Defendant Considers Plea Deal for East Capitol Street Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt allowed a shooting defendant additional time to consider a plea deal during a hearing on Jan. 23.

Marcus Martin, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that injured an individual on Jan. 11, 2024, on the 4200 block of East Capitol Street, NE.

According to court documents, police responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex.

At the hearing, prosecutors alerted Judge Brandt they had extended two plea offers, which would require Martin to plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, or plead guilty to assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Prosecutors said that if either plea is accepted, they would dismiss the remaining counts and not pursue additional sentencing beyond the plea terms. If no deal is reached, the case will be set for a jury trial on Feb. 23, 2026.

Court records indicate that on Jan. 24, 2025, Martin rejected an offer that would have him plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. In return, the prosecution would have dismissed all other charges in the case and requested a sentence at the bottom of the sentencing guidelines.

Quo Judkins, Martin’s attorney, requested additional time to review the offers with her client.

Martin must decide if he’ll accept the offer by Jan. 29, 2026, when the court has scheduled a status hearing to determine whether the case will resolve or proceed toward trial.

Judge Deems Carjacking Defendant Mentally Incompetent, Orders Restoration

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro ordered that a carjacking defendant undergo restoration after being deemed mentally incompetent on Jan. 22.

Demetrius Johnson, 27, is charged with armed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on Nov. 4, 2025 on the 3700 block of Hayes Street, NE.

According to court documents, Johnson allegedly pepper sprayed the victim and fought them before getting into the victim’s vehicle and driving away. The victim suffered minor injuries. Johnson did not know the victim.

During the hearing, Judge Di Toro alerted the parties of a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which deemed Johnson incompetent. Judge Di Toro ordered he undergo restoration. In order to stand trial a defendant must understand the charges against him and be able to help his lawyer defend the case.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 27.

Shooting Defendant Granted Psychiatric Treatment While Considering Plea Deal

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe allowed bed-to-bed treatment for a shooting defendant during a hearing on Jan. 23. Bed-to-bed treatment refers to a seamless, direct transfer of a patient from one inpatient facility to another. Depending on the circumstance it can be legally required.

Jory Sydnor, 26, is charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 1400 block of Trinidad Ave, NE on April 10, 2025. Sydnor’s ex-step-father sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, a representative from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) alerted Judge Pipe that Sydnor had previously missed two scheduled treatments at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington (PIW). Sydnor was asked to give any necessary information to his case manager and go straight to PIW to get started on residential treatment.

Andrew Ain, Sydnor’s attorney, said that drug treatment and mental health services would help the defendant get a “better understanding of the case” and the plea deal. He agreed with PSA’s request for bed-to-bed treatment.

If Sydnor were to accept deal, which was mentioned at a previous hearing on Oct. 8, 2025, he would plead guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction and receive bed-to-bed treatment instead of imprisonment.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene Jan. 28.

Defendant Charged in Neighbor’s Fatal Beating Rejects Plea Deal

A defendant rejected a plea to involuntary manslaughter at a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 23.

Jose Ramos, 35, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of his neighbor, Eduardo Cruz, 57, at their apartment building on the 3700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on Jan. 25, 2022.

According to court documents, Ramos allegedly left Cruz in a parked car outside the Carter Barron Amphitheater on the 4800 block of Colorado Avenue, NW. Cruz died four days later from blunt force trauma.

The prosecutor offered Ramos the chance to plea down from second-degree murder, which can carry a sentence of up to 40 years, to involuntary manslaughter. Through the deal, parties would have agreed to a sentencing range of nine-and-a-half-to-17 years of imprisonment. Ramos, represented by Alvin Thomas, denied the plea.

Ramos also gave up his right to have evidence tested or re-tested by the defense. According to court documents, a pool of blood was found at Cruz’s apartment and there was more blood on blankets, towels, underwear, and beer cans. The prosecutor said Ramos’ DNA likely matched on a beer can at the scene.

Parties are slated to reconvene June 12.

‘I Wish Y’all Were Dead,’ Victim’s Mother Says to Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced a defendant to seven years imprisonment on Jan. 23, after he pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter, while the victim’s family argued he should be charged for murder.

On Nov. 12, 2025, Keshawn Lavender, 24, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in a mass shooting that killed 32-year-old Matthew Miller at an apartment on the 200 block of M Street, SW on Sept. 5, 2023.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentence of seven years.

“Seven years is not enough,” Miller’s mother said.

While the prosecutor acknowledged this was not what Miller’s family wanted, they said the plea was necessary to assure a conviction.

“The [prosecution] has to divorce that from the reality of what’s going to happen at a trial,” the prosecutor said.

The prosecutor said manslaughter was an accurate charge because Lavender and his co-defendants, Deandre Sams, 30, and Raymond Mathis, 39, went to the apartment intending to steal marijuana, not kill anyone.

