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Triple Carjacking Defendant Sentenced to Seven Years Incarceration 

DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno sentenced a triple carjacking defendant to seven years in prison on Nov. 15 after he pleaded guilty to all charges. 

Dennis Vanison, 29, on Aug. 13 acknowledged guilt to unarmed carjacking and carrying a pistol without a license for his involvement in three carjacking incidents. The first occurred on the 2400 block of Wagner Street, SE, on May 2, and the following two occurred on the 3300 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, on May 3. 

According to court documents, Vanison and another suspect stole the first victim’s white Chrysler while he was making a DoorDash delivery on May 2. Vanison was not the suspect who pointed the firearm at the victim, according to prosecutors. 

The next day, according to court documents, a separate victim called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) after finding Vanison unresponsive at the wheel of their family vehicle. The driver’s door and trunk were open, and a firearm was on the floorboard. Vanison had committed another carjacking earlier that morning down the street.

Through the deal, parties agreed to a sentencing range of 84-to-96 months of incarceration. Due to Vanison’s criminal history of three misdemeanors, he faced a mandatory minimum of seven years of incarceration. 

The prosecution advocated for the higher end of the sentencing range, explaining how one victim over 60 years old is now unable to work and suffering from depression. Additionally, Vanison committed the offenses with an unregistered “ghost gun” near a child development center. 

The prosecution disclosed two additional cases of robberies pending trial in Maryland, including one already indicted by a grand jury, to justify their recommended sentence. The prosecution stressed the danger of the offenses to the community. 

Vanison’s attorney, Jesse Winograd, argued the bottom of the sentencing range was high for the nature of the offense, given Vanison’s criminal history score. Winograd recommended 84 months with a period of probation. 

Winograd said Vanison has intellectual disabilities that have prevented him from finishing school and obtaining a job. His challenging environment made him susceptible to dangerous behavior. Winograd argued a sentence at the low end of the range will allow Vanison the opportunity to reflect and pursue rehabilitation.

Judge Salerno sentenced Vanison to 84 months for the charge of unarmed carjacking. That sentence will run concurrently with a sentence of 28 months for the charge of carrying a pistol without a license. 

Both sentences carry with them concurrent three years of supervised release. During that time, Judge Salerno ordered Vanison to engage in an interactive plan that includes a program to address his drug abuse issues.

In addition, Vanison will have to register as a gun offender for two years after his release and pay $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. 

The parties set no further dates.

Everyone Thinks Youth Crime Is Increasing–D.C. Witness Data Shows Why

New data from D.C. Witness validates the common public perception that violent crime among youth in the District is increasing. The percentage of homicides and non-fatal shootings perpetrated by youth aged 15-to-20 almost doubled in the three years from 2021 thru June 2024. 

In 2021-22 perpetrators ranging in ages from 15-to-20 committed about 11.38 percent of the crimes. In 2022-23 they were responsible for about 12.35 percent. In 2023-2024 that percentage jumped to 21.43 percent. In other words, nearly 100 percent.

The percentage of crime by perpetrators in the 25-to-35 age group remained consistent in DC over the last three years. The same was true for those aged 40-to-50 as well.

One segment that experienced  a decline was early middle age–people 35-to-40. That group saw an almost 50 percent drop in crimes committed. In 2021-22, around 29.27 percent of perpetrators were categorized as being in early middle age then  the decline began the next year with 13.58 percent in the bracket engaging in criminal behavior and then only a slight rise the next year at 16.67 percent.

The D.C. Witness data shows that the age of crime victims has changed significantly over the last three years as well. 

While the percentage of crimes committed by youth has increased in the past year, the percentage of victims 15-to-20 in the District declined significantly. Although there was a spike– from 2021-to-22 to 2022-to-23 from 17.07 percent to 33.33 percent- the past year has seen that percentage drop to 23.81 percent. 

It is a different story for those aged 20-to-25. In the years 2021-22,13.01 percent of young adults were victims, and in 2022-23, they comprised 14.81 percent. This rate almost doubled in 2023-to-24. The percentage of victims jumped to 28.57 percent. 

