Cell Phone Data Said to Chart Carjacking Defendant’s Whereabouts

Investigators testified about using GPS coordinates from a cell phone data report to map out the defendants’ whereabouts on Dec. 2 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz.

Byron Gillum, 20, Jaelen Jordan, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Warren Montgomery, 20, Taj Giles, 20, and Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed.

These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking ring. Specifically, the ring’s alleged involvement in armed carjacking of a Porsche Cayenne that occurred on Feb 27, 2023 at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW and of a BMW X6 on April 27, 2023 at the intersection of 8th and K Streets, NE.

Jordan, Goff, Gillum, Ellis-Bey, Giles, and Flowers are also charged with two additional counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1,000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed. These additional charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking of a Porsche Cayenne GTS that occurred on May 16, 2023 on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NE.

The prosecution resumed testimony from a special agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) who testified about GPS coordinates from a cellphone connected to Giles that the prosecution asked him to verify.

On cross-examination, the agent testified that his role was not assembling the cellphone reports that were included in the prosecution’s exhibit, rather, verifying the GPS coordinates that the prosecution provided him matched the cell phone data report.

On direct examination, the agent testified that the GPS coordinates that were on the prosecution’s Google Maps evidence exhibits matched the GPS coordinates from the cell phone data report.

Additionally, the agent testified about a series of text messages said to be between Giles and his girlfriend, where he told his girlfriend where he was getting cars to sell during what appeared to be an argument. Moreover, the agent testified that the GPS coordinates that were in the cell phone data report came from location data when Giles shared his location with his girlfriend.

The prosecution also called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) investigator working in the Violent Crimes Impact Unit. The investigator testified about the definitions of a series of “slang terms” that the prosecution referended. Specifically, to his knowledge as a law enforcement officer a “free car” meant a stolen car, “gta” meant “grand theft auto”, “on da dump” meant the police are extremely close, and “bus the jakes” meant getting away from white police officers. These are all terms that prosecutors claim the defendants used to alert each other about certain events or things that were happening.

The investigator also testified about the so-called “star system” in Grand Theft Auto(GTA), a popular video game where players engage in criminal missions that involve vehicle theft. Specifically, the investigator testified that the star system refers to the increasing number of stars a player receives by engaging in more criminal activity.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 3.

Armed Carjacking Co-Defendant Wants Severance

An armed carjacking defendant requested that his case be severed from his co-defendant’s in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on Dec. 2.

Lamar Stephens, 38, and Peguy Sikadi are charged with armed carjacking, five counts of armed robbery, five counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, eleven counts of firearm possession during a crime of violence, and the unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in an armed carjacking on the 1600 block of V Street, SE, on May 26, 2024.

During the hearing, defense attorney Sharon Weathers, on behalf of Sikadi, told the court that Sikadi wanted his case to be separated from Stephens.

She explained that Sikadi had a trial date for another case in July, which would potentially interfere with the timing of this case. She also claimed that Sikadi’s counsel in the other case was dealing with the prosecution, which she claimed was a reason to consider severance.

Judge Di Toro requested they file a motion in writing for the severance.

Weathers also asked for the prosecution to notify the court of any plea offers extended to the defendants, and the prosecution said that there was one plea offer for Stephens. The offer would have had him plead guilty to carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and second-degree burglary in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

The prosecution said that there were no current plea offers for Sikadi, who joined the case late, but that they would be offering one soon.

Parties are set to return on Jan. 5.

Judge Delays Carjacker’s Sentencing Until March

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro delayed a carjacking defendant’s sentencing to March in a hearing on Dec. 2.

On Aug. 29, Derrick West, 18, pleaded guilty to unarmed carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery for his involvement in a series of carjackings and thefts occurring between Sept. 17 and Sept 30.

One armed carjacking took place on Sept. 19 on the 900 block of 11th Street, NE. Another occurred on the 800 block of P Street, NW, on Sept. 20. The last on the 100 block of 35th Street, NW, on Sept. 30.

During the hearing, parties discussed a defense motion to postpone West’s sentencing, which was initially set for December, until after his high school graduation.

