Shooting Defendant Requests Judge Reconsider Release

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt delayed a ruling regarding a defendant’s motion for release to allow the prosecution time to respond in writing on Oct. 2.

Santos Duarte, 24, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting that occurred on July 5 at a restaurant and bar on the 3500 block of 14th Street, NW. One victim, the owner of the establishment, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.

During the hearing, Judge Brandt alerted Jonathan Lanyi, Duarte’s defense attorney, that he needs to file his motion for reconsideration of release in writing, and allow the prosecution time to respond.

Lanyi also requested more time to discuss the details of a plea deal that was extended by the prosecution with Duarte.

According to Lanyi, the plea would require Duarte plead guilty to aggravated assault while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to kill, in exchange for the prosecution not seeking an indictment.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 8.

Attorney Requests Armed Carjacking, Shooting Defendant’s Release

DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe rescheduled an Oct. 2 status hearing amongst miscommunication over the defense’s filing of a motion for a bond review.

Kevin Settles, 37, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, armed carjacking, attempted unarmed carjacking, assault on a police officer while armed, unlawful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and carrying a pistol without a license outside of his home or business.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting on the 3000 block of B Street, SE, and also the 100th block of Ridge Road, SE, where he allegedly also shot at police.

Settles’ defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, requested Judge Pipe release Settles, stating he filed a written motion in September.

However, Judge Pipe and the prosecution said the motion was never filed.

McDaniel stated he would file another as soon as possible.

Judge Pipe ruled she would not make any decision on the request before seeing the motion. Settles’ release would be discussed at another hearing date.

Court is set to reconvene on Oct. 16.

Carjacking Trial Begins with Conflicting Narratives

The victim in an armed carjacking case testified before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Oct. 1 that one of the co-defendants was trying to help him.

Gregory Patterson, 41, and Jimmy Johnson, 43, are charged with armed carjacking, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and robbery while armed for their alleged involvement in a carjacking incident that occurred on the 1600 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on July 11, 2023.

Patterson is also charged with armed robbery in connection to the incident.

Johnson also faces charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, possession of an unregistered firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The additional charges stem from his alleged possession of the items during his arrest on March 28 on the 4000 block of Ponds Street, NE.

During trial Tuesday, prosecutors called on the victim, who provided an in-court identification of Patterson as one of the individuals who attacked him and attempted to carjack his vehicle during the incident. However, the victim testified Johnson was not one of the assailants and was attempting to stop the group from ambushing him.

“Any time I heard Johnson’s voice, he was helping me,” the victim told the jury. Surveillance footage presented in court also showed Johnson assisting the victim. The footage showed him assisting the victim back to his car and having conversations with the attackers, allegedly telling them to leave the victim alone.

The victim testified that Johnson said, “He’s not going like that, respect my bro,” implying that the victim would die fighting rather than give in.

The victim also clarified earlier claims that Johnson was telling the assailants what to do to the victim, saying, “It wasn’t him that said that” and “It wasn’t his voice.”

The victim expressed fear of retaliation, saying, “I worry now about going to visit my daughter in that neighborhood because I fear possible retaliation due to this trial.”

He also said he gave the car to his son and quit his job as a professional model because he no longer felt safe.

As counsel began the trial, the defense focused on Johnson’s actions during the incident, saying “Johnson didn’t rob, didn’t carjack, and didn’t have a gun” at the time of the crime. McCoy argued that Johnson was trying to help the victim.

However, the prosecution argued that there were four suspects who attempted to carjack and attack the victim. Initially, it was an individual identified as Patterson and two masked individuals who confronted the victim and were seen in surveillance footage.

The prosecutor showed a video of the event, saying a gun was pointed at the victim as the assailants demanded his jewelry. According to the prosecutor, the individual, identified as Patterson, punched the victim, who was missing an arm.

The individual, identified as Johnson, was seen arriving on the scene as the group of men attacked the victim, said the prosecutor. The prosecution insisted that he was involved and guided the assailants on what to do.

