Shooting Defendant Resentenced After Probation Violations

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian resentenced Dec. 3 a shooting defendant to 21 months in prison after he repeatedly violated his probation.

Ivan Holmes, 19, was convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful discharge of a firearm for a non-fatal shooting on the 1500 block of 1st Street SW on Aug. 18, 2023. No injuries were reported.

Holmes pleaded guilty to all charges on Nov. 29, 2023, and was sentenced to 24 months of incarceration, with 21 months suspended, two years of probation, and three years of supervised release.

A Community Supervision Officer (CSO) entered an order for a show cause due to possible violations of Holmes’ probation because he was rearrested for another crime, failed to report, and lacked the necessary communication with the officer.

The CSO said Holmes “seems to not make any headway” and continues to “victimize the community.” He explained that he has repeatedly given Holmes’ support contacts, yet Holmes does not provide any updates.

Holmes’ defense attorney, Thomas Healy, described Holmes as a frustrated “young man and struggling sometimes to follow through.” Healy said they have discussed how to be flexible and find alternative solutions to problems rather than giving up.

Healy asked Judge Christian to give Holmes another chance explaining how Holmes completed four anger management classes.

He requested inpatient drug programs with GPS monitoring to ensure Holmes’s continued success.

The CSO said Holmes had a good job where he made good money, but quit. He said they have discussed Holmes’s dreams and how to find ways to achieve them.

“Help me understand,” the CSO questioned, referencing Holmes’s continued alleged non-compliant actions.

Judge Christian said Holmes had not taken advantage of any programs or been successful during probation. The judge said Holmes decided to continue on the path he had chosen.

The judge resentenced Holmes to 21 months of incarceration and 3 years of supervised release for carrying a pistol without a license and 90 days of incarceration for the unlawful discharge of a firearm charge. That is concurrent with the firearm charge.

In addition, Holmes must pay another $200 to the Victims of Violent Crime Fund. Judge Christian informed Holmes he had lost the privileges under the Youth Rehabilitation Act.

The parties set no further dates.

Three Carjacking Co-Defendants Get Plea Offers

An armed carjacking case was continued to give the three co-defendants time to consider plea offers before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Dec. 4.

Kevin Edwards, 17, Keiphone Bennett, 17, and Asia Clark, 17, are charged with armed carjacking, robbery while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in an incident that forced two complainants out of their vehicle on the 4500 block of Benning Road, SE, on April 19.

Plea offers were extended by the prosecution.

If Bennet pleads guilty to one count of armed carjacking, one count of unarmed carjacking, and two counts of possession of firearm during crime of violence then he will not be indicted on any other charge.

If Edwards pleads guilty to one count of armed carjacking, one count of armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm during crime of violence then he will also not be indicted on any other charge.

Clark’s plea offer remains off the record.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 16.

Carjacking Defendant A Repeat No-Show at Court Proceeding

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow issued a bench warrant on Dec. 3 for a carjacking defendant who has lost contact with the court.

Tyrone Nicholson, 24, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking incident on Nov. 3 on the 600 block of T Street, NW.

According to court documents, Nicholson allegedly entered the victim’s car through the driver’s side door while the victim was sitting in the trunk on his phone. Nicholson then is alleged to have pulled out a handgun and told the victim to get out and Nicholson drove away.

Nicholson failed to appear for his past two court dates, the first on Dec. 2, and the continued hearing on Dec. 3, which was scheduled to accommodate the defendant’s transportation problem.

Nicholson was placed on GPS monitoring as part of his pre-trial release conditions but the device has been dead since Dec. 2.

Defense attorney Quiana Harris said that until Dec. 2, Nicholson has been compliant with pre-trial release conditions. She did not have further updates on his whereabouts on Dec. 3.

The prosecution requested a bench warrant be issued for Nicholson. Hw vehemently stated it was terrifying that an armed carjacking defendant can’t be located.

The Pretrial Services Agency (PSA) updated the court that Nicholson has not been in contact with his case manager and is out of contact.

Consequently, Judge Pasichow issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

The parties will reconvene when Nicholson is located..

Shooting Defendant Waives Independent DNA Testing

A shooting defendant voluntarily waived his right to independent DNA evidence testing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Dec. 4 in preparation for an upcoming trial.

Irv Duff, 33, is charged with first-degree premeditated murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with intent to kill while armed and obstructing justice.

The counts stem from his alleged involvement in a fatal-shooting that resulted in the death of 26-year-old Darnell Gibson on the unit block of Forrester Street, SE on Aug. 1, 2023.

Parties are set to reconvene Jan. 10. A jury trial is set for April 8.

Stabbing Defendant Pleads Guilty

During a felony status conference hearing on Dec 4, DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur accepted a stabbing defendant’s guilty plea to aggravated assault and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Dasean Jones, 26, was originally charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in the stabbing of one victim on the 1200 block of 17th Street, NE on May 26.