Educational attorney Rachel Russo told the court that West was currently enrolled in high school and doing well. She said that she wanted to defer West’s sentencing until after he graduates in February of 2027, and argued that he would be unable to receive his diploma if he went to prison instead.

She told the judge that West had recently qualified for special education services, which he had been denied for years, and that any GED programs through the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) would be unable to support him.

The prosecution opposed the deferred sentencing, arguing that West shouldn’t be released for an extended period. He explained that West had committed a series of crimes that “terrorized the community,” and that West forfeited his release by committing the offenses.

The prosecution was also concerned about how long West would remain in the community, claiming that West’s doing poorly in school could result in “multiple additional semesters” and further prolong the case.

According to the prosecution, delaying the sentencing denied the victims the closure and justice they deserved.

Judge Di Toro acknowledged that there were “competing interests” in the case. She said that, while she wanted West to finish his education, the victims also had a right to see the case concluded, and noted that the community was “significantly damaged” by West’s actions.

Di Toro said that she was not inclined to delay the sentencing until February 2027, and after consulting with Russo on West’s school schedule, set a new sentencing date at the end of West’s current semester in March.

Parties are set to reconvene on March 13 for the sentencing.

Non-Fatal Stabbing Defendant Deemed Incompetent

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel deemed a non-fatal stabbing defendant incompetent on Dec. 3, following a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Michael Burke, 45, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing during a street fight on the 1700 block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE, on April 16, 2024.

The judge reviewed a competency report prepared by DBH. The report had not been fully completed because a lockdown at the Department of Corrections (DOC), along with additional scheduling issues, prevented a doctor from finishing her observation of Burke.

Despite the incomplete evaluation, the doctor reported significant concerns. She noted that Burke demonstrated illogical conclusions, was not receptive to suggestions, and showed signs consistent with psychosis. The report described ongoing psychological difficulties, including delusions, disorganized and pressured thoughts, impaired self-control, and an inability to meaningfully work on or understand his case.

The prosecution ultimately supported moving Burke to the hospital for competency restoration efforts.

The judge determined Burke as legally incompetent based on the Dec. 2 report. In order to stand trial, a defendant must be able to understand the charges and be able to help his attorney defend the case.

During the hearing, Burke attempted to raise questions about an earlier competency report dated Aug. 21, stating, “I have a right to challenge the competence report. It’s a due process issue in my mind.”

The judge clarified that the focus of the day’s hearing was the December report, though she later provided Burke with the August report, noting that it also found him incompetent.

The judge instructed Burke not to file further motions until he is deemed competent, as they would otherwise be rejected without prejducice.

The court ruled that Burke will be transferred to Saint Elizabeths Hospital for inpatient competency restoration.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 7.

Defendant in Son’s Shooting Gets Qualified Release

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel released a non-fatal shooting defendant on Dec. 3.

Demeco Savoy, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured his son at the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Sept. 4.

It was determined that Savoy was eligible for release under specific conditions recommended by the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). The court expressed satisfaction with these conditions and approved his release.

Savoy will reside with his cousin in Maryland. In addition, he will be placed on GPS monitoring and is required to follow in-home confinement, with exceptions only for appointments with his attorney, job interviews, work obligations, or scheduled court appearances. If he gets a job or receives a new work schedule, he must notify PSA so that his permitted hours can be updated accordingly.

Although Savoy had been employed at a warehouse prior to his detention, it is unclear whether that remains available due to the 90 days since his detention.

As part of the release conditions, Savoy is prohibited from contacting his son in any manner. This includes no communication through text messages, social media, email, indirect contact through others, or any other means.

He was required to attend GPS orientation and the court emphasized failure to appear could result in a bench warrant. Additional conditions include no possession of firearms, compliance with drug testing, and in-person reporting to Pre-Trial Services as directed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 17.

Argument With Biker Leads to Killing

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard opening statements and testimony from eight witnesses in a fatal shooting trial on Dec. 2.

George Sutton, 45, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of John Coleman, 34, on May 1, 2023, on the 2000 block of M Street, NE.

“Do you have a brother by the name of John Coleman?” a prosecutor asked of Coleman’s sister.

“You mean had?” she asked. She briefly testified by identifying the victim from a his photo shown in court.