The attempted carjacking was unsuccessful, but the victim’s ring and necklaces were stolen.

According to the prosecutor, the jury will be able to convict the defendants based on footage and images of the victim’s injuries.

Alvin Thomas, Patterson’s attorney, told the jury Patterson didn’t have a gun, did not rob the victim, and did not try to steal his car. Thomas argued that the masked individuals were responsible for that, claiming that Patterson and Johnson tried to stop the masked individuals from stealing the car.

The trial is set to continue on Oct. 2.

Dispute Between Friends May Have Triggered A Homicide

A trial for a homicide that may have stemmed from a dispute between two old friends got underway with opening arguments on Oct. 1 before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun.

Dennis Chase, 32, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm with a prior violent crime for the fatal shooting of Anthony Orr, 30.

The incident occurred on Dec. 7, 2020, on the 400 block of Xenia Street, SE.

During their opening argument, the prosecution stated that Chase’s actions were premeditated and that after Chase allegedly shot Orr, he drove to Maryland.

A Maryland officer testified he arrested Chase on the day of the incident as he attempted to break into a private residence. According to the officer, Chase acted erratically and seemed to not understand what was happening.

The officer also testified he recovered a suspect vehicle linked to Chase by car rental records.

Prosecutors argued evidence from the rental car, testimony, and surveillance footage will prove Chase’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Julie Swaney, Chase’s defense attorney argued he acted in self-defense suggesting drug use might be involved.

Prosecutors called the victim’s mother, who said Chase and Orr were childhood friends who reconnected in the months before the victim’s death.

Megan Allburn, a second defense attorney, cross-examined the witness about Orr’s girlfriend who had requested several restraining orders against him. At the time, he was incarcerated for driving without a license.

Prosecutors also called a witness who saw the victim’s body being pushed out of a vehicle, and while he summoned first responders they were unable to prevent Orr’s death.

The parties are set to reconvene on Oct. 2.

Document: MPD Investigating Northeast Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a fatal shooting incident that took place on Oct. 1, on the 900 block of Eastern Avenue, NE. Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered an unidentified adult female victim inside a vehicle, who was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering from gunshot wounds.

Document: MPD Searching for Armed Carjacking Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect allegedly involved in multiple armed carjackings that took place on Sept. 2, Sept. 13, and Sept. 17, on the unit block of K Street, NE, the unit block of Pierce Street, NE, and 1100 block of 1st Street, NW, respectively. The victims, whose identities were not released, were approached by the suspect who displayed a handgun and demanded their mopeds.

Document: MPD Searching for Northwest Shooting Suspect

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting that took place on Sept. 30 on the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue, NW.

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, a juvenile male, who was injured and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Defense Contests Homicide Defendant’s Competency Finding

A defense attorney challenged DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein’s ruling that a homicide suspect is mentally competent to stand trial during a hearing on Oct. 2.

Asmerom Ghebrekidan, 53, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in the death of 41-year-old Fitsum Mamo and the assault of another individual on May 25, 2023 at the 1900 block of 14th Street, SE.

According to court documents, Ghebrekidan allegedly stabbed Mamo in the head and arm with a pickaxe and hit another individual with the handle of the pickaxe before witnesses were able to restrain him in an alleyway. Mamo succumbed to his injuries two days later.

At the hearing, Judge Epstein deemed Ghebrekidan competent to stand trial based on a report from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and ordered that he be transferred from Saint Elizabeths Hospital to the DC Jail.

Laura Rose, Ghebrekidan’s defense attorney, contested the decision and said she was working on getting an expert to evaluate Ghebrekidan. She argued that Judge Epstein should reconsider Ghebrekidan’s transfer to the jail because there is “no meaningful argument” that says he won’t revert to an incompetent state at the jail.

Rose said Ghebrekidan should be evaluated by the defense expert under the same or similar circumstances as the DBH competency report. Therefore, he should not be moved to the DC Jail until the evaluation is complete. Rose claims Saint Elizabeths tries to free up beds by finding people competent and returning them to the jail.

