Judge Says Defense Can’t Raise Self-Defense in Homicide Opening Arguments

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman said a defense attorney in a homicide case can’t mention self-defense in an opening arguments on April 3.

Robert Lowe, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Kenneth Goins, 43, on the 1300 block of U Street, NW, on April 27, 2024.

Prosecutors filed a motion on Nov. 14, 2025 to exclude arguments that Lowe acted in self-defense unless the defense can offer clear evidence before the trial. According to the motion, the counter-move was out of concern the defense might introduce evidence about Goins’ over 10-year-old convictions that do not adequately support a self-defense claim but may bias a jury against him.

The prosecution also motioned to exclude any evidence implicating a third-party committed the crime without sharing specific factual evidence prior to the trial.

As a result of a sealed discussion with Lowe and his attorney, Lisbeth Sapirstein, Judge Edelman said that he thought most of this evidence would not be relevant. He ruled that self-defense, third-party evidence, and references to Goins’ prior convictions could not be brought up in opening arguments. However, the judge did not ban them from being presented into evidence or mentioned during the trial.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on April 27.

Prosecutors Challenge Defense Expert’s Credibility in a Homicide

Prosecutors challenged a defense mental health expert in a motions hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 3.

Spiro Stafilatos, 38, is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault knowingly grave risk while armed, and fleeing law enforcement, for his alleged involvement in a Dec. 30, 2022, hit-and-run incident. The accident occurred on the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW, and resulted in the death of 31-year-old Shuyu Sui and severe injury to another individual.

At the hearing, parties discussed an expert in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that Stafilatos’ attorney, Brian McDaniel, plans to call to testify during the trial.

According to McDaniel, in 2021, Stafilatos was diagnosed by a social worker with PTSD after he was reportedly beaten by police officers at the Montgomery County Jail.

McDaniel said Stafilatos was then transferred to the care of a nurse practitioner who administered his medication. The nurse practitioner is not a medical doctor nor does she have a PhD credential, which is why prosecutors are challenging her expertise.

Prosecutors asked for the expert to testify before the trial in order to see if she qualified to make the determination. They said she cannot be solely relied upon about the evidence, if she was not the one who diagnosed Stafilatos with PTSD.

McDaniel told prosecutors that the medical records the defense has only reference the treatment from the nurse practitioner. He told the judge that he has tried to subpoena all of the records, but he has not received them.

Judge Brandt told him that, “the plot thickens Mr. McDaniel.”

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 9 for testimony from the nurse practitioner.

Homicide Co-Defendants Reject Plea Deal

Co-defendants in a homicide case rejected a plea offer before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 3.

Damari Brown, 24, and Antoin Whitehead, 24, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, attempted robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Henry Crutchfield on May 27, 2025 on the 1600 block of 14th Street, NW.

The prosecution extended a plea offer that would require Brown and Whitehead to plead guilty to second-degree murder while armed in exchange for the prosecution dismissing all other charges.

Whitehead’s attorney, Elizabeth Weller, and Brown’s attorney, Madalyn Harvey, rejected the plea deal on behalf of their clients and expressed that they wanted to proceed to a jury trial.

Afterwards, parties discussed a motion filed by the prosecution on Feb. 15 opposing Weller’s proposed witness for a witness at an upcoming detention hearing.

Weller made a request for Whitehead to call the lead detective on the case to testify at his detention hearing, which does not currently have a set date. The prosecution was opposed to this motion because the proffer submitted by Weller on the matter was too broad regarding the topics they wanted to question the detective about.

Judge Park agreed that the proffer was too vague, but said its areas of inquiry were legitimate and that the specifics of the questioning could be monitored by the judge during the hearing.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 15.

‘I Want to Have a Voice in This Matter as Well,’ Defiant Homicide Defendant Says to Judge

An argumentative homicide defendant asked DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park to reschedule a hearing on April 3 before parties discussed missing documents regarding his mental health.

Darryl Thompson, 37, also known as Darryl Tompkins, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of carrying a pistol without a license, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, obstruction of justice, and threats to kidnap or injure a person.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Edward Roberts Jr., on July 30, 2016 on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. Thompson is also charged for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Tyler McEachern, on Aug. 29, 2016 on the 3100 block of Buena Vista Terrace, SE.

