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Prosecutors Point Cash App Records and Surveillance Footage Toward Murder Suspect

Witnesses discussed surveillance footage and Cash App payments between the defendant and victim in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on March 30.

Jaime Macedo, 24, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson on the 600 block of Alumni Lane NE on July 5, 2023.

Before the jury was called, parties argued over the admissibility of surveillance video footage taken from a Starbucks that showed Emerson and Macedo walking on Michigan Avenue, NE before the incident. The footage was originally sent to a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective in July 2023, but was not received by prosecutors or defense counsel until March 27. 

Defense attorney Rachel Cicurel argued that because the footage had been viewed by a member of law enforcement prior to trial, and only sent to the defense after the trial started, it should be considered inadmissible. Judge Kravitz considered admitting the footage and letting the defense redo their opening arguments, but parties instead opted not to show the footage to the jury.

After the jury arrived, the prosecution called a Snapchat law enforcement request specialist who testified about data from Emerson’s Snapchat account. The prosecution displayed a spreadsheet which, according to the specialist, held information about a Snapchat account tied to Emerson’s phone number.

The prosecution also showed the specialist a screenshot taken from an account with the display name “Max Emerson.”

The prosecution called a law enforcement analyst for Block Inc., the company that owns Cash App. Prosecutors displayed a spreadsheet of Cash App records that the analyst claimed belonged to “Max Emerson.” Among the records listed were Emerson’s name, phone number, email, cashtag, and banking information.

The analyst read a portion of the record showing that the account made a payment of 300 dollars on July 5, 2023, to an individual with the display name “James Rodriguez.”

Prosecutors then displayed a spreadsheet with records from a second Cash App account with the display name “James Rodriguez.” Similar to the first account, the witness described the information listed on the spreadsheet, which included two points of identification, a driver’s license, and a verification photo.

Prosecutors showed the witness the photo of the driver’s license, which read the name “Jaime Macedo.” According to the record, the account under Rodriguez’s name received 300 dollars from “Max Emerson” and subsequently sent out 290 dollars to another account. 

The prosecution called a retired Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the scene. According to the officer, he collected several objects belonging to Emerson from the scene and filled out a property form, which would allow the items to be claimed by the victim’s family.

The objects claimed as property were not collected as evidence, a decision the retired officer claimed he didn’t make.

An officer who works for the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) testified about an array of CCTV cameras of the Brooklyn-CUA Metro station.

The footage showed an individual in a green shirt, cargo shorts, and a black backpack enter the station and eventually leave. According to court documents, the individual in the videos was Emerson.

In the last video evidence, the green-shirted individual left the station, and was approached by a man in a black shirt and black pants at the top of the escalators. Court documents indicate the man in the black shirt was Macedo.

The individuals in the video had a conversation as they walked away from the station. The man in the green shirt then turned as if he tried to walk away but the man in the black shirt walked towards him. Eventually, the two men walked out of the view of the cameras together.

Without the jury present, parties received a note from a juror that expressed his concerns with the Spanish translation during a witness’ testimony from the day prior. After a discussion under seal, parties questioned the juror under seal and denied the defense request to dismiss the juror.

The same juror also expressed concerns about the death penalty. Judge Kravitz said he could put the jurors’ mind at ease by informing them there is no death penalty in DC. However, the defense argued the punishment is “irrelevant” for the juror to consider since the judge will impose a sentence if necessary.

The trial is scheduled to reconvene on March 31.

Defense Psychiatrist Says 2019 Stabbing Defendant Still Schizophrenic

A defense psychiatrist’s evaluation determined a  2019 fatal stabbing defendant is still struggling with schizophrenia before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31.

Alisa Randall, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for her alleged involvement in the July 15, 2019 fatal stabbing of 59-year-old Ronald Payne on the 1300 block of Euclid Street, NW.

Randall had previously been found incompetent to stand trial in 2019, meaning she can’t understand the facts of the case or help her attorney in her defense. Her mental competency has not been restored

During the hearing, Randall failed to appear in court. A forensic psychiatrist, who was hired by the defense since the last hearing in December, said that he was unable to interview Randall, but he did write a report based on provided medical records.

