Judge Issues Bench Warrant for Stabbing Defendant Gone Missing

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro issued a bench warrant for a stabbing defendant whose attorney said he lost contact with in a status hearing on March 11.

Billy Williams, 69, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury, threatening to kidnap or injure a person while armed, and aggressive panhandling for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on Dec. 7, 2023 at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW.

Williams was not present for the hearing, and his defense attorney, Henry Escoto, told the court he was unable to get ahold of him that morning.

Escoto requested a delay until the end of the day, but Judge Di Toro stated her intention to move forward with a bench warrant.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene June 5.

Fork Stabbing Defendant Waives Right to Test DNA

A defendant accused of stabbing a victim with a fork waived her right to conduct independent DNA testing before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on March 12.

Bianca Young, 36, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on the 1600 block of K Street, NE on Dec. 10, 2025. The victim sustained a stab wound to her head from a fork.

At the hearing, prosecutors identified five items found at the incident location that were candidates for DNA testing. The evidence included a silver fork with food residue found on the kitchen floor, blood swabs from the kitchen wall and the entry way floor, size extra large black pants with suspected blood stains found on the kitchen chair, and size medium black pants with suspected blood stains found on the kitchen chair.

Prosecutors have no plan to conduct DNA testing on these items.

Alvin Thomas, Young’s attorney, stated that the defense had no intentions of conducting independent DNA testing of the items at this time.

After confirming that Young understood the rights, Judge Arthur accepted her waiver to independently test DNA evidence.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 26.

‘This is an Obviously Invalid Search Warrant,’ Says Judge Regarding Cell Phone Evidence in a Homicide

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz granted a homicide defendant’s motion to suppress virtually all data extracted from his cell phone in a motion hearing on March 9. However, he allowed a witness’s description of the suspect over defense objections in other pre-trial legal maneuvers.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Maxwell Emerson, 25. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE on July 5, 2023.

Judge Kravitz granted Macedo’s motion, filed on Feb. 9, to suppress his cell phone data. He ruled that the search warrant allowing the data extraction was invalid under the Fourth Amendment banning unreasonable searches and seizures.

Judge Kravitz ruled that the search warrant from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was non-specific and “mostly unsupported by probable cause.” He stated officers used the warrant as an “investigative tool,” with immense discretion in their execution.

Judge Kravitz concluded the executing officer’s written request in support of the warrant consisted only boilerplate statements, and didn’t justify the rationale for the search of Macedo’s cell phone. He stated that several categories of the search were “over broad.”

“This is an obviously invalid search warrant,” said Judge Kravitz, and that the warrant “should’ve never been issued.”

In their opposition, the prosecutors argued that DC Superior Court judges have authorized many phone search warrants in the past similar to this case. Prosecutors also argued that the officers’ written request gave probable cause for the search, even if the warrant was invalid.

“I’m not convinced,” said Judge Kravitz in response.

Judge Kravitz stated that any well-trained officer would know that the search was illegal, “notwithstanding the magistrate’s [judge’s] authorization.”

Judge Kravitz ruled only a small fraction of the 19,000 pages of data from the extraction was valid evidence.

Macedo’s attorney, Jessica Willis, filed another motion on Feb. 9 to suppress a witness’ testimony and exclude her identification of Macedo from trial.

Willis argued that the identification was a result of confirmation bias, claiming that the witness only became confident in her identification after conferring with her romantic partner and calling in a tip to an MPD officer. According to Willis, the critical photo the MPD officer showed her was “clearly a mugshot”–a proposition the prosecution disputed.

Willis also argued that the witness’ testimony should be suppressed on the grounds that it was unreliable, claiming MPD’s information on the wanted and reward flyer was unduly suggestive of Macedo.

The prosecution countered the witness was “never unsure” of whom she saw.

Judge Kravitz stated that there was no undue bias in MPD’s flyers, and there were no constitutional issues challenging the fairness of the identification.

He indicated he would deny both of the defense’s motions to suppress the witness’ testimony and exclude her identification of Macedo.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 10 to continue discussing motions.

Prosecutor Calls Shooting Self-Defense Claim ‘Concocted’ During Closing Arguments

Parties disputed whether a shooting occurred in self-defense during closing arguments in trial before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 10.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in an April 15, 2024 non-fatal shooting on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound.