“The policy influences opinion,” Rose said but Judge Epstein disagreed.

“In my experience, Saint Elizabeth’s is not looking to send people back to the jail as quickly as possible,” he said.

Judge Epstein said he understood the risk of Ghebrekidan’s reverting to mental incompetence once back in jail but he has already made the decision.

Rose asked for Ghebrekidan to be placed in the mental health unit of the jail.

The judge said it is generally up to the jail to decide where people are placed and that he was not going to tell the Department of Corrections (DOC) how to run the facility.

Judge Epstein agreed to make a recommendation to the DOC for Ghebrekidan to be placed in a medium security Central Treatment Facility (CTF).

Parties are slated to reconvene on Oct. 25.

Homicide Defendant Released For Lack of Probable Cause

After reviewing the evidence, DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan ruled against probable cause in homicide case on Oct. 2, ordered the matter dismissed and the defendant released.

Lawrence Bradshaw, Jr., 18, was charged with first-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 38-year-old Ricky Canty on the 400 Block of Sheriff Road, NE, on April 24.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers responded to reports of a shooting where they found the victim conscious and breathing, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers transported the victim to Medstar-Washington Hospital Center, where he was pronounced dead.

On Sept. 30, the lead detective testified that eyewitnesses and surveillance cameras captured four masked individuals, some armed, getting out of a car and approaching a deli. One eyewitness recalled one of the suspects approaching him and saying, “You know what time it is?”

Canty was shot outside of the deli, and the suspect vehicle, which was recovered in a car accident as it fled the murder scene, had a phone registered to Bradshaw’s father but used by Bradshaw himself, as well as 18-year-old Jaylen Suggs’ cell phone. Suggs is a co-defendant whose case is proceeding.

The prosecutor said people are always with their phones, so Bradshaw’s phone being in the car places him in the car at the time of the crime.

Judge Raffinan stated that although Bradshaw’s phone places him in the car at some point, it is unclear if he had the phone at the time of the shooting, or if he had previously left his phone in the car.

There is also no evidence that Bradshaw was using his phone at any point close to the time of the murder, or even on the day of the murder, Judge Raffiinan concluded. There are also no eyewitnesses that identify Bradshaw as the shooter or as any of the four people who got out of the car at the scene of the crime.

Therefore, Judge Raffinan ruled the prosecution has not established probable cause and dismissed the case without prejudice meaning it can be tried again if prosecutors gather additional evidence.

Unidentified DNA Found Under Victim’s Fingernails in Homicide Case

A DNA expert witness testified that DNA not belonging to the suspect was found under the victim’s fingernails in a homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo on Oct. 1.

Eugene Burns, 32, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the shooting death of 24-year-old Onyekachi Emmanuel Osuchukwu III, on Nov. 14, 2015, on the 2900 block of Second Street, SE.

Burns was convicted of the charges in 2017, but the verdict was overturned in 2020 because of an overly broad search warrant and the DC Court of Appeals returned the case to DC Superior Court.

Along with Tyre Allen, 24, Burns is also charged with conspiracy, obstructing justice by influencing or delaying a witness or officer, and obstruction of the due administration of justice. The charges stem from their alleged attempts in 2020 to persuade and intimidate a witness into recanting testimony he gave against Burns in the original murder trial.

The prosecution called a DNA expert witness who tested the victim’s fingernails and found a DNA profile not belonging to the victim or Burns.

On cross examination, the witness said the DNA could have been left there because of a struggle, but not necessarily so. The witness said prolonged contact was more likely to leave DNA under a person’s fingernails.

The witness also testified that a mix of DNA from at least three contributors was found on an empty solo cup from the crime scene. According to the witness, it is more likely than not that Burns’ DNA was included in the mixture.

The victim’s cousin also testified that she knew Burns and the victim were friends in high school, and she questioned Burns after the shooting via Instagram messages. According to the witness, she asked why he was not with the victim at the time of the incident if he was shot at Burns’ house?

The prosecution showed screenshots in which Burns allegedly responded saying the victim would often come over to his house when he wasn’t there and then asked the witness, “WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU SAYING?”