Thompson’s attorney, Dana Page, told Judge Park that Thompson wanted to reschedule the hearing to a day where his other attorney, Mani Golzari, could attend, because he had some letters he wanted Golzari to read to the judge. Golzari was not present at the hearing due to his involvement in another matter.

Judge Park said he wanted to talk about other issues first, but Thompson persisted saying, “I want to have a voice in this matter as well,” and kept asking to reschedule the hearing. Eventually, Thompson and Judge Park agreed it would be best for him to exit the courtroom, and he was escorted out by a US Marshal.

Both parties addressed subpoenas they had filed asking for documents from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) pertaining to Thompson’s mental health treatment. Page said they were missing letters from DBH, and the prosecution was facing the same problem.

The letters both parties were missing related to the potential placement of Thompson in a “safety suite” treatment facility. The purpose for this placement would be to restore Thompson’s mental competency after he was found incompetent to stand trial on May 16, 2025. To stand trial, Thompson must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorneys in his defense.

Judge Park agreed to reschedule the hearing to allow parties time to obtain the documents they need. He also briefly discussed Page’s proposal to redact parts of the DBH records before they are turned in to the prosecution.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 4.

Case Acquitted: Judge Admonishes Prosecutors About ‘The Suspect Way’ They’re Handling Shooting Case

Editor’s Note: Marquis Allen was acquitted of all charges by a jury on April 9, 2026.

DC Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean criticized prosecutors during trial openings on April 7 about their misrepresentations to the defense in a shooting case.

Marquis Allen, 32, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, threat to kidnap or injure a person, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction greater than a year for his alleged involvement in a Aug. 19, 2025, shooting that occurred on the 3500 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, Allen allegedly fired one shot at his sister but she sustained no injuries. His sister claimed that her ear felt hot and that she wasn’t able to hear for a few hours after the shooting.

During the hearing, Judge McLean first addressed the defense’s motion to exclude evidence filed on March 30. She stated she is “concerned about the representations” from prosecutors.

According to Judge McLean, Allen’s attorney, Shawn Sukumar, claimed there was evidence of Allen’s prior bad acts that prosecutors planned to introduce in the trial but did not disclose, despite numerous opportunities to do so. Judge McLean said she wasn’t suggesting it was a “deliberate falsehood” by prosecutors, but it is a misrepresentation because they previously said they disclosed all required evidence.

The prosecution’s “conduct has not been okay,” asserted Judge McLean.

“As a sanction of the suspect way” prosecutors handled the case and their failure to disclose Allen’s prior bad acts, Judge McLean said she granted Sukumar’s motion. The prosecution has had “problem after problem after problem,” and must deal with the repercussions of their actions, Judge McLean said.

The prosecutors did not respond to the complaints.

In the prosecution’s opening statements, they argued this shooting was “a broken bond between a brother and a sister.” Allen broke their bond with a threat, an act of violence, and by pulling out a firearm and shooting at his sister’s head, prosecutors claimed.

According to prosecutors, Allen was staying at his sister’s apartment and on the morning of the shooting, he and his sister got into an argument. Because of the fight, prosecutors said, Allen’s sister asked him to leave but he refused. After more arguing, he agreed to leave but wanted to come back at a later time for his things, prosecutors claimed.

The prosecution alleged when Allen’s sister insisted he leave with his belongings, he pulled out a gun and shot it above her head. He then got his things, fled the scene, and took his gun with him, prosecutors said.

Allen shattered the bond between him and his sister “to the point of no return,” prosecutors said. He “betrayed her in the one place she should always feel safe, her home.” They asked the jury to find Allen guilty.

Sukumar contended Allen is “entirely innocent of these charges.” He said this case begins with an argument over a bottle of Jameson whiskey. It was a “small, petty, minor, insignificant family squabble,” he said.

Sukumar noted that Allen’s sister is the only witness to see the shooting and claimed her testimony is a “bald faced fabrication” concocted by her. Sukumar told the jury her testimony will say that Allen fired a shot towards her “for absolutely no reason.”