In his closing argument, defense attorney Alvin Thomas said Gladden acted in self-defense. Thomas described the incident as a conversation that quickly turned to a shooting after Gladden was allegedly punched by the victim and saw him brandish a knife.

In contrast, the prosecution said that Gladden’s testimony and claim of self-defense were part of a “concocted” story formulated in response to witness statements and evidence presented against him.

“You don’t get to just come in here and make up a story about self-defense,” the prosecution said.

“You know what happened on April 15, 2024 and you know it’s not what [Gladden] told you happened,” prosecutors told the jury.

Prosecutors explained that no knife was recovered from the crime scene nor the victim, referencing body-worn camera footage that showed a responding Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer searching the victim’s pockets.

“If anyone had a right to claim self-defense, it was the victim,” the prosecution added.

According to the prosecution, the incident between the two men arose from a dispute after the victim loaned Gladden a car. Gladden, who knew the victim for many years, paid for tires and a battery during his possession of the car. A witness previously testified that at the time of the incident, Gladden approached the victim and said that he “better give me that money.”

Thomas questioned prosecutors’ narrative, saying it proved that Gladden didn’t have intent to kill the victim.

“A dead man can’t pay,” Thomas said.

The defense also submitted a motion for judgement of acquittal, denied by Judge Brandt.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Minister Remains Detained in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum denied a release request from a minister in a shooting case on March 10.

Marcellos Harris, 30, is charged with aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 3000 block of Stanton Road, SE on March 6.

According to court documents, the incident reportedly began as a verbal confrontation between Harris and the victim. At this point Harris pulled out his firearm allegedly and fired two shots at the victim. The victim sustained gunshot related injuries to the abdomen and upper leg.

After Harris waived his right to a preliminary hearing, his attorney Frances D’Antuono requested Judge Hildum grant his release.

D’Antuono argued Harris was not a danger to the community because of his profound positive impact on the community. According to D’Antuono, Harris is a minister and leads multiple philanthropic projects including housing programs, food kitchens, homeless assistance, and addiction counseling.

“[Harris] lives a stable, productive and law-abiding life,” said D’Antuono.

The prosecution argued against releasing Harris because of the nature and circumstances of the offense. Additionally, the prosecution said they have strong evidence against Harris, including video footage from the victim’s phone from the incident, body-worn camera footage from responding officers, and statements made by Harris when officers responded to the scene.

According to the prosecutor, Harris said “I messed up, don’t shoot me,” before he was arrested.

“This is a crime of violence with a firearm” said Judge Hildum. He stated the weight of the evidence is strong and “there is not much doubt” in the evidence.

“This is a disturbing incident where the victim could have been killed,” Judge Hildum said before denying Harris’ request for release.

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 29.

Judge Releases Shooting, Robbery Defendant on GPS Monitoring

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean released a non-fatal shooting defendant on GPS monitoring on March 11.

McKinley McClain, 19, is charged with assault with intent to commit robbery while armed for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 1600 block of W Street, SE on Dec. 30, 2025.

According to court documents, the victim was allegedly buying shoes from McClain when one among two other suspects pointed a gun at him. The victim attempted to run away, was tackled by one of the suspects, before they allegedly beat the victim and attempted to steal his keys. The victim managed to escape to his car and reported hearing one gunshot behind him as he drove away.

During the hearing, Judge McLean stated that McClain would be released, placing him on GPS monitoring. She also instated a curfew for McClain from 6 p. m. to 7 a. m., to allow him to finish his senior year of high school.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 28.

Jail Stabbing Defendant Won’t Attend Hearing, Considers Plea

A stabbing defendant refused to come to court from the jail for his status hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on March 11.

D’andre Montgomery, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault with significant bodily injury while armed. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail at the 1900 block of D Street, SE on April 17, 2025.

According to court documents, the DC Department of Corrections (DoC) reviewed surveillance footage and found Montgomery along with his co-defendants, allegedly assaulting the victim in the common area of the jail’s housing unit with a sharp metal object.

Tyshawn Simms, 27, Daymark Baird, 21, previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in the same incident. Ramie Saunders, 38, also faces charges for his alleged involvement, but is currently held in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BoP).

At the hearing, a US Marshal alerted parties that Montgomery refused to come over from the jail and would not be present at the hearing.

Montgomery’s attorney, Charlotte Gilliland explained that she received a plea offer from the prosecution, but Montgomery needed more time to consider it.