Randall’s attorney, Ashley Prather-Guzman, said that Randall is residing in a group home in New York.

The psychiatrist said Randall’s schizophrenia is “not a self-healing condition” that one doesn’t “spontaneously recover from.” He added that past records show that medication has improved some of Randall’s more severe symptoms but her schizophrenia, low IQ, and cognitive impairments continue to present challenges.

The prosecution said that the psychiatrist had not obtained Randall’s most recent medical records from treatment in New York and urged the defense to do so before the next meeting.  

Judge Ryan characterized the psychiatrist’s report as “rather compelling” but stated that he remained concerned about community safety due to the serious nature of the charge, leading him to consider issuing a bench warrant. He added that his concerns for community safety goes beyond district lines and that he needed more information on Randall’s “current functioning.” 

As a result, Judge Ryan decided against issuing a bench warrant for Randall but ordered Prather-Guzman to contact Randall’s appointed guardian and guardianship attorney located in New York. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

Judge Suspends all but 6 month Sentence for Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz  issued a suspended sentence with six months jail time for a stabbing defendant  on March 27. 

Sequon Price, 30, pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2025 to  assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance for his involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that wounded one individual at the intersection of Wheeler Road and Alabama Avenue, SE, on July 25, 2025. 

During the hearing, the court heard from the victim’s niece. She said her uncle “has not been the same” since the day of the attack, expressing the constant headaches, blurred vision, and severe dizziness from which he suffers. She added that all these things prevent him from walking or standing for long periods of time, resulting in her uncle’s needing to be placed under 24-hour medical care. 

“This has been a heavy load on our family,” the niece said. “No one should have to go through this.” She insisted that Price was a danger to the community. 

Prosecutors presented video footage from the incident. The video showed the victim grabbing and pulling a young girl on the bus while her friends were trying to pull her back. Price saw this and approached the victim, which led to Price stabbing the victim. According to court documents, the victim suffered four stab wounds to the right side of his face.

The prosecution argued that Price’s actions went too far and were unnecessary. They acknowledged the victim acted aggressively toward the girl on the bus, but they mentioned there were other ways for Price to stop the incident, instead of stabbing the victim. The prosecutor also argued that Price was a danger to the community due to his known possession of weapons.

Madalyn Harvey, Price’s attorney, argued that Price’s actions were not random. He was trying to intervene and stop the victim from hurting the girl. Harvey stated that Price was triggered by past trauma and acted impulsively as he saw the girl get assaulted by the victim. She said Price did not intend to kill and described the defendant as someone who generally shows kindness to others. Harvey stated that the reason why Price pleaded guilty was because he knew he did something wrong. 

Price apologized to the victim and his family for what he did stating he is remorseful. “I made a mistake and learned from it,” he said. He didn’t like how the incident played out and that if he had the chance to intervene in a different way, he would have. He mentioned that he did tell the victim to stop and acted after the girls screamed for help.

Judge Kravitz stated that the incident was a “scary act of violence.” He asked why Price had drugs on him on the day of the incident, which Price said he was going to sell . Judge Kravtiz mentioned that the level of force Price used was excessive. However, he did highlight Price’s limited criminal history and his trauma that triggered him which led up to the stabbing. 

Judge Kravitz imposed a 24 month sentence for assault with a dangerous weapon, with all but six months suspended. He also imposed a six month sentence for attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, with all of it suspended. Price is expected to be imprisoned for six months. 

Judge Kravitz also imposed special conditions, such as mental health treatments, drug treatment, and participation in job training and schooling. Prosecution asked for a stay-away order to protect the victim, in which Judge Kravitz granted it. 

“Thank you and God bless you,” said Price to Judge Kravitz, after the sentence was imposed.

No further dates were set.

Armed Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty To All Charges

An armed carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty to his indictment charges in a felony arraignment on March 31 before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.

