‘Just A Matter of Time Before They Killed Me,’ Says Defendant Sentenced to Sixteen Years

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein sentenced a homicide defendant to 16 years in prison on Nov. 8.

John Dickens, 47, was originally charged with second-degree murder while armed for his involvement in the fatal shooting of 41-year-old Kelvin Hamlett on Nov. 12, 2023, on the 1500 block of Benning Road, NE. Hamlett was left in his burning car and suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

Dickens accepted a plea deal July 3, in which he pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter while armed, in exchange to not be indicted on greater charges.

During sentencing, the prosecution asked for Dickens to be sentenced to 19 years, as this was the maximum sentence that was included in the plea agreement. Under DC law, the maximum sentence for the crime is 30 years.

The prosecution claimed that Dickens has shown no remorse, arguing that accepting a plea deal doesn’t indicate acknowledging responsibility.

Dickens’ defense attorney, Kevann Gardner, told the Court that the prosecution has no clue of the actual facts, stating that their conclusions are primarily based on surveillance videos from the incident. Gardner asked for Dickens to be sentenced for ten-and-a-half years.

According to Gardner, Dickens was in an altercation with Hamlett’s best friend two days prior to the shooting. As a result the best friend told Dickens that he would kill him. The day after the altercation, both Hamlett and his best friend drove by Dickens home and allegedly stared at Dickens.

On the day of the incident, according to Dickens and Gardner, Hamlett had called out the defendant’s name. Dickens stated that it seemed Hamlett was making a hand movement as if he was going to shoot him. Dickens panicked and shot him.

Dickens apologized to Hamlett’s family, and stated that he did not intend to kill him. As he read from a yellow note, he stated to the Court that “..[it was] just a matter of time before [Hamlett and his best friend] killed me.”

Judge Epstein sentenced Dickens to 16 years in prison, with five years of supervised release. Dickens will need to register as a gun offender.

No further dates have been set.

Judge Denies Defendant’s Request to Dismiss Homicide Charges

DC Superior Court Judge Maribeth Raffinan denied a homicide defendant’s motion to dismiss charges against him during a motions hearing on Nov. 8.

James Lewis, 46, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, possession of a prohibited weapon and three counts of contempt for allegedly killing Brenea Franklin, 30, on Jan. 30, 2021, on the 1100 block of Bellevue Street, SE.

Lewis was previously charged with first-degree sex abuse but the prosecution dismissed the charge.

According to court documents, Lewis allegedly stabbed Franklin in the neck. Lewis was later identified by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers through video surveillance footage and arrested on April 2, 2021.

Defense attorney Mani Golzari argued that Lewis’ Brady rights— that a defendant has the right to examine all evidence that could help the defendant prove their innocence—were violated when the prosecution didn’t inform the defense about a key witness in the case. The witness, who accused Lewis of sexual assault, had allegedly lied in the past about sexual assault and has a history of mental illness.

Golzari argued that because Lewis’ Brady rights were violated, all the charges against Lewis should be dismissed.

The prosecution argued that because they dropped the charges of sexual assault, that witness is no longer testifying. They also argued they did not purposefully keep any information from the defense.

The prosecution also stated that Golzari has a “personal grievance” against them.

Golzari responded that he has no personal animus with the prosecution, but targued they were guilty of misconduct. Golzari stated that Lewis’s case could’ve gone differently, had they provided all the evidence.

Judge Raffinan ruled that the evidence was favorable toward the defense, but that it was not suppressed by the prosecution. She stated that because the sexual assault charges were dropped, there is no Brady violation in this case.

Raffinan also stated that a dismissal of the charges would not be appropriate, so she denied the defense’s motion.

The parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 12.

Judge Grants Motion to Delay Trial in Shooting Case

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein granted the defense’s motion to continue trial for a shooting defendant on Nov. 8.

Amonte Moody, 18, is being charged with four counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, four counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and eight counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a shooting on April 22 on the 1700 block of Independence Avenue, SE. No injuries were sustained.

Moody’s attorneys, Molly Bunke and Kavya Naini, filed the motion on Nov. 1, stating they would need additional time to review all records the prosecution had disclosed — which included over 2,000 pages of school and medical records. Additionally, they needed the additional time to consult with an expert witness and would generate an expert notice within the next two weeks.