The prosecution agreed to let the plea offer stay open until the next hearing when Montgomery should be present. No terms of the plea deal were discussed in court.

Parties said Montgomery is starting a trial for an unrelated matter in April that is expected to last two-to-three weeks and they will reconvene after this matter is resolved.

Parties are slated to reconvene May 19.

‘He Came At Me With a Knife,’ Shooting Defendant Claims Self-Defense

A non-fatal shooting defendant testified that he fired a gun in self-defense before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 9.

Derrick Gladden, 55, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and unlawful possession of ammunition for his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 2300 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on April 15, 2024. The victim was shot once in the shoulder.

Gladden’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, called Gladden to testify.

Gladden told the jury that at the time of the incident, he had known the victim for about 11 years and considered him a friend and neighbor. The day of the incident, Gladden said he was sitting outside his mother’s apartment waiting for a ride to work when he started discussing money the victim owed him from previous transactions.

According to Gladden, the victim repaid the debt gradually over time. Gladden said he agreed to sell the victim the tires and a battery of a car. Gladden said he told the victim he might “charge him double” because he believed the repayment had taken too long.

According to Gladden, the conversation escalated when the victim punched him and then pulled out a knife.

“He came at me with a knife,” Gladden testified.

Gladden said he feared for his life and fired a single shot, which he believed struck the victim near the shoulder.

Gladden also testified that he routinely carries a firearm “because I live in Southeast.” He said the gun was in his waistband during the encounter.

During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Gladden about leaving the scene without speaking to police. Gladden testified that he left the area and went to work with a friend who had planned to drive him that afternoon.

Prosecutors also showed the jury a still image from body-worn camera footage that appeared to show Gladden walking past a police vehicle shortly after the shooting. Gladden said he did not notice the officer or the police vehicle as he left.

Gladden acknowledged that he never reported the incident to police and did not contact investigators afterward. He testified that he called his wife after the shooting but initially said he did not remember the details of that conversation.

Prosecutors then played part of a recorded phone call to refresh his memory. After hearing the recording, Gladden said he had asked his wife to locate a backpack containing his wallet and identification.

Prosecutors repeatedly asked whether Gladden knew that police were attempting to contact him about the shooting. Gladden said he did not know investigators were looking for him and said he was unaware that his wife was contacted by police.

Gladden also confirmed several prior convictions during questioning about his criminal history, including involuntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, first-degree aggravated assault, and aggravated sexual battery.

Thomas reaffirmed with Gladden that he fired one shot because he believed his life was in danger. When Thomas asked if he would have waited to be stabbed before firing, Gladden said he would not.

Before Gladden’s testimony, the prosecution called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the scene of the shooting. The officer confirmed that police recovered a shell casing in the grass near the patio where the incident occurred and testified that he did not see a knife recovered from the area.

After the testimony, the parties read several stipulations to the jury—facts both sides agreed were true and did not require further evidence. The stipulations included that Gladden did not have a license to carry a firearm in DC, had no firearm registered to him, and had previously been convicted of a crime. The parties also agreed that the victim later died of cancer.

Both parties rested their cases.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 10.

Judge Orders Mental Competency Exam for a Shooting Defendant, Finds Probable Cause for Another

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum ordered a mental competency examination for a shooting defendant before finding probable cause in her co-defendant’s preliminary hearing on March 9.

Natalie Bisher, 25, and Damond Brown, 26, are charged with aggravated assault while armed for their alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Evarts Street, NE on Nov. 27, 2025.

Brown is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction.

During the hearing, Bisher’s attorney, James Ryan, stated his client would be waiving her preliminary hearing. When Judge Hildum asked if Bisher understood the rights she’d be giving up, Bisher exhibited noticeable confusion. Judge Hildum told Ryan to talk to his client to make sure she understood the consequences.

Ryan requested his client undergo a psychiatric examination to determine her mental competency. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges and help in their defense. Ryan told Judge Hildum that if his client didn’t waive her preliminary hearing, it would be detrimental to the case, stating he wanted the examination done before making a decision on his client’s hearing.

Judge Hildum granted his request, setting a mental observation hearing for March 12.

Brown’s attorney, Damon Catacalos, stated his client would be proceeding with his preliminary hearing.

According to court documents, the victim allegedly got into Bisher’s vehicle with plans to go to Bisher’s apartment to hang out. Brown then allegedly climbed into the passenger’s seat and shot the victim in the abdomen. Brown and Bisher allegedly dropped the victim in a parking lot and drove off. The victim did not identify Brown as an assailant, stating the shooter was wearing a mask during an interview.

The prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify.who stated she learned of additional information regarding jail calls between Brown and Bisher.

The detective said Brown and Bisher placed themselves at the scene of the crime and Bisher admitted involvement in the crime during the jail calls.

On cross-examination, the detective said she didn’t know the extent of Bisher’s involvement based on the calls. She also said she had not listened to the calls, learning of them from the prosecution.

Catacalos asked the detective if the prosecution listened to the tapes. She said the prosecution had gotten the information from a different prosecutor.

The detective stated that she did not go to the crime scene until later in the week, rather than on the night of the incident. She said there was no physical or video evidence found that indicated a gun was fired at the crime scene.

According to the detective, Bisher’s black Volkswagen was seen in camera footage. The investigation revealed that the car hadn’t been altered.

The detective said there was no blood in the car and there was no ballistic evidence in or around the suspect’s vehicle. The detective explained a picture of a prison inmate was found in the vehicle that was later identified as Brown based off of facial markings.

According to the detective, camera footage captured Brown wearing a dark jacket, dark pants with a long white tag and dark shoes. The detective said that Brown is seen in video footage approaching Bisher’s vehicle and exiting it. In separate footage, the detective stated Brown and Bisher are visible within the car, identifying them based on their complexions. The detective stated that no facial features could be made out on any of the camera footage.

Police allegedly found, during a search of Brown’s apartment, clothes that were said to match the clothes Brown was seen wearing in the camera footage, according to the detective.

Officers also said they recovered several firearm accessories, including a 3D printed bottom part of a gun.

At the end of the hearing, the prosecution asked the judge to find probable cause, stating that Brown is seen in and leaving the vehicle found at the alleged shooting. The prosecution stated the victim was lured into the vehicle, shot and dumped in a parking lot.

The prosecutor added clothes found during a search of his apartment, Brown’s vehicle at Bisher’s home after the shooting and the jail calls were enough for probable cause. However, Judge Hildum stated he wouldn’t consider the jail calls in his decision.

Catacalos asked the judge not to find probable cause. He said there was no facial identification or witnesses to the crime, no evidence in or near the car that showed a gun went off, the victim didn’t identify Brown as the assailant, no location data on Brown’s phone putting him at the crime scene, and the clothing found in Brown’s apartment wasn’t unique.

Nonetheless, Judge Hildum found probable cause based on the clothing found in Brown’s apartment, Brown’s close association with Bisher and phone calls between the two before and after the shooting.

The defense requested release on GPS monitoring with a curfew, stating Brown would comply with any stay away orders the judge imposed.

The prosecution argued that Brown should remain in custody, citing his prior criminal history and the fact that Brown was on supervised release for another case when the alleged shooting happened.

Judge Hildum determined that Brown would remain held, stating that since the crime involved a firearm, there is a presumption of dangerousness.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 10.

Judge Warns Errant Defendant on Curfew Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur warned a defendant in a March 10 hearing that he is risking his freedom because he keeps violating his curfew.

David Cunningham, 27, pleaded guilty to carrying a pistol without a license in connection to his involvement in a shooting with an unidentified individual on the 2700 block of Stanton Road, SE on Sept. 1, 2023. Cunningham sustained two gunshot wounds.

Heentered a guilty plea in December of 2023. Judge Arthur sentenced Cunningham to 12 months of imprisonment with time suspended and two years of probation in February of 2024. Cunningham has also been arrested in a case in Maryland.

At the hearing, representatives from the Pre-Trial Services Agency (PSA) requested Cunningham’s release be revoked due to multiple curfew violations and changing his primary residence without authorization or notifying PSA

Defense attorney Diana Yu told the court that Cunningham’s violations were “situational.” She said he has been having arguments with his roommate and that resulted in Cunningham’s being locked out of the residence past curfew.

Yu claimed his other violations were due to traffic and transportation complications with Uber ride-share.

“Time enough for all the excuses,” Judge Arthur said. “He is dropping the ball with his freedom when he is calling an Uber.”

“At age 27 he is past the point where a judge like myself will treat him like an irresponsible young adult,” Judge Arthur said. “You cannot be fashionably late on a court curfew.”

Judge Arthur reminded Cunningham that he has the option to send him to a “place where there is no question about curfew.”

