Conflicting Opening Arguments in Carjacking Case

Despite police and expert witnesses alleging a carjacking, a defense attorney argued the prosecution’s evidence was inconsistent in opening statements before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 21.

Miquel Beasley, 23, is charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on March 22, 2024, on the 3900 block of 1st Street, SE.

According to court documents, Beasley reportedly entered the victim’s vehicle for a marijuana transaction that allegedly escalated when Beasley pulled out a handgun. He then allegedly forced the victim out of the vehicle before fleeing the scene in it.

The prosecutor’s opening statements laid out what allegedly happened duirng the incident. He mentioned that Beasely and the victim knew each other for a couple of months, as they met through multiple friends. The prosecutor said the victim was at the scene to buy marijuana and ended up getting carjacked at gunpoint.

The prosecutor argued that the evidence will prove Beasley’s guilt. Their witnesses include a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, the lead investigator in the case, a DNA analyst, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent. Photographs and videos of the carjacked vehicle leaving the scene will also be presented to the jury.

Beasley’s attorney, Antoini Jones, stated that Beasley is innocent and argued that the prosecutor’s case is built on inaccurate and inconsistent evidence, including statements by the victim.

Judge Arthur thanked both parties and dismissed the jurors, instructing them to come back to court the next day to continue the trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 22.

Judge Delays Lengthy Homicide Deliberations Given Jurors’ Prior Commitments

After an eight day stretch, Jurors were asked to take about a two week break, then continue deliberations for a homicide case before DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman on April 21.

Jaime Macedo, 25, is charged with first-degree felony murder while armed, attempted 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 of more than one year, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Maxwell Emerson. The incident occurred on the 600 block of Alumni Lane, NE, on July 5, 2023.

The jury began deliberating on April 9 before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz but Judge Edelman is now presiding over the case in Judge Kravitz’s absence.

On the eighth day of deliberations, in notes, many jurors raised concerns about personal obligations, such as international travel, graduation ceremonies, and job related commitments. One juror also expressed that a member of their jury felt ill and might require a visit to the emergency room.

As a result, Judge Edelman instructed the jurors to resume deliberations on May 4.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 27 for a motions hearing.

‘I Have Changed For The Better,’ Says Stabbing Defendant Sentenced to 1 Year in Prison

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean sentenced a non-fatal stabbing defendant to one year in prison on April 17.

Alexis Rivera, 21, pleaded guilty on Feb. 3 to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon for stabbing a person in the thumb while attempting to shoplift on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Dec. 6, 2025.

The prosecutor requested Rivera be sentenced to two years imprisonment. He noted that Rivera committed the stabbing one day after being released from jail in Maryland where he was arrested for a similar crime. The prosecutor also requested Rivera be placed in a rehabilitation program.

Rivera’s attorney, Michael Rist, said Rivera was shoplifting to fund his opioid addiction. Rist said while Rivera had been arrested in the past, he was never convicted of a crime. He also said Rivera has been sober for five months.

Rist said Rivera’s addiction began when he smoked what he thought was marijuana but it turned out to have a crushed percocet pill in it. Rist said he suspected this was actually a mismarked fentanyl pill.

“My client was sort of tricked into using opioids at a young age,” Rist said.

Rist requested Rivera be sentenced to one year, suspending all but time served, with required drug treatment and educational programs.

He requested Rivera be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA), a policy that gives judges leniency and discretion when sentencing a defendant who is younger than 25 at the time of the incident and the potential to have their convictions sealed upon successful completion of requirements.

Rivera said he was excited to participate in community service and pursue his education.

“I’m not really used to being around people who are trying to help,” Rivera said.“At least I feel like I would be proud of myself.”

Rivera said he was a “mindless soul” when he was on drugs and believes he has improved while incarcerated.

“I feel that I have changed for the better,” Rivera said.

Judge McLean said Rivera was still responsible for decisions he made under the influence of drugs. She sentenced him to one year imprisonment suspending all but five months for assault with a dangerous weapon, followed by one year of supervised probation.

“I want you to consider the plans you are making for how you will maintain sobriety when you get out,” Judge McLean said.

