‘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.

Prosecution Offers Plea Deal to Murder Defendant

A plea offer in a homicide case was presented by the prosecution in a Nov. 15 hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe.

Joshua Allen, 33, is charged with first degree murder premeditated while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convict, and carrying a pistol without license outside a home or business.

These charges stem from his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Delonte Johnson, on June 11, 2021 on the 4600 block of Hillside Road, SE.

Prosecution extended an offer to plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed and one count of obstruction in another case– all other charges would be dropped.

The defendant and the defense have until January 24 to make a decision.

Parties are set to reconvene Jan 24, 2025.

Prosecution Links Homicide to Gang Rivalry

During the first day of trial, the prosecution called multiple witnesses to present evidence they say links the defendant to a gang-related homicide before DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan, on Nov. 13.

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.

The parties began with opening statements.

The prosecution explained how Morgan and Raynor got in a stolen vehicle, armed themselves, hid their identity with ski masks, and went into “enemy territory” allegedly to kill McCloud. They showed video footage from the incident, where one could see the car pulling up and the shooting. Then, they explained Morgan’s alleged affiliation with, “Solid Gang,” and that the motive behind the shooting was linked to gang rivalry.

Megan Allburn, Morgan’s attorney, opened by saying that Morgan was not on trial for what he had done, but he was on trial for the people he is friends with. She explained how the prosecution was going to use the “Solid Gang” implication to create fear, but that it was merely a rapper name. Allburn told the jury that the prosecution would not present any DNA evidence of Morgan on the car or on the firearm used in the shooting.

The prosecution called McCloud’s mother to the stand where she became emotional.

She testified to his character as her child. She explained that he was a, “big boy,” but a, “gentle giant,” and that he was not the type of person to walk around the street with bad intentions. At some point, she started stuttering and began to cry before she said, “He didn’t deserve that… he didn’t deserve that.”

The prosecution called a responding officer to testify about his investigation.

He received a call for a shooting next to the Holiday Liquor Store. When the officer arrived, he went straight to McCloud who was lying unconscious on the floor. A later investigation found shell casings around the floor and he noted nearby surveillance cameras.

The prosecution also called a witness who saw a suspect believed to be Raynor.

The witness lived two blocks away from the liquor store and he testified that he heard the gunshots but continued to watch television in his home. After some time, he saw a figure walking across his front porch. When he went to investigate, he saw a person in dark clothing and a ski mask holding a firearm.

When the person noticed the witness, he told him to “go back in the house,” and, “don’t call the cops.” The witness complied, but could hear the suspect communicating with someone outside the home.

The prosecution called another eyewitness to the incident, a friend of McCloud to testify who had been forcefully brought in after not answering a subpoena.

He explained that he knew McCloud and was outside when he was killed. He saw a person exit a vehicle with a ski mask and shoot McCloud. According to grand jury transcripts from 2019, he did not see who shot McCloud.

Parties are slated to reconvene with additional testimony on Nov. 14.

Carjacking Co-defendants Waive DNA Testing Rights

Two unarmed carjacking co-defendants waived their rights to perform DNA testing of evidence on Nov. 14, before DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian.

Eligah Hughes, 34, and his co-defendant, Elias Robertson, 29, are charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and unarmed carjacking for their alleged involvement in a carjacking, which occurred on Feb. 25, on the 1000 block of F Street, NE.

According to court documents, an individual identified as Robertson approached the victim and told her he wanted her keys and had a knife. The police allegedly found the keys to the victim’s stolen vehicle in Hughes’ possession.

At the hearing, Anthony Eugene Smith, Hughes attorney, and Jason M. Kalafat, Robertson’s attorney, informed the court of their intent to waive their rights of DNA testing.

Additionally, Robertson was arraigned, and pleaded not guilty.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 29.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter, Enticing a Child

On Nov 14, 2024, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo accepted a murder defendant’s guilty plea.

Warren Tyson, 54, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, carrying a dangerous weapon, and enticing a child for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of Michael Johnson on Oct. 22, 2021, on the 4900 block of East Capitol Street, SE.

According to court documents, the stabbing followed an altercation about Tyson’s allegedly sending inappropriate material to a minor.

Tyson pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and enticing a child. Tyson entered an 11c1c plea, which means the parties agreed to a sentencing of 11 years-and-five-months; if the judge does not agree with the terms of the sentencing, Tyson will be allowed to withdraw his plea.