The percentage of victims aged 30-to-35 and 35-to-40 in DC showed the most dramatic decline. In 2021-to-22 the percentage of victims who were in early adulthood, 30-to-35 was 25.20 percent, and in the next year the rate was similar at 22.22percent before falling to 9.52 percent in 2023-24. 

Those 35-to-40, also saw a significant drop to 0.00 percent in 2023-24 from previous years, starting in 2021-22 at 22.76 percent and then in 2022-23 at 12.35 percent.

Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Victims and Perpetrators 2021-2024

Perpetrator Data

2021-222022-232023-24
Ages 15-2011.38%12.35%21.43%
Ages 20-2517.07%33.33%23.81%
Ages 25-3021.14%23.46%23.81%
Ages 30-3516.26%16.05%19.05%
Ages 35-4029.27%13.58%16.67%
Ages 40-455.69%6.17%4.76%
Ages 45-507.32%6.17%4.76%

Victim Data

2021-222022-232023-24
Ages 15-208.13%12.35%11.90%
Ages 20-2513.01%14.81%28.57%
Ages 25-3024.39%16.05%28.57%
Ages 30-3525.20%22.22%9.52%
Ages 35-4022.76%12.35%0.00%
Ages 40-454.88%9.88%11.90%
Ages 45-504.88%2.47%7.14%

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty In Non-Fatal Roommate Shooting

A defendant pleaded not guilty to assault before DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld during a hearing on Nov. 18 for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting.

Stephan Ombolo, 27, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and carrying a pistol without a license outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place on March 26 on the 400 Block of Newton Place, NW.

According to court documents, Ombolo’s cousin’s roommate called the police for help when Ombolo’s cousin was having a mental health crisis. The roommate told a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective that Ombolo assaulted him after Ombolo’s cousin was transported to a hospital and the police left. 

Court documents state that Ombolo was angry with the roommate for calling the police about his cousin. Ombolo allegedly struck the roommate repeatedly with the butt of a gun and fired one shot towards him without result.

During the hearing, Ombolo was arraigned on the pending charges and his defense attorney, Hannah Akintoye, alerted the court he was entering a plea of not guilty, which Judge Hertzfeld accepted.

Trial was originally set for the following day, Nov. 19, and the prosecution informed the court they were ready to proceed with trial.

Akintoye informed the court she was not ready due to late discovery from the prosecution and requested a continuance of two weeks to go over the evidence with her client.

Judge Hertzfeld granted the defense’s request to delay the trial and set a new trial date.

Trial is now set for Dec. 12.

Document: Police Arrest 2 Juvenile Suspects After Man Dies

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of two juvenile males, aged 16 and 14, connected to four robbery-related offenses that took place on Oct. 27 in Northwest D.C. 

The victims of the incidents were primarily assaulted and robbed, with one victim, 39-year-old Bryan Smith, located on the 500 block of T Street, NW, succumbing to his injuries on Nov. 7. 

The arrested juveniles have been charged with three counts of robbery and assault with intent to commit robbery.

Judge Rules Against Admitting Gang-Tie Evidence in a Homicide Case

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a defense motion to exclude the prosecution’s Instagram evidence suggesting the suspects had a gang association. The action in a Nov. 14 hearing blunted the prosecution’s effort to establish a motive for a homicide.

Tony Morgan, 31, is charged with first-degree murder while armed with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior conviction, and conspiracy. The changes stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting on the 3500 block of Wheeler Road, SE, on Oct. 20, 2018, which resulted in the death of 19-year-old Malik McCloud. 

Martinez Raynor, 26, is also charged in connection to McCloud’s death. Judge Raffinan had granted a request to sever the cases, allowing them to be tried separately.

Without the jury present, the parties argued over evidence, including Instagram posts and screenshots of Instagram narratives that included individuals outside of the indictment. 

The prosecution argued the evidence was necessary to establish Morgan and Raynor’s alleged affiliation with the “Solid Gang,” which, they say, would provide a motive for the murder. The prosecution also said the evidence also showed Raynor’s consciousness of guilt.