“The defendant hunted and gunned down Mr. Coleman,” the prosecution said in their opening statement.

The prosecution described the events of May 1, 2023, when Coleman was traveling on a red Capital Bikeshare on the 1100 block of 21st Street, NE, where he came in contact with a gold Infiniti Sedan. The prosecution identified the driver of the vehicle as Sutton, who was blocked by Coleman’s bike.

An altercation occurred between Sutton and Coleman, which resulted in Coleman throwing an object at Sutton’s vehicle. “The defendant then drove to his home on the 4600 block of Quarles Street, NE, likely to get a gun,” the prosecution claimed.

Afterwards, he got back in his car and traveled back in the direction of where the altercation occurred, but came face to face with Coleman on the 2000 block of M Street, NE. The prosecution alleged that Sutton fired 10 gunshots at Coleman, and argued Sutton did so “maliciously and carelessly.”

A forensic pathologist, who later testified, confirmed that Coleman sustained three gunshot wounds to the neck, left leg, and right thigh.

A Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) patrol officer, who responded to the scene of the incident, said he did not perform CPR on Coleman. “I instantly knew he was dead. He wasn’t moving or saying anything,” the officer testified.

Additionally, the prosecution stated, “no one is going to say that they saw Sutton pull the trigger.”

Sutton’s defense attorney Steven Kiersh homed on this statement, adding that although Sutton’s car was seen driving by multiple surveillance cameras, no one identified Sutton as the driver.

“You will also not hear anything about DNA in this case,” Kiersh argued.

An eyewitness who was present when the incident occurred was called in to testify by the prosecution.

The woman testified that she was walking her friend’s dog near the intersection of 21st and M Street. Once she was on M Street, the woman observed a “goldish” sedan in the middle of the 2000 block.

During her interview with MPD detectives on the day of the shooting, the woman described the car as a light-colored Nissan Altima. She testified that the car looked identical to a relative’s car, which is why she mistook it for a Nissan.

The woman claimed that she did not see the driver of the sedan, as the vehicle had tinted windows.

Additionally, she observed a man on a red bike approaching the vehicle. The woman assumed the man on the bike and the driver knew each other because the man on the bike was standing about three feet away from the vehicle.

Afterwards, the woman said she heard two gunshots and started running back towards 21st Street. While running, she looked behind her and saw the man on the bike fall to the ground. However, she testified that she did not see where the shots came from.

She also testified that no one else was in the vicinity when the shooting occurred.

Once the witness reached the intersection of 21st and M Street, she heard a ‘handful’ of additional gunshots. When asked by the prosecution how many gunshots she heard in total, the witness answered five.

Two other witnesses testified to hearing over ten gunshots at the time of the incident, but did not see anything occur.

When the forensic pathologist testified about the autopsy report, she informed the jury that two remote fragments were removed from Coleman’s right chest and left thigh. ‘Remote’ in this context refers to the location of a bullet or its fragments at a distance from the main wound. She testified it could’ve been sustained during a different incident.

Upon cross-examination, Kiersh asked the pathologist, “So, does this mean that two of the fragments were in the decedent’s body prior to the shooting on May 1, 2023?” The witness answered “yes, they were separate gunshot wounds.”

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) employee testified to taking pictures of the defendant’s car. During cross examination, Kiersh asked if the car had tinted windows, which the DFS employee confirmed it did not.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 3.

Defense Motion to Suppress Shooting Suspect’s Identification Denied

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur denied a defense motion to suppress identification on Dec. 2.

Keith Walker, 31, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a March 7 shooting on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE, where an individual was wounded on the ankle.

During a Dec. 1 hearing, the parties focused on unresolved evidence in discovery issues and whether police records and 911 calls involving the witness and victim should be admitted. The defense argued the late-disclosed calls, reports of domestic abuse by the witness, and welfare check requests by the victim were central to showing possible pressure on the witness while living with the victim, as well as potential bias by both toward the defendant. They said excluding the material would hinder their self-defense theory and their ability to challenge credibility.

Prosecutors countered that the information was neither new nor relevant to the shooting and warned that admitting it would create a distracting mini-trial over unrelated credibility issues. They maintained the defense had not tied the records to the charged conduct and that no discovery violation warranted a continuance. The judge took the matter under advisement and planned to rule the next day.