Sukumar asked the jury to listen to her testimony and write down their questions. He argued that by closing statements, they will have a notebook full of unanswered questions that the prosecution failed to address. He asked the jury to find Allen not guilty of these “absolutely faulty charges.”

The prosecution called Allen’s sister, the victim of this shooting, to testify. The victim testified that Allen called her two days prior to the incident, asking to stay the night at her place, and she agreed. There were no problems with him staying over, she stated, and she agreed when he asked to stay another night.

When Allen arrived that night, the victim said he had a bottle of Jameson whiskey with him. She said her, her roommate, and Allen all took a shot of whiskey before she went to bed. She clarified that she didn’t know what Allen and her roommate did after that point because she was in her room.

The next morning, the victim said she saw Allen sitting on the couch. She testified that there was only a little bit of whiskey left in the bottle and he offered the rest to her, although she refused. She claimed Allen insisted she drink it because he said he got the bottle for her, and after she turned it down again, he yelled “this is why I don’t do things for people” at her.

The victim said she responded “no, this is why I don’t do things for people,” but Allen said “b***h, I don’t need you.” The victim said she responded “clearly, you do,” before telling Allen to leave.

The victim said a back-and-forth argument ensued, with Allen refusing to leave and the victim insisting he take his stuff and get out of the apartment. The victim testified that Allen said “b***h, I will shoot you” and then took out a gun from his waistband and shot at her. It happened so fast that the victim said she had “no time to block [herself] or move out of the way.”

While on the stand, the victim was emotional and when the prosecution asked why she was crying, she replied, “that’s my brother. I hate that he put me in this situation, I hate that I’m testifying against him.” The victim concluded that she no longer considered Allen her brother or an uncle to her children, stating that she is “done” with the relationship.

According to the victim, her roommate asked if she should call the police and Allen said, “call the police, I don’t give a f**k,” gathered his stuff, drank the rest of the whiskey, and threw the bottle back inside before leaving.

Sukumar asked about the night before the incident. He asked Allen’s sister if she heard her roommate and her brother engaging in any sexual activity, in which she told Sukumar that she didn’t understand the question that was being asked. Sukumar rephrased his question and asked “Do you know what sex sounds like?” Allen’s sister responded no, which led to Sukumar to stop asking questions about the topic.

The prosecution then called Allen’s sister’s roommate to the stand. The roommate stated that she was “okay, but not okay” with being in court. This was due to the fact that she had been arrested, was currently pregnant, and hadn’t seen her child in four days. The roommate was detained by US Marshals after Judge McLean issued a material witness warrant to secure her testimony.

The roommate said she lived with Allen’s sister after she was evicted from her previous residence and experiencing a domestic violence situation involving her first child’s father. She stated that she met Allen’s sister while she was in school to become a social worker. The roommate described her living arrangement, noting that she stayed in an extra room that belonged to Allen’s niece and nephew.

According to the roommate, she met Allen for the first time when he came by to stay and knew him only as “Q.” She described him as “cool” and said they had minimal interactions, though she later admitted to having a sexual encounter with him later in the night on the day they all drank whisky.

During cross-examination, Sukumar asked what happened during the morning of the incident. The roommate testified that she woke up around 5:30 a. m. and heard Allen’s sister yelling at him. She stated that the argument escalated and involved both parties, with tensions centered on the whisky bottle and Allen’s presence in the apartment. She claimed that Allen repeatedly told his sister to “back away” and “stop getting close” to him while he was trying to grab his stuff.

The roommate testified that after the incident, Allen’s sister attempted to influence her statements to the police by telling her what to say during a 911 call and through messages on social media. She stated that she eventually had to block Allen’s sister and that they no longer have a relationship.

When prosecutors asked why she gave the police a false statement, the roommate said she followed Allen’s sister’s guidance because she wanted to leave the apartment quickly and ensure her child’s safety.

As a result of time constraints, Judge McLean stated that the roommate’s testimony will continue on the next day of trial.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 8.

Judge Orders Additional Mental Competency Evaluation for Metro Shooting Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan ordered an additional mental health evaluation for a homicide defendant on April 3.

