe on Nov. 14

Byrd, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing. The victim required multiple surgeries and intensive care as a result. The incident occurred on Feb. 28, 2023, at the intersection of D Street, SW, and 2nd Street, SW.

The prosecution called a witness who was present at the scene of the alleged stabbing immediately before it occurred. She described the victim as being “out of his element” while trying to buy drugs in that particular neighborhood, which made him “vulnerable”.

The witness said the defendant asked her to help him “deceive” the victim into giving them money. She said she left the scene before anyone was harmed and never saw a weapon.

The defense presented a motion for a judgment of acquittal, arguing the prosecution had not presented enough evidence to prove Byrd’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Judge O’Keefe denied the motion, saying the jury could decide if the evidence was strong enough to convict.

The prosecution used CCTV footage to show Byrd’s alleged involvement in the stabbing and his expressed intent to kill. The defense used the footage as evidence the stabbing was an effort of self-defense.

Byrd’s attorney, Camille Wagner, argued a disparity in interpretation the evidence created grounds for reasonable doubt and said the prosecution had not met its burden of proof.

The prosecution highlighted the intensity of the injuries caused, arguing the sheer force used in the stabbing was enough to demonstrate intent to kill. They claimed Byrd had chances to retreat but instead “lingered” to start the physical altercation and hid the knife behind his back before brandishing it.

The defense emphasized moments in the CCTV footage where Byrd is seen backing up or putting his hand up and used them to support their self-defense argument. They said, if Byrd had the intent to kill, he would not have left the scene when the victim was still up and moving.

The trial is set to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA Evidence

A non-fatal shooting defendant waived his rights to independently test DNA evidence during a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Nov 15.

Theodore Williams, 53, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 4000 block of Wahler Court, SE, on April 18. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

The prosecution told the court they had tested biological material, including DNA swabs from two firearms and two cartridge casings.

Judge Christian accepted Williams’ waiver, presented by his defense attorney, Thomas Healy.

Trial is scheduled for Jan 7, 2025.

Shooting Suspect Changes Plea to Guilty

A non-fatal shooting defendant changed his plea to guilty during a felony status conference before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Nov 15.

Travis Ellis, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Park Road, NW, on Sept. 18. No injuries were reported.

As part of an agreement, Ellis pleaded guilty to the charge. His defense attorney, Charles Haskell, said the count carries a maximum sentence of ten years with a minimum of three years of supervised release. He requested a sentence at the midpoint of the guidelines.

Haskell informed the court that Ellis was waiving an indictment and the right to independently test DNA evidence. He asked Judge Christian to release Ellis to home confinement with GPS monitoring.

The prosecution was opposed saying Ellis has a child with the victim and shot at the victim voluntarily.

Judge Christian denied releasing Ellis at this time.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan 30, 2025.

Conditional Probation of Non-Fatal Shooting Defendant Extended

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian extended the probation period for a non-fatal shooting defendant on Nov. 15 due to failure to complete a domestic violence program.

Taheim Parker, 22, pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2021, to unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside his home or business for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 100 block of U Street, NE, on May 20, 2021. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

According to the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), Parker has completed 90 hours of community service and paid the $100 and $50 fees to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund that were part of his probation conditions. However, he has not completed the required domestic violence program.

Defense attorney Sara Kopecki informed the court that Parker was enrolled in the program but was unsure when it starts or finishes. The prosecution pointed out that Parker has been enrolled in these programs before but has not shown up many times.

Parker is paying for the 16-hour program himself, which costs over $100, and is currently waiting for a referral. Parker’s probation was originally set to expire next month. Kopecki asked for a continuation so he could have time to complete the program.

Judge Christian said at least the court will know if Parker is enrolled and how far along he has gotten to satisfy the extension.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 7, 2025.

Triple Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Seven Years Incarceration

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a triple carjacking defendant to seven years in prison on Nov. 15 after he pleaded guilty to all charges.

Dennis Vanison, 29, on Aug. 13 acknowledged guilt to unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in three carjacking incidents. The first occurred on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE, on May 2, and the following two occurred on the 3300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on May 3.

According to court documents, Vanison and another suspect stole the first victim’s white Chrysler while he was making a DoorDash delivery on May 2. Vanison was not the suspect who pointed the firearm at the victim, according to prosecutors.