“He was trying to be defensive,” the witness testified.

The witness also testified that Burns did not attend the victim’s funeral.

A friend of Burns’ testified that Burns was “like a nephew to him,” and lived in his house for an extended period of time at the end of 2015. The witness said Burns had gotten into an altercation with his mother’s boyfriend’s son — not the victim — and spoke to the witness about it.

The witness said he heard about Burns getting a gun around that time, but could not remember the source of the information. Attorneys read testimony the witness gave in prior proceedings of this case saying Burns told him he wanted to get a gun to protect himself and retaliate due to the altercation.

The witness described Burns’ behavior at the end of 2015 as “jumpy.”

Parties will reconvene Oct. 2.

‘I Hope You Rot in Hell for This,’ Says Victim’s Sister as Homicide Defendant OK’d For Las Vegas Trip

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan granted a homicide defendant’s request to leave the District on a personal trip, despite the victim’s family members expressing frustration over the decision in an Oct. 2 hearing.

Desmond Gaskin, 38, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree theft, and destruction of property less than 1000 dollars. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 40-year-old William Whittington Jr. on July 19, 2022 on the 400 block of Burbank Street, NE.

During the hearing, Jason Tulley, Gaskin’s defense attorney, addressed a motion that he filed on Sept. 5 requesting that Gaskin be granted permission to travel to Las Vegas for his girlfriend’s birthday celebration. Gaskin is currently released on personal recognizance with 24-hour GPS monitoring, which prohibits his leaving the jurisdiction without permission.

Gaskin’s supervised release officer stated that he had been compliant with all of the terms of his release and there have been no issues.

“It helps psychologically for someone who has been working as hard as he has to take a break,” said Tulley.

The prosecution stated that allowing him to travel creates an unnecessary risk, especially to Las Vegas considering it is a city of “excess.”

“You took something I can never get back,” Whittington’s sister, who was present remotely, stated. She added, “I hope you rot in hell for this. I know you did it, you know you did it, my brother knows you did it.”

The prosecution added that the victim’s family is frustrated that Gaskin is on release in the first place, much less allowing him to travel.

Judge Raffinan ruled that because Gaskin has been in substantial compliance with his release, he will be permitted to make the trip. Gaskin is required to submit all travel information to the court, keep his GPS monitoring on, and drug test upon his return to the DC area.

Parties will reconvene on Feb. 11.

Judge Deems Identification in Stabbing Case ‘Inept’

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow delayed her decision about suppressing a witness’ identification of a stabbing suspect which she called procedurally “inept.”

Warnell Reams, 57, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on June 5 on the 200 block of Vine Street, NW, that left one person injured.

According to court documents, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detectives showed the victim a photo array which included multiple potential suspects, including Reams. The witness identified Reams as the stabbing suspect, not who the MPD originally believed was the potential suspect.

During the hearing Oct. 1 hearing, prosecutors called on a detective from MPD, who testified that during the identification process the victim identified Reams as the perpetrator, and provided his first name, but was unable to provide an accurate last name.

Reams’s defense attorney, Michelle Lockard, argued against this identification being used in trial, stating that the detectives at the scene prompted the photo identification by telling the victim “not to second guess himself.”

According to Lockard, the detectives did not give the victim enough time to be confident in his decision.

When conducting a photo array, there is a series of questions and instructions the detective provides for the witness to review and Lockard stated the detective in this case failed to do so, making the identification invalid.

However, the prosecutor stated that although the detective might have provided the victim with a more condensed version of the instructions, he still relayed the material. She also added that if MPD was trying to prompt the witness to identify someone, it would be for the suspect and not a filler photo, which they claimed Reams was at the time.

“I’m not saying that I would call the detective’s process suggestive, but I would certainly call it sloppy,” said Judge Pasichow. She told parties she requires more time to review the body worn camera footage before she can make a ruling on the motion. “This photo spread procedure was so inept, ” Judge Pasichow added.

Parties will reconvene on Oct. 2.