“If you went there to purchase marijuana, why carry guns?” Miller’s mother asked.

Lavender’s attorney, Kevin Irving, presented Judge Edelman with letters describing his progress and activities while in jail.

“People come to you everyday saying they’re gonna change,” Lavender said to Judge Edelman. “I want to show you I’m gonna change.”

Lavender, who was shot in the arm during the altercation, apologized to Miller’s family.

“My actions were wrong and selfish,” Lavender said. “I know the victim’s family will never be in a forgiving mood.”

“You’re a career criminal,” Miller’s mother said. “I wish y’all were dead.”

Judge Edelman acknowledged that this was not the ideal sentencing for Miller’s family, but called it a “half-a-loaf the government is willing to take.” He approved the plea, imposed the seven year sentence, and said he will recommend Lavender be placed in a prison near the home of his one-year-old son, who Lavender said he has never met in person.

“They can go visit you,” Miller’s mother said of Lavender’s family. “I visit my son at a cemetery.”

“My sentence in this case or these cases is unlikely to heal any of the scars,” Judge Edelman said.

No further dates were set.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Burglary and Assault

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of 29-year-old Odalis Cisneros in connection with a burglary and assault on Jan. 26 in Northwest, DC. Cisneros allegedly forced entry into a residence on the 500 block of Columbia Road, NW, and stabbed the victim following a verbal dispute. The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Cisneros faces charges of Burglary One and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Knife).

Judge Denies Motion to Suppress Evidence in Carjacking Case

On Jan. 22, DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park denied carjacking co-defendants’ motions to suppress evidence.

Hanif Brown, 20, and Deondre Rogers, 19, are charged with 17 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 35 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 14 counts of robbery while armed, 12 counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, three counts of first-degree theft, two counts of armed carjacking, conspiracy, first-degree identity theft of a senior citizen, second-degree theft of a senior citizen, felony credit card fraud of a senior citizen, and unarmed carjacking of a senior citizen.

These charges are tied to two initial armed robberies at 11th and U Streets, NW, and 11th and Wallace Place, NW, and a carjacking on the 2700 block of 9th Street NW, all of which took place on April 9, 2023.

The evidence in question includes credit cards from one of the victims that were allegedly seized during the execution of a search warrant at Brown’s residence, and social media records obtained through a search warrant. The defense moved to suppress this evidence based on the argument that these specific credit cards were not explicitly listed on the original search warrant, and the inclusion of the social media records in trial would violate Brown’s privacy rights.

At the hearing, the detective that investigated Brown and Rogers testified that the evidence in question was obtained lawfully through the legal execution of search warrants. Judge Park agreed with the testimony and prosecution, stating there was no reason to dismiss any evidence. Prosecutors are allowed to present evidence to the jury.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 2.

Hit-And-Run Defendant Representing Himself Dismisses Fifth Standby Attorney

A defendant representing himself in a hit-and-run dismissed his fifth standby attorney in 16 months before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman at a status hearing on Jan. 23.

Kyle Piunti, 36, is charged with second-degree murder and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run that occurred on Jan. 23, 2024, on I-295. Four individuals were injured during the incident, including 54-year-old Michael Hamlin, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Piunti missed his previous two hearings, once for medical reasons and another after refusing to leave jail.

Judge Edelman said the dismissal of his attorney, Kevin Irving, is the result of “a complete and total breakdown of communication and trust between Mr. Piunti and standby counsel.” He added that while he would try to get Piunti new counsel, it would be difficult.

Piunti said he would rather have no standby counsel than Irving.

“I was put in a position where either Kevin would represent me or I would represent myself,” Piunti said.

Judge Edelman agreed to look for new counsel for Piunti.

“As I have repeatedly done throughout this case, I will make an attempt to find you a new attorney,” Judge Edelman said.

Irving is currently representing Piunti on a separate assault. Piunti asked Judge Edelman to remove him from that case as well. Judge Edelman noted that while it was not standard practice for the court to provide two attorneys to the same defendant due to financial constraints, he did not have the authority to make appointments in that case.

Piunti noted that he would like to have an attorney represent him, but will remain pro se–representing himself– until he can speak with new counsel.

Parties are slated to reconvene Feb. 13.

December Homicides Include Multiple Shootings and an Officer Death

According to D.C. Witness data, there were eight reported homicide incidents, resulting in nine victims in December. Of these reported incidents, six were the results of gun violence, while two were the outcome of vehicles, one victim being a police officer in the line of duty.

As of Jan. 27, of the eight incidents, The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has identified four suspects.

Jerrold Coates, 47, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the death of Officer Terry Bennett, 32.

According to court documents, on Dec. 23. Bennett was struck at a high rate of speed on the eastbound lanes of I-695 while he was helping a motorist with a disabled. Bennett was outside of his police car setting up flares when he was struck. He was severely injured at the time, but did not succumb to his injuries until Jan. 7. after numerous life saving efforts.