Bunke also stated Moody’s intent to challenge to a firearms’ expert who made a likely identification of a gun recovered as evidence.

The prosecution said the defense has known about the testimony since August but has now raised the issue to the Court. If granted, the motion would significantly curtail the expert’s testimony.

Judge Epstein said granting the motion could delay the trial for months, and even be pushed back until 2026. Judge Epstein asked Moody if that’s what he wanted to do.

Moody replied, “I would prefer the trial be delayed.”

Judge Epstein granted the motion.

Parties will reconvene on Nov. 22 to set a new trial date.

Rolex or Cartier? Brand Discrepancy at Issue in Robbery Turned Murder

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt heard testimony about which type of luxury watch was the probable motive for a murder in the preliminary hearing of two defendants on Nov. 8.

Rayon Davis Jr., 17, and Quintin Reed, 17, are charged with first-degree murder while armed and felony murder for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 39-year-old Dwayne Barbour, occurring on Dec. 20, 2023, on the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE.

According to court documents, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) continues to search for the third suspect.

Prosecutors say the incident was caused by the defendants allegedly robbing the victim of his $10,000 watch, identified as both a Rolex and a Cartier.

Reed’s and Davis’ Instagram reels and posts were shown in court, allegedly placing them at the scene of the crime as well as with the firearms used to kill the victim. These accounts supposedly linked the two to a local gang known as “Off the Clock” (OTC).

A homicide detective who worked on the case testified his responsibility in the identification of the two defendants through several witnesses who were nearby during the crime. Davis’ apartment number was given to the detective who then used surveillance footage corroborated with Instagram information to identify Reed as the second suspect through his clothing.

Reed’s defense attorney Daniel Dorsey, argued although it was the same outfit, there was a discrepancy about the presence of an emblem on the puffer jacket that was primarily used during the identification.

Prosecutors added that Reed messaged Davis, “y’all can get him,” two minutes before the murder. He argued that Davis was likely the shooter due to allegedly owning both guns involved in the shooting.

A witness initially told the detective that he saw everything but later recanted seeing the robbery. The detective disclosed to the court that the witness allegedly heard, “Man get the Carti up off him” during the incident.

Megan Allburn, Davis’ defense attorney, argued the recanting of the testimony by the witness only came up when he was being questioned at a police station for his own crime.

Adding to the confusion, another witness who was a good friend of the victim told the detective that the victim was constantly wearing a Rolex with custom diamond engravings on it.

Allburn said the Cartier discovered during a search warrant of Davis’ residence was fake. She argued that the two defendants liked collecting watches.

The Rolex was allegedly recovered from Davis when he was arrested. The detective tried to match the Rolex from the crime scene to Davis’ watch. The attempt was unsuccessful due to the second-hand seller of the watch failing to record the serial number, but noted it was a “strong resemblance.”

The parties are set to reconvene on Nov. 18.

Preliminary Hearing Delayed for Mental Health Re-Evaluation

DC Superior Court Judge Rainey Brandt continued a preliminary hearing after learning a murder defendant was deemed mentally incompetent by the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and requested a another mental health evaluation on Nov. 8.

Jafekka Harris, 33, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of Bettie Duke, 79, on Oct. 5 on the 3100 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE.

According to court documents, the incident stemmed from an alleged physical altercation, during which the victim lapsed into a coma and died shortly thereafter.

During the hearing, Harris’ defense attorney, Kevin Mosley, informed the court that the defendant was determined not competent during a prior misdemeanor hearing, and she is currently held at St. Elizabeths.

Mosley also disclosed that he will likely pursue an insanity defense. Mosley elaborated that the defense has received no evidence in discovery and is unprepared for the scheduled preliminary hearing.

Judge Brandt granted the parties a continuance while filling out a duplicate of at the mental health evaluation request filed for the misdemeanor case.

The parties are set to reconvene Dec. 3.

Shooting Defendant Pleads to Marijuana Charge

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal to a drug charge before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 8.

Deandre Christan, 29, was originally charged with assault with the intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his involvement in a shooting that occurred on the 200 block of M Street, SW on Sept. 5, 2023.

According to court documents, Christan and another male were in an apartment when three individuals allegedly broke in and shot the victim. Christan shot back at the individuals — indicating self-defense.

Brandi Harden, Christan’s attorney, informed the Court of a deal through which Christan would plead guilty to possession with the intent to distribute marijuana as a felony since he was in possession of half-a-pound of marijuana when arrested.