Isaiah Trotman, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, 27 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and 13 counts of kidnapping while armed for his alleged involvement in a Feb. 1, 2023 shooting at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station located on the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE. The shooting fatally injured 64-year-old Robert Cunningham and two additional victims sustained gunshot wounds.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan reviewed aspects of the Department of Behavioral Health’s (DBH) report filed on March 11, analyzing Trotman’s mental competency. To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges and be able to assist their lawyer.

According to Judge Ryan, Trotman wasn’t able to get a full competency evaluation because he was selectively responding to questions from the psychiatrist. The judge said it was unclear if Trotman was unwilling or unable to be examined.

The prosecutor said the report made it clear the psychiatrist who evaluated Trotman thought he was malingering. Trotman’s higher functioning mental state must be juxtaposed to the apparent symptoms he’s exhibiting, the prosecutor read from the report. In addition, she said a CT scan of Trotman’s brain showed a lack of abnormalities that would be present if he did have a mental condition.

Ashley Prather-Guzman, Trotman’s attorney, noted that in spite of the detailed psychiatric history outlined in the report a private psychiatrist did the same tests and found Trotman wasn’t malingering.

In addition, Prather-Guzman brought up concerns about the DBH report, questioning the psychiatrist’s competency and the use of CT scans. According to Prather-Guzman, CT scans don’t pick up on structural abnormalities, only MRIs do.

Prather-Guzman also brought up Trotman’s diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis, which affects both his physical and mental health. The disease involves the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood.

Prather-Guzman said she was unable to take a position on whether Trotman was competent enough to stand trial because this hearing was the first time she had seen him all week. She and Trotman’s other attorney, Mani Golzari, tried to meet with Trotman earlier at the DC Jail but were turned away because Trotman was “not himself” and having an “episode,” according to Prather-Guzman.

Judge Ryan questioned the validity of the competency report, saying “I don’t think it is a competency report,” so much as a detailed report of Trotman’s mental health history.

He told parties he’s happy to read any additional information they provide on Trotman’s mental status. However, he will be ordering another full competency report to try and get a definitive answer on whether Trotman is competent enough to stand trial.

Before dismissing the parties, Judge Ryan asked Trotman to cooperate with the doctor who will administer the evaluation because it’s “very important.”

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on May 4.

Defense Claims Prosecution ‘Deliberately’ Misrepresented Homicide Evidence

Parties debated a potential misrepresentation of evidence before DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park on April 3.

Joshua Allen, 36, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a prior crime of violence. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of Delonte Johnson, 28, and non-life threatening injuries to another person on June 11, 2021 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

Parties addressed a motion filed by defense attorney Sara Kopecki on Feb. 13 to dismiss the case against Allen due to evidence inaccuracies the prosecution presented to the grand jury..

During the hearing, Kopecki claimed that the prosecutor assigned to the case during the grand jury hearing “deliberately” presented video evidence in a misleading way to try and get the grand jury to issue an indictment against Allen.

Kopecki focused on the timestamps on the video evidence shown to the grand jury, saying they were inaccurate and did not line up with the sequence of events the prosecution offered to the grand jury.

The prosecution explained that while the timestamps did not align with the time of the events surrounding the incident, they were not altered or misrepresented in any way within the video evidence itself. The lead detective on the case testified before the grand jury and estimated that the video time was about ten minutes ahead of the real time, said prosecutors.

Kopecki questioned if the prosecution based their explanation on this estimate, saying that a “hunch” from the detective was not a solid enough basis to explain their argument. Judge Park urged her to move on from this line of questioning as he could not understand its relevance.

Kopecki also called Judge Park’s attention to inconsistent timestamps from a 911 call following a car crash after the shooting that allegedly also involved Allen. According to the arrest warrant, Allen allegedly fled the scene in a silver Mercedes and crashed three-to-four minutes after the shooting.

The prosecution asserted that these inconsistencies were due to a technical issue with the system that logged the 911 call and not a deliberate misrepresentation.

Parties also addressed the issue brought by Kopecki regarding the discrepancy between Allen’s appearance on the incident date and the description of the shooting suspect. Kopecki claimed that the clothing Allen was wearing that day did not align with witness descriptions of a suspect in a white or gray hoodie.