No further dates were set.

‘He Didn’t Care About the Case,’ Says Shooting Defendant Alleging Deficient Defense

A defense attorney argued before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on April 17 a shooting defendant’s previous representation was deficient, effectively denying him a fair trial.

Richard “Black” Nduba, 42, was sentenced on June 2, 2023 to 10 years imprisonment for assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred in front of a Walmart at the unit block of H Street, NW on Aug. 10, 2022.

According to court documents, officers responded to a report of gunshots. The victim reported to the officers that he, wheelchair bound, was on the sidewalk when Nduba drove past and shot at him twice.

A jury returned a guilty verdict to both counts on March 22, 2023.

In a hearing before Judge Christian, Nduba’s attorney, Michelle Lockard, argued her motion of ineffective counsel, filed on Aug. 8, 2025, regarding the handling of Nduba’s trial. She argued that Nduba’s former attorney, Bruce Cooper, had no interest in representing him, unfairly disadvantaging Nduba. In her motion, Lockard requested Judge Christian reconsider Nduba’s sentence, reducing it and releasing him.

“I was really thinking he didn’t care about the case,” Nduba testified. Nduba sent DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur a letter prior to his trial on March 9, 2023, regarding Cooper and requesting a new attorney.. “After my first letter he caught an attitude with me,” Nduba said.

In one of the letters written to Judge Arthur, Nduba said he was not confident moving forward with Cooper as counsel. Nduba said that in the few times they met he tried to discuss the defense theory and plan for the trial with Cooper to no avail.

After the case was transferred to Judge Christian, Nduba recalled Cooper telling him he “can’t speak up” anymore. Further, according to Nduba, Cooper told him he may be discredited for testifying in his trial due to a past conviction.

Nduba said Cooper did not believe there was a defense in his case. Additionally, Nduba claimed he provided Cooper with a possible alibi’s information which Cooper did not follow-up or sufficiently investigate.

“If I knew it was going to end up like this, I would have taken the plea,” Nduba said.

Nduba recalled the trial, saying the prosecution depicted him “like some type of animal,” resulting in his 10 year sentence.

The defense also called Cooper who testified that “Nduba was difficult to deal with, he felt this whole case was beneath him.”

According to Cooper, he instructed his investigator to search for Nduba’s alibi which was inconclusive. The investigator, Cooper said, visited Nduba frequently. He said he often had the investigator meet with clients because he is African American and “sometimes [defendants] will not tell me things.”

“Nduba did not like talking to you because you aren’t an African American male,” Lockard questioned?

On the day of the trial, Cooper said Nduba requested new counsel. According to transcripts from March 20, 2023, Cooper supported the request saying they did “not have the best of relationships” and could “understand his desire for new counsel.”

Judge Christian asked if Cooper had discussed trial strategies with Nduba, to which Nduba reiterated in open court, “He actually told me he don’t see no defense in my case.”

Cooper disagreed and said he discussed strategy and was ready to proceed with the trial. Judge Christian denied Nduba’s request for new counsel.

Lockard claimed Cooper disregarded Nduba’s information about a possible alibi witness and did not diligently search for him. Additionally, Lockard said Cooper brought on a provisional attorney without Nduba’s consent. Nduba met the new attorney at the council table the day of trial, said Lockard.

Lockard called Justin Boggs, Nduba’s second attorney, as witness. According to Boggs, Cooper posted an opening online to serve as second chair in Nduba’s trial just a week before the start date.

Boggs said he cross-examined the victim and presented closing arguments in the trial. Lockard argued Boggs’ role in the trial quickly became the lead as Cooper took the back seat. She noted this dynamic was problematic as Nduba’s trial was the first in Boggs’ career.

Lockard characterized Boggs as the “game day QB ready to save the case.”

“With the little he knew about my case, he did a better job than Cooper would have,” Nduba testified about Boggs’ in his trial.

At the hearing, Boggs waved at Nduba upon leaving the witness stand. Nduba mouthed, “Thank you.”

Lockard additionally argued in her motion that Cooper did not adequately represent Nduba at his sentencing because he failed to mention any redeeming qualities of Nduba’s circumstances.