Sentencing is set for Jan 17, 2024.

Judge Severs A Co-Defendant Matter in A Carjacking

DC Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld severed a carjacking co-defendant’s matter on Nov. 14.

Maurice Edwards is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in an incident that took place at the intersection of 48th Place and Lee Street, NE on March 11.

Azusa Beatty is his co-defendant and is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for her alleged involvement.

According to court documents, Edwards and his girlfriend, Beatty, ran a stop sign while driving and struck the victim’s car while he was inside. They approached the victim’s car yelling at him and Edwards brandished a firearm at the victim. Beatty got into the car and drove off, while the victim was holding onto the side of it, but ultimately fell off.

During the hearing, Judge Hertzfeld announced that she would grant Edwards’ defense counsel, Raymond Jones, motion to sever the two defendants, meaning they will have separate trials instead of being tried simultaneously. Consequently, the same motion filed by John Harvey III, Beatty’s attorney, was ruled moot.

In his motion, Edwards argued that he and Beatty were unaware of whether either one would testify in the matter on their own behalf, and if either party did, the evidence would be considered exculpatory. Furthermore, Edwards would be unable to call Beatty to the stand.

The prosecution objected to the motion, arguing it was filed late, the cases were properly joined together, and the evidence against both parties was strong. Additionally, he argued that the defendants had not explained what evidence would be exculpatory and that the willingness of both parties to testify could change.

Judge Hertzfeld ruled in favor of the defense, thus the motion to sever was granted. Therefore, they will proceed with Beatty’s case first, and then begin the prosecution’s case against Edwards.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Suspect On Trial in Stabbing of Homeless Man

Opening statements detailed extensive wounds sustained by the victim during a jury trial on Nov. 13 for non-fatal stabbing defendant Willie Byrd.

Byrd, 61, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or business for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing on the 400 block of 2nd Street, SW on Feb. 28, 2023.

During opening statements, the prosecution showed surveillance footage to the jury of the stabbing incident, taken from cameras outside the homeless shelter where Byrd resided. After a physical altercation between the victim and defendant and possibly others, the footage shows Byrd allegedly stabbing the victim in the chest.

The prosecution says Byrd was concealing the knife behind his back and waited for the victim to come close, using the full force of his body in the attack.

The victim sustained life-threatening injuries in several organs, requiring multiple operations and a stay in intensive care. Medical providers also had perform heart massage and deal with significant blood loss.

The victim has since passed away due to unrelated injuries.

Defense attorney, Stephen Logerfo, is asking the court to find Byrd not guilty, given his age, and that he was defending himself, not necessarily intending to kill or injure. Defense counsel argued that no knife was found.

The first witness called was a volunteer at the homeless shelter who said no weapons are allowed and he had never had a problem with Byrd.

An officer called to the scene said he stayed with the unconscious victim in the ambulance and on the way to the hospital. The witness testified that paramedics moved expeditiously as the victim was in a critical state and bleeding badly.

The witness said he found the defendant at George Washington University Hospital where he was lying on the bathroom floor, appearing to be incoherent, and paramedics were called to supply Narcan for an apparent overdose. The officer said Byrd’s clothing was not bloody and he didn’t find a knife.

During cross-examination the witness said he spoke with several individuals at the scene after the incident, none of whom stated Byrd was armed.

DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe scheduled a continuation of the trial for Nov 14 where the court is supposed to finish in terms of evidence.

Blue and Gray Jacket, Cell Phone Data Presented as Murder Evidence

A jacket said to match the description of one worn by a shooting defendant and tracking data from his phone near the crime scene were introduced into evidence during the continuation of a homicide trial on Nov. 14.

Mark Beasley, 52, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill, and unlawful possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Darryn Conte, and the non-fatal shooting of another victim on the 400 block of Butternut Street, NW on April 26, 2015.

A prosecution witness specializing in cell phone analysis was called to pinpoint Beasley’s movements based on tracking data from his phone.

The report concludes Beasley moved towards the location of the incident, leading up to the crime.

Another prosecution witness displayed evidence of a jacket from the scene, which was allegedly recovered from Beasley’s apartment. The jacket was blue at the top with gray sleeves, matching the description of what a witness previously described that Beasley was wearing.

The front of the jacket read “Casino” on the top, and the back also read “Casino”, with an emblem of a skull with wings.