According to court records, there is photo evidence of a man Kopecki claims was Allen wearing a short sleeved shirt in addition to being a significant distance away from the site of the crash that led to the 911 call.

As a result, Judge Park decided the conversation related to Kopecki’s motion was not productive and moved to set a hearing for her to question the lead detective regarding his testimony about the timestamps.

Kopecki was also granted her request to bring in an expert witness from Ring Camera surveillance company to testify about its video technology used to record the shooter on the incident date.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

‘He is Not a Robber and Certainly Not a Murderer,’ Defense Says

Parties presented their closing arguments to the jury in a homicide trial before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on April 8.

Jaime Macedo, 24, 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.

In their closing argument, prosecutors argued Macedo shot and killed Emerson during an attempted robbery. Emerson died from a single gunshot wound to the stomach.

Emerson was in DC to attend a teaching conference at the Library of Congress, prosecutors said. In preparation, he applied and obtained a letter of recommendation. Emerson “abandoned” the conference because he was “being robbed at gun point,” said prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Emerson planned to use the Brookland-CUA Metro Station as a shortcut to get to the conference. After exiting the Metro station, Emerson met Macedo for this first time, according to prosecutors. Emerson had “one place to be” and wouldn’t risk “being late.”

Prosecutors showed video footage from the Metro station, which they claimed shows Macedo lifting up his shirt and flashing a gun to Emerson. Macedo’s back is visible to the camera and he moves his elbow up, which they said is when he flashed his gun.

Prosecutors said Macedo walked up to Emerson and “said something” outside of the Metro station. When Macedo showed a gun, Emerson opened his wallet and handed his Airpods to Macedo, according to the prosecution. Prosecutors said Emerson tried to walk away, but Macedo followed him.

“[Emerson] was scared,” said the prosecution. “He didn’t want to get hurt.”

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage that showed Emerson walking with his hands up. This is the universal sign for “I surrender, don’t shoot,” they said. Emerson did this when pedestrians walked by to get their attention, prosecutors claimed.

At this point, Emerson tried to “comply” and “find a way out,” the prosecution said, his “safest option” was to keep walking with Macedo. Prosecutors showed another clip of Emerson walking with his hands up as another pedestrian walked by.

Prosecutors said Macedo directed Emerson to sit on a bench in a courtyard. With Macedo “hovering over him,” Emerson sent 300 dollars via Cash App to “the account of a complete stranger.”

Two minutes after he sent the money, Emerson sent a Snapchat message to his mother that read “Help. Bring ribbed at cub point.” The prosecution showed a screenshot of a Snapchat keyboard to demonstrate Emerson’s typos.

The prosecution claimed jurors “knew what [Emerson] was trying to say,” he was “being robbed at gun point” and needed help. It wasn’t safe for Emerson to call 911 and trying to “comply” with Macedo did not work.

Prosecutors said that in “one last desperate attempt to get out,” Emerson tackled Macedo. Then Emerson was shot one time and fell to the ground, they said. Macedo ran away so that he “wouldn’t be held accountable,” according to the prosecution.

Macedo’s attorneys, Jessica Willis and Rachel Cicurel, suggested a different version.

Wills said Macedo did not intend to “threaten or rob” Emerson. Macedo told Emerson that he had kids and needed help, she said. Will argued Emerson caught Macedo by surprise when he was willing to help. Emerson was engaged and listening to Macedo, Willis claimed.

Emerson did not see Macedo’s gun until right before he sent the Snapchat message to his mom, Willis argued. This is when “something changed for Emerson.” He went from thinking Macedo was “harmless” to “noticing he was armed.”

“Macedo is a lot of things, but he is not a robber and certainly not a murderer,” Willis said.

An important principle of law is “presumption of innocence,” emphasized Willis. The law “protects each and every one of us, no matter the mistakes that you have made.”

Willis said the prosecution has the burden of proof in this case. If jurors have questions, they should hold those against the prosecution, she said. Jurors have “compelling reasons to doubt” their case.

“A robbery doesn’t make sense,” Willis said.