Rodale Broadus, 22, is charged with armed carjacking and armed robbery against a transportation provider, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. All charges were allegedly committed during Broadus’ release for a prior offense. 

These counts stem from Broadus’ alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 900 block of 24th Street, NW on Aug. 15, 2024.

During the hearing, Broadus’ attorney, Lauren Morehouse, waived further reading of the indictment, entered a plea of not guilty on her client’s behalf, and asserted Broadus’ constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

Morehouse additionally requested that Broadus’ release conditions be amended to allow him to work at his previous place of employment.

Judge McLean spoke to a Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) officer who appeared via Webex after the hearing, and shortened Broadus’ curfew by two hours, allowing one hour before and after work to allow for travel. Broadus was also instructed to pre-verify his employment hours with his PSA officer. 

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 19.

Shooting Defendant Detained in Baltimore, DC Judge Could Issue Warrant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro reserved bench warrant rights after a shooting defendant failed to appear in court on March 31 because of pending charges outside DC. 

Tyrhez Williams, 25, was sentenced June 17, 2025 to a suspended sentence of six months incarceration and one year probation for carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business. The charges stem from his involvement in a non-fatal shooting at the 2600 block of Bowen Road, SE on July 8, 2024. 

According to court documents, Williams was witnessed pulling a handgun out of a hidden compartment in his car radio, and discharging the handgun out of the moving vehicle. 

The hearing was called to discuss alleged probation violations, however Williams never appeared. According to his attorney William Howell, Williams did not appear because he was arrested and held in Baltimore, MD for violating a peace order. 

Howell stated the Baltimore case was set for court on April 1, but Williams’ attorney in Baltimore has not received evidence.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant as a retainer, to ensure if he’s released in Baltimore, he is then placed in custody in DC. Judge Di Toro said she will reserve bench warrant rights. 

Prior to the Baltimore case, Howell stated Williams had no probation violations and maintained contact with Howell. 

Judge Di Toro decided to reschedule the hearing until Williams’ Baltimore case is resolved. 

The parties are scheduled to reconvene on June 3.

‘My Presence Alone Uplifts,’ Says Stabbing Defendant Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld denied a defense attorney’s motion for bond review in a co-defendant stabbing case on March 30.

Trevon Randolph, 27, and Antonio Halfacre, 37, are charged with aggravated assault while armed and assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 1800 block of Central Place, NE on Feb. 15. 

The victim sustained stab wounds to his back, a fracture in his hand, bruises to his head and face, scrapes to his shoulders and arms, and blood in his lung cavity. Randolph’s attorney, Alvin Thomas, requested his client’s release during the hearing. 

Randolph addressed Judge Hertzfeld explaining the allegations against him were misleading. He stated that he has strong community ties as an active member of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) among other organizations. He also explained he has four kids and another on the way. 

“My presence alone uplifts,” Randolph told Judge Hetzfeld when requesting his release and continued, “I am a blessing with humble expectations.”

The prosecution argued that the community’s safety couldn’t be guaranteed and that Randolph should remain held. They brought up Randolph’s history with the victim, stating Randolph pistol-whipped him in a different case. He was also on supervised release for simple assault when the alleged offense occurred, said prosecutors.

Judge Hertzfeld stated that there was no reason for her to revisit DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Herrmann previous decision to hold Randolph at the preliminary hearing on Feb. 19.

As a result, Judge Hertzfeld denied Thomas’ motion and Randolph is held without bond.

Parties also mentioned during the hearing that plea negotiations are ongoing for both Randolph and Halfacre. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

After Seizure, Judge Releases Teen Homicide Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a teen homicide defendant after he experienced a seizure during a status hearing on March 26.

Keyonte Johnson, 16, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Roy Bennett Jr. on the 300 block of Morse Street, NE on Dec. 5, 2025. Bennett sustained seven gunshot wounds.

Johnson is charged under Title 16, which allows prosecutors to try juveniles as adults for certain serious offenses.