Steven Kiersh, one of Morgan’s defense attorneys, argued the evidence was suggestive and would prejudice the jury against Morgan. HIs other attorney, Megan Allburn, said introducing the other gang members would be “well outside the scope of this conspiracy.”

Judge Raffinan excluded the Instagram screenshots from evidence because they were dated after the incident. She said she will rule on the other Instagram evidence at the next hearing.

The prosecution called a police officer who arrested Raynor. He testified to bringing Raynor into custody allegedly for narcotics and a firearm that was later linked to the murder of McCloud. The officer said he also found two additional firearms in Raynor’s residence while executing a search warrant. 

The prosecution called an expert witness from the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Team to present his findings regarding phone data from the incident. The witness explained what cell towers picked up Raynor’s and Morgan’s phone calls in the hours before and after the incident. He concluded they may have been together and they were unlikely to have been talking to each other.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 18. 

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Florida Ave NE

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal crash involving a Metro bus and a scooter that happened on Nov. 7 on the 300 block of Florida Avenue, NE. 

The victim, who operated the scooter and collided into the side of the moving Metro bus, has been identified as 60-year-old Keith North of Northeast. He was pronounced dead at the hospital from critical injuries sustained from the accident.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty to House Party Murder

A defendant pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Nov. 15.

Charles Best, 26, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Darius Robinson, which occurred on Feb. 18, 2023, on the 1600 block of Rosedale Street, NE.

During Best’s preliminary hearing, it was indicated that the shooting occurred at a house party.

The court arraigned Best on the three charges and his lawyer, Megan Allburn, alerted the court that Best was entering a plea of not guilty.

Allburn and the prosecution requested a status date instead of setting a trial date because they are trying to negotiate a plea agreement.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 10.

After Courtroom Outburst, Judge Sentences Defendant to 17 Years for Fatal Shooting

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a defendant to 17 years in prison after one of the victim’s family members offered a statement and another was escorted out of the hearing for an outburst on Nov. 15. 

Kyree Hariston, 25, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed on Aug. 9 for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 51-year-old David Coe on Feb. 3 on the 1200 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

During the hearing, Coe’s niece addressed the court, saying he’s not passing judgment and holds no grudges against the defendant. 

Coe’s niece said she couldn’t cry after the incident, and her uncle’s death still hasn’t hit her, but she has been praying for “him, his heart, and his soul.” 

“Your family lost you to the system,” she told Hairston, “but we lost our uncle forever.” 

Coe’s niece said about Hairston, just because “he made a downfall, doesn’t mean he can’t get back up.” In her closing to the court, she told him, “As long as you have breath in your body, you have a prayer from me.”

Judge Epstein said he admired her courage and forgiveness towards Hairston. 

The prosecution asked for Hariston’s sentence to be 18 years, saying that the “victim’s impact statement is representative of Mr. Coe’s family.” 

The prosecution also said Hairston showed no remorse and only made excuses for his actions. They said he had no concern for human life and didn’t deserve to be a part of the community. 

The prosecution played security footage of the shooting, showing Hairston firing the gun after Coe had already been hit. 

After the video played, a family member stood up in the gallery and yelled at Hairston, calling him a “son of a b***” and a “motherf*****” for shooting Coe. US Marshals escorted the family member out of the courtroom. Another family member screamed after seeing the video.

Coe’s defense attorney, Daniel Bruckheim, requested a sentence of 14 years, arguing Hairston accepted responsibility for his involvement in Coe’s death by pleading guilty. Bruckheim asked for Hairston to be sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act (YRA) because the YRA committee found him to be an eligible candidate.  The statute allows a juvenile defender’s record to be sealed if the terms is successfully completed.

“I truly apologize to [Coe’s] family,” Hairston said, explaining he did not want Coe’s death to happen but he felt “backed against a wall.” 

Judge Epstein said he gives Hariston credit for accepting responsibility but he would not sentence him under the YRA because the original charge before a plea agreement was second-degree murder while armed, something the YRA does not cover.  

Along with the 17-year sentence, Judge Epstein gave Hairston five years of supervised release. 

Parties did not set any further dates.