The next day, according to court documents, a separate victim called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after finding Vanison unresponsive at the wheel of their family vehicle. The driver’s door and trunk were open, and a firearm was on the floorboard. Vanison had committed another carjacking earlier that morning down the street.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 84-to-96 months of incarceration. Due to Vanison’s criminal history of three misdemeanors, he faced a mandatory minimum of seven years of incarceration.

The prosecution advocated for the higher end of the sentencing range, explaining how one victim over 60 years old is now unable to work and suffering from depression. Additionally, Vanison committed the offenses with an unregistered “ghost gun” near a child development center.

The prosecution disclosed two additional cases of robberies pending trial in Maryland, including one already indicted by a grand jury, to justify their recommended sentence. The prosecution stressed the danger of the offenses to the community.

Vanison’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, argued the bottom of the sentencing range was high for the nature of the offense, given Vanison’s criminal history score. Winograd recommended 84 months with a period of probation.

Winograd said Vanison has intellectual disabilities that have prevented him from finishing school and obtaining a job. His challenging environment made him susceptible to dangerous behavior. Winograd argued a sentence at the low end of the range will allow Vanison the opportunity to reflect and pursue rehabilitation.

Judge Salerno sentenced Vanison to 84 months for the charge of unarmed carjacking. That sentence will run concurrently with a sentence of 28 months for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license.

Both sentences carry with them concurrent three years of supervised release. During that time, Judge Salerno ordered Vanison to engage in an interactive plan that includes a program to address his drug abuse issues.

In addition, Vanison will have to register as a gun offender for two years after his release and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund.

The parties set no further dates.

Everyone Thinks Youth Crime Is Increasing–D.C. Witness Data Shows Why

New data from D.C. Witness validates the common public perception that violent crime among youth in the District is increasing. The percentage of homicides and non-fatal shootings perpetrated by youth aged 15-to-20 almost doubled in the three years from 2021 thru June 2024.

In 2021-22 perpetrators ranging in ages from 15-to-20 committed about 11.38 percent of the crimes. In 2022-23 they were responsible for about 12.35 percent. In 2023-2024 that percentage jumped to 21.43 percent. In other words, nearly 100 percent.

The percentage of crime by perpetrators in the 25-to-35 age group remained consistent in DC over the last three years. The same was true for those aged 40-to-50 as well.

One segment that experienced a decline was early middle age–people 35-to-40. That group saw an almost 50 percent drop in crimes committed. In 2021-22, around 29.27 percent of perpetrators were categorized as being in early middle age then the decline began the next year with 13.58 percent in the bracket engaging in criminal behavior and then only a slight rise the next year at 16.67 percent.

The D.C. Witness data shows that the age of crime victims has changed significantly over the last three years as well.

While the percentage of crimes committed by youth has increased in the past year, the percentage of victims 15-to-20 in the District declined significantly. Although there was a spike– from 2021-to-22 to 2022-to-23 from 17.07 percent to 33.33 percent- the past year has seen that percentage drop to 23.81 percent.

It is a different story for those aged 20-to-25. In the years 2021-22,13.01 percent of young adults were victims, and in 2022-23, they comprised 14.81 percent. This rate almost doubled in 2023-to-24. The percentage of victims jumped to 28.57 percent.

The percentage of victims aged 30-to-35 and 35-to-40 in DC showed the most dramatic decline. In 2021-to-22 the percentage of victims who were in early adulthood, 30-to-35 was 25.20 percent, and in the next year the rate was similar at 22.22percent before falling to 9.52 percent in 2023-24.

Those 35-to-40, also saw a significant drop to 0.00 percent in 2023-24 from previous years, starting in 2021-22 at 22.76 percent and then in 2022-23 at 12.35 percent.

Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Victims and Perpetrators 2021-2024

Perpetrator Data

	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24
Ages 15-20	11.38%	12.35%	21.43%
Ages 20-25	17.07%	33.33%	23.81%
Ages 25-30	21.14%	23.46%	23.81%
Ages 30-35	16.26%	16.05%	19.05%
Ages 35-40	29.27%	13.58%	16.67%
Ages 40-45	5.69%	6.17%	4.76%
Ages 45-50	7.32%	6.17%	4.76%

Victim Data

	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24
Ages 15-20	8.13%	12.35%	11.90%
Ages 20-25	13.01%	14.81%	28.57%
Ages 25-30	24.39%	16.05%	28.57%
Ages 30-35	25.20%	22.22%	9.52%
Ages 35-40	22.76%	12.35%	0.00%
Ages 40-45	4.88%	9.88%	11.90%
Ages 45-50	4.88%	2.47%	7.14%

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