An educational support advocate appeared on behalf of Johnson to discuss his conditions in the Youth Services Center (YSC). The support advocate stated that Johnson has not been receiving proper education or medical attention. According to the advocate, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is violating the law.

According to the advocate, Johnson, who has epilepsy, is not receiving proper medical treatment, and there may be something wrong with the dosage of his medication. 

Defense attorney Jesse Winograd asked Judge Ryan to release Johnson on home confinement so that he can receive the medical care he requires and attend school. Winograd additionally stated that YSC has not allowed him to get access to Johnson’s medical records. The defense also requested that Johnson be able to join a five-day program at a children’s hospital, where he would receive medical attention and an education.

Then in a dramatic moment, Johnson showed signs of a seizure and received emergency medical attention in the courtroom. 

Following the incident, Winograd stated that although Johnson experiences seizures regularly, this one appeared to be worse than normal.

Winograd continued to argue for Johnson’s release, stating that he is at risk of exposure to pathogens at YSC, which makes his condition worse. According to Winograd, at one point, someone entered YSC with the flu. 

Prosecutors conceded that Johnson’s lack of medical and educational resources at YSC is concerning, but stated that there are no conditions of release that will help protect the community. According to the prosecution, Johnson had a history of violent behavior that was both continuous and escalating. Additionally, prosecutors claimed that home confinement wouldn’t prevent Johnson from taking violent action while attending school.

While Judge Ryan had previously found no conditions of release that would ensure community protection, he stated that he would be open to changing his mind, as Johnson’s age and lack of medical attention concerned him. The argument was underscored by the medical emergency that took place during the hearing.

Judge Ryan decided to release Johnson on 24-hour home confinement with exceptions for medical appointments and legal visits. Both therapy and the five-day program will fall under the medical exception. As part of the release conditions, Johnson will be restricted from visiting the area where the incident took place or interacting with anyone who was present during the incident.

Parties will reconvene on April 2 to discuss Johnson’s compliance with release conditions.

Jury Acquits Stabbing Defendant After Deliberating 1 Day

A jury empaneled by DC Superior Court Judge Juliet McKenna found a stabbing defendant not guilty of all charges on March 27.

Darryl Myers, 52, was charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, misdemeanor sex abuse, and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 7, 2024, in Dupont Circle. One victim was stabbed and the other sexually assaulted.

After less than a day of deliberations, the jury acquitted Myers of all six charges. 

In the trial, the prosecution attempted to prove that the stabbing was not self-defense, arguing Myers provoked the confrontation, stabbed the victim four times, and bragged about it afterwards.

Myers’ defense attorneys argued that there were too many inconsistencies in the victims’ stories and not enough evidence to prove that Myers was the culprit. They also highlighted that the victims were drinking the night of the incident and their description of the clothes worn by the culprit differed from the clothing Myers wore that day.

The trial lasted four days, with the jury delivering its verdict just after lunch on the fourth day.

Myers was released from the DC Jail and no further dates were set.

Probation Continued for Pregnant Shooting Defendant As She Awaits Assault Trial

A shooting defendant’s probation was continued by DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on March 27 as she awaits the results of a simple assault trial.

Javonee Jackson, 26, accepted a sealed plea agreement in early 2025 for her involvement in the shooting of her oldest child’s father on May 10, 2023 at the 700 block of 7th Street, NW. She was originally charged with assault with intent to kill, and the terms of the plea are not accessible. 

Jackson was additionally charged with simple assault and threats to do bodily harm in a separate case on Nov. 11, 2025.

At her probation hearing, a representative from the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) said Jackson had been compliant with her probation, despite her new arrest. Jackson is enrolled in anger management and grief counseling and had negative drug tests, the representative said.

Judge Dayson said she would follow CSOSA’s recommendation to wait for the results of Jackson’s new case, set to go to trial on April 23, before deciding on her probation. There were no objections to allowing CSOSA to handle further probation actions if Jackson is found not guilty.