When the jacket was put back away, defense attorney Albert Amissah, in an effort to create doubt about the identification, asked the witness if he recalled whether it had any pockets or a hood, but he did not remember.

During the cross examination, the witness requested to see the jacket a second time to clarify that there were no pockets or hood.

The government is planning to call one more witness. by So DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun granted the request for a continuance

Parties are set to reconvene on Nov 18.

Document: Police Search for Suspects, Vehicle Connected to October Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating a shooting involving two unidentified suspects that took place on Oct. 19 on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue, SE. 

Following a verbal altercation, both suspects reportedly brandished firearms and fired at each other before fleeing the scene. There were no reported injuries. 

The suspects and their associated vehicles, a dark Chevrolet with a Maryland tag of 4EH6136, and a red Nissan Ultima with a DC tag of GU6960, were captured on nearby surveillance cameras.

Convicted Defendant Won’t Say Why He Killed an 81-Year-Old Man

DC Superior Court Judge Erik Christian sentenced a homicide defendant to 25 years of incarceration on Nov. 7.

On Sept. 6, Vincent Hemphill, 62, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed and two counts of assault with intent to kill for his involvement in the fatal beating of 81-year-old Charlames Short, as well as well as assaulting two other surviving victims with a shovel and a sledgehammer on Oct. 12, 2023. The incident occurred at an air compressor rental company on the 1800 block of 4th Street, NE.

According to court documents, Hemphill beat Short with a shovel after a disagreement at work. He further injured two other individuals. According to a release from the DC US Attorney’s Office, “The defendant then returned to where Mr. Short was lying on the ground and hit Mr. Short with the sledgehammer in the back and head area.”

Ultimately, one of the victims was able to disarm Hemphill.
During the hearing, the prosecution brought forth three of Short’s family members for victim impact statements.

Short’s son expressed his anger and frustration with how his father died, adding their relationship had grown in a good way. Additionally he emphasized this was a senseless act that left him very upset and angry. Short’s son requested Judge Christian impose the maximum penalty.

Short’s nephew reiterated the loss deeply impacted the entire family, and he is haunted by his uncle’s absence. Overall, the family feels lost and helpless trying to cope with Short’s death, the nephew added.

Short’s daughter deemed him a hardworking and caring father. “What evil person could do this to my father?,” Short’s daughter cried. She asked Judge Christian for the maximum sentencing, hoping “he goes to hell for killing my father.”

The prosecution played multiple surveillance footage clips showing the events that led up to the incident. Family members were horrified by the explicit videos. The prosecution added Hemphill had a positive upbringing, and there is no justification for this severe incident.

Judge Christian acknowledged the court would not overlook this heinous act, and turned to the defendant to ask him why he committed this crime, giving him the opportunity to explain his actions before sentencing. Hemphill chose not to comment.

Judge Christian sentenced Hemphill to 156 months of confinement, with five years of supervision for the manslaughter charge, and 72 months of imprisonment with three years of supervised release for each of the assault charges. The sentences will be served consecutively, totaling 300 months of incarceration.

There are no further dates for this case.

Tougher Stay Away Conditions Imposed on Domestic Shooting Suspect

DC Superior Court Judge Heidi Pasichow denied a shooting defendant’s request for release on Nov. 7, following multiple violations of a stay-away order.

Aaron Carson, 23, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a domestic violence shooting that occurred on the 2500 block of 13th Street, NW on Sept. 18.

According to court documents, Carson accused his ex-significant other of infidelity, which caused an altercation that escalated from an alleged assault with a belt to the upper body to a discharge of his firearm in the direction of the victim. Their four children were present in the house at the time.

During the hearing, a plea offer was revised and introduced to the defense that would require Carson to plead guilty to attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, destruction of property –misdemeanor, and contempt. The defense requested a continuance to discuss the details.

Defense attorney Erin Griffard requested the release of the defendant to home confinement given the victim’s need for assistance with their four children as she is suffering from increased epileptic seizures.

The prosecution strongly opposed it due to the nature of the case and Carson’s history of domestic violence cases with the same victim. This is the first incident that allegedly included a firearm, which poses an even greater threat to the community, according to the prosecution.

Judge Pasichow rejected the stepped down release request immediately.