Jones accepted a Jones’ plea offer to serve ten years in prison for aggravated assault, five years for attempted assault, which would run concurrently, and three years of supervised release. That in return for the prosecution’s not seeking an indictment on more serious charges.

According to the prosecution’s proffer of facts, Jones, when picking up his kids, became involved in a fight with the victim, stabbed him eight times and punctured his left lung.

Defense attorney, John Sample, requested Jones to be stepped down to home confinement since he is a first time offender, is employed, has children, and cares for his sister.

A member of Jones’s family member has recently passed, and he hopes to attend the funeral.

While the request for home confinement was denied, the prosecution did not oppose release for the funeral.

Parties are set to reconvene for sentencing on Feb 7.

Judge Denies Homicide Defendant’s Motion for Release

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s motion for release on Dec. 3.

Rafeal Stevens, 39, is charged with voluntary manslaughter and was convicted of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 50-year-old Aniekobo Umoh on Dec. 29, 2022, on the 2000 block of 7th Street, NE.

Stevens was acquitted of first-and second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon during a previous trial.

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

At the hearing, the victim’s sister addressed the court and said she was asking that the defendant not be released because he has a “clear pattern of disregarding the law.” She said the defendant was a violent man and the defense’s arguments that Umoh’s aggression forced the defendant to shoot him is “troubling.”

She also said the defense referring to her brother as a “Nigerian Nightmare” was an “attempt to throw prejudice at my brother.”

Defense attorney Jason Tulley argued the defense had no intent of being racist but wanted to show mitigating factors that may have caused Stevens to act in self defense. Tulley argued Stevens should be released because he was acquitted on the more serious murder charges and the prosecution has not adequately rebutted the defense’s theory of self defense or an accidental firing of the gun.

Judge Raffinan denied the motion, stating there was probable cause for the violent charge of manslaughter and Stevens has already been convicted of gun offenses, which weigh in favor of keeping him detained.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 9.

Judge Denies Shooting Defendant’s Motion About Missing Metadata

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a motion to suppress photographic evidence in a shooting case on Dec. 3.

Ronnell Offutt, 35, is charged with four counts of assault with intention to kill while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed against a minor, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his alleged involvement in a mass shooting that injured multiple people at a bus stop on the 2300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, on Feb. 4, 2019. Five individuals, including a five-year-old girl, were injured.

During the proceeding, defense attorney Donna Beasley said photos taken by a nearby witness that allegedly show the victim during the shooting should be suppressed because the prosecution was ordered to preserve so-called metadata of the photos, but lost the defining structure of the information in email correspondence.

Beasley said the inability of the defense to use the metadata of the photos to see if they were altered and check the date and time stamps unfairly prejudices the defense.

Prosecutors argued that they did not lose the metadata by error but it happened through the “chain of custody” as the photos were emailed back and forth among previous attorneys on the case. Prosecutors argued the defense will be able to cross examine the witness who took the photos during trial about the metadata.

Judge Raffinan ruled that while the prosecutors had been negligent in losing the evidence, the photos could still be used in trial as long as the jury was instructed about the missing metadata.

Parties are set to reconvene on Feb. 28.

Shooting Defendant Waives Right to DNA Testing

A shooting defendant waived his right to independent DNA testing during a hearing in front of DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan on Dec. 3.

Richard Price, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, six counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy, and eight counts of obstruction of justice, for his alleged involvement in a shooting on June 1, 2022, on the 300 block of 56th Street, NE.

During the proceeding, defense attorney Lisbeth Saperstein indicated that Price would not be seeking to do independent DNA testing of four items tested by the prosecution.

The prosecutor stated that the four items — two firearms, a magazine, and a cartridge casing — all had mixtures of DNA profiles with four or more contributors and no further conclusions could be drawn. The prosecutor said it was not the theory of their case that the defendant was in possession of the firearm that was recovered at the scene.

Parties are set to reconvene on June 13.

Defense Wants to Delay Seven-Year-Old Double Homicide Case

During a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe on Dec. 4 the defense requested a delay in a double murder trial. The case has been ongoing for seven years.

James Mayfield, 27, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder while armed, three counts of robbery while armed, attempt to commit robbery while armed, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, threat to kidnap or injure a person, assault with dangerous weapon, 11 counts of possession of firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license and possession of unregistered firearm.

The charges stem from multiple incidents that occurred between Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 of 2017, including the shooting dearhs of Jermaine Bowens, 38, and Elijah Henry, 21.

Mayfield allegedly committed these crimes while under an arrest warrant from Oct. 25, 2017, in connection with the shooting of Jamahri Sydnor, 17, on Aug. 10, 2017, at the intersection of Montana and Saratoga Avenue, NE.