All original charges were to be dismissed as part of then agreement.

The defense was ready to proceed with sentencing, claiming that there was no need for a pre-sentence report due to this being Christan’s first offense. However, Judge Epstein ruled the analysis was necessary.

Judge Epstein also granted Christan’s release as he awaits sentencing.

Parties are set to reconvene on Jan. 16.

Shooting Defendant Accepts Plea Deal, Release Denied

A shooting defendant accepted a plea deal before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Nov. 8.

Keith Robinson, 57, was originally charged with assault with intent to kill while armed for his involvement in a domestic non-fatal shooting on May 23 on the 3400 block of B Street, SE. One individual sustained injuries, who was later identified as the defendant’s girlfriend.

The victim was wounded with four shots to the chest and four wounds on the arm, according to court documents.

Brandon Burrell, Robinson’s attorney, read the plea agreement which indicated that Robinson would plead guilty to aggravated assault knowingly while armed and any other charges would be dismissed.

The maximum sentence for this charge would be 30 years.

Burrell also requested the Court to release Robinson while pending sentencing. The prosecution argued for the request to be denied given the serious nature of the case.

Judge Epstein denied the request.

Parties will reconvene on Jan. 13, 2025.

Last of Three Carjacking Defendants Waives Preliminary Hearing

A defendant in an armed carjacking waived her right to a preliminary hearing in the presence of her two co-defendants during a joint hearing on Nov. 8 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Robert Hildum.

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.

Before Clark waived her preliminary hearing, her attorney, Varsha Govindaraju, argued to Judge Hildum that there wasn’t adequate basis to find probable cause and he should release Clark. He rejected her arguments.

Edwards and Bennet had already waived their rights to a preliminary hearing. Their reason for appearing in court, according to Edwards’ defense attorney, Chantal Jean-Baptiste, was they were “along for the ride.”

All parties are set to reconvene on Dec. 4 in front of DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe.

Prosecutors Ask Jury To Hold Defendant ‘Accountable For Gun Violence In DC,’ in Shooting Retrial

DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo heard closing statements on Nov. 6 in the retrial of a shooting case, where in the prosecution’s controversial closing they asked the jury to hold the defendant “accountable for gun violence in DC.”

Andrew Parsons, 29, is charged with assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and a felony charge of carrying a dangerous weapon. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a non-fatal shooting incident that occurred on June 26, 2023, on the 800 block of Southern Avenue, SE.

On the final day of testimony, the prosecution called two key witnesses–a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective overseeing the case and the doctor who treated the victim.

The detective’s testimony focused on the identification process. He stated that he relied on video evidence and information from the Special Police Officer (SPO) to identify Parsons as the shooter.

He defended his decision not to pursue additional witnesses, citing their apparent unwillingness to cooperate. The defense questioned the thoroughness of the investigation, particularly the lack of follow-up on potential additional camera angles and witnesses.

The vascular surgeon who treated the victim described the severity of the injuries, which required an upgrade to the highest level of trauma care and four surgeries during a nearly two-week hospital stay.

Closing arguments brought the trial to a dramatic conclusion. The prosecution urged the jury to convict Parsons on all counts, emphasizing the sufficiency of the evidence, particularly the SPO’s identification and subsequent investigation. They controversially asked the jury to hold the defendant accountable for gun violence in DC, prompting a defense objection on the grounds the remark was prejudicial to their client.

The defense countered by arguing reasonable doubt, highlighting the reliance on a single identification from an SPO whose testimony had been inconsistent. They also pointed to the lack of physical evidence and what they characterized as an incomplete MPD investigation.

Judge Demeo will rule on the prosecution’s controversial statement and provide jury instructions on Nov. 7 before the jury begins deliberations.

Security Footage Issues Dominate Non-Fatal Shooting Retrial

The trial began on Nov 5 for an alleged shooting defendant before DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo–the case was previously tried in Aug. and ended in a mistrial.

The prosecution showed security footage where Parsons allegedly got into an altercation with the victim outside of their apartment complex. In the footage, an individual, later identified as Parsons left and then returned with a gun, shooting at the victim ten times as he ran away. A forensic scientist who was there as an expert witness testified to finding ten bullet casings at the scene.