“You’re looking at throwing away your freedom because you can’t be in the house from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Either you can do it, or you can’t do it,” Arthur said about Cunningham’s probationary status. “I recognize the challenge and difficulty, but he needs to do what he has to do to get himself out.”

The judge decided to allow Cunningham to remain on release. “I’m not gonna send you back today, but c’mon,” Judge Arthur said. “I do not want to have this conversation down the line.”

The parties are scheduled to reconvene July 24.

Judge Dismisses Stabbing Case After Prosecutors Keep Evidence From the Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean dismissed a stabbing case because the prosecution failed to send the defense evidence on March 10.

Tekesia Hancock, 44, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 2400 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE on Sept. 29, 2025. The victim sustained three stab wounds to his chest and arm.

According to court records, Hancock’s attorney, Madhuri Swarna, filed a motion requesting evidence on Nov. 21, 2025. The motion asked for specific documents, Hancock’s statements to police officers, photographs and videos,and tape recordings, including body-worn camera footage and the 911 call.

At the hearing, Swarna stated that since she filed the motion, the prosecution only turned over a portion of the evidence that included the original paperwork, body worn camera footage, and custodial interviews.

Swarna noted that on Jan. 5, she made an oral request that the prosecution hand over outstanding evidence. According to Swarna, the prosecution failed to turn over any additional evidence since her oral request.

The prosecutor, standing-in for the assigned prosecutor, did not have any representations regarding the evidence. However, a spokesperson at the US Attorney’s Office says the agency continues to investigate the matter.

Judge McLean dismissed the case due to the lack of progress, and the prosecution’s failure to turn over evidence within a reasonable time frame set by the court.

No further dates were set.

Judge Releases Stabbing Defendant to Home Confinement for Medical Treatment

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean released a stabbing defendant on March 10 pending trial after he did not receive appropriate medical care for an acknowledged medical condition.

Jaylen Gross, 26, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and strangulation for his alleged involvement in a stabbing that took place at the 2400 block of Pomeroy Road, SE on Feb. 17.

Gross’ attorney, Susan Borecki, explained that he was receiving medical treatment before his incarceration and that being held has deprived him of proper treatment and is causing him pain.

A Department of Corrections (DoC) representative stated that Gross must undergo a welfare check and needs a reassessment before the department can take medical action. The representative advised that Gross could file a grievance in the matter.

Borecki reached out to the jail on March 6 to request that Gross receive medical attention as soon as possible. Gross was brought to a hospital on March 9, three days after the initial request, for immediate medical attention.

“I do not think he should suffer,” stated Judge McLean.

Judge McLean released Gross on GPS monitoring and home confinement pending trial. Gross was ordered to admit himself to a hospital before reporting to pre-trial services for his GPS device.

The judge asked the DoC to release Gross’ medical records.

Parties will reconvene on April 10.

Judge Grants Additional Time to Support New Trial Motion in 2019 Mass Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson granted a defense attorney’s request for a continuance during a hearing on March 6, to allow him more time to gather additional material to support a motion for a new trial.

Ronell Offutt, 37, was found guilty on Sept. 26, 2025, of assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from his involvement in a mass shooting that wounded five people at a Metro bus stop on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019.

Defense attorney Justin Okezie filed a motion for a new trial on behalf of Offutt because of alleged ineffective counsel and misconduct by one juror.

Judge Dayson instructed parties that she wanted to address Okezie’s ineffective counsel claim first.

The prosecutor told Judge Dayson she can deny the motion for a new trial without a hearing on the matter. He said the defense failed to present any new evidence or legal questions to justify a retrial.

“In a hypothetical world, the same body of evidence will be presented,” the prosecution said.

He claimed that even if the lesser included instruction, which allows a jury to convict a defendant of a less serious crime that is necessarily contained within a more serious charged offense, was faulty, the aim of the trial would remain the same.

No new factual issues were raised, the prosecutor said, noting that the jury would examine the same evidence and the same legal question: Did the prosecution prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Offutt was guilty?

Okeizie disagreed with the prosecutor, saying while he can’t know what happened during jury deliberations, according to case law, the jury would have likely convicted Offutt on a lesser charge had they been given the option.

He said the main reason for requesting a new trial is that Offutt’s previous attorneys, Janai Reed and Donna Beasley, failed at their duties because they didn’t consult with Offutt as is his right.