On Dec. 8, 2022, jurors found Mayfield guilty of conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed, five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and aggravated assault knowingly while armed for his involvement in Sydnor’s murder.

Sentencing was delayed after the defense filed a motion for a new trial after it was determined one of the jurors attended the same high school as Mayfield.

On Sept. 6, 2024, Mayfield was sentenced to 50 years of incarceration for Sydnor’s murder, but the defense has appealed the conviction.

The trial for the murders of Bowens and Henry were set to trail Sydnor’s and are currently scheduled for Jan. 27, 2025.

During today’s hearing, Mayfield’s attorney, Veronice Holt, requested to delay the upcoming trial because she is handling the appeal of the previous trial and will not be ready for the January date.

The prosecution opposed the delay, citing that the case is from 2017 and already delayed.

Judge O’Keefe stated that he will rule on the continuance of the trial at the next hearing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 17.

‘I Want to Prove That I’m Not This Monster.’ Says Stabbing Defendant at Sentencing

During an emotional hearing, a defendant who pleaded guilty to stabbing her sister was sentenced to 36 months of incarceration, with half of it suspended, by DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow on Dec. 3.

On Oct. 3, Junae Roberson, 37, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon for her involvement in a stabbing on the 4000 block of 3rd Street, SE that occurred on July 20. One individual, Roberson’s sister, sustained injuries.

The family was present for Roberson’s sentencing, including her grandmother and a sister who was not the victim.

The prosecution read the victim’s statement to the court saying she didn’t know what was going through Roberson’s head during the incident. She was upset because they both knew what it’s like to grow up without a mom, asking why Roberson is doing that to her own kids.

“You broke the sister code,” the sister wrote.

The prosecution asked for a sentence of 39 months, a stay away order, and drug treatment if Roberson’s placed on probation.

Defense counsel Matthew Davies asked for a suspended incarceration period, stating that Roberson is accepting responsibility for what she’s done, and she’s asking for an opportunity to make amends. He also stated that this is an isolated incident, and the result of a fight between sisters.

According to Davies, Roberson has two children, and argued that being away from them has been a hardship. Davies stated that, when visiting Roberson in jail, he saw that every time she missed a family milestone, she would write it on her clothes. She’s a single working mother, and has been away from her children for a total of five months, Davies stated.

She was highly intoxicated during the incident, and wants help with her addiction, according to Davies.

Roberson spoke on her behalf apologizing to her children and to her sister, and promised never to drink or smoke again.

“My kids need me,” she said, “I want to prove that I’m not this monster.”

Judge Pasichow stated that the issue in this case is Roberson’s temper more than anything, combined with the drug and alcohol addiction. She emphasized that while Roberson has a short criminal history and has completed multiple programs, the nature of this case is extremely dangerous.

“Your sister could’ve died,” Pasichow said, “[and] part of a sentence is punishment.”

Pasichow sentenced Roberson to 36 months incarcerated, suspending all but 18 months. After the 18 months, she’s required to serve 12 months of probation, mental health treatment, drug testing, and anger management programs.

“You need to do a lot of work,” Judge Pasichow stated.

After hearing the sentence, a US Marshal handling courtroom security handed Roberson a box of tissues after she began to cry, along with her family in the audience.

Judge Pasichow stated that there will be a lot of opportunities for her during her incarceration, and that she should take advantage of the education programs there. Judge Pasichow mentioned that Roberson said in her pre-sentence report that she wants to be a hairstylist.

As Roberson was being escorted out of the courtroom, her family called out to her, saying that they love her.

“I love you, and I got the boys,” yelled the sister that was present.

No further dates have been set for this case.

Alleged Balcony Shooter Denied Release

A shooting defendant initially rejected a plea deal and was denied release pending a bond review before DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Dec. 2.

Dayquan Henderson, 22, is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon against a minor, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and endangerment with a firearm. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a shooting on the 300 block of Anacostia Road, SE on May 11. No one sustained any injuries.

According to court documents, Henderson allegedly fired shots from an apartment balcony and into a courtyard. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers recovered spent shell casings and one bullet in the apartment.

During the hearing, the prosecution extended a plea offer to Henderson. The agreement would require him to plead guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and endangerment with a firearm. In return, the prosecution would drop all of the remaining charges.

The plea offer was rejected by Henderson and his defense counsel, Daniel Kovler, told the judge that a counter offer was also rejected.

The counteroffer would require that Henderson plead guilty to the same charges, but in addition, be sentenced under 11 (c)(1)(c), which is a plea agreement in which the prosecution and defense attorney agree on a sentence. In this case, he would be sentenced to 72 months of incarceration and some time in probation and supervised release.

Henderson admitted he was confused by the terms, so the prosecution announced that they would reopen the plea agreement for consideration for two weeks.