Coates, who is wheelchair bound, was administered two grams of Narcan at the scene, before being transferred to the hospital, according to court documents. He’s scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 2.

Likewise, Niwatilagu Long, 45, also known as Nick, was charged with second-degree murder while armed in the death of Melvin Saunders, 44. According to court documents, the incident occurred on the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE on Dec. 19, 2025. Forensic analysts reported that the victim was shot in the head and pronouncex dead at the scene.

Similarly on Dec. 5, Roy Bennett Jr., 20, was shot and killed on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE. Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree murder while armed on Dec. 31, 2025. According to court documents, Johnson and Roy are cousins.

An autopsy was performed on Dec. 6, 2026 and concluded that the victim was shot seven times, including in the head, chest, and arms. Two 911 calls were made reporting hearing gunshots coming from the apartment building.

MPD is currently offering a reward for information on the unsolved cases.

DC’s First 2026 Fatal Shooting Significantly Later than Previous Years

The first fatal shooting in DC this year took place on Jan. 21 resulting in the death of an 18-year-old, 19 days later than in 2025 and 20 days later than in 2024.

Malik Moore, 18, was shot on the 1300 block of Varnum Street, NE. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrived at approximately 12:04 a. m. Moore was transferred to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead, according to an MPD press release.

There are currently no known suspects in Moore’s shooting.

The first fatal shooting of 2025 took place on Jan. 2 on the 5200 block of Just Street, NE. The victim, 24-year-old Corey Ward Jr., was found unconscious and not breathing at 9:52 p. m. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services transported Ward to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to an MPD press release.

There are no known suspects in Ward’s killing.

Likewise, in 2024, 18-year-old Ashlei Hinds was shot and killed in a hotel room on Jan. 1 on the 4000 block of Military Road, NW. The incident occurred at 1:18 a. m.
Jelani Cousin, 20, was arrested and charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, among other charges, for his alleged involvement in the incident. Cousin rejected a plea offer and his trial is set for March 2027.

Defense Motions to Dismiss Murder Case After Prosecution Misses Indictment Deadline

After prosecutors missed the deadline to indict a murder defendant, the defense requested DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park dismiss the case on Jan. 22.

Josiah Garrison, 27, is charged with second-degree murder while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Taeje Butler on April 9, 2025 on the 3500 block of 6th Street, SE. Butler sustained one gunshot to his head.

Christen Philips, Garrison’s attorney, motioned to dismiss the case because the prosecution filed an indictment after the nine month deadline. Philips said that the deadline exists for a reason and since the prosecution did not act within the appropriate timeline, the case should be dismissed. Initial charges were filed against Garrison on April 10, 2025 and prosecutors failed to meet the deadline on Jan. 10, filing an indictment on Jan. 21.

Judge Park delayed his decision on Philips’ request to dismiss the case to allow the assigned prosecutor, who was not present at the hearing, time to respond.

Philips also requested that Judge Park lift Garrison’s pre-trial release condition of home confinement because of his good compliance, but Judge Park also reserved his decision for this matter until the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 2.

Defense Calls Key Witness in Murder Trial ‘a Liar’

“He’s a liar!”–that’s how defense attorney Kevann Gardner characterized the prosecution’s key witness in a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz, on Jan. 22.

Malik Seltzer, 31, 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 greater than a year for his alleged involvement in the Sept. 15, 2021 fatal shooting of 37-year-old Paris Odemns. The incident occurred on the 4000 block of 1st Street, SE

Throughout the trial, prosecutors attempted to prove Seltzer’s involvement in the murder by providing surveillance footage, which they claim portrays Seltzer and Odemns together in the moments leading up to Odemns’ fatal shooting. Prosecutors also claimed that Seltzer ran away from the scene after allegedly killing him.

In his closing statement, Gardner claimed that Seltzer was not running away because he had murdered the victim, but “hightailed it out of there so he would not be shot as well.”

“He was terrified because his friend just got shot in front of him,” Gardner insisted.

“The only evidence the [prosecution] brought in four-and-a-half years is some surveillance and a desperate man’s story,” Gardner said.

The desperate man referred to by Gardner was the prosecution’s key witness, an acquaintance of Seltzer. The acquaintance, detained and brought in by US Marshals, is currently held on bank robbery charges in DC, Virginia, and Maryland respectively.

His pending charges and detention under a bench warrant at the time of his initial interviews, undermined the “credibility of the witness,” Gardner argued.

“When he walked into this courtroom and took that stand, reasonable doubt walked in with him,” Gardner said about the acquaintance.

“He believes information equals freedom,” Gardner said, arguing the acquaintance informed law enforcement with the intent to lessen his foreseeable sentence, not because he is a “Good Samaritan.”