Lockard argued if Cooper investigated further and appointed Boggs with Nduba’s consent and knowledge, the case would have ended differently. She said his lack of action in the case violated Strickland v. Washington (1984) which holds “a defense attorney must have been objectively deficient and that there was a reasonable probability that a competent attorney would have led to a different outcome.”

“You can tell when somebody has an interest and is trying to help. [Cooper] didn’t have an interest in my case,” Nduba said.

The prosecution disagreed, arguing Lockard had no basis to call Cooper and Boggs ineffective because they operated with the information they had with an uncooperative defendant. Cooper testified he and his investigator attempted to track down the alibi. However, Cooper said Nduba’s previous attorney, Sara Kopecki, believed the alibi was a “ploy.”

The prosecution noted Nduba’s testimony was contradictory regarding communication with Cooper.

According to Nduba, Cooper never discussed the plea offer with him. Despite this, Cooper testified he discussed the plea and that he initially supported Nduba’s request for new counsel at the trial to give him more time to reconsider the plea offer. The prosecution argued Cooper’s communication did not affect the outcome of Nduba’s sentence.

Additionally, by speedily appointing Boggs as second chair, the prosecution argued Cooper put forth effort to win the case by getting help.

Boggs, according to Cooper, was known by colleagues as “aggressive” and was hired by Cooper to agitate the “belligerent” victim in cross-examination into quitting trial. The prosecution argued that Boggs’ lack of experience should not bar him from representing clients at trial. The prosecution emphasized Boggs’ success at trial as proof of Cooper’s effort.

“I wish I had you as my lawyer the whole time,” Boggs recalled Nduba saying to him after the trial.

Judge Christian did not make a ruling on the motion but said he will rule from chambers.

No further dates were set.

Judge Finds Probable Cause in Carjacking Case, Denies Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond found probable cause in a carjacking incident based on a detective’s testimony, and denied a defendant’s release on April 17.

Tywan Jackson, 32, is charged with carjacking for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 4800 block of Alabama Avenue, SE on Feb. 20. No injuries were reported.

According to court records, two parents were reportedly outside their car when Jackson allegedly drove off with their seven-year-old in the backseat. Jackson allegedly drove to the end of the block before fleeing the car.

During the hearing, prosecutors called a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective, who investigated the case. The detective allegedly identified Jackson as the suspect in court.

The detective stated that MPD identified Jackson as the suspect through surveillance footage of a car alleged to belong to Jackson. The car is seen pulling into a nearby parking lot minutes before the incident. In addition, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent identified a person said to be Jackson through surveillance footage taken two hours prior to the incident in front of Jackson’s residence.

During cross-examination, Diana Yu, Jackson’s attorney, said no eyewitness or victim identified Jackson as the suspect.

According to the detective, one victim gave a description of the carjacker, “Black male, in his 30’s, five foot eight inches-to-five foot ten inches.” The victim also described the carjacker wearing a black jacket and pants. The detective stated that those descriptions aided in identifying Jackson as the carjacker.

Yu played surveillance footage taken minutes before the incident, of the car the detective said was Jackson’s pulling into a parking lot outside his known residence. The detective said Jackson lived on the same avenue as the incident. Yu pointed out that no license plate or model identification could be seen on the suspect car in the footage.

In additional footage Yu played, the detective alleged Jackson left his car and walked towards the victims’ car.

The detective stated that he identified Jackson’s car through footage of him getting in hours earlier and previous investigative knowledge.

The detective stated that an FBI Special Agent recognized the “build, complexion, and hair” of Jackson from previous encounters in a separate investigation though no additional details were provided.

Yu played the footage from two hours before the incident, in which Jackson can allegedly be seen walking from his residence to the parking lot. In the video, Jackson is wearing similar black pants as the victim’s description with long dreadlocks.

Yu asked the detective if Jackson is the only person in the DC area to have his build, complexion, and hair. The detective responded, “no, Jackson is probably not the only person.”

Yu argued that probable cause was not proven because there was no identification made by an eyewitness or victim, and the identifications made were not reliable. According to Yu, there are differences in the victim’s description of the carjacker and the surveillance footage.