When proceedings resumed on Dec. 2, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective was recalled to the stand to clarify confusion around nicknames and to describe how he identified the suspect after gathering vehicle information from the victim and checking it against police databases. He said the victim was fully confident identifying the suspect and that this was reflected in the arrest warrant materials. According to court documents, the victim was Walker’s girlfriend’s child’s father.

On cross-examination, the defense highlighted changing details in the victim’s account, specifically, whether the shooter’s mask was up or down, and questioned whether the witness had ever suggested that the evidence was insufficient.

They explored prior complaints about evidence handling within the police department and emphasized the absence of recordings during key interviews, including the photo-identification process of the suspect and follow-up phone conversations with the victim.

Prosecutors, on redirect, emphasized that shortly after the shooting, the victim had provided details about the car, the suspect, and a nickname, and quickly selected the defendant from a photo display. They argued that this identification should be admitted.

The defense maintained that inconsistent descriptions, the role of the ski mask, and the lack of recordings made the identification unreliable. The judge ultimately denied the suppression motion.

Prosecutors then revisited three prior interactions between the defendant and victim, and the judge confirmed that this evidence would be allowed. Information about those interactions was not discussed in court.

Prosecutors also wanted to play a 911 call made by the victim in court, but the judge declined to do so immediately, requesting it instead by email to review before deciding whether it may be introduced.

Prosecutors and the defense were ready for jury selection to begin.

Parties and jurors are slated to reconvene on Dec. 3.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Club Shooting, Denies Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Andrea Hertzfeld found probable cause that a defendant was involved in a shooting incident and denied release pending his next hearing on Dec. 2.

Jovan Abrego, 25, is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place and carrying a pistol without a license for his alleged involvement in a shooting that took place on the 1300 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW, on Nov. 29. No injuries were reported.

The prosecution alerted the court that a preliminary offer was not provided to Abrego because they hadn’t talked to the victim yet. After discussion with his defense attorney, Gail Engmann, Abrego decided to continue with the preliminary hearing regardless.

The prosecutor called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who testified that she and her partner spoke with two eyewitnesses on the night of the shooting. One was working security for Tokyo Pearl, the club at which the shooting occurred, and the other eyewitness was an Uber driver who was parked across the block from the shooting location.

According to the officer, the security guard said that a man in an orange jacket was kicked out of the club because of a dispute with a staff member. Five minutes after the initial dispute, the man came back to the rear entrance of the club and initiated another argument with the staff when he pulled out a handgun from his pants, said the officer.

The officer testified that the security guard saw the man in the orange jacket fire one shot from outside, into the club, shattering the glass door.

According to the officer, the Uber driver was parked across the block when they heard the first shooting. Startled, they ducked down in their car as soon as they heard the shot, said the officer. The officer mentioned that once the Uber driver looked back out, they saw a man in an orange jacket shoot a second bullet into the street towards the direction of the club.

The officer testified that after the shooting, a lookout for two Hispanic men, one in a black hoodie and one in an orange jacket was delivered from dispatch, in response. Abrego was stopped approximately five minutes after, walking with an individual with a black hoodie near the location of the shooting. He was wearing an orange jacket and was in possession of cocaine and a jammed firearm, according to the police.

After being arrested, Abrego was said to test positive for cocaine at the DC Jail.

Following the shooting, the officer said she canvassed the scene and only found the spent bullet casing from the first shooting. The second casing was later found to be jammed in the chamber of the gun retrieved from Abrego, according to the officer.

During cross-examination, Engmann highlighted that there were three reasons why the court should not find probable cause in this case.

Engmann claimed that the look out description was extremely vague, not containing any information of height, weight, hair, or tattoos, despite Abrego having multiple visible tattoos. She also emphasized that no identification procedures were made prior to Abrego’s arrest, even though they had an eyewitness that interacted with the shooter.

The details for the argument preceding the shooter getting kicked out of the club were also “bare,” according to Engmann. Engmann talked about how it was impossible to know if the altercation ever became physical prior to the shooting, thus insinuating the possibility of self-defense.