Okeizie offered to find supporting case law but requested 14 additional days to get the supplemental material together.

Regarding the second issue of jury misconduct, both parties acknowledged if there were an issue it would focus on one juror with some legal knowledge.

However, Judge Dayson dismissed the claim of juror misconduct. During the jury selection process, the judge asked potential jurors if they had studied criminal law and participated in a law clinic. Because the juror in question truthfully disclosed her background, Judge Dayson ruled that she did not provide a false answer.

Judge Dayson told Okeizie there is no allegation that aforementioned juror brought in another legal rationale to explain a concept to the other jurors. According to Judge Dayson, the juror admitted to explaining a concept but didn’t say how she explained it.

Okeizie responded by saying that either way, it’s not a juror’s job to explain legal concepts, it’s the judge’s job. He proposed having a hearing on the matter to question the juror.

Judge Dayson was cautious, telling Okieize that the Court of Appeals strongly suggests that getting into jury deliberations may cause a significant amount of harm. She said it wasn’t enough to have an inference that the juror in question brought in outside knowledge, he has to have an allegation from another juror.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 22.

Victims, Video Surveillance Don’t Identify Shooter’s Face, Detective Says

A lead Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective testified March 6 before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson that the victims and video surveillance of a shooter were unable to identify the defendant as the suspect.

Kaevaughn Dudley, 17, is charged with five counts of assault with intent to commit any other offense while armed, five counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, five counts of aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and five counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 24, 2025, on the 600 block of Howard Place, NW.

Dudley, is a being tried as an adult under DC’s Title 16 permitting prosecutors to charge juveniles as adults for certain serious crimes.

Footage of the incident shows an individual wearing black pants and a black hoodie standing with a group before drawing a handgun and firing multiple shots. The suspect then fled down Howard Place, NW.

The prosecution called the lead detective for Dudley’s case, who testified that he believed this individual to be Dudley.

Video footage from a Metrobus that runs near Howard University apparently showed the same individual and three others approaching the scene of the crime, which the detective identified to be Dudley and the suspected group.

The prosecution then presented GPS location data from the phones of the suspected group that placed them near the scene of the crime. The detective testified that the GPS data is consistent with CCTV footage of the suspected group’s movements.

On cross examination, the detective clarified for defense attorney Camille Wagner that he wasn’t at Howard University on the night of the shooting and the information he has about the shooting isn’t his personal knowledge.

He confirmed that there are gaps in the CCTV and body worn camera footage, so there is no continuous tracking of the group.

Based on the angle of the surveillance footage, the detective said he couldn’t identify the shooter by his face.

He clarified that he identified Dudley as the shooter through what he was wearing, his body stature, and his size.

He told Wagner that it’s possible someone left or joined the group wearing something similar to Dudley. He also confirmed that he doesn’t know if clothing or shoes, which were key identifiers of Dudley as the shooter, had been switched out.

According to the detective, none of the victims identified Dudley as the shooter.

Due to time constraints, Judge Dayson continued the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on March 13.

Fatal Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal for Second-Degree Murder

A defendant accepted a plea deal for a murder that stemmed from a robbery of a marijuana dispensary before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on March 9.

Trenton Collins, 23, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his involvement in the fatal shooting incident of 41-year-old Phillip Prendergast on the 5100 block of Georgia Avenue, NW on March 27, 2024.

According to court records, Collins’ trial was scheduled for June 2027, and parties were in plea negotiations since May 2025, with no sign of an agreement between them.

At the hearing, Collins accepted a plea deal that required him to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to dismiss any greater and remaining charges against Collins.

The plea deal included an agreed upon sentence range of 13-to-20 years of imprisonment, subject to Judge Park’s approval at sentencing.

The prosecution said that the evidence would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Collins and his accomplice entered a marijauna dispensary, both armed and masked, and demanded two employees give them money and weed. The prosecutors said one of the suspects was captured on video, taking Prendergast into the back and shooting him before continuing the robbery.

According to prosecutors, physical evidence was collected from Collins’ residence, including a firearm, gloves, and shoes possibly used during the incident. DNA testing positively matched Collins’ DNA on the firearm magazine and the shoes.

Collins’ attorney, David Akulian, and the prosecutor disputed whether Collins was the shooter or an aider and abbeter to his accomplice. Judge Park said he would hear arguments from both sides during sentencing as to Collins’ role in the murder.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on May 29.