Document: Help Police Find A Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting public assistance in locating a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on Sept. 18 on the 1600 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from gunshot wounds. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Murder Defendant Arrested in Maryland, Misses DC Arraignment

Andrew Ellis was absent for the court hearing at which his co-defendant, Marques Johnson, was arraigned in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 15. The prosecutor said Ellis had been arrested with a gun in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the previous day.

Ellis, 22, and Johnson, 42, are charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. Ellis is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and an additional charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in the shooting death of Leo Colter, 56, on Oct. 1, 2023, on the 900 block of 15th Street NW.

At the arraignment, Johnson pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Kevin Robertson, asserted Johnson’s constitutional rights and requested a trial date.

Ellis’ attorney, Carrie Weletz, asked for a delay in choosing a trial date in order for her to meet with her client first. Court documents show that she was appointed to represent Ellis on Nov. 14.

Parties are scheduled to reconvene on Dec. 10.

Murder Trial Ends with Clashing Accounts of Shooting

Parties presented conflicting accounts of the fatal interaction between the victim and the defendant in their closing arguments in a murder trial before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 14. 

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022 ,on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE. 

In their closing arguments, prosecutors argued that Stevens “chose violence” and intentionally escalated a conversation with Umoh into a fatal confrontation. They presented evidence, including cell site data and video footage, showing an individual identified as Stevens leaving the scene to retrieve a gun and returning to confront Umoh, suggesting premeditation.

The prosecution emphasized Umoh was unarmed, had no drugs on him, and was seen in video footage interacting warmly with others. They argued Stevens’ self-defense claim was invalid, as he was the initial aggressor. According to video evidence, Umoh had a cigarette in his mouth and raised his hands as Stevens approached him. When Umoh tried to push Stevens away, he was shot at close range in the chest, with feathers from Umoh’s jacket visible upon impact.

Jason Tulley, Stevens’ defense attorney, argued the prosecution’s case was inconsistent with the evidence and disputed the claim of a point-blank shot. He said the shooting was accidental, with Stevens waving the gun to defend himself after Umoh allegedly threatened him. He also highlighted Stevens’ history of trying to protect his sister from drug dealers, suggesting he approached Umoh, a known dealer, to ask him to stay away from her.

In response, the prosecution reiterated that Stevens was not under imminent threat, pointing to video evidence indicating that Umoh had only his keys and wallet. They argued Stevens’ actions alone escalated the situation, leading to Umoh’s death. 

Jury deliberations will continue on Nov. 15. 

Victim’s Brother Identifies Defendant as Shooter In Nightclub Murder Retrial

“I knew what I saw,” testified the brother of a victim who was fatally shot outside a nightclub regarding his identification of the defendant in a photo array. The moment came during a murder retrial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 13.

Mark Beasley, 52 is charged with first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm for the fatal shooting of Darryn Conte on April 26, 2015, on the 6900 block of 4th Street, NW. One other individual sustained injuries.

Beasley’s defense attorney, Albert Amissah, questioned Conte’s brother over his statement to police that he identified Beasley based on a “gut feeling.” Amissah asked the witness if he was uncertain and had possibly identified Beasley because he recognized him from the nightclub, not because he saw him at the shooting.

The witness responded that he “knew what [he] saw” and only used the term “gut feeling” because it was still difficult to reconcile the night as real.

“He was the individual I saw walking towards [the] car,” the witness said. “I saw him shoot at the passenger side of the Lexus,” which was where the victim was sitting.

The witness also clarified that he was “clear headed” when the shooting occurred. He said the night was a “blur” only after the shooting because he was trying to get his brother to wake up and not focusing on anything else.

The prosecution called another of Conte’s brothers, who was in the car at the time of the shooting and sustained injuries. 

“Everything was happy,” the witness said about the night before the shooting took place. He said there were no fights. He left the club with his brother and sat in his Lexus in the alley while they waited for their other brother and a friend. 

The witness testified he was “intoxicated” and his memory of the night was “pretty poor,” but he saw the silhouette of a man on the passenger side where his brother was sitting immediately before the shooting. He added that the shooter was “right on the car.”