Lastly, Engmann mentioned the idea that Tokyo Pearl was not a public venue. Abrego is charged with endangerment with a firearm in a public place. Jury instructions indicate that a public location is defined by a location the general public can access without payment.

According to Engmann, there was no record of whether the club required payment for entry, thus it was unknown whether the club was determined to be a public location.

Judge Hertzfeld determined there to be probable cause for both charges because the defendant was found to match the initial identification and allegedly in possession of a firearm. She also mentioned the lack of evidence of any immediate threat to Abrego at the time of the incident. The judge concluded that the shot was fired on a public sidewalk, deeming the location of the shooting a public location.

Parties then presented arguments regarding Abrego’s release or detention pending trial.

Engmann mentioned that Abrego had no criminal history and family support. Multiple letters of support from his mother, father, and son were submitted, which showed that he is an asset to the community, according to Engmann. He also highlighted that Abrego helped coach children’s soccer and held multiple jobs to support his family financially. Engmann also said that Abrego’s pride and joy was caring for his son.

The prosecutor argued that Abrego’s alleged involvement in the shooting was serious by nature, especially because it was done in public. She mentioned that the weight of the evidence was strong as Abrego was stopped five minutes after the shooting, with a gun that was jammed with a spent shell casing. The prosecutor also highlighted that Abrego was on pretrial release for a pending larceny case from Fairfax County when he allegedly committed the shooting.

Judge Hertzfeld agreed with the prosecution, focusing on the severity of the alleged crime, the weight of the evidence, and the fact that Abrego was on pretrial release when he was arrested.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 26.

Teen Suspect Accused in String of Carjackings

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson decided to keep a young carjacking defendant in jail to ensure the safety of the community on Dec. 2.

Andre Whitfield, 17, is charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of armed carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in incidents that occurred on June 8 at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and W Street, NW and on June 10 on the 200 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

Whitfield is being charged as an adult under Title 16 which allows prosecutors latitude in more serious cases.

A detective explained they used CCTV footage to track individuals on mopeds who were leaving and returning to the apartment complex where the defendant lives. This occurred for several incidents where the group left, allegedly performed a carjacking of another moped or scooter used in deliveries, and returned to the apartment complex with the vehicles.

On June 8, six individuals were seen leaving and returning on mopeds. Two incidents occurred that day, only one of which Whitfield is charged with. Defense attorney Steven Roman alleged that the victims had both only said two people carjacked them, meaning at most four people had actually performed the carjacking. He claimed that the detective could not know if Whitfield was one of the four who participated in the carjacking.

However, footage from the same day showed all six individuals removing objects from the allegedly stolen moped, including the victim’s phone, which was later found by police. This, the detective claimed, proved Whitfield’s involvement.

Neither victim from the June 8 incidents identified their carjackers. However, Whitfield identified himself in surveillance footage to police by a black hoodie he was wearing.

On June 10, two scooters left with three people on them. Three scooters returned with four people. Whitfield is allegedly the driver of one of the scooters, with someone behind him also on the moped. Once again, he had identified himself to the detective in a still from the footage.

After the carjacking on the tenth, the group was seen in CCTV footage riding the mopeds around the area of the apartment complex. The detective said she could not know for certain if Whitfield was riding a stolen moped.

Roman pointed out that none of the victims identified any of the suspects as their carjackers. However, Whitfield fit many of the descriptions provided, most of which included a young Black male of thin build, between the ages of 16 and 20.

A search of the apartment where Whitfield lived allegedly led police to discover a black handgun from under his mattress. The weapon was an enhanced ghost gun, which was loaded when the gun was recovered. There was additional ammunition found in the home.

The prosecution argued that probable cause was evident. She claimed that Whitfield was aiding and abetting as the driver of the mopeds before and after the incidents and that he likely knew they were armed due to the number of incidents, including those Whitfield is not charged for. She also pointed out that Whitfield identified himself as part of the group twice.

Roman claimed there was no probable cause, as there is no evidence that Whitfield was present at the carjackings. He said that the detective’s investigation only proved that he had left and returned to an apartment complex where he lived with his parents.

Judge Dayson noted that the affidavit the detective had written and adopted as part of her testimony explained that video footage showed the group surrounding the victim on June 10, clearly demonstrating that Whitfield had at least aided and abetted the group.