Judge Raymond found prosecutors met the low standard of probable cause, although she stated the prosecution does not have “a whole lot of strength in their case right now.”

Yu requested Jackson’s release, stating that Jackson has a stable job and two children. According to Yu, Jackson has been on supervised release since 2019 for an unrelated case in Maryland, and has complied with release conditions, until this alleged violation.

The prosecution stated Jackson’s criminal history included a carjacking and theft in Maryland, along with a case in DC for unauthorized use of a vehicle from 2016. According to prosecutors their evidence is strong in the case, including Jackson being the registered owner of the car seen on video and a connection to the incident location.

The prosecution stated they have “tremendous concerns” regarding releasing Jackson.

Judge Raymond denied release due to Jackson’s criminal history and finding probable cause.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 29.

‘I Never Meant to Do That,’ Says Shooting Defendant at Sentencing

DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel sentenced a non-fatal shooting defendant to 12 months of imprisonment on April 17.

Reginald Datcher, 55, pleaded guilty on March 20 to assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with prior conviction for his involvement in a shooting on the 4200 block of Hillside Road, SE on July 20, 2024. No injuries were reported.

Datcher previously accepted a plea deal on June 4, 2025 for assault with a dangerous weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior crime of violence but withdrew his guilty plea and accepted a new offer. The new offer carried a lower maximum penalty for the possession charge of 10 years in prison as opposed to the 15 years Datcher faced in the initial agreement.

At sentencing, the prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the offense, noting Datcher was armed and attempted to intimidate two individuals in a vehicle. The prosecution noted the domestic nature since Datcher was in a relationship with one of the victims. They argued Datcher caused significant distress to the victims after breaking the driver’s side window and discharging a firearm where one victim was seated.

The prosecution requested a sentence of 60 months imprisonment for the assault charge, suspended except for 30 months, and 24 months for the possession charge, suspended except for 18 months, to run concurrently.

Datcher’s attorney, John Machado, claimed the physical evidence did not conclusively prove the window was broken by gunfire and argued Datcher discharged the firearm into the air rather than into the vehicle.

Machado highlighted Datcher’s limited and dated criminal history, stable employment, and role as a father, stating that the incident occurred during a particularly difficult period in his life after losing three people close to him. He requested a sentence of 24 months, all suspended except for time served, with mental health treatment and anger management.

Two of Datcher’s sons addressed Judge Israel, describing him as a devoted father who raised them following the death of their mother. One of his sons noted that Datcher recently had a new child, which he believes will motivate Datcher to make better choices.

Datcher apologized to the victims, his family, and the court, stating, “I never meant to do that.” He expressed a desire to move forward positively and to do good for his family and community. Judge Israel described the incident as a reaction driven by emotional distress rather than premeditation, but emphasized that Datcher’s actions posed a significant risk to human life.

Judge Israel imposed a sentence of 39 months for the assault charge, suspended except for six months, and 24 months for the possession charge, suspended except for 12 months. The sentences will run concurrently for a total of 12 months imprisonment. If Datcher violates the terms of his probation, Judge Israel could require him to serve the remaining suspended time in prison.

Datcher was also ordered to complete two years of supervised probation with conditions including mental health evaluation, substance abuse assessment, and participation in programs such as anger management.

No further hearings were scheduled.

Stabbing Defendant Receives Global Plea Covering Some 6 Cases

A defense attorney informed DC Superior Court Judge Deborah Israel on April 20 a plea is pending that may affect a defendant’s stabbing case along with several other matters.

Antoinette Smith, 35, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 5600 block of 13th Street, NW on July 15, 2025. The victim sustained a laceration to the left side of her torso under her armpit.

According to Derrick Page, Smith’s attorney, he recently received a global plea offer from the prosecution that would resolve this case and Smith’s five-to-six pending cases. Page informed Judge Israel Smith requested more time to review the deal. The prosecution did not oppose the request.

Additionally, Page asked Judge Israel to remove Smith’s GPS monitoring. The judge did not make a ruling and told him to file the request in writing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 11.

Judge Removes GPS Monitor From Machete Stabbing Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro released a stabbing defendant from GPS monitoring in a hearing on April 20.