Jackson did not object to the schedule, but alerted Judge Dayson that she could give birth around the time of her trial. She and her attorney, Alvin Thomas, said they would coordinate and contact the court if any scheduling changes are needed.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 23.

Defense Asks Judge to Release Carjacking Defendant Held on Other Charges

A defense attorney in a carjacking case asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to release her client in a hearing on March 31. 

Antwon Brown, 33, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE on July 20, 2023.

At the hearing, Brown’s attorney, Quiana Harris, informed parties that her client is held on other unrelated charges in a strangulation case and has filed a motion for Brown’s release in that case. Brown was previously on release in the carjacking case until he was arrested on the new charges.

Harris also stated that her motion asks Judge Arthur to review the probable cause finding from a hearing on March 4 in the strangulation case.

The prosecution explained that they have received the motion, but want two weeks to be able to respond. 

Additionally, the prosecution alerted parties that the case was previously before DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel who asked them to investigate Brown’s compliance on release with the Pretrial Service Agency (PSA). 

Brown’s carjacking case was transferred to Judge Arthur’s calendar since he presides over his other case.

The prosecution stated that Judge Israel wanted to be sure that Brown was in compliance with PSA to find out if there were grounds for Brown’s release. 

Judge Arthur explained to the prosecution that if they want to maintain Brown’s hold, they can file a formal motion. 

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 17. 

Two Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to 20 Counts at Arraignment

A non-fatal shooting defendant pleaded not guilty to 20 charges stemming from two shootings before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on March 31. 

Daquan Baker, 27, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, assault with intent to commit robbery while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, endangerment with a firearm in a public place, three counts of unlawful possession of ammunition, and a misdemeanor unlawful possession of a controlled substance. 

All violent charges face an aggravating circumstance of allegedly being committed after Baker had two prior felony convictions.

Most charges stem from Baker’s alleged involvement in a January 25, 2025 shooting on the 5400 block of B Street, SE. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh and graze wounds. 

Additionally, Baker faces charges for his alleged involvement in a separate January 1, 2025 shooting on the 5300 block of Astor Place, SE. No one was injured but ShotSpotter detected 13 gunshots. 

At the hearing, the court arraigned Baker on the charges against him while his attorney, Terrence Austin, pleaded not guilty on his behalf and asserted his right to a speedy trial.

The prosecution also presented evidence in the case which they chose to test for DNA which included a handgun and magazine from the January 25 incident. Prosecutors stated that their testing showed DNA evidence recovered from the handgun very likely belongs to Baker. They added that other evidence, including multiple handguns, shell casings, and a pill bottle, recovered during Baker’s arrest and from the January 1 incident, were not tested for DNA.

Baker waived his right to re-test evidence or test any additional materials. Defendants have a right to conduct independent DNA testing under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA). 

Parties are slated to reconvene on Sept. 3 for a trial readiness hearing.

First Responder Says Defendant’s Behavior was ‘Consistent with Intoxication’ After Fatal Crash

Several witnesses testified about the level of intoxication of a defendant accused of killing three people in a fatal car crash before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on March 30. 

Nakita Walker, 46, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder, fleeing a law enforcement officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a fatal car crash. The incident occurred on March 15, 2023 on Rock Creek Parkway and killed Mohamed Kamara, 43, Jonathan Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22.

A detective with the US Park Police testified that according to medical records, Walker was “currently intoxicated” while hospitalized immediately after the incident based on her “ethanol level and clinical appearance.” Her ethanol levels were determined by blood and urine tests. Ethanol is the variant of alcohol for human consumption.

Defense attorney Albert Amissah countered that the detective had little involvement in the case as he was not present on the scene at the time of the incident and had nothing to do with the collection of the samples of blood and urine.

The next witness was a firefighter and paramedic from DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) that responded to the scene. She testified that she did a quick examination of Walker and claimed she was “acting abnormally” and her behavior was “consistent with intoxication.” 

She also admitted in cross-examination that she was unaware Walker had a concussion and people with concussions can exhibit odd behaviors as well.