Macedo was “body slammed onto the brick with an extraordinary amount of force” by Emerson, Willis said. When Emerson loosened his grip on Macedo, the force caused the gun to go off, Willis argued.

According to Willis, no shell casing was found on the scene, because it was in Macedo’s pants. This is evidence that the gun was fired from inside his pants, she said.

Willis asserted there was no “stippling” in Emerson’s gunshot wound because the shot was fired inside Macedo’s pants. Stippling typically occurs when a gun is fired within one-to-three feet of the victim, she said. Stippling is tiny abrasions on the skin around the wound caused by gun powder.

Macedo is “still haunted by the accident and is struggling to make sense of what happened,” according to Willis.

“All of the evidence undermines that Macedo pulled the gun,” Willis said.

In the prosecution’s rebuttal, they argued that the only verdict consistent with the evidence is guilty on all counts.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

Defendant Involved in Fatal Car Crash Accepts Plea, Eschews Insanity Defense

DC Superior Court Judge Jason Park informed a homicide defendant about her right to an insanity defense before she accepted a plea deal on April 8.

Kayla Brown, 24, was originally charged with negligent homicide, unarmed carjacking, and unauthorized use of a vehicle for her involvement in a fatal car crash at MedStar Washington Hospital Center on the 100 block of Irving Street, NW on June 3, 2024. After leaving the hospital, Brown stole a car with 55-year-old Leslie Gaines still inside and crashed it, resulting in Gaines’ death.

Brown accepted a deal that required her to plead guilty to negligent homicide and unauthorized use of a vehicle. In exchange, the prosecution dropped all other charges. Brown will face a maximum of 5 years imprisonment.

An Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) from the DC United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) was a witness in the case. As a result, a prosecutor from the USAO for the Southern District of West Virginia handled the matter.

Court documents state that, on the day of the carjacking, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a 911 call from Brown’s parents, who said Brown had been acting in a crazy manner since taking an unknown drug three days earlier. An officer accompanied Brown in an ambulance to the hospital.

According to court documents, Gaines’ daughter called MPD officers to MedStar Washington Hospital Center approximately an hour and a half later. Gaines’ daughter told them she left her mother in the car with the motor running outside the emergency room while seeking help to bring her mother inside. When she returned, looking for the car, it was gone.

The prosecutor claimed that had the case gone to trial, they would have proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Brown used a car without permission and crashed it, directly resulting in Gaines’ death.

Judge Park ensured Brown understood the rights she gave up by entering into a plea agreement. He also confirmed Brown understood that if the case went to trial, she could use insanity as a defense and claim that at the time of the incident, she was unable to differentiate right from wrong.

He also explained that Brown entered an Alford Plea, where she maintained her innocence, but admitted the prosecution had enough evidence to likely convict her at trial. Judge Park explained that while Brown will maintain her innocence, he will sentence her as if she is guilty.

After Judge Park was satisfied she understood the rights she gave up, he accepted Brown’s guilty plea.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene for sentencing on Oct. 2.

Judge Delays Closings in Homicide Trial

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz delayed closing arguments for a homicide trial due to a juror’s absence on April 7.

Jaime Macedo, 24, 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 less 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. Emerson sustained one gunshot to the abdomen.

Judge Kravitz informed parties that one juror was ill and unable to attend trial that day. Since closing arguments were expected to take place, they have been delayed.

Parties are slated to reconvene when the entire jury can be present.

Judge Denies Release For Teen Suspect Injured in Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Lloyd Nolan denied release on April 7 for a teen defendant alegedly involved in two shootings that resulted in three individuals injured, including the defendant himself.

Omar James, 19, 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 on the 1900 block of Benning Road, NE on March 12 and another non-fatal shooting of a victim on the 2000 block of Benning Road, NE on March 14.

On March 12, according to court documents, James and another suspect were reportedly seen on surveillance footage entering Benning Market and subsequently they were both filmed running out while James appeared to be shooting back at the market. The other suspect reportedly told officers, contrary to the surveillance footage, that a group approached them from an alley and began shooting.

James sustained gunshot wounds in the elbow and finger and the other suspect sustained a gunshot wound to his groin, losing a testicle as a result.