Following the shooting, the witness described pulling his brother towards him and stepping out of the car to see the shooter but falling to the ground because he had been shot in his lower back. He said he saw a light-skinned male in a light-colored shirt or jacket before he fell. 

The prosecution also called the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer who responded to the shooting.

The officer testified that, when he arrived at the scene, one individual was hanging out of the car. He explained it is typical in some cases to leave a victim in as they are until officers can gather photographs and evidence.

The prosecution showed the jury photograph of Conte hanging headfirst out of the car, with his foot stuck in the steering wheel and multiple placards indicating bullet cartridges on the ground.

The trial will resume on Nov. 14.

‘I Feared For My Life,’ Defendant Testifies in Murder Trial

The defense presented their only witness, the defendant, to tell his side of the story in a murder trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 13. 

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict.

These counts stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh that occurred on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE. 

Jermall Johnson, 40, is also charged in connection to Umoh’s death. On Oct. 28, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted the defendants’ request to sever their cases, which allowed them to be tried separately. 

During the hearing, Judge Epstein granted the defense’s motion for acquittal of two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon due to lack of evidence. The prosecution had added this charge due to a mother and child’s being present at the scene of the crime. The judge ruled the shooting was at point-blank range and not in their direction. 

The defense called Stevens to provide context for the shooting. Stevens said the altercation occurred when he confronted Umoh and asked, “Please stop selling my sister drugs.” According to Stevens, Umoh responded, “F*** you, Imma crush you, Imma kill you.”

The prosecution had described these events as premeditated, with Johnson as Stevens’ accomplice. Stevens said he told Johnson he was going to approach Umoh, but “there was never a plan,” according to Stevens. 

Prosecutors called Stevens’ report of Umoh’s words, “the threat nobody but you heard.”

“I don’t have a relationship with him like that,” Stevens said. Johnson grew up in the same neighborhood but they never texted or called each other. According to Stevens, they were just acquaintances.

The prosecution questioned Stevens’ protectiveness toward his sister, given his criminal history of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine, his sister’s drug of choice. 

Stevens said he has turned his life around since then. 

“That’s what goes on in that neighborhood,” Stevens said multiple times. He said he moved out of the neighborhood to raise his child because he didn’t want them exposed to violence and drugs. 

The prosecution accused Stevens of shooting while running from the altercation after the fatal blow to Umoh. 

“I thought they were shooting at me,” Stevens said, “I feared for my life.” He explained that he heard two additional gunshots and responded by shooting behind him without looking carefully. 

“You did it to finish the job,” the prosecution said.  

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 14. 

Shooting Defendant Sentenced to 80 Years For ‘Senseless Act of Violence’

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe sentenced a defendant to 80 years incarceration on Nov. 15.

Beysean Jones, 29, is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. 

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal shooting which occurred on July 27, 2022 on the 4300 block of 4th Street SE and resulted in the deaths of 19-year-old Ronald Brown and 41-year-old Tijuan Wilson. 

Prosecution requested that because of the “senseless and horrifying violence” of the incident and the lasting effects that this has had–not only one family but many–that Jones should be charged to the full extent of his crimes. 

The request was 86 years incarceration or 1042 months. Jones was found guilty  on all charges by a jury on June 26, 2024. 

Family members of both Brown and Wilson also gave impact statements saying they hope that Jones takes this time to think about his actions and the their consequences.

Defense attorneys Charles Murdter and Carrie Weltz argued that since Jones had been a prior victim of violence and that he should receive the bottom of sentencing guidelines range which is about 60 years. 

Weltz emphasized Jones has strong family support demonstrated by a letter written to the judge and that this act was in retaliation for an earlier shooting.

Judge O’Keefe agreed with the prosecution that retaliation could have been avoided simply by calling the cops and that this was just a “waste of life for such a senseless crime.”

Accordingly, Judge O’Keefe sentenced Jones to 80 years of incarceration with five years supervised release. The term is in addition to other ongoing charges.

Judge O’Keefe also ordered if ever Jones is released he must comply with supervised probation as well as register as a gun offender and take a mental health screening.