Prosecutors also directed the court to the defendant’s jail phone call history with the victim which included discussion of the case and her testimony. Their main concern is potential interference with the fact-finding process, as the victim has changed her story allegedly due to conversations with Carson.

The prosecution requested an enhancement to the current stay away order preventing communication, to no contact between Carson and the victim whatsoever.

Griffard argued that the complainant would like the stay away order to be lifted, citing their shared children. She added communication is necessary between the parents.

Judge Pasichow reminded the defendant that phone calls are recorded and can be used against him as the case progresses. The judge also suggested the prosecution file additional charges of obstruction if conversations potentially affecting the trial continue.

Pashichow adjusted the stay away order to permit communication solely through a third party, for which Carson’s sister volunteered. The communication must solely involve the children.

“If this doesn’t work, we will have to move on to Plan B, or in this case, Plan C,” said Judge Pasichow when referring to the next step of no contact if violations of the stay away order continues.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Murder Defendant Pleads Guilty

A defendant in a homicide case entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in front of DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt on Nov. 14.

Niko Hall, 33, was originally charged with first-degree murder while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with intent to kill while armed, and carrying a pistol without a license, for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Anthony Lee on Sept. 26, 2020, on the 2900 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

At the hearing, Hall’s attorney Wole Falodun said he wished to enter a plea of guilty to one count of second-degree murder, which he had advised his client carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in jail or a $250,000 fine.

Judge Brandt asked if he understood the terms of the plea, Hall said yes, and Judge Brandt accepted the plea.

On Dec. 14, 2023, Judge Brandt granted a defense motion to withdraw a guilty plea Hall had previously entered on what was supposed to be the start of his trial.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 17 for sentencing.

Defendant Convicted of Assault With Intent to Kill in Girlfriend’s Stabbing

The jury returned a guilty verdict on five of seven charges Nov. 14 before DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt, convicting a stabbing defendant of assaulting his girlfriend.

Devan Green Jr., 30, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, kidnapping while armed, kidnapping while armed against a minor, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault with significant bodily injury while armed and simple assault for his alleged involvement in a Sept. 19, 2023 stabbing incident on the 500 block of 58th Street, SE.

Green’s attorney, Lee Smith argued Green acted in self-defense when stabbing his girlfriend, stating Green was trapped between his girlfriend wielding a knife and her family outside the apartment door.

Prosecutors argued that the 21 stab wounds allegedly sustained by the victim were far beyond what was reasonable for self-defense and the severe injuries caused by the stabbing proved Green’s disregard for the victim’s safety and intent to kill.

The jury began deliberations on Nov. 12 and returned on Nov. 14 with a verdict convicting Green of all five assault charges, and acquitting him of both kidnapping charges.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 10

Brother Testifies He Tried, Failed to Wake Up Murder Victim

The victim’s brother testified that at the crime scene, “I tried to wake him up but I couldn’t.” That remark came as the prosecution continued their homicide case in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun on Nov. 12.

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, outside a nightclub. One other individual sustained injuries.

Beasley was convicted and sentenced to 40 years of incarceration in 2017 and in 2019 the case was reopened after the defense appealed.

The victim’s brother said that the pair was at a nightclub enjoying a band as a friend performed and danced until the lights were turned on. He noted two men dancing around Conte, recalling, “It was kinda weird,” later identifying one of the men to be his brother’s alleged shooter.

The group later separated – one party, including the victim, returned to a vehicle, and the other, including the witness, was not far behind. However, the group reunited after the shooting while the witness tried to save his brother.

The brother went to the police station for an interview, and later, the police brought the witness back to identify the suspect, and he allegedly picked Beasley out of a photo-array of nine “light-skinned bald” men, saying in court, that this was “the person who murdered my brother.”

The prosecution introduced a medical examiner who performed Conte’s autopsy and detailed how the bullets entered the victim. He described how many were “intermediary targets,” meaning the bullet must have passed through another object before hitting the victim, causing “atypical wounds.”

The expert noted the damage done to Conte’s body was “incompatible with life.” Toxicology reports showed that the victim had both alcohol and marijuana in his system. The coroner determined the cause of death to be a shooting, in the manner of a homicide.

The last witness was a crime analyst who documented the damage done to the victim’s vehicle during the shooting. She observed extensive bullet holes and fragments, repeating “copper in color possible projectiles.” Most notably one of these projectiles went through the passenger’s headrest where the victim was seated during the incident.

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 13.