After that, the parties discussed a bond review motion from Kovler requesting that Judge Pipe release Henderson based on security footage of the incident.

Kovler argued that police never found bullets near the location Henderson allegedly used for the shooting which would imply that he shot in the air. According to Kovler, people shoot in the air to serve as a warning, rather than a threat of violence.

He also called the credibility of the complainant into question in that she is charged with endangerment, following an incident involving a pepper spray assault.

The prosecutor requested a continuance so that she could familiarize herself with the case, and consider the bond motion. Judge Pipe granted the continuance. Meanwhile, Henderson is held without bond.

Parties are expected to reconvene on Dec. 4.

Hospitalization Delays Shooting Defendant’s Court Appearance A Third Time

A status hearing for a non-fatal shooting defendant was delayed a third time on Dec. 3 as DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefec addressed his ongoing medical issues.

Anthrone Cabos, 27, faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and simple assault.

The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 600 block of Condon Terrace SE, on June 28, 2020. One person sustained injuries during the incident.

During the hearing, the court learned that Cabos had been hospitalized the previous day after complaining of acute abdominal pain. He was discharged and returned to the DC Jail later that evening. Despite that, Cabos was not present in court.

Defense attorneys Theodore Shaw and Patrick O’Sullivan previously expressed concerns about Cabos’ health, citing chronic medical issues exacerbating delays in court proceedings. Judge O’Keefe acknowledged the circumstances but emphasized the importance of moving the case forward.

A hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9 to allow Cabos time to recover and resume discussions with his defense attorneys.

Shooting Defendant’s Case Dismissed

DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover dismissed a shooting defendant’s case on Dec. 2 after the prosecution filed a motion expressing their unwillingness to proceed with the case.

DeAngelo Jones, 21, was charged with aggravated assault knowingly while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm for his alleged involvement in a shooting incident on Nov. 7 at the unit block of 53rd Place, SE.

According to court documents, the victim, who sustained a gunshot wound to the left eye, was found in the driver’s seat of a vehicle that appeared to have been in an accident when police arrived. The victim was unable to identify the suspect or provide a possible motive.

According to court documents, Jones became a person of interest after nearby surveillance footage showed a person identified as the defendant and another individual walking down the street, pulling out what appeared to be a rifle, and firing multiple shots toward the victim’s vehicle as it drove by. The footage also showed the suspects running toward the vehicle. The prosecution filed a motion on Dec. 1, stating they would not move forward with the case. Judge Glover dismissed the charges the following morning.

No further dates were set.

Judge Won’t Release Double Shooting Defendant

A defendant in a double shooting will remain detained despite an oral motion for release that was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Jennifer DiToro on Dec. 3.

Devaughn Branham, 21, is charged with endangerment with a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm and carrying a pistol without a license outside of a home or business for his alleged involvement in multiple shootings that occurred on Nov. 7, 2024.

According to court documents, two separate crime scenes were located, one at the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE and the other on the 500 block of Parkland Place, SE. Multiple shell casings were located at each scene, but there were no victims.

Branham’s defense attorney, Madhuri Swarna, asked that the court consider amending his release conditions from the DC Jail. Swarna noted that there is evidence that Branham was acting in self- defense and that the nature and circumstances found in the preliminary hearing are not sufficient to detain someone.

Swarna contended Branham has limited criminal history, and if he was put on release under 24 hour home confinement he would be living with his mother. His mother has been receiving cancer treatment and before his arrest Branham was her primary caretaker.

The prosecution was opposed because nothing has significantly changed to warrant his release.

Judge DiToro agreed in denying the request.

Parties will reconvene on Dec. 19.

Judge Denies Dismissal Over Missed Deadline in a Stabbing

A motion to dismiss a stabbing case for a missed deadline was denied by DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian on Dec. 3, as he plans to continue to trial despite the lack of an official indictment.

James Petticolas, 40, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly stabbing a male victim in the back on May 10 on the 1400 block of North Capitol Street, NW.

According to court documents, Petticolas was in a store and got into an argument with the victim, who was an employee. Petticolas allegedly left and reentered with a knife, and began chasing the victim as he attempted to flee.

in the resulting melee, the victim suffered a nearly five inch laceration on the lower left side of his back, and about an inch deep, documents state.

Petticolas’ defense attorney, Marnitta King, argued for the dismissal of the case and immediate release due to the prosecution missing the 90 day deadline to indict.

The prosecution argued that they hadn’t missed the deadline and they were prepared to go to trial.

They also told the court they plan to file a motion post-hearing to continue holding the defendant in anticipation of an indictment on greater charges.

King argued that with less than two weeks left before the trial, it will be difficult to predict trial readiness without an indictment.

In denying a dismissal Judge Christian maintained the Dec. 10 trial date pending an indictment.

The parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 9.

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