Defense Claims ‘Gross Negligence’ By Prosecutors in Carjacking Trial

Attorneys asked DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur to dismiss a carjacking case after the prosecution elicited what the defense claims was inadmissible evidence in trial on Oct. 2.

Patterson is also charged with armed robbery in connection to the incident.

At a previous hearing, the prosecution agreed to the defense’s motion to exclude mentions of specific evidence and testimony, under the notion that it would prejudice the jury against the defendants whether or not the information was true.

Defense attorney Alvin Thomas motioned to exclude mentions that Patterson is currently on probation for a different offense, and defense attorney Joseph McCoy wanted to exclude references to a gun found at the scene where Johnson was arrested;

The gun is evidence for another case though the outcome wasn’t clear.

During the hearing, the prosecution asked the lead detective about the potential identification of Patterson by a witness, and asked the detective who he followed up with about the matter. The detective responded, “Gregory Patterson’s probation officer.”

This led to an immediate sustained objection.

The prosecution also ended their examination with the question, “Did you recover a gun in this case?” to which the detective responded, “yes.”

After immediately sustaining the objection again, Judge Arthur ended the trial early and sent the jury home, so parties could discuss how to move forward with the case due to potentially inadmissible evidence mentioned by the detective.

Defense attorney Joseph McCoy, representing Johnson, said the detective’s statements will impact the jury’s decision even if stricken from the record.

McCoy accused the prosecution of attempting to trigger a mistrial on purpose, claiming the prosecution’s case was going poorly and they wanted another attempt at trial.

“This is gross negligence,” claimed McCoy.

Attorney Thomas, representing Patterson, stated that mentioning the probation alone is enough for a dismissal. Judge Arther gave the prosecution leeway, after a string of objections from McCoy about potential inadmissible testimony, in particular the reference to Patterson’s probation.

“It’s not the mistake of the officer,” said Thomas, “but the prosecuting attorney.”

The prosecutor explained that in his mind, the detective knew not to mention the probation officer, and thought he would answer no to the question, “Did you discover a gun in this case?”

Both defense attorneys responded that with the phrasing of the question, the only answer that wouldn’t lead to perjury is “yes.”

Judge Arthur has not ruled about a mistrial, a dismissal, or if trial will continue as planned.

The trial is set to resume on Oct. 3.

Mass Shooting Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to a mass shooting before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 1.

Jalonte Thompkins, 31, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder premeditated while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, conspiracy while armed, and unlawful possession of a firearm. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of James Morgan, 34, 30-year-old Jamal Morgan, and 42-year-old Vincent Martin. The incident occurred on the 2500 block of Ontario Road, NW on Aug. 5, 2023. Two additional individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

According to court documents, Jamal and James were siblings.

Defense attorney Brandi Harden alerted the court of the defendant’s intent to plead not guilty, and requested a speedy trial, asserting his constitutional rights.

Both parties agreed to a jury trial scheduled for May 14, 2026, already delayed due to the complexity of the case. The defense predicts the trial could last six weeks.

Harden alerted the court she plans to file a motion to dismiss the conspiracy charge within a month. Judge Okun told parties the prosecution will have a chance to respond in writing before he rules.

The judge granted Harden’s additional request for an extension of 14 days to respond to the prosecution’s previous motion to allow for further DNA testing.

Parties will reconvene Dec. 12.

Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Murder Over Money

A homicide defendant pleaded not guilty to seven charges before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Oct. 1.

Jahi Settles, 23, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, second-degree murder while armed, felony murder while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and attempted robbery while armed. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Langston Sharps. The incident occurred on July 3, 2023, on the 2800 block of Hartford Street, SE.

According to court documents, a witness reported watching an individual, later identified as Settles, and Sharps get into a verbal altercation about Sharps owing the suspect money. The witness told police they watched Settles allegedly pull out a gun and shoot Sharps.

Janet Mitchell, who was stepping in for Settles’ attorney Jason Tulley, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty, and requested a speedy trial, enacting his constitutional rights.

Parties will reconvene Oct. 31.