The prosecution then called a medical doctor from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) who testified that the blood and urine tests ran for Walker  “detected ethanol.” Additionally, the doctor said when individuals show “signs and symptoms of impairments” they should not be driving.

During cross-examination, Amissah confirmed with the doctor that the alcohol level in a blood sample can change depending on if it is stored properly. Alcohol levels can increase due to fermentation taking place, but they can also decrease when the sample is repeatedly opened, letting alcohol escape. The doctor said she did not know whether the tests were stored correctly.

The prosecution also called the medical examiner that performed the autopsies of the victims who testified that the cause of death for all three were “multiple blunt force injuries” and were classified as accidents for the purpose of public health statistics.

Finally an expert in accident reconstruction demonstrated that while Walker was allegedly going nearly double the speed limit at the time of the collision, she was slowing down from her original speed from around 100 miles per hour. At the time of the crash, she was said to be traveling at about 73 miles per hour.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on March 31.

Judge Denies Release For Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe denied release for a stabbing defendant, despite defense concerns about her condition at the DC Jail in a hearing on March 30.

Thelma Speed, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a stabbing that occurred on the 200 block of 51st Street, NE on Jan. 6. The victim sustained lacerations to both hands and his left forearm.

Speed’s attorney, Darryl Daniels, asked Judge Pipe for a continuance because he sent the prosecution a counter plea offer for review. Daniels requested a mid-April date for the court to reconvene.

After a conversation under seal, Judge Pipe alerted parties that she denied Daniels’ request to release Speed, stating that the facts of the case, as well as Speed’s previous cases, were “concerning.”

Judge Pipe instructed Daniels to alert her chambers if there’s anything he’s concerned about regarding Speed’s incarceration in the DC Jail.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 7.

Defense Challenges Prosecution’s Expert Strangulation Witness

Defense attorneys opposed the use of a prosecutor’s expert witness on strangulation, requesting the analyst testify in a separate hearing before trial in a March 27 hearing.

Juan Guerra, 32, is charged with second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Peter Miller III, 32, on the 900 block of Maine Avenue, SW, on Oct. 6, 2021. Miller succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 11, 2021. 

Prosecutors were planning on calling a “crime scene recreator” as their expert witness for trial. 

However, Guerra’s defense attorneys Kevin Mosley and Diana Yu intend to challenge the prosecution’s expert witness because he “doesn’t use scientifics” in his expertise. 

Mosley and Yu are opposing him in areas of supposed expertise in because his testimony will be “more prejudicial than probative.” 

The defense’s request is said to ensure the expert witness’s testimony is reliable and relevant. 

The prosecutor said he believed their witness should be deemed more of a  “strangulation expert” rather than a “crime scene recreator.”The prosecutor told DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz that the prosecution will oppose the defense’s challenge.

Judge Kravitz suggested they set another date to get things figured out before trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 23.

Co-Defendant Rejects Plea Offer in Jail Stabbing Case 

A defendant rejected a plea offer while his co-defendant requested additional time to consider the agreement in a jail stabbing case before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on March 30.

Tyrone Hawkins, 25, and Christian Ware,19, are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for their alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail that left a victim with five stab wounds on the 1900 block of D Street, SE, on Oct. 21, 2025.

According to court documents, Hawkins and Ware allegedly entered the victim’s jail cell and stabbed him with a makeshift shank. The victim was found with numerous stab wounds including two stab wounds to the back, two stab wounds to the right arm, and one stab wound to the abdomen. 

Court records show that Hawkins was previously charged for his alleged involvement in a separate jail stabbing case that occurred in 2023, which prosecutors dismissed on Jan. 23.

During the hearing, the prosecution mentioned a recently offered plea deal, but did not disclose any terms. 

Hawkins’ attorney, Alvin Thomas, rejected the plea offer on behalf of his client and asserted his right to a jury trial.

Ware’s attorneys, Varsha Govindaraju and Erin Griffard, requested additional time to review the plea offer with their client.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 5.