Then on March 14, court documents state that James allegedly returned to Benning Market and got into an argument with the victim in the prior incident. Reportedly, the victim told officers another suspect handed James a handgun during the argument. James then allegedly shot the victim in the foot. The victim denied his involvement in the shooting in the days prior.

In court, James, manifesting a black sling and a bandaged finger, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, so the case will proceed without need for an official finding of probable cause. Judge Nolan accepted the waiver.

James’ attorney, Gail Engmann, argued for James’ release on 24-hour home confinement, curfew, and GPS monitoring, claiming James is not a danger to the community. According to Engmann, James was the victim in the incidents, citing his disfigured finger and wounded elbow. She noted that the prosecution informed her the night before the hearing that the victim lied to officers about not being involved in the first shooting.

Additionally, Engmann noted James had been completely compliant with the conditions of his Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) probation conditions in an unrelated case, which allows sentencing flexibility for defendants under 25 and the possibility for their convictions to be sealed upon successful completion of requirements.

Engmann told Judge Nolan that James is working toward his education with a semester left of high school and is looking for employment to support his pregnant girlfriend. She pointed to James’ family in the courtroom and said they will account for him while on release.

The prosecution disagreed with Engman’s account of the shootings. According to the prosecution, James allegedly heard the victim was involved in the altercation on March 12 and came to Benning Market. The prosecution claimed he intended to confront the victim, flashed what appeared to be a gun, then, without warrant, shot the victim in the foot.

Additionally, the prosecution argued that the YRA is the greatest incentive the courts have for young defendants and it is concerning James was not incentivized to avoid violating his probation.

Judge Nolan denied the request for release and ordered continued detention. He cited the probation violation and severity of the incidents as reasons.

“There are no circumstances short of incarceration that could ensure the safety of the community,” Judge Nolan said.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 30.

Defendant in Infant’s Murder Allowed to Attend Job Interviews

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan agreed to change home confinement orders making it easier for a homicide defendant to attend job interviews during a hearing on April 3.

Wayne Blake, 24, is charged with first-degree murder of a victim who was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity and two counts of cruelty to children for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 18-month-old Journee Moore, on Sept. 28, 2024 on the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

During the hearing, Blake’s attorney, Kevin Mosley, mentioned a motion he filed on April 2 to modify Blake’s release conditions. According to Mosley, Blake is trying to seek employment opportunities but is having difficulty given the child-free restrictions, meaning he must stay away from children on his release.

According to Mosley, Blake has been applying to fast food restaurants and other service jobs where children might be present. Mosley argued that this release condition is making it more difficult for Blake to find a job.

In addition, Mosley noted Blake has no history of child abuse and is in compliance with release conditions thus far as further proof his conditions should be modified. According to court records, Judge Ryan released Blake on June 13, 2025. A Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) representative, who was virtually present, confirmed Blake’s compliance with his release conditions and home confinement.

The prosecutor objected to Mosley’s request, contending Blake shouldn’t be around children. She asked Judge Ryan for two weeks to file a response motion.

As a result, Judge Ryan told Blake he was allowed to attend the job interviews but granted the prosecutors request for two weeks to respond before officially changing his release conditions.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 15.

Defense Challenges Mental Competency Finding for Fatal Arson Defendant

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered another mental assessment for a homicide defendant after the defense challenged his competency in an April 3 hearing.

Dayshawn Nolan, 24, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an arson that killed Antoinette Davis at the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE on July 3, 2022. Davis succumbed to her injuries and died on July 17, 2022.

Nolan’s attorney, Christen Philips, requested a contested competency hearing to refute the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)’s assessment that declared Nolan to be competent to stand trial Nov. 21, 2025. Philips told Judge Kravitz that the Public Defender Service (PDS) had a third party expert assess Nolan and deemed him incompetent to stand trial.

To stand trial, Nolan must understand the charges against him and be able to assist his attorney in his defense.

“Competency is fluid,” Philips said. “There was about eight months of [Nolan] not being competent.”

The prosecution argued the defense is using competency “almost as a weapon,” possibly pushing back the trial date by continuous competency checks.