Eduavdo Gonzalez, 46, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence related stabbing that occurred on the 5100 block of Yuma Court, NW on Feb. 7. The victim, a relative of Gonzalez, was allegedly cut in the hand by a machete

According to court records, Joseph Scrofano, Gonzalez’s attorney, filed a motion on April 15 to change his client’s release conditions so his GPS monitor could be removed pending trial.

The prosecution had no opposition to the removal, but asked that the stay-away order from the victim remain in effect, which Scrofano did not oppose.

Judge Di Toro granted the GPS removal and the stay-away order will remain in effect.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 10.

Shooting Defendant on Probation Fails to Appear in Court

A shooting defendant failed to appear in court for a probation hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro on April 20.

Robert Crowder, 35, was sentenced on Aug. 23, 2024 to 40 months imprisonment, suspended in favor of 24 months imprisonment, followed by five years of probation for unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year and destruction of property over $1,000 for his involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 1100 block of 2nd Place, SE on Aug. 22, 2023. No injuries were reported.

During the hearing, not only was Crowder not present but his attorney, John Sample, said he was unable to contact him because he did not have Crowder’s phone number. Additionally, Sample was unable to say where Crowder was current nor his reason for not appearing.

A representative from Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA), stated that she had informed Crowder on April 17, that he had a hearing on April 20.

Sample stated that Crowder has two additional trial dates set for June 29 and August 26, for two unrelated cases. Parties agreed to set a new probation hearing out until after both cases have been resolved.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Aug. 31.

Carjacking Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Held on Unrelated Charges

A carjacking defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges read at an arraignment before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on April 17.

Antwon Brown, 34, is charged with unarmed carjacking, robbery, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and first degree theft for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 1400 block of 22nd Street, NE on July 20, 2023.

Brown’s attorney, Quiana Harris, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. She asserted Brown’s Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination and ensure a fair and speedy trial.

Brown is currently detained at the DC Jail on unrelated charges in a strangulation case.

Judge Arthur denied Brown’s motion to reverse DC Superior Court Judge Heide Herrmann’s finding of probable cause in the strangulation case. Judge Arthur also denied Brown’s bond review motion, meaning he will continue to be held.

Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 14.

Stabbing Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Held Pending Sentence

A stabbing defendant accepted a plea deal admitting to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 20.

Jasmine Berliner, 23, was originally charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on March 26 on the 700 block of 8th Street, NE. The victim sustained stab wounds to the chest, hand, arm, and shoulder after an argument with Berliner.

The prosecution extended an offer that required Berliner to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon. This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment. In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss any greater charges and not seek an indictment with additional charges.

The prosecution said that if the case had gone to trial, they would have proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Berliner pulled a knife out of her purse and stabbed the victim after the victim slapped her.

Berliner said she did not agree with this statement, saying the victim did not slap her, instead gave two “closed fist punches.” The prosecution agreed to change the verbiage from “slapped” to “punched,” as long as the defense agreed that the stabbing was not self-defense. Judge McLean then accepted Berliner’s guilty plea.

Adam Harris, Berliner’s attorney, requested Berliner be released pending sentencing. The prosecution objected, stating that Berliner showed no remorse for her actions and also had a prior assault conviction in an unrelated case.

Judge McLean stated that DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum originally ruled that Berliner would be held, stating that she would uphold his decision.

Parties are slated to reconvene for sentencing on June 5.

Prosecutors Dismiss Domestic Shooting Case

Prosecutors dismissed a case for a defendant accused of shooting at his romantic partner in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean on April 17.

Anthony McKoy, 34, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a parking lot shooting on the 5300 block of E Street, SE, on Jan. 1. No injuries were reported but police recovered seven shell casings.

According to court records, McKoy and the victim had an on-and-off romantic relationship for over nine years.

Judge McLean dismissed the charges against McKoy after prosecutors filed a notice of Nolle Prosequi, indicating they will no longer pursue the case at this time.

McKoy is no longer held in this case and no further dates were set.