During his testimony, the acquaintance “constantly contradicted himself,” Gardner said, who cited the acquaintance’s previous statements with an investigator and a filmed, three-hour long interview with detectives.

In the footage, the acquaintance also accused a mutual friend of Seltzer and himself. “Their only witness is telling you that someone else did it. How is that possible?” Gardner said.

Despite his statements at trial on Jan. 20, claiming he had heard and seen Seltzer mouth the words “I’m gonna bag him,” the acquaintance is recorded saying to detectives “I don’t know what the f**k he said,” and “he ain’t do it, he a flunky.”

“He is making up the story,” Gardner said, “The [prosecution] doesn’t know either.”

According to Gardner the prosecution “had tunnel vision” upon hearing the acquaintance’s testimony.

Gardner criticized the investigation as a whole. “The real people that dropped the ball is the Metropolitan Police Department,” Gardner said, “we as the citizens of the District of Columbia should be concerned.”

“Paris Odemns deserved more,” Gardner said, “Seltzer deserved more than to sit through a murder trial where the [prosecution] only played a few videos.”

When the prosecution was given a chance to respond, they urged the jury to consider the evidence rather than focusing on the defense’s “suggestions.”

“Use your common sense, do not get distracted by lawyers’ arguments,” the prosecution said.

The prosecution acknowledged the acquaintance’s situation, “we’re not saying” the acquaintance “is a saint” but “This man never saw this video” yet “he had his story down to the second.”

“Trust that your [prosecution] was not trying to hide evidence or fool,” pleaded the prosecution of the jury.

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

Stabbing Co-Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Other Suspect Held in Federal Prison

A stabbing defendant pleaded not guilty at his arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Jan. 21, while his co-defendant is detained under federal auspices in another jurisdiction.

Ramie Saunders, 38, and D’andre Montgomery, 19, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon,and assault with significant bodily injury for their alleged involvement in a stabbing, which occurred in the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on April 17, 2025.

According to court documents, the Department of Corrections (DOC) reviewed surveillance footage at the time of the offense and found that Saunders and Montgomery, along with two other suspects, allegedly assaulted the victim in the common area of the jail’s housing unit, striking the victim with a sharp metal object.

During the hearing, Montgomery’s attorney, Charlotte Gilliland, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges, and asserted his constitutional rights, including a speedy trial. Gilliland also requested additional time to review a plea offer sent by prosecutors, though the terms of the plea were not discussed in court.

Saunders, who was scheduled to appear for arraignment as well, was not present due to his detention in a federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP) facility for an unrelated matter. Todd Baldwin, Saunders’ attorney, alerted the court that given Sanders’ absence Baldwin was unable to assert his client’s rights.

Judge Salerno urged parties to begin the writ process, creating a former order, to bring Sanders to Superior Court.

Montgomery is slated to return on March 11 for a status hearing, while no new date is set for Saunders.

Prosecutors Dismiss Jail Stabbing Case

In DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur’s courtroom, a non-fatal stabbing case involving a corrections officer and an inmate was dismissed by prosecutors on Jan. 23.

Dion Lee, 26, Tyrone Hawkins, 24, and Dionte Anderson, 26, are charged with conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of contraband into a penal institution, for their alleged involvement in the stabbing of another inmate and corrections officer at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, which occurred on May 9, 2023. Both the corrections officer and inmate sustained injuries but survived the attack.

During the hearing, the prosecution alerted the court of their intent to dismiss the charges against the defendants. The reason for the dismissal was not discussed in open court.

Lee, Hawkins and Anderson remain detained in connection to unrelated matters.

No further dates were set.

Judge Grants Stabbing Suspect Another Drug Treatment Chance

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur granted a stabbing suspect another opportunity to receive drug treatment in a residential a bed-to-bed program on Jan. 23.

Helen Harris, 54, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Aug. 8, 2024 on the 1500 block of F Street, NW.

According to court documents, officers found the victim at the incident location with a laceration on her forehead. Harris had allegedly assaulted the victim and cut her with a metal object after drinking.

Susan Ellis, Harris’ attorney, requested Harris be released and given another opportunity to undergo drug treatment.

Judge Arthur noted his concern as the defendant only “lasted four days” in treatment when he previously released her.

According to Ellis, Harris had issues with another individual at her previous drug treatment facility. Ellis argued that Harris was compliant with treatment, but the situation hindered her success.

Judge Arthur was hesitant to consider releasing the defendant because of her history of bench warrants.

The defense contextualized Harris’ absence, “She did lose her son, that is why she was a loss of contact,” Ellis said.

“Ms. Harris is in a different place than she was in October,” Ellis told Judge Arthur.

Judge Arthur granted the defendant another opportunity to receive bed-to-bed treatment.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene Feb. 27.

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