She found probable cause and held Whitfield, despite arguments from the defense to release the defendant and provide restrictions so that he could only travel between work and school. Due to the what the prosecution says are the number of carjackings and the weapon found in the home where Whitfield was living, Dayson expressed that she could not fashion conditions that would ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 5.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting on Aug. 16 in Southeast. The suspect attempted to rob a victim inside a business on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, brandished a handgun, and shot the victim as they fled. The victim survived and was treated at a local hospital. The suspect was captured on surveillance video.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Fellow Inmates

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon and stabbing two other inmates in the DC Jail before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Dec. 3.

Valentino Allen, 35, was originally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful introduction of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 25, 2024.

During his Dec. 3 hearing, Allen entered into an agreement with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the stabbing. Allen pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon and two counts of simple assault. The maximum sentence for the prohibited weapon charges is one year incarceration and the assault charges each carry a maximum penalty of 180 days incarceration.

Prosecutors said that had the case gone to trial, they would have proven to a jury that Allen waited for a guard to open the door to the victims’ cell before rushing in and stabbing both inmates several times in the upper body with a knife. Both victims were taken to a hospital for treatment following the incident.

Parties will reconvene for sentencing Jan. 27.

No-Show Stabbing Defendant Not Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

A stabbing defendant was found not mentally competent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Dec. 2.

William Clark, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1600 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Sept. 9, 2023. One person was injured during the incident.

Clark is alleged to have stabbed one person in the abdomen because the victim was standing near his e-bike, according to court documents.

He was set to go to trial on Oct. 21, but did not show up to court on the day of jury selection and has since been re-arrested on a bench warrant, where he was evaluated by the Department of Behavioral Services (DBH) on Nov. 26. The results of his evaluation showed that Clark was not mentally competent to stand trial.

No one objected to the recommendations from the DBH report during the Dec. 2 hearing, and the parties, including Judge Salerno, agreed to send Clark to Saint. Elizabeth’s Hospital for a full psychiatric evaluation.

To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be prepared to help his lawyer.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16.

Parties in Carjacking Case Explore Alford Plea

DC Superior Court Carmen McLean was notified that parties for a carjacking case were exploring the possibility of an Alford plea on Dec. 2.

Zyon Prince, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in stealing a moped on the 1100 block of T Street, NW, on March 24.

Prince’s attorney, Raymond Jones, and the prosecutor alerted Judge McLean that the parties were exploring the possibility of an Alford plea, which means the defendant agrees the prosecution’s evidence against him would end in a conviction, but maintains his innocence.

The parties requested additional time to concur.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 20.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southern Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Alvin Young Jr., 47, in connection with a fatal shooting on March 19, 2022, in Southeast. The victim, identified as 28-year-old Mark Cobrand Jr., was found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle on the 4200 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Young has been charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a defendant on Nov. 19 to home confinement in a parking garage homicide case.

Lavar Hunter, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW, on Nov 19, 2023.

According to court documents, Wingate died from a single bullet to his neck while in a parking garage.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan granted the defense attorney J.C. Boggs’ motion for release after receiving additional information from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Boggs was standing in for Hunter’s assigned attorney, James King.

A representative from PSA was able to assure that the home confinement location was confirmed, the owner of the property granted permission, and that all parties understood the responsibilities involved with the GPS monitor maintenance.

Judge Ryan informed the court that this was a serious crime and not a decision that he made lightly. However, he based his decision on the compromise between public safety and not unjustly holding someone beyond what is legally permitted.

Judge Ryan also recognized that past judges have denied the motion for release for Hunter twice before. However, he maintained that he must make decisions based on his own interpretation of the facts of the case.

Judge Ryan warned Hunter that he must follow the rules of the home confinement to maintain public safety. If he is able to do so, Judge Ryan explained that he would consider possible expanding his home confinement conditions.

The prosecution argued that they would not like to provide a list of witnesses for a stay away-order to protect the witnesses.

Judge Ryan asked Hunter to not contact anyone involved in the case in person, through the phone, or through a third party. Judge Ryan will re-evaluate Hunter if any issues arise.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.