Prosecutors called on a Special Police Officer (SPO) who was on duty that night and testified to hearing gunshots. She reviewed security footage, where she saw the shooting occur. She recorded this on her phone. She identified Parsons as the shooter in the video, saying she could tell by his distinctive black coat and limp caused by a leg deformity.

During cross-examination, Darryl Daniels, one of the defense attorneys, questioned why only three camera angles were preserved when multiple views were available.

She first said she provided five, not three, but after reviewing previous testimony, she agreed it was three. She testified that the three angles showed the whole crime and that the others weren’t necessary.

According to the SPO, there were other individuals at the scene, including two other men and the victim’s girlfriend– none of them spoke with police.

The identification stems solely from the SPO, who wasn’t present during the shooting. A later discrepancy came up when she testified that she was on duty that night with another SPO that testified.

The second SPO testified that he was off duty that night but learned of the incident through a company group chat where the first SPO shared her recordings.

The defense questioned whether his identification of Parsons was because of his own experience or because the first SPO initially made it. He paused and finally answered that it was his own, but he admitted that all he saw and learned was from her.

An officer from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) testified about recovering a Maryland ID with an apparent bullet hole from the apartment where the victim was found.

The trial will continue Nov. 6 with additional witness testimony and closing arguments.

Special Police Officer’s Testimony Disrupts Metro Stabbing Trial

A Special Police Officer’s (SPO) testimony devolved into heated exchanges with DC Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe on Nov. 5. That following the opening of a trial for a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Metro station after a fight on the platform.

Samuel Robinson, 44, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited weapon, allegedly committed during release from another criminal matter, for his alleged role in a stabbing at the Mount Vernon Square Metro Station on the 700 block of M Street, NW, on Feb. 6. One person sustained a wound to the back of the head.

Prosecutors outlined the incident, stating that it began when the victim, who is reportedly schizophrenic, got into an altercation with Robinson, grabbing him by the collar and pinning him against an elevator. After an SPO intervened to break up the initial confrontation, the victim became aggressive.. The situation escalated when Robinson allegedly drew a pocket knife, went after the victim, and slashed him in the back of the head.

The defense, led by attorney Michelle Lockhard, argues that Robinson acted in self-defense. They claim the victim initiated physical contact and maintained a threatening posture even after the SPO’s intervention. Lockhard contended that Robinson drew the knife in response to an ongoing threat to his safety, emphasizing that the SPO should have done more to stop the situation and protect Robinson.

The prosecution’s first witness, the SPO who responded to the incident, testified that she witnessed a fight near the station escalator upon arriving for her shift. She described seeing a bald man “yoking up” a man with dreadlocks and then asking them to stop. After the parties separated, the victim became threatening. She emphasized that Robinson “did what he had to do to protect himself.”

During cross-examination, defense attorney Lockhard questioned why the armed officer didn’t intervene more forcefully. The SPO explained that their use-of-force protocol prioritizes the safety of all parties and that her role is to manage situations while awaiting Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) response.

The testimony was marked by frequent interruptions and heated exchanges between the witness and Judge Pipe, which led to the jury going into recess multiple times. The SPO repeatedly talked over Judge Pipe and the attorneys, refused to answer questions, and demanded to leave, visibly agitated with the proceedings. At points, the two were yelling at each other over what is expected of testifying witness. The testimony, which Judge Pipe said could be fifteen minutes, took over an hour.

Parties are slated to reconvene Nov. 6.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Brandon Ward on Nov. 9 on the 5000 block of First Street, NW near Rock Creek Cemetery. 

Ward was pronounced dead on scene.

Document: Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Fred Morgan that took place on Nov. 8 on the 1300 block of Southern Avenue, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of gunshots, officers discovered Morgan, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Document: Police Investigate homicide of 30-Year-Old Man

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is investigating the homicide of 30-year-old Tyrone Burch, who was killed in the 600 block of Edgewood Street, NE on Nov. 7.

When responding to reports of gun shots, officers discovered Burch, who was pronounced dead on scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Document: Police Arrest Suspect for Atlantic Street Murder

On Nov. 8, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) arrested 62-year-old Maurice Jackson, charging him with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an incident on Nov. 7 on the 700 block of Atlantic Street, SE. 

Upon responding to reports of a shooting, officers discovered the victim, identified as 24-year-old Olivia Graves, who was pronounced dead at the hospital.

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