Additionally, the prosecution claimed requests sent to Nolan to move the case forward were “widely unanswered.”. The purpose of the present hearing, the prosecution told Judge Kravitz, was to resolve the case in “good faith” effort. “This can’t happen when emails are being ignored,” the prosecution said.

“I appreciate your frustrations,” Judge Kravitz said but “I encourage you to be more thorough. I would discourage you from assuming the worst, people are busy.”

Judge Kravitz ordered another full mental competency assessment from DBH to be done at the DC Jail. According to the judge, DBH was supposed to check Nolan’s competency weekly, however, the defense claimed the check-ins were not occurring. Judge Kravitz agreed to reach out to DBH about the situation.

Parties are slated to reconvene on May 1.

Judge Grants Defense Request For Mental Competency Screening in Stabbing Case

DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz ordered a mental competency screening for a stabbing defendant on April 3.

Corey Bridges, 31, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, threatening to injure or kidnap a person, and assault with a dangerous weapon, tampering with physical evidence for his alleged involvement in the non-fatal stabbing of a victim at 1400 block of Morse Street, NE on June 7, 2025. The victim sustained multiple lacerations to his neck.

In court, Bridges’ attorney, Molly Bunke, asked Judge Kravitz to order a competency screening, an examination of a defendant’s current mental state determining whether they can understand court proceedings enough. To stand trial, Bridges must be able to understand the charges against him and assist his attorneys in his defense.

Judge Kravitz agreed, and ordered Bridges undergo an evaluation with the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 9.

‘This Whole Case is About Choices,’ Defense Says in Triple-Homicide Closings

Parties presented their closing arguments both focused on the issue of choice in a jury trial for a triple-homicide defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on April 2.

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

The prosecution’s closing statement framed the incident as a series of choices made by Walker. Walker chose to drive under the influence, to flee a law enforcement officer, and to drive at an “indefensible” speed, asserted prosecutors.

The prosecution outlined the evidence and witness testimony they presented throughout the trial, including data that Walker was driving at an extremely high speed when she collided with Kamara’s vehicle and video evidence of her vehicle moving at a high speed after she was warned to slow down by a police officer.

Prosecutors directed the jury’s attention to evidence that Walker was under the influence of alcohol during the crash, and asked jurors to consider this in addition to Walker’s speeding.

Walker’s attorney, Albert Amissah, said justice for the victims in this case was equally important as justice for Walker.

“This whole case is about choices,” Amissah said. He claimed that the prosecution called two witnesses to testify whose credibility was questionable because they were both under the influence of substances at the time of the incident. Amissah also noted the prosecution granted one of those witnesses immunity for marijuana possession charges, removing his legal liability for a drug charge. He asked the jury to consider the witness’ immunity might be motivation for him to lie.

Amissah questioned the evidence and witness testimonies brought by the prosecution, including blood samples he claimed were improperly preserved and could have produced inaccurate blood alcohol results. He questioned why prosecutors did not call hospital staff to testify about how Walker appeared in the hospital on the night of the incident.

According to Amissah, a toxicology report showed that Kamara had enough alcohol in his system to be considered under the influence if he drove a commercial vehicle. Kamara was driving a Ride Share on the night of the crash, which would be considered a commercial vehicle.

Amissah claimed that the prosecution did not account for Walker’s injuries in their argument and failed to note that Walker sustained multiple fractures and a lacerated lung as a result of the collision.

In conclusion, Amissah told the jury, “Justice for the victims cannot mean injustice for Walker.”

The prosecution insisted the immunity granted to their witness would not protect him from the consequences of lying in court. They also contested Amissah’s statement about how the prosecution they chose their witnesses, saying that they could only call people present at the scene of the incident, aside from the expert witnesses.

Additionally, the prosecution denied ignoring Walker’s injuries, acknowledging that her injuries were consistent with a car crash. They said that hospital staff and the blood test results from the hospital both indicated that Walker was impaired on the night of the incident, and that none of the evidence related to the blood tests indicated improper preservation.

The prosecution concluded by reminding the jury of the importance of looking at the evidence and the law before making their decision.

Parties will reconvene when the jury reaches a verdict.

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