Prelim Delayed Again For Suspect in Three Shooting, Carjacking Cases

DC Superior Judge Renee Raymond granted a posponement for a defendant facing charges in three separate cases, delaying proceedings on April 20.

Malique Outland, 20, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal shooting that occurred on the 200 block of 37th Place, SE on Aug 16, 2023. One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh.

In a separate case, Outland is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred on the 100 block of R Street, SE, on Aug 28, 2023. No injuries were reported.

Outland is charged in a third case with unarmed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident on the 1000 block of Spring Road, NW, on Sept 3, 2023. The victim was reportedly punched in the forehead.

During the hearing, both parties agreed to a continuance in all three cases, his preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for Oct. 23, 2023.

Judge Raymond spoke with the parties privately and then stated she accepted the continuance.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 16.

Defense Attorney to Withdraw 3 Months Before Homicide Trial

A defense attorney in a homicide case told DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman that she would no longer represent her client in trial in a hearing on April 21.

Correy Ray, 47, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, robbery while armed, three counts of 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 fatal shooting of 20-year-old Marjai Wimbush on Dec. 4, 2022 at the 4200 block of 4th Street, SE. Wimbush died from a single gunshot wound to the left side of his chest.

Ray’s defense attorney, Rachel Cicurel, told Judge Edelman that she was leaving the Public Defender Service (PDS) before Ray’s scheduled trial on July 6. Cicurel expected to know within the next 10 days which PDS attorney will take over Ray’s case for her.

Meanwhile, Cicurel was not ready to proceed with an Innocence Protection Act (IPA) hearing, which allows a defendant to independently test the prosecution’s DNA evidence and that she would like more time to review the situation with Ray.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Homicide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park in a hearing on April 17.

Bobby Jordan also known as Hilman Ray Jordan, 52, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business, for the fatal shooting of Jawaid Bhutto, 64, on March 1, 2019, on the 2600 block of Wade Road, SE.

Jordan’s attorneys, Dana Page and Christen Philips, said they agreed with prosecutors that pleading NGRI to first-degree murder while armed with a firearm was the best course for Jordan’s case.

An insanity plea means the defendant was incapable of knowing right from wrong or behave in accordance with the law at the time of the crime. Further, to be mentally competent to stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist his attorney.

A defense expert completed an evaluation and a report finding Jordan insane, and an expert for prosecutors completed an evaluation and was finishing up their report, but their findings are consistent with the defense expert.

A representative for Bhutto’s family read aloud a statement to the court telling Judge Park that he should find this plea “troubling,” and that this was a “calculated cold blooded murder.” On behalf of the family, the representative strongly urged Judge Park to reject the insanity plea and to make Jordan stand trial.

Judge Park acknowledged the statement from the victim’s family, but found that both parties came to a conclusion on the plea.

Jordan was sworn under oath in court and he told Judge Park that he wished to plead NGRI, and that he waived his right to trial.

Prosecutors read aloud the stipulated facts that they would have presented had this case had gone to trial. They shared that the day of the incident, Jordan sat on his patio watching the parking lot until he saw his upstairs neighbor, Bhutto, pull into the lot. When Bhutto pulled into his spot, Jordan left his patio and went down to the parking lot to wait for Bhutto to exit his car. Bhutto exited his car and Jordan pulled out his firearm and shot at Bhutto once, missing. Bhutto ran towards the building where he was then shot multiple times and kicked to the ground by Jordan.

After leaving Bhutto on the ground, Jordan went back to his apartment and hid the gun that had Bhutto’s blood on it, and sat on his patio until authorities arrived and arrested him.

Judge Park told Jordan that if he were to proceed with his plea of NGRI, that he would be committed to Saint Elizabeths Hospital to receive treatment until he or another judge found him sane. Jordan could be at Saint Elizabeth’s for the rest of his life, or for a sentence longer than he might receive if convicted of the charges.

Jordan understood the terms and proceeded to plead NGRI to first-degree murder while armed with a firearm. The parties and court documents did not explain whether Jordan’s remaining two charges were included in the NGRI deal.

Prosecutors requested a mandatory mental health evaluation for Jordan because of his NGRI plea.

Parties are slated to reconvene on June 2.

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